"What Are the Top Considerations When Choosing Accommodation for a Large Group?

Arranging group accommodation can be tricky. This blog is full of tips and advice that will help you along the way and make it a lot easier for the group organiser.

Different preferences and personalities to consider, rooming logistics for who will sleep where all add to the challenge. 

So let's look at how you can find the perfect accommodation for your group.

Communicate with the group 

Start off by creating a WhatsApp or facebook message group with everyone that may be attending. You will then be able to regularly update the group and guests can easily let you know their requirements. You can chat about budget, splitting the costs. 

Checkout online apps that can help with this such as kitty split. Kittysplit is an easy way to share bills with friends. Period. No registration, no password, totally free.

Agree budgets prior to booking.  Not just for your accommodation, but also for food and activities and alcohol!  Champagne v plonk, fine dining v self catering, expensive spa v a walk in the country.  Ensure all your group are comfortable with what is proposed.

Location, location, location

Lots to consider here, start off by thinking about how far people are prepared to travel? Are members of the group all from the same area? Will people be driving or using public transport and where is the nearest train station? 

What are you looking to do on the trip as that affects the location? Enjoy the countryside, walking, visit the beach. Checkout what’s in the local area for your shortlisted locations. 

If you have a few suitable locations  and can’t decide, why not put it to a vote. Alternatively, you could put all the options into a hat to decide on a mystery winner!

Dates

Start off by reducing the list with any dates that members of the group can’t do. Remember you can’t please everyone but asking early doors allows you to go with the majority. 

Consider a bank holiday if you are looking for an extended stay. Some venues may not charge a premium for bank holiday (we don’t) so it’s always worth asking. 

What’s on offer at the venue?

Each venue is different. You need to decide what’s important to your group. Things like exclusive use is probably high up the list. Facilities on offer from dining and social space to space to roam outdoors are all points to consider. Are you seeking a place to enjoy a nice bbq or be able to get close to nature. What’s your main purpose of the trip? 

Ask the venue questions or check out the FAQ of their website. Things like decorating the venue, room layouts and catering options all can make a difference. 

Chat to your group about the non-negotiables. Then filter your search by feature to find your perfect property.

 What size of group accommodation do you need? 

You most likely already know your total numbers but you need to make sure your chosen accommodation has the right room configurations for your group. For example, you wouldn’t want a house with triple or single rooms if your group is made up of couples. 

Also remember to consider communal areas as well as bedrooms. Are there enough chairs around the dining table and enough space for everyone to hang out together in the lounge? Make sure to also consider your guest’s individual needs at this stage. Most venues will have room layouts so you can have a think how you may use the rooms before booking. 

Plan to do your own thing

There is no rule that you have to be together all the time, so we recommend that you don’t over-plan activities.  Let everyone have some down time to chill out or do their own thing.  So recommend that they pack headphones and a good book too for time between socialising!

Think about catering

What's on offer at the venue. Is it self catering or is a catered option available? Identify broadly what, where and when you are going to eat so you can pre plan food shopping etc.  Maybe self cater breakfast and have a casual supper the first night.  Then enjoy pub lunches and invite in a pizza trailer round in the evening?  Check if you can get a Supermarket can delivery. 

Once you have booked....

The devil is in the detail. Small things can make a difference.  Make sure all guests have the directions, a contact number and the earliest time of arrival.  Depending upon the type of gathering you are having; a timetable, a list of other invitees and ideas of what to pack (no point planning a long hike if your guests only bring stilettos!) could be useful too.

Are you ready to book your group accommodation stay in Somerset?

Let us help you plan your group accommodation stay in Somerset. Our 5 lodges can sleep between 8-56 guests across 13 bedrooms that sleep between 2-6 guests. Your group will be only guests staying your stay. Enjoy the indoor social space of the bush camp shelter with among dining space and self catered kitchen. Plenty of outdoor space to relax and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Guide pricing can be found here.

We will happily recommend local activities and points of interest as well as trusted caterers and transport options. Also check our FAQ.

Start planning your group visit today. Get in touch here.