When planning a city break, finding the right accommodation can make all the difference, especially when it comes to getting good value for your money.
For travelers in search of UK cities with affordable spacious hotel rooms, there are several destinations outside of London that offer excellent options combining comfort, space, and reasonable prices, ensuring a memorable stay without stretching the budget.
According to a recent analysis by leading business travel management company, Good Travel Management, Plymouth emerges as the top city in the UK for value in terms of hotel room size versus cost. Located on Devon’s picturesque south coast, known for its rich maritime heritage and charming cobbled streets, Plymouth offers an impressive average of just 18p per square foot for a night’s stay.
With hotel rooms averaging a generous 864.44 square feet—over three times the UK average of 271.62 square feet—Plymouth provides exceptional value for money. Visitors pay around £153.68 per night, enjoying spacious accommodations without the hefty price tag.
The city also attracts approximately 5 million visitors annually, drawn to its vibrant cultural offerings, such as The Box Museum, which has significantly boosted local tourism.
Coming in second is York, another historic city known for its Viking and Roman heritage, ancient city walls, and the famous Shambles street lined with preserved Medieval buildings. York’s hotel rooms offer great value at 32p per square foot. With an average room size of 489.44 square feet, visitors can enjoy ample space for an average cost of £157.80 per night.
The city’s rich history and charming architecture continue to attract a substantial number of visitors—around 8.9 million each year—seeking an immersive cultural experience.
UK Cities with Affordable Spacious Hotel Rooms
Liverpool ranks third on the list, where visitors pay approximately 40p per square foot for hotel rooms. The city has grown increasingly popular as a tourist destination, especially following a significant surge in interest due to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour earlier this year. Liverpool is among the more affordable UK cities for hotel rooms, with an average cost of £99.40 per night and slightly larger room sizes of 245.48 square feet. This combination of affordability and space makes Liverpool a great choice for travelers looking to explore its dynamic cultural scene.
Rounding out the top five are Hull and Newcastle upon Tyne, where visitors can find hotel rooms priced at 42p and 45p per square foot, respectively. Both cities offer a mix of cultural attractions and modern amenities, catering to both leisure and business travelers.
On the other end of the scale, Birmingham is reported to offer the least value when it comes to hotel room size versus cost. The UK’s second-largest city charges an average rate of £1.14 per square foot, with some rooms costing as much as £549 per night for just 269 square feet of space.
The city’s popularity, driven by its diverse cultural scene and status as a foodie destination with the most Michelin-starred restaurants outside London, has allowed hoteliers to set premium prices.
Following Birmingham, Edinburgh is another city where travelers may need to pay more for hotel space. Known for its historic castle, cobbled streets, and the renowned Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh sees a steady influx of tourists. However, with average room sizes of 299.36 square feet and costs averaging £314.80 per night, the city ranks second for the least value hotel rooms in terms of size versus cost.
Bristol (74p per sq. ft), Southampton (72p) and Manchester (68p) complete the top five priciest cities for hotel room space.
Laura Busby, Commercial Director at Good Travel Management, commented on the findings: “Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or an extended staycation, finding the right balance between comfort and cost is key to a great travel experience. Staying in a spacious and affordable hotel room allows you to relax and fully enjoy your time exploring new destinations. If you’re looking for a memorable stay that doesn’t break the bank, cities like Plymouth and York offer incredible value with large, comfortable rooms at surprisingly low rates.”
For those planning their next UK city break, prioritizing spacious accommodations without compromising on cost is a great way to ensure a relaxing and memorable travel experience.
You can view the full data here.