Group accommodation is a fantastic way to get away with all your friends or relatives. Rather than meeting up on day trips, you can spend the entire break with those you love most – and make even more happy memories.
But given that these group getaways aren’t quite as common as a typical holiday, not everyone is well versed in booking group accommodation. Thankfully, having assisted with countless large group getaways over the year, the team at kate & tom’s has a wealth of experience when it comes to booking group accommodation.
Read on as we look at five expert tips to help you book the right accommodation for your group.
1. Plan ahead
The first, and perhaps most important tip, is to plan ahead. This is the case for almost any accommodation (group or otherwise), as it allows you to get ahead of the pack and pick from the best rooms or properties that are available.
While it might seem like a group getaway with 20, 30 or even 40 people is uncommon, there are plenty of other families, hen parties and groups of friends that have the same idea as you.
That extra time will also be useful before you make your booking. With a large group of friends, relatives or both, you’ll need plenty of time to actually arrange the holiday or occasion.
Text after text and phone call after phone call can become incredibly stressful if you’re doing it against the clock. Instead, try to start planning your getaway at least a year in advance, with a view to booking six months early as a minimum.
2. Choosing the right location
They say the three things that matter about a property are ‘location, location, location’. Group accommodation is no exception, and there are several factors to consider when you’re choosing the best location for your getaway or event.
Convenience
Firstly, is it convenient for all of your guests? While locations like Cornwall and Dorset tend to grab the headlines, they’re not ideal for guests travelling down from Newcastle, for example. A 5+ hour drive is unlikely to put people in the best mood.
The good thing about the UK is that it has stunning locations in the North, South, East and West – so you’re always relatively close to somewhere beautiful. Even if you’re in the depths of London, there are lots of beautiful holiday homes just two hours away.
Choose a location that’s close to everyone, such as Northumberland in the North East, Kent in the South East, Cumbria in the North West or Devon in the South West. Or, if your group is more spread apart, go for somewhere central like the Cotswolds or the Peak District.
Suitability
As well as the geographical practicality of your location, it’s worth considering whether it’s the best setting for your occasion. If you’re going on holiday with the kids, you’ll want to find somewhere that has plenty to do without having to drive far. Alternatively, you might simply want to be near the beach.
However, if you’re looking for group accommodation for a wedding, you’ll be more suited to somewhere with its own gardens, providing the perfect backdrop. Remote locations are ideal for peaceful getaways, but also parties – with no neighbours to disturb. On the other hand, groups who are planning a walking holiday will want to head somewhere with plenty of scenic routes, such as the Lake District.
3. Always go big!
It seems too obvious to mention – but always find somewhere that’s big enough for your group. When you’re searching for accommodation that sleeps more than 10 people in one place, it can become frustrating – and tempting to simply book somewhere that’s almost big enough, in the hope that someone will drop out.
On the contrary, it’s best to book somewhere that’s slightly too big if you can’t find somewhere that’s exactly right. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll have a couple of spare beds or bedrooms that don’t get used. However, in most cases, you’ll find that someone else wants to come along, and you’ll have plenty of room to welcome them in! And don’t forget that kate & tom’s have groups of cottages in luxurious locations to choose from, just in case you’d rather give everyone a bit more space and privacy.
4. Picking the best facilities
One of the unique selling points of group accommodation is that you get to spend so much more time with all your friends and family. With that in mind, the accommodation itself becomes more than a place to rest your head.
If you’re looking for group accommodation, try to find somewhere with all the right features and facilities to suit your guests. Games rooms and swimming pools are the perfect accompaniment for holidays with kids, for example, giving them somewhere to enjoy themselves and burn off energy while adults relax and unwind.
If you’re booking group accommodation for a hen party, a hot tub or cinema room can add an extra dimension to the celebrations. Or perhaps your guests are all dog-lovers, and don’t want to be without their four-legged friends on the getaway? If that’s the case, dog-friendly group accommodation is a must.
5. Communication is key
When it comes to group accommodation, communication is key. It’s important to speak to everyone involved and get as much information about their budget, must-haves and preferred locations.
Without getting a feel for what’s best, you’ll essentially be shooting in the dark when trying to please everyone. You might book somewhere that isn’t big enough because you didn’t realise your cousin was bringing their children. Or you could go for the cheapest option without realising everyone was happy to pay a bit more for a house with a hot tub.
Set up a group chat so you have everyone in one place – or as many people as possible from your group. This will also give people a place to get excited about the wedding, holiday or other celebration. You can always mute notifications if things go a bit off topic!
Luxury group accommodation in the UK
Ready to start your search for the perfect group accommodation? kate & tom’s can make things a whole lot easier. We’ve hand-picked the best large holiday homes across England and Wales that are ready to greet you with stunning facilities like hot tubs, pools and even private tennis courts.
Whatever the reason for your getaway and however large your group, you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation with houses sleeping 20, cottages for 30 and even manors for 40+. If you have any questions or would like a bit of assistance, we’ve got an expert team on hand who know our holiday houses like the back of their hands! Get in touch on [email protected] and we’ll do our utmost to help.
