Accommodation

After your holiday activities, and alongside Food & Drink, great accommodation is an essential element of a fantastic active holiday.

Types & styles (classification) of accommodation vary greatly by destination and holiday. When planning our holidays we always prefer to use accommodation with character and charm which reflects local culture often locally owned rather than 'branded' chains.

To give you an idea of what you might expect in terms of style of accommodation we use a 'class' description in our holiday guides. If you enjoy rugged by day but comfortable by night then our Premium Options offer the highest classes of accommodation & facilities. Premium Options may be offered as H2Oflexibility upgrades.

Accommodation Types
• Hotel
• Club Hotel
• Apartments
• Huts, Chalets & Lodges
• Liveaboards
• Camping

Accommodation Styles
• Simple
• Standard
• Medium
• Superior-Medium
• First
• Superior-First
• Deluxe

Accommodation Types

Hotels

Our Hotel selection is as varied as our holidays. Hotels may be located in villages or resorts or they may be remote and self contained. Wherever we have a choice in planning our holidays we prefer to use smaller hotels with character and a taste of local charm and tradition. They may be large family run B&B's or small Inns, we also find stylish 'boutique' properties. Most are small, between 10 - 100 guest rooms, but occasionaly we choose multi-roomed international standard resorts.

Club Hotels

In our Club Hotels the activities are an integral part of the operational set up and the reason most guests are there, so creating a great atmosphere. You can choose how active, or inactive, you wish to be. While offering a good class of accommodation each Club Hotel varies in the Food & Drink and Healthy Options that are offered, so please check the Holiday Guide for a full description

Apartments

Generally in an apartment complex but may be a self-contained unit within a smaller property. Normally offered on a self-catered basis but there may be an option to add a catered service. Bed linen and towels are generally provided in all our accommodation however in some apartments this may not be the case. Please check the accommodation page of your holiday guide for full details. Holidays in some apartments require a deposit to be paid locally. So long as the apartment is returned clean and without damage, the deposit will be restored to your credit card within a few days. Cash deposits can be collected from the apartments' reception. Please reconfirm procedure on arrival.

Huts, Chalets & Lodges

Accommodation style varies from simple to, very much, deluxe. Some are grand and architecturaly beautiful others low key blending into their stunning locations. Most will be described as 'Eco' due to the nature of their construction & how they operate day to day. Regardless of the size and style these properties are generally in backcountry areas of remote wilderness, usually inaccessible by road, at least during the season.

Liveaboard

A live-on-board boat with experienced guides onboard who work with the crew to select the best possible sites and provide expert briefings. The activity is the reason for being onboard so this creates a great atmosphere amongst like minded guests. Anything more that 30 metres carrying 20-26 guests we'd consider a cruise ship. Some liveaboards may be much smaller with just 2-4 paying guests, plus crew. H2O’s boats normally offer air-conditioned cabins with private facilities, fresh sheets and towels provided. Sun decks offer an opportunity to top up on some vitamin ‘D’. Food and drink are in ample supply and invariably there’s a comfortable salon for some well deserved chill-out time.

Camping

on some of our holidays and Active extensions accommodation may involve camping. Normally this would mean sleeping in a two person tent, but occasionally (particularly in warmer climates or remote areas) it may mean a 'Bivi'. Equipment provided, such as bed rolls/mats, sleeping bags etc varies between holidays as will available facilities, please read the holiday guides for detail.

Permanent Tented Camps - Full Service camps offer a high level of facilities, even electricity, in great locations. The Class of camp still varies but generally we'd refer to this as Premium Class camping.

Campsite – Normally used on our guided group holidays usually a private site but very occasionally we may use a public campsite, perhaps within a longer itinerary, to make use of their superior facilities.

Wild Camping - Some of our itineraries provide the opportunity to camp wild this may involve a bivi rather than a tent. At altitude we tend to use geodesic mountain tents, sometimes with snow vallance. Please read the accommodation page of the Holiday Guide carefully to ensure this style of holiday is right for you.

Accommodation Styles (Classification)

Simple

Can be twin bedded rooms occasionally communal or dorm-style sleeping arrangements which may be mixed sex. Normally shared bathroom facilities may not be UK style toilet/shower. This class normally applies to simple lodges & huts or to family-owned & run pensions, guest/boarding houses. Indication of star rating: 1 star.

Standard

Usually twin bedded rooms, normally with private en suite bathroom facilities. Limited aditional services and facilities. Comfort levels are perfectly acceptable to most. Indication of star rating: 2 star.

Medium

Rooms are en suite with air-conditioning/heating where appropriate, normally larger than the standard class. Furnishings and facilities are clean but not fancy. Typically smaller hotels owner-managed with a good level of service and often with other facilities such as a restaurant, bar, gardens or swimming pool. Indication of star rating: 3 star.

Superior-Medium

Medium class accommodation with a higher degree of comfort and more space, more hotel facilities or nicer décor than the average medium class accommodation. May be owner-managed or could be a small 'branded' chain. likely to offer a choice of restaurant/bars, swimming pool(s) and perhaps Healthy Options. Indication of star rating: 3/4 star.

Premium Options

First

High class comfortable well furnished accommodation with more facilities and a premium location. Mostly more formal hotels with smart reception areas. Rooms are larger and upgrade options including suites. The level of service is well above average. Restaurant dining is usually available and may include more than one choice. Room service is usually available during most hours. Concierge services, Healthy Options and one or more pools are often provided. Indication of star rating: 4 star.

Superior-First

First class accommodation offering superior furnishings, fixtures & fittings plus a expanded range of public facilities and a high standard of service. Indication of star rating: 4/5 star.

Deluxe

Deluxe accommodation offering a high standard of accommodation and a wide choice of public facilities. These properties offer a high degree of personal service. Most accommodation in this class includes large hotels though sometimes a small independent (non-chain) property offers an elegant intimacy not achieved in the larger properties. Rooms themselves are complete with stylish furnishing, quality linens and extra touches. A choice of restaurants with exquisite menus and room service, usually available 24 hours a day. Healthy Options and a concierge service are normally provided. Indication of star rating: 5+ star.