PLACES TO STAY

You can get information about places to stay and accommodation from the BTA (British Travel Agency). Many guidebooks have advice on this too. It's wise to book accommodation in London before you come, especially at busy times like the summer.

If you arrive in London without anywhere to stay, you can use the Accommodation Service at the TICs at Heathrow and Victoria. Selfridges and Harrods can also provide such information and addresses to try. The most popular places are motels, hotels, hostels and bed and breakfast (B&B).

Hotels are much the same in all countries. They are the places to go if you are looking for comfort and extra services, though of course they're the most expensive kind of accommodation. They often have more facilities for food than other places to stay, offering main meal and also snacks and room service.

Motels (also called motor hotels and motor inns) are hotels especially for drivers. Often they're near motorways or main roads, and there's always lots of parking space. Some have rooms like hotel entrance, a bathroom and a place to cook or make tea or coffee (self-catering).

Guesthouses are usually smaller and cheaper than hotels and are often pleasant and friendly. Apart from the bedrooms, there will be a dining room for meals and a living room that guests can use.

A popular place to stay is "B&B" — a private house or farm which takes a few guests. They are actually like guesthouses, but they're smaller and may give you the opportunity to meet some British people at home.

Inns are pubs with accommodation and meals, though these may be more like pub food than restaurant meals. Many inns are interesting old buildings which have been used for centuries by travellers, and they're often cheaper than hotels.

1. What places can we stay at when in Britain?

2. Are there any similar places to stay in your country?

3. Which accommodation would you choose for yourself if you happened to be in Britain?

4. Why have you chosen this particular place to stay? Give your reasons.

Text 3 HOTEL FACILITIES

The three families below are going to Amsterdam on a weekend break.

1. Mr And Mrs Mills: a young couple on their honeymoon. They would like somewhere quiet and romantic, with a good restaurant. They would prefer a room with a bathroom rather than a shower.

2. Mr and Mrs Gordon-Brown: an elderly couple who want somewhere as central and as cheap as possible.

3. Mr and Mrs Henderson: a couple in their midthirties, with a son aged 11 and a daughter aged 12. They have friends in Amsterdam so they won't often be eating in the hotel. Mr Henderson likes to go jogging in the morning. Their children want a hotel where there will be other young people.

Bergman***

A small hotel of only 16 rooms. Situated in a quiet, residential area behind Vondel Park, it overlooks a small canal and the park itself. The bedrooms have their own shower, TV, and radio. Twin rooms with bath are available at a supplement. Although the hotel does not have a restaurant or bar, the dining room is very pleasant and drinks are served on request.

We recommend early booking because of the limited accommodation available.