Planning a group trip? Choosing the right accommodation is just as important as picking the destination. Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or a mix of both – here’s how to find the perfect place to stay, no matter your group’s size, style, or budget.
🏨 Hotels: Easy, Comfortable & Central
Hotels are a great option when you want convenience – especially for short stays or when your group needs a central base.
Why it works:
- Hassle-free check-in and service
- Restaurants & services onsite
- Great for city stays or events
- Room types to suit different budgets
- Larger chains handle group bookings easily
- Boutique hotels offer charm and privacy
Tip: Boutique hotels often let you book multiple rooms or even whole wings for a semi-private experience.
🏠 Holiday Homes & Rentals: Space and Flexibility
Renting a home gives your group more space to spread out – and feels more like, well, home.
Why it works:
- Full kitchens = shared meals + savings
- Living rooms, outdoors, pools, and more
- Ideal for longer stays or slow travel
- Better value when split between the group
Just make sure to check proximity and whether there is parking or public transport to get around at ease – some rentals can be out of the way.
✨ Unique & Feature Stays: Make It Special
Want your accommodation to be part of the story? Choose something memorable.
Ideas to explore:
- Historic English university halls (Oxford, Cambridge)
- Convents in Europe (affordable & unique)
- Remote lodges or huts
- Vineyard cottages or luxury farm stays
- Treehouses, houseboats, castles & châteaux
These stays add character to your trip – and are perfect for special occasions or just mixing things up.
🚢 Cruises: Everything in One Place
Cruises are an ideal choice when you want to make things easy. One booking covers accommodation, meals, transport, and activities.
Why it works:
- No daily logistics to manage
- Multiple cabin types for different budgets
- Entertainment and excursions built-in
- Great for mixed-age groups
Tried and tested: We’ve done cruises with 6–16 people, aged 10–80. There’s something for everyone – split off during the day, and meet up again at night.
🚤 River Cruises: Boutique Comfort with a View
If you want something smaller and luxurious, river cruising particularly through Europe, is like staying in a floating boutique hotel.
Why it works:
- Unpack once, visit multiple cities
- Smaller ships = more intimate experience
- Wake up right in the heart of towns and cities
- Ideal for relaxed, cultural trips
Companies like Avalon Waterways specialize in group-friendly river cruising with just the right balance of togetherness and freedom.
🚐 Campervans & Motorhomes: For the Free Spirits
For smaller groups or adventurous families, this is flexible travel at it’s finest.
Why it works:
- Create your own itinerary
- Travel at your own pace
- Explore off-the-beaten-path locations
- Sleep under the stars together
Tip: Don’t cram too many people into one van. Travel in a convoy and give everyone some space!
🚆 Sleeper Trains, Ferries & Overnight Transport
Want to save time and (sometimes) money? Combine transport and accommodation to get from A to B.
Options to consider:
- European sleeper trains
- Japan’s overnight rail
- Greece overnight ferries
- Canada’s VIA rail and Rocky Mountaineer scenic trains
This option is efficient – but only if everyone can sleep well on the move.
🛎️ Resorts & Lodges: All-Inclusive Ease
If your group wants to relax and not think about logistics, this is the way to go.
Why it works:
- Everything’s included: meals, activities, transport
- No planning stress
- Often good value for larger groups
- Perfect for weddings, birthdays or reunion trips
Look for resort packages that include group discounts and activity planning.
✅ Final Tips: Choose What Works for Your Group
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, you can even mix and match different styles throughout your trip! Perfect conversation for your trip planning get togethers.
Consider:
- Group size
- Age mix
- Comfort preferences
- Budget range
- Travel style (active, relaxed, rural, urban)
- Accessibility or transport needs
With the right place to stay, your accommodation won’t just be a place to sleep – it’ll be where the best memories are made.
🗂️ Need More Travel Tips?
- Planning the Perfect Group Trip: Start Here
- How to Split Group Costs Without the Awkwardness
- Handling Group Dynamics While Travelling
💬 Got a question or a recommendation to share? Drop it in the comments or get in touch here.
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