What are the different accommodation categories?

A hotel is an establishment with a minimum of 15 double bedrooms all of which must be ensuite. A hotel operator must be capable of providing breakfast, lunch, and an evening meal for guests as well as refreshments and the daily servicing of bedrooms.

Please see Hotel Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

A guest house is an establishment with a minimum of three double ensuite bedrooms and is capable of providing both breakfast and an evening meal and the daily servicing of bedrooms.

Certification under this category would also be appropriate for those wishing to trade as Licensed Guest Inn or Restaurant with rooms.

Please see Guest house Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

A B&B offers overnight accommodation with a cooked breakfast and the daily servicing of bedrooms. There is not a requirement to provide an evening meal and only one guest bedroom is required. 

Please see Bed & Breakfast Start-up Guide for more information.

Accommodation whose primary focus is the provision of ensuite bedrooms, for example, restaurants and pubs who wish to provide accommodation for visitors.

Please see Guest accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

A self-catering unit is a self-contained apartment, house, cottage, etc. which provides furnished accommodation for visitors including sleeping, dining and lounge areas and full catering facilities.

Please see Self-Catering Start-up Guide for more information.

A hostel provides overnight budget accommodation for guests in shared rooms or dormitories. A hostel should have shared or ensuite bathroom facilities as well as a common kitchen and lounge area.

Please see Hostel Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

A bunk house offers simple overnight shelter, often in remote locations with limited facilities and services.

Please see Bunk house Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Campus accommodation is provided by educational establishments for their students and is made available to individuals, families or groups at certain times of the year, typically Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.

Please see Campus Accommodation Start-up Guide for more information.

Holiday parks and campsites in Northern Ireland offer a broad range of accommodation options, which serve a diverse range of customer preference and budget.

Please see Camping, Caravanning & Glamping Start-up Guide for more information.