Pubs with Rooms: A Growth Opportunity

With 2026 fully underway, and millions of tourists preparing to explore the UK, the desire for meaningful travel has never been stronger. Quintessentially British pubs with rooms answer that call, blending comfort with character in a way other accommodation simply cannot. Inns, pubs with rooms, whatever you want to term them, don’t just provide a bed for the night, they welcome guests into a uniquely British experience, where comfort meets community and every visit feels personal.

In 2024, 22% of consumers stayed in a pub, showing that the demand for this accommodation offering is becoming more popular. Given that the UK forecasts 45.5 million international visitors in 2026, with overseas visitors spending £35.7 billion during their stays, this is a significant market that pub operators can target alongside the British staycationer.

What makes pubs stand out is their authentic link to local life. Unlike other types of accommodation, they offer insights that algorithms can’t replicate. And, whether it’s scenic spots that are off the beaten track, a hidden gem that many miss, or how to navigate local public transport, it’s pub teams that have the deep knowledge of the surrounding area and can offer insights that go far beyond what’s available online.

These personal touches enrich the guest experience in ways that digital platforms cannot reproduce. In fact, our research shows that 78% of consumers are likely to seek local information and recommendations during their stay. This is especially true among older guests, who place a high value on human interaction and personal advice. A third (34%) of those staying in pubs or interested in doing so are aged 55 to 64, and nearly as many (31%) are 65 or over, underscoring the importance of authentic, face-to-face engagement.

Staying in a pub isn’t just about finding a place to sleep, it taps into the desire for authentic travel experiences and an all-round, quality night away. Pubs stand out for their food and drink offerings, with 67% of consumers ranking them as the best among all accommodation types, more than double the number who favour hotels. By offering both accommodation and F&B, pub operators can join these aspects together to create memorable experiences for their guests, and support them with integrated technology.

Integrated booking systems for both rooms and tables give guests the opportunity to book a table in the pub’s bar or restaurant whilst they’re booking their room, allowing operators to maximise the exposure of a pub’s F&B offering by marketing both arms of the business as one joint offering, as well as ensuring guests choose to eat in the pub, rather than going elsewhere to dine.

Connected systems can also offer operational improvements for pubs alongside streamlining guest experiences. One of the first touchpoints guests encounter on arrival is check-in which, when done right through an easy, frictionless journey, can help to set the tone for the rest of the stay. With integrated EPoS and PMS systems, pubs can offer their teams the ability to check-in guests at the bar through any POS, saving staff time by removing the need to swap to a different system, and giving guests more flexibility, as well as a more authentic experience on arrival.

Through this integrated technology, pubs can post any F&B bills to a room and allow guests to pay for their meals and drinks at check out. This gives guests a more seamless experience during their stay as it eliminates a stage of the customer journey that can be prone to causing frustration, with previous research showing that 77% of guests find having to wait to receive and settle the bill to be a bugbear, and further encourages engagement with the pub’s F&B offering, which is a key draw of a pub stay.

Whilst chain hotels fill a particular need for guests, pubs, whether nestled in the countryside or standing proudly on bustling high streets, offer connection, character, and a slice of heritage that turns an overnight stay into an experience. Some 39% of UK consumers already believe pubs offer a more authentic local experience than other types of accommodation, highlighting the value of these venues in today’s travel landscape.

Hospitality is at the heart of the pub experience, with 79% of guests saying friendly and welcoming staff are a key reason for choosing pub stays. This warmth and familiarity create a sense of belonging that is difficult to find in more corporate accommodation settings.

The first impression a guest has of your pub often begins long before they walk through the door. It starts with a booking, and for 53% of people, complicated booking systems are a barrier. Whether it’s a table for two or a room for the weekend, that process needs to be frictionless, as consumers have grown accustomed to intuitive platforms that anticipate their needs, and pubs can’t afford to fall behind. Integrated systems that manage availability, capture preferences, and respond in real time aren’t just ‘nice-to-have’, they’re essential. Technology isn’t replacing hospitality, it’s amplifying it.

Value matters too. Over two in five consumers believe pubs offer better value than other types of accommodation, placing them just behind camping in terms of perceived affordability. This combination of value, authenticity, and hospitality makes pubs with rooms a compelling choice for travellers seeking meaningful stays.

By embracing their role in the community and showcasing their local knowledge, friendly service, culinary offerings, and smart use of technology, pubs can position themselves not just as accommodation providers, but as curators of memorable experiences. For operators, the message is clear: lean into what makes your pub unique, not just the rooms, but the stories, the people, and the flavours that surround them.