The Premier Inn chain based in the United Kingdom is a winner of FTF’s Top 10 (Cheap) Getaways For Family Travelers 2008 award. Here is a look at the chain today.
Booking budget hotels for the Grand Tour of Europe can be a daunting task. Granted, while en route (and not being too picky), a family can easily find a tiny, not-so-nice room at a local B&B for under Euros 50 a night. But, without a trusted brand name to back the quality, mom and dad may not realize what they have gotten themselves into. When were those towels last capable of drying anyone? Why is the WC lock broken and the toilet paper so rough? Where is the flat screen TV or the phone or the soap?
Attention Family Travelers: Economy-savvy travel doesn’t have to mean meager accommodations, lackluster amenities and below-standard services. Families just need to find a hotel chain that offers quality without breaking the bank, and for those making a family pilgrimage across the pond, we have a winning recommendation that makes for a truly cheap family vacation.
Premier Inn
Finding a budget-friendly hotel chain in Europe just a decade or so ago was not a priority. Back then, Europe was considered a bargain for American travelers. When visiting London on a summer break from college, it was like one big 50% off sale and choosing a hotel was seldom a worry. Now that the tables have turned, families are looking for the best overall value with both quality and price tag in mind.
But fear not! Premier Inn, Europe’s largest hotel chain with properties located throughout the United Kingdom (and in Ireland, Dubai and soon, India), now offers attractive rates and Meal Deals which enable you to have three courses and a drink every meal. While breakfast isn’t always free at Premier, we took a look at what the hotels do offer in terms of value and found that up to two children 15-years-old and under can eat free per paying adult.
Because it’s difficult to gauge the individual quality and amenities at 500 different Premier Hotels, we also considered their guarantee policy. Their “Good Night Guarantee” offers a full refund to guests who didn’t get a good night’s sleep. We know from experience that European hotels can be charming, but old, and the walls thin enough to hear your neighbors. Thus, consider any money-back guarantee a valuable incentive.
Location and convenience were also a factor in choosing Premier as the best European budget-minded chain. If a family is traveling all the way to the United Kingdom, we think they should have the financial freedom to explore several cities. Premier’s numerous locations entice families looking to travel from Cork to Edinburgh to London and anywhere in between, by rail or by air.
As an addendum to Premier as a Top 10 pick, budget-conscious families should note the UK is home to several low-cost airline carriers including Ryan Air, BMI Baby, and Easy Jet, all of which fly into Premier Hotel destinations.
Photos Courtesy of Reception Academy.
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Great advise and said in very simple language in order for a range of readers to process. I must add that the symptoms and solutions are equally as important in adults who suffer from abdominal illness.
the family market is indeed very important and very lucrative. Focosing on the Family market is what Wal-Mart made big.
Thank you for posting this comparison. I've been looking for something like this but so far I've found only comparisons of individual plans not family ones. This will help me a lot while I'm budgeting for next year's gap holidays.
This place is awesome. We have delivered baby equipment rentals there a couple times and love it. It seems to work great for families traveling with young kids because the age range is usually between 2-8 years old when we deliver. Great beach and location. Thumbs up!
I am planning for a visit of Columbia …. Lets see When i wills be able to visit the same scene..
Orlando, is a perfect place for the kids to explore about Disneyland. A good feature post.
Love your brother in law! Would love to drive cross country with him and his brood!
Another great travel search engine is http://www.travelmarket.com/ it gives you a list of the cheapest flights and hotels. Try it and see what you think.
Good tips all – they sure beat my brother-in-laws advice for dealing with kids on long haul drives, which was, "Tie em to the roof!"
I too would be interested in viewing a list of apartments for the budget traveler.
Great article. I always, and still believe, if you feed a cold you will starve the fever.
I through my own experience, would advise against air travel with any ear, throat or nose infections. It is difficult to move through the change of air pressure, without adding a cold to it.
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It's a shame more airports don't take steps to make travel for families more convenient and fun. I'm sure they are focused on the core income stream of business travelers, which makes sense. Still, why not try and appeal to both?
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That place totally awesome. A perfect place for family vacation. That waterfall really make me jealous. It shall be refreshing to soak up under that waterfall. The beach also really charming, I wonder how much it cost to go there?
I want to go their. Really that is a great place.
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You are so right Banfos, thanks for the heads up. Mystic CT is quite remarkable and has much to see besides the aquarium. We have made the change.
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Mystic Seaport is a world-renowned maritime history museum. It is not an aquarium as stated in your article.
Jennifer:
There are enough fun activities for the whole family to spend either as a day trip or overnight.
I wish I could have went to the play lab – sounds like Fisher Price is really doing a great job of keeping up with today's trends – and of course smart kids! Great update!
Wow…cannot wait to have a visit there!
Well, I think kids can enjoy some special joys there….
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How long would you allow for this excursion? It sounds like a fun side trip while visiting San Diego.
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It is bound to be more scenic than the A1,
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Wow..I really cannot wait to make a trip to Italy…sounds very great!
hey thanx for the top 10 resorts…I will Surely look forward during my last visit.
When you mentioned "flashes" that people were starting to see, I first thought that you were gonna say that you were experiencing the northern lights! But what amazing "flashes" you did see! The whales are one of my favorite parts of Alaska.
Nice points but my baby is too much stubborn.
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Holidays are managed mostly for kids. They get know new places with different weather and cultural attractions. It is good.
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It is admirable that this hotel employs locals and also promoting the local culture. This is something that is lacking in many big name hotels today.
Sounds very romantic. I was thinking about a trip with family for a long time but when I landed here my problem is solved.