Some people have limitless money and can stay in marvelous hotels. That’s nice. I have stayed in hotels large and boutique, inns, bed and breakfasts, and service apartments in the UK. Each has their perks. It depends on where you are going and what you are doing, and for how long that determines the places you stay. The following are choices I have made and what I have learned from the places I have stayed.

Your average nightly stay in the UK if you are lucky starts at $100.00 US, but usually $150.00. If you can find B&Bs in the country for multiple days, you may get better. Budget motels as we call them here are available, but usually on motorways or outside main city centers. Hint: If you are staying in the city center, check the crime watch apps for the area, some places are nice, some are dicey. Do Google Earth and street view and do the 360 to scan the neighborhood a bit.

Hotels $$$$

Some people love staying in hotels. It’s vacation luxury at it’s best. You are in the thick of things and central to the action. The air is recirculated and food is expensive. I usually only stay in a hotel if I can find no other accommodation as I really dislike sleeping in packed box style living. However on this trip, I will need to in Belfast as I could not find a place to my liking on the dates that I needed it, and if it’s just for 2 days renting an apartment did not make sense. Plus: Most have a concierge where you can stash cases while you explore the city before check-in.

Inns $$$-$$$$$$

Inns are very nice and can be in some of the best and sweetest countryside. Many Europeans prefer this route because it’s traditional and well, there are some fantastic locations. Inns can be great, unless you get the room that’s above the pub. Depending on how remote you are, that could not be too bad as some pubs don’t go too late. But if you have been hiking the passes or Munroing, you’ll be too tire to notice. Some inns are like B&Bs in that you will get a breakfast included if you book in advance that way. Because some of the Inns are in great locals and may be the only gig around, they can get very high in price, some being mini resorts. But, if you are traveling with family and have several to a room, it can become economical. Check your travel apps to compare pricing. If you are traveling lochs and loughs there will be several around and they do compete.

Bed and Breakfast $$$$$

These are very homey and comfortable places to stay, but these romantic getaways can get extremely pricey. I did luck out in Oban last year and got a harbor view with seats and binoculars right next to a tea set and luxury bath, the largest I had seen in my stay. And the price was very good. Full Scottish breakfast the next day, enough for 3 people. Yeah, the breakfast can be huge and you won’t need to eat for the rest of the day.

Serviced Apartment/Flat $$$-$$$$

If I am staying for more than 2 days in a city, I try to do a rented apartment option. I find if you can do one in a neighborhood, you can actually get a feeling for where you are staying and the community that people live in there. You also have more privacy, and if you are traveling with friends, this can be a very thrifty stay for you if you are splitting fees. These places have full kitchens and you can shop for some food to keep budget and calories down on your stay. There is usually full WiFi and cable services for when you are in the apartment, but hopefully you will be out and about. I find this to be more relaxing because I don’t feel so cramped and you are staying in a neighborhood which really allows you to get a feel for the people that live in the city. Price also depends on size of room. A studio which is more than enough for 1-2 people can be really reasonable.

You can book these places either at a booking site or a place like AirBNB. Keep in mind that they usually have late check-in situations and you will want to find out if you can store your luggage in the morning while you see sites. Running around town with cases is not fun, and it screams tourist.

http://www.reserveapartments.co.uk/glasgow/find?gclid=CNKRj-iN5NECFZeXfgodvtQIYw