Guests explain attraction of pubs with rooms

At least half of the people who stay in pubs or are interested in doing so believe pubs provide a friendlier atmosphere, historic charm and more relaxed environments than any other type of accommodation.

These new findings from Stay in a Pub and CGA by NIQ, also show that two thirds (67%) think pubs with rooms offer the best range of food and drink, more than double those (30%) who rate hotels as best. 

Stay in a Pub's 2025 Pub Accommodation Review is a new report based on surveys of more than 4,000 consumers and operators.

Those surveyed also recognised that pubs are at the heart of the places they want to visit, and 39% think they offer a more authentic local experience than other types of accommodation. 

Pub accommodation is particularly appealing to older consumers, and 65% of those who stay in pubs or are interested in doing so are aged 55 or older. The survey highlights lower usage among younger consumers, often because of outdated impressions of pubs’ facilities.  

"Pubs have always been part of the fabric of British life, and staying in one adds an extra layer of charm and character to any trip," says Sophie Braybrooke, CEO of Stay in a Pub. "At Stay in a Pub, we hear time and again from guests who’ve loved the warm welcome, the conversations by the fire, the freshly cooked food, and the feeling of truly being part of a place. This report backs that up and shows there’s real potential to grow, by helping more people find the kind of stay that suits them.

"Every pub is different, and that’s what makes them so special."

Spend when spending the night

The Pub Accommodation Review also indicates stability in the frequency of pub stays and an average nightly spend of £106. However, the average length of stays has slipped from 2.2 to 1.9 nights since 2023, a sign of the impact of rising costs on consumers’ spending.  

A separate survey of operators meanwhile indicates solid optimism among the leaders of pub businesses that provide overnight stays. Nearly half (45%) said they were optimistic about prospects for the market over the next 12 months, which is significantly higher than figures for other areas of hospitality.

Two thirds (67%) say their accommodation revenue is higher or the same as a year ago, and well over half (56%) expect it to grow in the next 12 months. 

"This research makes it clear that Britain’s pubs have a very special place in consumers’ lives," adds Reuben Pullan, senior insight consultant at CGA by NIQ. "They provide an atmosphere, food and drink and local knowledge that other types of accommodation can struggle to match. Nevertheless, there is room for operators to extend their appeal to millions more consumers, and younger adults in particular. Better discoverability, sharper marketing around the unique characteristics and easier booking can all help pubs become even more attractive destinations for stays."

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