London Accommodation Types and Terms

Types of Room

Single - One single bed.

Double - One double bed.

Twin - Two single beds.

Triple - Sleeps three adults, with either a double bed and one single or three single beds.

Family - Sleeping a combination of adults and children which normally would have one double bed with either one or two single or children's beds.

Dormitory - a shared room with bunk beds or individual single beds. It is normal for accommodation providers to indicate how many beds are in the room, for example "Dormitory (4 - 6 beds)". Dormitories can be either single sex or mixed. As a general rule, the larger the number of beds in a dormitory, the cheaper the price per bed per night.

Types of Bathroom

Ensuite - An ensuite bath or shower is contained behind the main locked door of the bedroom.

Private Bathroom - A bathroom for the sole use of the occupants of one bedroom, on the same floor or reasonably close to the bedroom with a key provided.

Shared bedroom - A bathroom that is for the use of more than one bedroom.

Types of Accommodation

Hotel - Serviced bedrooms, some with restaurants and meeting and conference facilities.

Guest Accommodation - This includes Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) and Guest Accommodation. These tend to be smaller, independent establishments, sometimes family-run. They may be in converted houses rather than purpose built hotels.

Apartments and Self-catering - Apartments or self-catering apartments normally boast a kitchen and a living area.

Serviced Apartment - A hotel standard of service, in your own apartment or private space.

Campus Accommodation - Rooms in a university or college halls of residence, occupied by students during term time and visitors during student holidays. This is a good option for those on a tight budget.

Caravans and Campsites - Providing outdoor spaces/pitches for both tents and caravans.

Hotel/Apartment Booking Agencies - Agencies can take the hard work out of finding accommodation by searching for hotels/B&Bs and self-catering properties by area and price.

Home Stay Agencies - Specialist agencies which can locate and reserve accommodation in a London Home.