AA publishes new guide to plush pubs with rooms

A new guide on pubs with accommodation has been launched by AA Publishing.

Room at the Inn, which is edited by David Hancock, features 76 pubs with rooms which have been selected by David for their food, decor and ambience.

It is one of a growing number of guides to highlight the increasing importance, popularity and quality of rooms in pubs.

David said accommodation has become more and more important to licensees as most staying guests will eat in the pub; it is an important source of additional revenue, with rooms busy with business types in the week if pubs offer corporate rates, and full at weekends, and it adds to the value of the property.

He said investment in rooms was worth the return as profit on a night's stay could be over 80%, plus incremental covers.

Licensees adding or refurbishing rooms need to pay great attention to detail.

David said: "It's what people want and expect when they go away now. Plasma screens, DVDs, Egyptian cotton sheets, fresh coffee, power showers, top toiletries - especially if they are spending £100-plus per room."

David believes increasing numbers of customers are looking to stay in pubs as they offer a more informal, more comfortable and often better-value option than booking a room elsewhere. He adds: "What have we - faceless chain hotels, faded two to three-star town-centre hotels, expensive country house hotels - so pubs are becoming popular to stay in, especially if the food offering is more than pub grub. What better than to head upstairs to bed after a good meal rather than having to drive elsewhere? Pubs are far more accessible (in terms of cost and informality) for regular breaks away."

The guide also features mapped AA walks and details of local attractions. It is available in all good book shops, priced £19.99.