Accommodation types for holiday park breaks

Article updated every 6 months. Last update: 18th April 2008
Author: Bob Atkinson (Travel Expert) Ask me a question.

The accommodation types available in holiday parks in UK and Europe fall into four main categories, each of which will vary in quality from basic to luxury. Please note that every company uses slightly different terms in order to categorise accommodation, so be sure to check the details to know what you are booking.

When checking the types of accommodation, most websites will detail their properties in full and even show images and room layouts. This will help you to have a clear understanding of the style and room sizes.

Each location will tend to have a central area containing entertainment venues, leisure facilities including swimming pools and playgrounds, eating and drinks outlets, shops and information centres for help and assistance.

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Bob Atkinson
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Holiday Villas/Cottages/Lodges/Bungalows

The actual quality of these types of accommodation can vary between company, with a variety of types of fit and finish, ranging from basic to luxury. Each company will specify the types they have on their website. Be sure to check these out before booking and ensure you select the correct type for your needs and expectations.

These tend to be modern brick or wooden based constructions with separate living/dining rooms and kitchens with a number of bedrooms and bathrooms. They start from one bed or studio style properties and can go up to units with 5, 6 or even 7 bedrooms - ideal for families and large groups.

They also tend to have some grounds around them which are safe for children to play close to your accommodation. Many will also have an outdoor eating area and possibly a built in barbecue, great for easy outdoor cooking.

Kitchens tend to be fully equipped with cooking equipment and crockery and you will often find washing machines and even dryers in many. Not only that, many bathrooms come complete with items such as built in hairdryers along with the standard bath/shower/toilet arrangements. In some European locations it is standard to have a sauna fitted as well! So no excuse for coming home without enjoying the benefits of a sauna.

Lounges will be equipped with a TV and in some you will find entertainment such as CD, DVD players and even games consoles at some properties.

There will also be storage in many for items such as mountain bikes and any sporting equipment you may have taken with you.

These types of property will almost certainly have heating facilities and possibly air conditioning as well.

Mobile Homes

These are generally found on camping style sites and have an amazing range of features in many of them. If you are expecting a basic caravan or chalet then you're in for a great surprise. Most sites now offer everything from full en-suite bathrooms to TVs, CDS and DVDs as well as range of kitchen equipment. Separate bedrooms and convertible sleeping areas are usually offered as well as a separate living/kitchen area. The kitchens have all the requirements for an excellent self catering holiday such as fridges, microwaves and cookers. They will vary in size from providing accommodation for around four people to generally a maximum of twelve. Quality of fixtures and finish vary with everything from luxury to basic models.

Add in the facilities outdoors such as garden furniture and barbecues and these property types are excellent value for money.

Camping Tents

As with mobile homes, permanent tents are available on many sites, usually found in Europe due to the weather. The standards are high with separated bedroom areas, basic kitchen facilities, often including a fridge and cooker with rings and a seating area with table. Most tents these days have electric lighting as well as a couple of plug sockets for use. Bedrooms come complete with good quality camping beds, often with sprung mattresses as well as storage or clothes and bags.

Some have parasols and outdoor furniture.

Washing and toilet facilities are usually in communal blocks although some sites do have individual toilets in the tents.

Hotel Rooms

Operators such as Warners in the UK offer hotels and resorts in a range of property styles from Historic buildings to character hotels and coastal resorts. The hotel style properties offer everything form the usual twin or double bedded room with facilities, through to suite style with spas and separate seating areas as well as the usual facilities.

The properties are often destinations in themselves and offer a wealth of attractions and things to do, often in beautiful settings.