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Accommodation
Accommodation - getting started

What are the different accommodation categories?

Contents

  • What do you need to consider?
  • What are the different accommodation categories?
  • Legal considerations
  • Developing booking terms and conditions
  • Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Guest House Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Guest Accommodation
  • Self-catering Accommodation
  • Hostel Accommodation
  • Bunk House
  • Campus Accommodation
  • Camping, Caravanning and Glamping
  • Grading of Caravan and Camping Parks
  • Glamping Accommodation
  • Advice and next steps for tourist accommodation providers
  • Insurance and Risk Management for Tourist Accommodation
  • Creating a Guest Information Pack
  • Welcome Schemes
  • A Welcome Hamper - the best way to welcome your guests
  • An insight into Exempted Camping
  • Temporary campsites & the ‘28-Day rule’
  • Tourist Accommodation Associations

Contents

  • What do you need to consider?
  • What are the different accommodation categories?
  • Legal considerations
  • Developing booking terms and conditions
  • Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme
  • Hotel Accommodation
  • Guest House Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast
  • Guest Accommodation
  • Self-catering Accommodation
  • Hostel Accommodation
  • Bunk House
  • Campus Accommodation
  • Camping, Caravanning and Glamping
  • Grading of Caravan and Camping Parks
  • Glamping Accommodation
  • Advice and next steps for tourist accommodation providers
  • Insurance and Risk Management for Tourist Accommodation
  • Creating a Guest Information Pack
  • Welcome Schemes
  • A Welcome Hamper - the best way to welcome your guests
  • An insight into Exempted Camping
  • Temporary campsites & the ‘28-Day rule’
  • Tourist Accommodation Associations

What are the different accommodation categories?

Starting any business can be difficult. The following documents provide advice and guidance on the requirements and considerations for starting a tourist business in each accommodation category.

A tranquil view of the stunning Lough Erne Resort at Sunset. Nestled on a 600 acre peninsula with spectacular views of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Co Fermanagh.

Accommodation Categories

Hotel

A hotel is an establishment with a minimum of 15 double bedrooms all of which must be ensuite. A hotel operator must be capable of providing breakfast, lunch, and an evening meal for guests as well as refreshments and the daily servicing of bedrooms.

Please see Hotel Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Guest house

A guest house is an establishment with a minimum of three double ensuite bedrooms and is capable of providing both breakfast and an evening meal and the daily servicing of bedrooms.

Certification under this category would also be appropriate for those wishing to trade as Licensed Guest Inn or Restaurant with rooms.

Please see Guest house Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Bed and Breakfast

A B&B offers overnight accommodation with a cooked breakfast and the daily servicing of bedrooms. There is not a requirement to provide an evening meal and only one guest bedroom is required. 

Please see Bed & Breakfast Start-up Guide for more information.

Guest accommodation

Accommodation whose primary focus is the provision of ensuite bedrooms, for example, restaurants and pubs who wish to provide accommodation for visitors.

Please see Guest accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Self - catering

A self-catering unit is a self-contained apartment, house, cottage, etc. which provides furnished accommodation for visitors including sleeping, dining and lounge areas and full catering facilities.

Please see Self-Catering Start-up Guide for more information.

Hostel

A hostel provides overnight budget accommodation for guests in shared rooms or dormitories. A hostel should have shared or ensuite bathroom facilities as well as a common kitchen and lounge area.

Please see Hostel Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Bunk house / Camping barn

A bunk house offers simple overnight shelter, often in remote locations with limited facilities and services.

Please see Bunk house Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Campus accommodation

Campus accommodation is provided by educational establishments for their students and is made available to individuals, families or groups at certain times of the year, typically Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

Please see Campus Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Camping, Caravanning & Glamping

Holiday parks and campsites in Northern Ireland offer a broad range of accommodation options, which serve a diverse range of customer preference and budget.

Please see Camping, Caravanning & Glamping Start-up Guide for more information.

Tourist Accommodation Quality Grading Scheme Application

If you are interested in becoming Quality Graded, you can apply now online.

Apply Now

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Legal considerations

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