What is a bunkhouse?
If you’ve never stayed in a bunkhouse before and you’re not really sure exactly what a bunkhouse is.. read on.
You’re probably imagining something possibly quite rustic, with lots of bunk beds and very little else. If you are , then you’re not a million miles away but the devil is in the details.
Put simply a bunkhouse is a place to stay, usually for when you are off to the great outdoors.
Simply put, Bunkhouses are a form of accommodation, we call them adventure accommodation, usually found in the great outdoors. (but not always!) A Bunkhouse offers basic and cheaper accommodation for people/adventurers who simply want a roof over their heads for the night.
What do bunkhouses offer?
There are different styles of Bunkhouses from literally just a room with some bunk beds offering a place to sleep; right up to modern eco-friendly buildings with comfortable sleeping, living room, entertainment facilities and a kitchen facilities.
Bedding is not normally provided – you’re usually expected to sleep in your sleeping bag on the bunk bed. Mattresses are provided and sometimes pillows are provided for comfort. However some owners do provide bedding either as standard or as an extra – it’s always worth asking when you book.
How much does it cost to stay in a bunkhouse?
The cost of staying in bunkhouses can vary greatly too. Of course the cheaper they are generally the fewer facilities you can expect. You can stay in a basic bunkhouse from as little as £10-£15 per person per night, but at this price point you shouldn’t expect much more than a bed. It’s becoming increasingly common to pay upwards of £20 pppn in popular locations.
Some bunkhouses are built for groups and referred to as ‘group accommodation’ these places usually charge to hire the entire accommodation only and while this may run into hundreds of pounds the price per person can actually work out to be a very cost-effective way to stay for larger groups.
Where are bunkhouses found?
One of the great benefits of bunkhouses are that that they are usually found in fantastic locations, from National Parks, along National Trails or other popular locations – places you’d never normally find a hotel. Open the door and you’re immediately in the great outdoors – perfect!
That’s not to say you can’t find bunkhouses a bit closer to ‘civilisation’, but the ones you find near towns and cities normally offer food and can be much more like a hostel.
Do bunkhouses provide food?
It’s unusual for a bunkhouse to provide food as part of your stay, after all this isn’t a hotel. However over the years some bunkhouses have opened-up which do offer this as an option if required by the guests. Generally bunkhouses have a kitchen which allows you to prepare your own food – helping keep the cost of your accommodation down.
You may however find that many bunkhouses are located near to or are part of a pub, so food can literally be as easy as popping next door.
Whatever type of bunkhouse you end up booking make sure you are aware of the food availability before you travel!
What’s the difference between a bunkhouse and a hostel?
It’s true that there is a lot of crossover between bunkhouses and hostels (and also camping barns too), certainly many people use bunkhouse and hostel inter-changeably adding to the confusion.
As we’ve said bunkhouses are generally very basic accommodation usually located in the middle of nowhere out in the great outdoors. Hostels on the other hand are a step-up, it’s still dormitory-style accommodation but bedding is provided, the rooms would normally be of a higher standard, with even the possibility of en-suite bathroom rather than having to share in a shower-block.
Hostels generally do offer the option of food and can usually be expected to have bar or some sorts.
Location can also be a factor, while bunkhouses are usually located out in the wild, hostels are more common in urban areas – making them ideal for city breaks. The ownership usually varies too – while a bunkhouse can be owned by a individual or family-run as part of their farm or other small business, it’s common for a hostel to be part of a chain or network of other hostels (e.g YHA)
These aren’t hard and fast rules.. there is a lot of crossover between all the adventure accommodation types – which is why to avoid confusion we list bunkhouses and hostels together.
So… Should you stay in a bunkhouse?
Yes! We think so…
Bunkhouses (& hostels) aren’t just for intrepid outdoor adventurers any more – they’re for everyone.
The Bunkr team have stayed in plenty and we love them!
Bunkhouses are currently seeing something of a resurgence and there are many new ones appearing offering modern fun exciting accommodation… why not browse some bunkhouses and take the plunge!