Most stag and hen parties these days will include one, two or more nights away from home. There are loads of options for hen and stag weekend accommodation for you to choose from, but what are they?
A House
From bunk houses to massive mansions, hiring a house for your hen/stag weekend accommodation is a great way for the group to bond together and loaf. Whether you are looking for a house near loads of activities or in the middle of nowhere, you can expect barbecues and a house party with your mates.
Some very important points to remember:
- You will probably need to put down a huge security bond which you’ll get back should no damage or disruption take place.
- Cleaning the house on exit will deter from loosing part or all of your security bond.
- Most places may just have double beds, so expect lots of back to back sleeping.
- Groups of over 20 people may struggle to find a property big enough.
- It can cost a lot more than a hotel.
Low Budget Hotel
From dorms to two star properties, the low budget hotel is a great way to keep costs down and everyone bedded for the night. Most stag and hen friendly low budget hotels will have a bar, and if they are not bunks, the rooms will usually be twin, triple and quad bedrooms.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Some hotels can be flea pits, so check out reviews before booking. However, learn to read through the lines. Some customers book into these hotels with the wrong expectations, so don’t let snobbery put you off.
- Find out about security bonds. Most hotels will want some sort of security from you just in case one of your mates decides to set of the fire extinguisher.
- Low budget doesn’t always mean low standards. Loads of low priced hotels are clean, well looked after and loved by stag and hen parties
Luxury Hotel
You’re on a stag or hen weekend and it’s just a bed for the night… not these days. People want a bit of luxury whatever the reason for the visit, so booking into three, four or even five star hotels is starting to become the norm for hen and stag parties.
Expect fantastic all-you-can-eat buffet breakfasts, a well-stocked late closing bar, free wifi and docking stations in the rooms so you can listen to your “going out playlist” before ummm… going out.
Just remember these hotels are extremely well run, so you will need to:
- Send over the rooming list before you get there (first and surnames of each guest along with who they are sharing with, usually twin rooms).
- Sign a damage and good behaviour form. You’ll also need to have your card ready to be pre-authorised on arrival for the refundable security bond.
- Leave the mini bar alone if you’re on a budget!
Camping
Camping is a great way to experience true freedom from the hustle and bustle of your day to day living. Whether you are on a survival weekend or a canoeing break, camping will come in handy in places where there isn’t the hotel option. It is also a great way to keep the price of your hen or stag weekend down.
Camping breaks are more popular now than ever before, so that’s telling you something. Hen parties love to go Glamping, which is the step up from tents, staying in tipis with log burners to keep warm and raised beds to get a decent night’s kip.
On the Water
You could go barging along the many canals of the UK. There are loads of pubs on route and you’ll get your exercise tending the locks.
I went on a barging holiday to celebrate my mate’s stag do and it was an unforgettable weekend. We ate like lords in some incredible pubs and found a rural location to moor up for the night and light a fire. What a right laugh — it’s so good to reminisce!
Alternatively, take a yacht to Cowes (with a skipper) and sleep onboard whilst learning to sail, celebrating your stag or hen do in true style on the Isle of Wight.
Guest post by Marco Walker of Designaventure
Images from Pixabay
