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Guest House and Bed and Breakfast (B&B) are often the same kind of place to stay on holiday - you pay for a room and breakfast, other meals may be available but are optional. The standards at Bed and Breakfast are generally much higher than before, thanks to a national rating system. Most now offer bedrooms with ensuite showers or bathrooms. Hotels can range from the largest most opulent five star establishment right through to a quaint style of bed and breakfast. The term ‘private hotel’ is used so that the guest house owners can obtain a drinks license for hotel residents.

When you are touring Britain outside the bigger cities you will find a huge range of places to eat and stay. For the visitor the different names do not always make the type of establishment clear.

In the countryside, Bed and Breakfast can consist of one room for rent in a family home, or the owner could have six guest rooms plus a guest lounge and dining room. Lots of farms are now offering farmhouse bed and breakfast, as it is more profitable than their other activities. If you choose a rural Bed and Breakfast, check how far it is from the nearest village so you can go out for a drink or meal in the evening.

‘Guest House’ is not a fashionable term - you are most likely to find guest houses at large traditional seaside resorts, whereas Bed and Breakfast is now quite trendy. The prices can vary enormously as there are now some luxury B and Bs competing with hotels, especially in London. But you still get the informal atmosphere that is different from a hotel - if you prefer not to talk to the other guests, you might prefer a hotel. At Bed and Breakfast, especially in a farmhouse, there is a good chance of getting home made produce at breakfast.

Bed and Breakfast (B&B) is widely available, and the standards here vary enormously as well. The English Tourist Board has a rating system based on facilities, such as ensuite bathrooms and parking spaces. It does not really assess quality so you need to assess the destination on the information available. It goes without saying that a B&B business is family-run, so there is a homely feel: many owners will welcome you with tea in the lounge as they explain the local attractions. It is possible to spot a promising B&B when you pass the sign on the road, and this will tell you whether there are any vacancies. In high season this is a risky tactic, and you could end up driving a long way to find somewhere with vacancies for the night. Although some B&Bs offer dinner as an option, this is not the norm so you will need to go out for lunch and dinner. If you book B&B in advance, check the distance from local pubs and restaurants: if you like to be within walking distance, avoid farmhouse B&Bs. The standards at B& B range from basic – one spare bedroom in the owner’s home – to luxurious. Many successful B&Bs have expanded to offer as many as ten guest bedrooms, and they often have self catering accommodation on the same site. The size of these places often means they have extra attractions like swimming pools, and even cycles and rowing boats for guests to use.

Restaurants with Rooms are a phenomenon - a type of small hotel that centres on a high class restaurant. Generally run by talented British chefs as their first establishments, these hotels are becoming more popular in Britain. The Chef Proprietor will take as much care over the luxury accommodation as the dining room, and the overall package contributes to the reputation of the up and coming chef.

These hotels seldom have the facilities that are provided in a chain hotel, such as fitness centres or swimming pools. However they make up for that in the quality of the food, guest rooms and personal service. The arrangement of a highly rated restaurant with guest rooms means that diners can tour their favourite bistros and stay overnight without worrying about driving home. Restaurants with rooms are the ideal way to sample excellent Modern British Cooking.

Country House Hotels are often luxurious hideaways with an emphasis on outdoor activities in their extensive grounds. There may also be an indoor swimming pool and fitness centre but it is best to check in advance. In a country house hotel the aim is to recreate the atmosphere of a house party in a bygone age so you will be able to enjoy a traditional afternoon tea with jam and scones, for example. For visitors from abroad, Country House hotels are the epitome of stylish living in days gone by. These hotels, housed in historic buildings dating back centuries, cater enthusiastically to the desire to recreate a bygone era. Most, but not all, offer a swimming pool or fitness centre. If these are not on hand, you are likely to get access to country walks and field sports. At Christmas the country house hotel comes into its own, book early for the best festive breaks.

The traditional coaching hotel, many family-run, persists in small towns and villages. These inns are primarily places to stay, with a restaurant and bar available as an option for guests. Rates are charged for Bed and Breakfast, so you can dine in the hotel or explore the local eateries as you choose. Hotels that are specially proud of their cooking may offer a special price if you book dinner in advance, and for a stay of more than one night you will probably want to sample your hosts’ cooking on one evening. When booking hotels in advance look carefully at the information online, and read any reviews you can find. British hotels who target tourists have invested heavily to bring facilities and décor to the highest standards, but there remain a number of unmodernised places that cater to a different sector and these may not offer the same level of comfort.

The variety and quality of places to stay in Britain make it an ideal destination for visitors of all ages at any time of the year. Read my reviews of my favourite dog friendly hotels and bed and breakfast for your next vacation or short break in the UK.