Hotel vs Cottage: Which is Best for Your Hen Party?
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When planning a hen party, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is where everyone will stay. The right accommodation sets the tone for the entire weekend. Should you book a hotel with all the trimmings, or hire a private cottage (or even an Airbnb) for a more intimate experience? Both options have their pros and cons — so let’s break it down.
Hotels: Convenience and Comfort
Hotels are the traditional choice for group stays, and it’s easy to see why.
- No Stress: With housekeeping, breakfast included, and reception on hand, hotels remove a lot of the organisational burden.
- Central Locations: Most hotels are in or near the town centre, perfect for hen parties planning a night out.
- Facilities: Think spas, pools, bars, and sometimes even package deals for hen groups.
Some great places to look for hen-friendly hotel deals include:
- Booking.com – Ideal for searching hotels that can handle larger groups.
- Hotels.com – Offers reward nights and discounts if you’re booking multiple rooms.
- Lastminute.com – Handy for late-deal packages and city-centre stays.
That said, hotels can feel a little impersonal and often mean splitting into smaller rooms. You might not all be able to gather in one place for pre-drinks or games.
Cottages and Airbnb: Your Own Private Space
Hiring a cottage or booking a large Airbnb gives you the freedom to create a home-from-home experience.
- All Together: Everyone can stay under one roof, meaning no separating into different hotel rooms.
- Flexibility: Cook your own meals, play music, decorate the house, or host hen party games without worrying about disturbing strangers.
- Value for Money: Large houses can often work out cheaper per person than a hotel.
Some useful websites to find hen-friendly cottages and houses:
- Big Cottages – Specialist in large group stays across the UK.
- Group Accommodation – Ideal for big parties looking for unique places.
- Sykes Cottages – Offers plenty of hen-do friendly rural and seaside cottages.
- Airbnb – Great for unique properties like barn conversions or city apartments.
The downside? You’ll need to organise your own food, cleaning, and possibly transport into town for nightlife. Some properties also have strict noise restrictions, so check the small print before booking.
Which Option Suits Your Group?
Ultimately, the choice depends on the kind of hen party you’re planning:
- Go for a hotel if you want everything done for you, love a bit of luxury, and plan to hit the bars and clubs in town.
- Choose a cottage or Airbnb if your group prefers cosy nights in, cooking together, or hosting your own games and entertainment in a private setting.
For some groups, a combination works well: book one night in a city-centre hotel for partying, and another in a countryside cottage for a relaxing recovery.
Tips for Booking the Right Place
- Check reviews carefully – especially from other hen groups.
- Look for flexible cancellation policies – plans can change.
- Book early – the best cottages and hotels for large groups get snapped up months in advance.
- Double-check facilities – does the cottage have enough bathrooms? Does the hotel allow group bookings without extra deposits?
- Use Prebride – keep all the info, invites, and plans in one place to make the organisation effortless.
Final Word
Whether you go for hotel convenience or cottage charm, the key to a brilliant hen party is making sure your accommodation suits your group’s vibe. A central hotel may be perfect for party-heavy weekends, while a private cottage creates the space for unforgettable shared moments.
Either way, book early, plan wisely, and you’re guaranteed a hen party to remember. 🎉
