B&B Bournemouth, B&B Weymouth, Dorset Accommodation
B&B Bournemouth accommodation in the county of Dorset is incredibly popular amongst visitors to the region, as are Weymouth B&B properties. For a B&B Dorset is actually one of the most desirable places in the UK with holiday resorts like the aforementioned Bournemouth and Weymouth, along with the likes of Swanage, Poole and Lyme Regis, drawing in thousands of tourists each year. B&B's and guest houses are a form of bed and breakfast accommodation, although the likes of hotels and hostels can be classed in this category too. Bed and breakfast accommodation can, in fact, refer to any accommodation that offers a bed and breakfast service. For more information about bed & breakfast accommodation, simply click the relevant tab from the menu that is currently on the right of your display. The immediate concern of this page is B&B Guest Houses however.
B&B Poole accommodation and B&B guest houses in general, are renowned for their welcoming atmospheres and friendly, helpful staff. A large number of B&B's are actually family-owned, with family members running the establishment and offering advice about where to go, what to see and what to do in the local area. They are usually relatively small in size compared to hotels, but the price is reflective of this, whilst the service is more personalised. Within iknow-Dorset B&B Guest Houses are classed as an accommodation category, as opposed to bed and breakfast accommodation, which is an accommodation speciality. B&B Swanage accommodation and B&B's in general differ slightly from guest houses, and therefore guest houses in Bournemouth. VisitBritain define the difference as being that B&B's are limited to 6 paying guests, whereas guest houses are slightly larger and able to accommodate more people. The staff in guest houses might also offer more services. The two are generally very similar though.
Dorset is a largely rural county with the majority of its B&Bs and guest houses found on the Dorset coast. The majority of the famous Jurassic Coast is in Dorset, with places like Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage all to be found along this World Heritage Site. B&B Lyme Regis accommodation is popular with those interested in Geology therefore, although many just go to enjoy the sandy beaches! Bournemouth is perhaps the most popular seaside resort in Dorset with Bournemouth B&B accommodation offering easy access to the town's impressive shopping centre and water sports activities. Perhaps more well renowned for its water sports facilities is Weymouth, which will actually be hosting the sailing events for the 2012 Olympic Games. B&B Weymouth accommodation is popular now and so one can imagine it will be even more so come 2012.
Accommodation can be easily searched for using the navigational tool at the head of the page, which enables you to search by region, sub-region and specific location. Alternatively you can click on one of the images on the left of this text, which are linked to take you immediately to the listings for the region of Dorset that the respective picture represents.
Featured Dorset Accommodation
The Channel Guest House - Weymouth
Elegant en-suite rooms at this Weymouth guest house in one of the oldest buildings on the sea front.
£29 to £40 Per person B&B (2 sharing)
B&B Weymouth, B&B Weymouth Guest Houses
As previously mentioned, VisitBritain make a small distinction between B&B's and guest houses, with the latter able to host more guests and offer a slightly more in depth service. Both are significantly smaller than the average hotel, although they do offer a more personalised service as opposed to the standardised service that you can expect in hotels. A B&B in Bournemouth or a Swanage B&B, or even Weymouth guest houses might be family run, with the staff/owners generally having an extensive knowledge of the local area in which their property is found. They are usually more than happy to share this knowledge with customers and advise them in any way that they can. Extended bookings - those for a lengthier period of time - are often rewarded with cheaper rates or discounts, whilst the cost of staying at guest houses or B&B's is normally much cheaper than at hotels anyway. Whilst a breakfast will be included, the inclusion of an evening meal is not guaranteed and when it is it might be subject to an additional charge. It is worth noting that Dorset B&B might also be written as Dorset B and B or Dorset B & B - but these all refer to the same thing.
B&B Dorset: B&B - 10 Points to Consider
When booking, and after having booked, a B and B Bournemouth property there are many things that are worth your consideration, 10 of which are detailed below:
ONE - B&B rooms are usually equipped to sleep 2 people and so if travelling alone you might have to pay a supplement for a double room.
TWO - If you do book and then wish to cancel, you are likely to lose any deposit paid.
THREE - Are there parking facilities?
FOUR - Are kids allowed and is the building suitable for them?
FIVE - Similarly, are pets permitted?
SIX - Check what the procedures are for smoking - are there designated areas etc?
SEVEN - Will the rooms be en-suite or have a private bathroom?
EIGHT - Will evening meals be available and are these included in the initial cost?
NINE - Be sure to inform the owners what time you will be arriving.
TEN - You will normally be expected to vacate your room after breakfast on the final day.
B&B Bournemouth, B&B in Bournemouth: Restaurants with Rooms
A relatively new concept is 'restaurants with rooms'. These are, quite simply, fully functioning restaurants that also have a limited number of rooms that are available for paying guests. They are very similar to B&B's in that they offer food, as well as a room for the night. The standard of food on offer is likely to be very good at a restaurant too, and you can enjoy a meal with a few drinks in the evening without the worry of how to get home. A B and B Weymouth property or Weymouth restaurant with rooms could be a good choice for holiday goers.
B&B Poole, B&B Accommodation Booking
B&B and bed and breakfast accommodation will be in greater demand during peak seasons - over the summer and in school and bank holiday periods. This makes finding a B&B or guest house that bit more difficult, whilst the prices are usually increased as a result of the demand and some proprietors will insist upon a minimum two night stay. The best advice that we can give to you is to book early. This allows you to relax safe in the knowledge that your accommodation is sorted out, rather than panicking later on trying to find somewhere to stay and perhaps ending up with somewhere you rather wouldn't! Search through our extensive listings today, narrowing the search as you require and why not make some enquiries?
B&B Swanage: B&B Guest Houses, B and B Pricing
Advertised prices for guest accommodation - B&B's and guest houses - are normally given 'per person, per night' and are based upon two people sharing either a twin or a double room. At certain times of the year B&B guest houses might advertise offers or discounts, and these are worth looking out for, particularly around the time of significant local events. You might be able to find a B&B in Dorset at a special rate around the time of, for example, the Bournemouth Live! Music festival.
B and B Bournemouth Guest Houses and B&B Star Rating System
There is now a five star rating system used to grade B&B and guest house accommodation. Just like the system used to grade hotels, the best properties are awarded with a five star rating, whereas those that aren't so good are given just one star. VisitBritain and the AA are responsible for awarding the ratings, and the system is standardised so that both ratings boards would give any one property the exact same grading. VisitBritain makes a slight distinction between B&B's and guest houses, with guest houses slightly larger, able to accommodate a few more guests as well as having staff potentially offer more services than in a B&B.
Weymouth Guest Houses in Weymouth: What is needed for a Star Rating
In order to achieve any star rating at all a property must have met a pre-determined set of minimum requirements. These are based around the cleanliness of the property, as well as both the facilities and service. The accommodation must be comfortable and secure, the lighting has to be acceptable and both heating and hot water must be provided free of charge. There should be ample storage for clothing, whilst fresh toiletries will be provided along with clean towels and bedding for each guest. Finally, there must be a reasonable choice of breakfast options.
B&B in Dorset: Star Ratings System Explained
The star rating awarded to any given property is done so according to how well they have met the criteria by which guest accommodation is rated. Although no property can be given more than 5 stars, there are additional awards given by both the AA and VisitBritain for excellence in specific areas, details of which are given on their respective websites. A B&B Brighton, in Sussex, offers might have such extra awards, and Sussex is a more than adequate substitute for Dorset should you find no accommodation here that excites you.
When awarding the original star rating however, things like cleanliness, service and hospitality are all given consideration. Further to this all bathroom and bedroom areas are examined and evaluated, as is the dining room service and quality of food. All public areas must be deemed safe and secure whilst also being sufficiently clean, and maintaining a degree of upkeep and appearance.
The B&B or guest house is then awarded a percentage score, which is translated into a rating of between one and five - details of which are given below:
1 star - Facilities, service, hospitality and cleanliness minimum requirements have been met.
2 stars - Breakfasts are of an adequate standard. All beds and bedrooms are well maintained and the service is courteous.
3 stars - Staff welcome you warmly. There is a choice of freshly cooked breakfasts and all beds and furniture are of decent quality.
4 stars - Half or more of the bedrooms have their own bathroom. Furniture and beds are very good quality. The service is better and more personal. Breakfasts are cooked with fresh ingredients.
5 stars - The luxury option - All bedrooms are en-suite or have their own bathroom. Quality of beds and furniture is outstanding. Guests are given a very personal, exceptional service and can expect a huge variety of breakfasts including homemade and special options.
Dorset is highly recommended for tourists wanting to use B&B Guest House accommodation, as there are plenty of options available and the area offers a plethora of activities to do and places to go. There are alternatives on the South Coast however, with Cornwall being one such place. B&B Cornwall accommodation is also of a high standard and can be found in tourist hotspots like Newquay and Padstow. Devon is another county in the south that has a host of B&B's and guest houses and B&B Devon properties are usually of a decent standard too, especially around Plymouth, Exeter and Torquay.
Featured Dorset Accommodation
The Channel Guest House - Weymouth
Elegant en-suite rooms at this Weymouth guest house in one of the oldest buildings on the sea front.
£29 to £40 Per person B&B (2 sharing)
B&B in Bournemouth
B&B in Inland East Dorset
B&B in Inland West Dorset
