Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Confusingly, pricey hotels might call an en suite room “standard” to differentiate it
from a fancier “superior” or “deluxe” room—if you're not sure, ask for clarification.
Note that to be called a “hotel,” a place technically must have certain amenities, in-
cluding a 24-hour reception (though this rule is loosely applied). TVs are standard in
rooms, but may come with limited channels (no cable). Note that all of Britain's accom-
modations are now non-smoking.
If you're arriving early in the morning, your room probably won't be ready. You can
drop your bag safely at the hotel and dive right into sightseeing.
Hoteliers can be a great help and source of advice. Most know their city well, and can
assist you with everything from public transit and airport connections to finding a good
restaurant, the nearest launderette, or Wi-Fi hotspots.
Even at the best places, mechanical breakdowns occur: Air-conditioning malfunc-
tions, sinks leak, hot water turns cold, and toilets gurgle and smell. Report your concerns
clearly and calmly at the front desk. For more complicated problems, don't expect instant
results.
To guard against theft in your room, keep valuables out of sight. Some rooms come
with a safe, and other hotels have safes at the front desk. I've never bothered using one.
Checkout can pose problems if surprise charges pop up on your bill. If you settle up
your bill the afternoon before you leave, you'll have time to discuss and address any points
of contention (before 19:00, when the night shift usually arrives).
Above all, keep a positive attitude. Remember, you're on vacation. If your hotel is a
disappointment, spend more time out enjoying the city you came to see.
SMALL HOTELS AND B&BS
Places with “townhouse” or “house” in their name (such as “London House”) are like big
B&Bs or small family-run hotels—with fewer amenities but more character than a hotel.
Places named “B&B”—rare in big and bustling London—typically have six rooms or few-
er.
Small hotels and B&Bs come with their own etiquette and quirks. Keep in mind that
owners are at the whim of their guests—if you're getting up early, so are they; and if you
check in late, they'll wait up for you. Be considerate.
Small places usually serve a hearty fried breakfast of eggs and much more (for details
on breakfast, see here in the Eating in London chapter). Because your B&B or small-hotel
owner is often also the cook, there's usually a quite limited time span when breakfast is
served (typically about an hour—make sure you know when it is before you turn in for the
night). It's an unwritten rule that guests shouldn't show up at the very end of the breakfast
period and expect a full cooked breakfast. If you do arrive late (or if you need to leave be-
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