UK to Amearican dictionary on B&B terms
 

I've read a few threads on here with people trying to book a B&B and are unclear on the "lingo." I just came across this on Oldfields Hotel Bed and Breakfast and thought it was worth sharing. :)

"UK Hotel terms for US visitors
Useful hotel related words for those who may be unfamiliar with some UK terms.

If you ask for a "cot" to be provided, you will be given a crib (i.e. only suitable for a small infant)

If you require a cot to be provided, then ask for a rollaway bed, or folding bed (i.e. a folding bed suitable for an adult)

A full size bed is called a "double" (4'6" wide) and a double room (or double-bedded room) therefore contains one full size bed

A king size bed is 5' and a super-king is 6'

A "twin" room (or twin-bedded room) contains two single beds (2 beds, each 3' wide)

A "four-poster" bed is a full-canopied, full-size (or bigger) bed.

A "half-tester" bed is a half-canopied, full-size (or bigger) bed.

The first floor is called the "ground" floor in the UK, so naturally, the second floor is called the first floor - and so on up the building."

Thanks, FA.

To add to the lingo:
en-suite means a bedroom with own private bathroom (usually bath or shower and WC)
Full-board means all three meals included
Half-board is breakfast plus one other meal, usually dinner (evening meal); often abbreviated DB&B (dinner, bed & breakfast)
Family room usually means a double with up to two single beds (may be rollaway or bunk) for children
You almost always pay per person, not by room, with reduction for children sharing parents' room

Some hotel chains are by room i.e. Jurys charge per room.

B&B's do not provide hotel services i.e. washing, tea other than if a kettle and tea is provided in the room. Lifts to town unless offered etc. Many will be kind and offer to do these things but do not expect it in many places as it is still a family home for them.

I live in London and have used bed & breakfasts throughout the British Isles for over thirty years, but I have never come across the term "half-tester bed". Have I led a sheltered life?

I'm not sure I'd care to sleep in a bed I might be 'half-tested' in! But I think I have met this term in furniture museums.

and don't confuse "private" with "ensuite".

Ensuite is a private bath (or shower)room in your bedroom.

Private is a bath for just your use - but not in your bedroom. It could be just nextdoor, down the hall or even (rarely) on another floor. It will be your "private" bath and no one else will be using it -- BUT you'd better have something to wear for the walk to the toilet in the middle of the night :) (I have seen several folks reduced to donning their raincoats for trips to the loo because they confused the two terms)

Ok, now I keep seeing rooms listed as "standard" or "basic" - what is that?