Are hotels still a good option for road trips?

Absolutely. Hotels are reliable, convenient and great when you want straightforward comfort. They often have onsite facilities, late check-in and guaranteed parking, which can make life easier after a long drive.

How far from my route should I look for accommodation?

Ideally within 10–20 minutes of your planned route. Sometimes a short scenic detour leads to a lovely stay, but you generally don’t want to add lots of extra driving at the end of the day.

Do B&Bs and guesthouses usually offer parking?

Most do, but it’s always worth checking in advance, especially in older towns or rural areas with narrow lanes. Many places list parking details clearly.

How can I keep accommodation costs down?

Look for stays outside main tourist hubs, book midweek, or choose smaller towns rather than popular hotspots. Reviews often highlight great-value places that feel like a treat without the high price tag.

Can I mix different types of stays during one road trip?

Definitely. Many people mix hotels for convenience, guesthouses for charm and the occasional B&B for a homely treat. Switching it up can make the trip feel varied and memorable.

What should I consider if I’m driving long distances each day?

Choose accommodation that’s easy to reach, offers a good night’s sleep and has nearby food options. After a long day behind the wheel, simplicity and comfort matter more than anything else.

Comfortable Places to Stay on Your Road Trip

Find Hotels & B&Bs on your road trip

• Hotels: practical, comfortable stays with familiar amenities and easy access.

• Guesthouses: welcoming, characterful places often run by locals who know the area well.

• B&Bs: homely stays with personal touches and a hearty breakfast to start your day.

Finding the appropriate place to stay can make a big difference in how comfortable and smooth your road trip is. Having the appropriate place to stay at the right time makes your trip easier, more comfortable, and more flexible, whether you're driving or alternating nights in your campervan with hotel stays. A good night's sleep can help you recharge your batteries, making lengthy driving days more enjoyable, and let you enjoy the hospitality of the places you visit along the road.
Our road trip books make this easy by pointing out hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and small lodges that are either right on the route or a short picturesque diversion away. Each form of accommodation has its own pros and cons: hotels are convenient, family-run B&Bs are friendly, and traditional guesthouses have a lot of character. No matter what your style is, a well-planned overnight stop becomes part of the trip itself—a place to relax, refuel, and get ready for the next day.

Take a closer look at how choosing a guest room to stay overnight on your road trip can be a great way to enhance your road trip:

Part 1: Why it's important to have a guest room to stay on a road trip

You have a lot of choice on a road trip, but where you sleep each night has a big effect on how much fun the trip is. A comfortable stay lets you unwind after a long day on the road, get a good night's sleep, and wake up ready for the next leg of your trip. Picking the correct places along the way also helps break up the trip into natural portions, which makes the trip go smoothly and feel good.

Part 2: Hotels – Convenient, Comfortable and Easy to Plan Around

Hotels are often the most straightforward option when you’re on a road trip, especially if you like knowing exactly what’s waiting for you at the end of the day. After hours on the road, having a private bathroom, a comfortable bed and a hot shower can feel like pure relief. Most hotels also offer practical things like parking, on-site dining and late check-in, which takes away a lot of the stress that comes with unpredictable travel days.

They come in all styles and budgets too, from simple roadside chains perfect for quick stopovers to boutique hotels that add a touch of luxury to your journey. For many travellers, the appeal is the ease: you can see how far you’ve driven, check what’s nearby and book something that suits your plans without fuss.

If you’re covering longer distances or just want a guaranteed level of comfort each night, hotels offer a smooth, reliable and restful way to structure your road trip.

Part 3: Guesthouses – Character, Warmth and Local Knowledge

Guesthouses have a way of making a road trip feel more personal. Instead of checking into a place where every room looks the same, you’re welcomed by someone who actually lives there, knows the area and genuinely wants you to enjoy your stay. It’s the kind of accommodation where you walk through the door and instantly feel looked after.

Hosts often share the little details you’d never find online, a quiet footpath with great views, a village pub that does amazing food, or a local spot that’s worth stopping for on your drive the next morning. Rooms usually have their own character too, whether it’s local artwork, a handmade quilt or a cosy armchair you sink into with a cup of tea.

If you like places that feel warm, friendly and rooted in the community, a guesthouse can easily become one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

Part 4: Bed & Breakfasts – Homely Stays with a Great Start to the Day

B&Bs offer a warm, comforting kind of stay that road trippers really appreciate, especially if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful and personal. The pace is gentler, the spaces homely and the welcome often wonderfully genuine. After a busy day exploring, settling into a cosy room and waking up to the smell of a freshly prepared breakfast can be a real treat.

Many B&B owners take pride in sharing locally sourced food, homemade jams or cooked breakfasts that set you up perfectly for a day of driving and sightseeing. It’s the sort of start that turns a practical overnight stay into a memorable part of the trip.

Because B&Bs are usually small and family-run, you’ll often find quiet corners, comfortable beds and thoughtful touches that help you rest deeply. For travellers who enjoy comfort with personality, a B&B can feel like a warm pause in the middle of the adventure.

Part 5: Choosing the Right Stay for Your Road Trip

Picking the right place to stay on a road trip can make your whole journey flow more smoothly. It’s worth thinking about what you’ll want at the end of each day — somewhere close to the route so you don’t have to drive miles out of your way, or perhaps a lovely detour to a village that catches your eye. Parking is another thing to check, especially if you’re heading into older towns or staying somewhere tucked away.

Your budget and comfort level matter too. Some nights you might be perfectly happy with something simple and practical; other nights you might want a bit of comfort to break up the miles. Reviews from other travellers can be really helpful for spotting the places with friendly hosts, clean rooms and a good night’s sleep.

And finally, think about your driving days. Spacing your stops well makes a huge difference. A little planning now means you’ll always have a welcoming place waiting for you at the end of the day. Check out our Find Inspiration pages for ideas on where to go, if you’re looking to hire or buy, check out our Find a vehicle pages, and our Route Planner tips.

Think about what you’ll want at the end of the day: somewhere practical and easy, or a place with more charm and personality. Check the location, parking, reviews and how far it is from your driving route. A little planning goes a long way.
Booking ahead is best during busy seasons, weekends and holidays. Outside peak times, you may have more flexibility, but it's still helpful to book your first night or two so your trip starts smoothly.
Guesthouses and B&Bs often feel more personal. You’re likely to meet a local host, get genuine recommendations and enjoy a more homely atmosphere. They’re great if you want warmth and character.
Absolutely. Hotels are reliable, convenient and great when you want straightforward comfort. They often have on-site facilities, late check-in and guaranteed parking, which can make life easier after a long drive.
Ideally within 10–20 minutes of your planned route. Sometimes a short scenic detour leads to a lovely stay, but you generally don’t want to add lots of extra driving at the end of the day.
Most do, but it’s always worth checking in advance, especially in older towns or rural areas with narrow lanes. Many places list parking details clearly.
Look for stays outside main tourist hubs, book midweek, or choose smaller towns rather than popular hotspots. Reviews often highlight great-value places that feel like a treat without the high price tag.
Definitely. Many people mix hotels for convenience, guesthouses for charm and the occasional B&B for a homely treat. Switching it up can make the trip feel varied and memorable.
Choose accommodation that’s easy to reach, offers a good night’s sleep and has nearby food options. After a long day behind the wheel, simplicity and comfort matter more than anything else.