Four Reasons We Love British Hotels So, So Much

July 21, 2011 at 4:06 PM | by JetSetCD | Comment (1)

Try as you might, every traveler is going to suffer some culture shock at some point. It can also occur on a smaller scale when checking into a hotel and noting the amenities. One of our favorite countries for encountering pleasant surprises in the hotel extras is England, and here's four reasons why:

· Complimentary tea & biscuits: The nice spread in the photo above is what we found yesterday upon checking in at Ye Olde Bulls Head Inn in Beaumaris, Wales, but cute little cookies and a teatime setup are necessities for the British guest and thus you'll find them in-room everywhere from the 5-stars to the 2-stars. The typical offerings include two free bottles of water (one still, one sparkling), a carafe of chilled cream, a variety of tea bags, two packets of hot chocolate and four ~~cookies~~ biscuits total. This can vary, and if you're ever in a Brit hotel room without a tea tray, call down and ask if tea service is included.

· Complimentary WiFi internet: US hotels should be ashamed. Across the pond, the UK free hotel WiFi scene is more than respectable, and we've encountered free and fast connections everywhere from a crappy casino-side hotel on the Isle of Man to remote bed and breakfasts, to chain hotels in the center of industrial towns. It's getting to the point where, when we ask the receptionist if WiFi is included, she/he gives us a weird look like, DUH.

· Energy conservation awareness: Sticking your room card in a slot to activate the lights isn't just for sketchy, budget places in the UK. Many, many properties have this technology, and take it a step further by having little switches next to each outlet, to turn the electric current flowing to it on or off. Let it be noted that this last detail also applies in UK residences as well, so it's more a national movement.

· Complimentary breakfast: If you're traveling in the UK, always always ask if the breakfast is included with the room rate. There's a healthy chance it is, and since the Brits love a full English, the expectation is that the complimentary breakfast spread will be hearty, with hot and cold options. Frequently guests will find a cold buffet, with hot dishes available on order (and still included). Our personal favorite hot order is two poached eggs on toast with a side of smoked salmon. Try the black pudding; it's not going to kill you.

[Photo: HotelChatter]

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