Boris Johnson has confirmed that hotels, B&Bs and other tourist accommodation will be able to reopen in England from May 17, as part of the country's lockdown roadmap.
Oh, and the best part is that you'll be able to travel with friends and family for an overnight stay.
That's because from May 17, indoor mixing will be allowed - although you'll still need to be either following the rule of six or be two households only.
Still, the travel rules changes mean that you can start planning getaways with loved ones for the first time since January.
The current rules in place do allow for staycations, but only in self-contained accommodation, and only if you're travelling with members of your own household or support bubble.
As for the rest of the UK?
In Scotland, hotels and tourist accommodation already reopened on April 26. In Wales there's not a confirmed date yet, but authorities have previously said they would look at indoor hospitality from May 17 so it could be a similar situation to that of England.
Meanwhile in Northern Ireland, the earliest hotels and other tourism accommodation could reopen is May 24 although this will be subject to a review nearer the time.
However, it's worth noting that if you do travel outside of England, you'll need to follow the local rules in Scotland and Wales.
For example you can already travel from England to Wales, but in the latter only self-contained stays with members of your own household are allowed.
We've got some top tips below if you are looking to book a hotel stay.
Top tips for booking a hotel in 2021
- Check for a flexible booking policy. Most brands offer flexible rates which means you may pay a little more, but you can cancel or amend your holiday last minute without losing out on cash. For example, Travelodge allows customers to cancel up to midday on their scheduled arrival date.
- Get travel insurance - you can opt for a policy that will cover a trip cancellation (although double check the fine print if the cancellation is a result of Covid related reasons). Travel insurance for a staycation is still useful as it will cover you for things like lost or stolen possessions.
- Consider booking direct - most companies are offering up tempting deals to entice holidaymakers back, as well as offering free membership/rewards programmes with loyalty points and extra perks such as further discounts.
- Always check the latest government guidance before going on a trip - during the pandemic there can be changes and if you're booking a trip elsewhere in the UK, the rules may differ to where you live.
Are you planning a hotel stay this summer when restrictions have eased? Let us know in the comments below.
