B&B Canterbury, B&B Kent Accommodation

B&B Dover, B&B in Dover Guest Houses

VisitBritain make a slight distinction between guest houses and B&B's. The latter are said to be a little smaller, with less capacity to host guests. A Canterbury B&B can hold up to 6 paying guests at any one time (as can a B&B anywhere in the UK), whereas guest houses can house a few more. Guest houses might also offer some additional services, although generally speaking B&B's and guest houses are very similar and as such share an accommodation category on iknow-Kent.
You might be able to attain discounted prices at both B&B's and guest houses if you book for over 2 nights. The cost at guest accommodation in Kent is likely to be much cheaper than the cost of staying at hotels in any case. Guest accommodation can be used to refer to guest houses and B&B's collectively, whilst you may find B&B written as any of the following variants: B and B, BnB, B & B or even BB. Dover B&B and Dover B and B both refer to the same thing though.

B&B Kent: 10 Things to Consider When Booking A B&B in Kent

Before booking your B&B in Kent, and after having booked, there are a number of things to consider. 10 of the most important have been compiled and are listed below:

1 - If you want to cancel a booking that has already been made, be prepared to lose any deposit you might have paid.

2 - When the time comes to depart your chosen property, owners will normally request that you are ready to leave immediately after breakfast on your final day.

3 - B&B rooms are normally equipped to sleep 2 people and lone travellers might have to pay a supplement for a double room.

4 - Check upon the provision of evening meals and if they would cost extra.

5 - Before leaving for your B&B make sure that the owners are made aware of your intended arrival time.

6 - Check if the bedrooms are en-suite or if they have a private bathroom.

7 - Ask about the arrangements for smokers if this is of concern to you.

8 - Check upon the provision of adequate parking facilities.

9 - Be sure to check if children are allowed at the respective B&B, and if the accommodation is suitable for children.

10 - Are pets allowed?

Canterbury B&B: Canterbury Restaurants with Rooms

There are now such things as 'restaurants with rooms'. These are a relatively new envisioning that are essentially a compound of restaurants and hotels. They offer food as well as a limited number of rooms in which guests can spend the night. You can enjoy a fine evening meal, before returning upstairs to the sanctuary of your room in a state of sobriety that is completely up to you! They are very similar to B&B's in the respect that they provide a bed as well as food.

B&B Maidstone: B&B Accommodation Booking

Whether you are booking your B&B or guest house accommodation in summer or winter, spring or autumn, you are likely to be required to pay a deposit. The main differences that are governed by season are with regards to the price you will pay for your accommodation. Peak seasons normally coincide with the summer months, and these are when prices are going to be at their highest - particularly in areas near to or on the coast like Kent. The demand at these times is greater and so the best advice is to book early. Some properties will require a minimum 2 night booking during peak seasons and this is worth noting if you were intending on only staying in Kent for one night. The owner of a Maidstone B&B is well within his/her rights to make such demands.

Margate B&B: Guest House and B and B Pricing

The prices that B&B accommodation providers will normally advertise are given per person, per night and are based upon two people sharing either a room with a double bed or with two single beds. Some B&B guest houses may offer deals at certain times of the year - perhaps near to the date of a major local event - and these are worth watching out for.

B and B Canterbury: B&B and Guest House Star Rating System

Guest accommodation is subject to grading in the same way as hotels are. The rating system used is actually the same, although the criteria by which properties are rated are obviously different. The properties are given a score of between one and five stars, with five representing the best possible score and - with the exception of zero - one the worst. The ratings can be awarded by one of the AA or VisitBritain, and the system is standardised so that these ratings are consistent.

Guest House Kent: Minimum Requirements for a Star Rating

To achieve a one star rating, properties still have to achieve a certain standard of service and include adequate facilities. The standard of cleanliness within the accommodation is taken into account as is the security and comfort of the property. Heating and hot water should be included in the original cost, and there should be ample lighting. Fresh towels and bedding are provided for each guest along with toiletries. There will be storage space for clothing and a choice of breakfast options.

Star Ratings System in Britain – B and B Kent

Properties are judged according to the extent by which they meet the criteria set out by the ratings board. 5 star accommodation will obviously have more than satisfied all of the requirements, whilst going 'above and beyond' all expectations. Additional awards are offered by both the AA and VisitBritain - rewarding expertise in particular specified areas - details can be found on their respective websites.

Considered when deciding upon the star rating of a property are such things as hospitality, service and cleanliness. The standard of food and the dining room service are taken into account as are the bathrooms and bedrooms within the accommodation. Public areas have the aforementioned cleanliness and service checked, whilst the security, standard of upkeep and appearance are also considered.

The ratings board will award each graded property with a percentage score, which is translated into a star rating of between one and five stars:

1 Star - The minimum requirements for cleanliness, service, facilities and hospitality have been met.

2 Stars - Breakfasts are of a reasonable standard, all beds are well maintained, and a courteous service is given.

3 Stars - Beds and furniture are of a good standard, there will be a choice of freshly cooked breakfasts. Upon arrival you can expect a warm welcome.

4 Stars - Half or more of the bedrooms are either en-suite or have a private bathroom. Beds and furniture are of a very good standard. The service given is very personal and all breakfasts are cooked with fresh ingredients.

5 Stars - The luxurious option. Every bedroom is either en-suite or has its own private bathroom. Beds and furniture are of exceptional quality. There will be an enviable choice of breakfast options including homemade and special dishes. Guests have all of their needs attended to.

Aside from Kent, Dorset is another county on the South Coast of England that is renowned for its excellent B&B's. B&B Bournemouth accommodation in particular is popular amongst tourists, and places like this make Dorset a viable alternative to Kent. Similarly Sussex is a coastal county that many people take the opportunity to visit each year, particularly in the summer. B&B Brighton accommodation in Sussex is immensely popular, with Brighton one of Britain's liveliest seaside resorts.