We've tried to anticipate your questions in the FAQ below. But if you're still puzzling over something, then please do give us a call. Our reservations teams are based at the hotel, not a central call centre. So you'll be talking to someone who knows the area and lives locally. If they can't answer your question, they'll find someone who can.
How do I book and pay for my short break?
Just call the hotel direct on +44 1536 416666 or
book online.
We offer both advance purchase rates (up to 14 days out) and fully flex rates. If you opt for an Advance Purchase rate you will need to pay for your room at the time of booking and there are no refunds or changes accepted on this rate.
If you choose a Fully Flex rate you’ll need to secure your booking with a credit or debit card. However, unlike many other hotels, no deposit or payment will be taken before you arrive at the hotel.The full price of your break (including extras like lunch and drinks) should be settled in full when you check-out.
For Christmas and New Year bookings, deposit and payment terms vary. Please ask when you book, or refer to our festive brochure.
What if I need to cancel my booking?
If you book a Fully Flex rate and your plans need to change, we’ll understand. Just let us know 24 hours before 2pm of the day of your arrival, and there’ll be no charge. Cancellations after this time will incur a charge of the first night’s Bed and Breakfast. Different cancellation terms may apply at peak times like Easter, Christmas and New Year. You’ll be advised of these when you book.
We’re sorry if you’ve booked an Advance Purchase rate no changes or refunds can be made.
Do I need to pay for car parking?
No, it’s free and there’s plenty of it at all our hotels.
What time can I check in and out of my room?
Your room will normally be available from 2pm on the day of arrival. If you’ll be arriving earlier than this, please let us know and we’ll do our best to have your accommodation ready. Check out is 11am – but if you want to stay in your room until after lunch, please let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to oblige.
What if I need help to plan my visit?
If you have any special requirements for your stay, please call the hotel on +44 1536 416666 and speak to one of the Reservations Team. They’re based at the hotel, so know all the ‘ins’ and ‘outs’. They’ll be able to put your mind at rest and make any special arrangements you may need.
What does the AA merit percentage score indicate?
As well as the star classification, the AA’s percentage score indicates the level of quality achieved within this star rating. It takes into account a wide range of assessment criteria, including hospitality and service, food, guest rooms, restaurant, public areas and cleanliness.
What do I pay for children?
Many of the hotels offer family rooms, with bunks and/or extra beds so you can all stay together. Children aged up to 16 years can stay free of charge in your room and you just pay for their breakfast.
Breakfast charges for children:
Under 4 years: Free
4 - 10 years: £4 per child per night
11 - 16 years: £8 per child per night
All other children’s meals will be charged as taken. Cots and highchairs are available at all hotels free of charge. The number and age of children that can be accommodated in their parent’s room does vary between hotels so please check at time of booking.
If you want children to be in their own interconnecting or adjacent room, the charge is £25 per child per night (including breakfast) based on a minimum of two children under 16 years sharing the room. Children’s rooms are subject to rate availability and may not be available during Bank Holidays and other peak periods - please check when you book.
Where offered, free children’s rooms are provided on a room only basis – all children’s meals (including breakfast) will be charged as taken. Free children’s rooms are limited to one free room per paid room and are strictly subject to each hotel’s allocation and discretion.
What eating options are there for the children?
Children’s meals are served in all our hotels. To keep a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for all our guests we ask that families with under 12’s dine in the restaurant before 8pm. Children can eat either from the children’s Trekkers menu or choose half portions from the a la carte menu and pay half price.
What about a babysitter?
We’ve teamed up with
Safehands - Britain’s leading childcare organisation - to offer professional babysitting services whilst you’re at the hotel.
Call Safehands direct on 0870 844 6688 to pre-book this service.
Can I bring my dog?
Working guide and other assistance dogs are welcome at all our hotels. Please let us know in advance so we can allocate a room that will be suitable for your canine companion. Although we don’t accept pets, we can recommend a local kennel.
Is smoking allowed in the hotel?
Shire Hotels are non-smoking hotels.
Please do not smoke in your guest room, as this will mean that we need to deep clean all the fabrics and furnishings after you depart. This will incur a cost to us of £75.00 and we will pass on this charge to you in order to cover the expense to re-designate the room as non-smoking.
For those who would like to smoke, we have made provisions outside the hotel - and although it’s not a comfortable lounge, with cosy chairs, we do hope that you will find the shelter and protection from the elements that we have provided for you make this a more acceptable solution.