Why Should You Stay At A Small & Friendly Hotel

Written by Ella Cawthorne Last updated October 9th 202409/10/24

While all the hotels we sell are friendly places, not all of them are small! Although many holidaymakers really love to stay in a huge resort with endless spots to relax, tonnes of restaurant options and an abundance of facilities, some of our customers prefer something a tad more scaled back. And that’s okay, your holiday is for YOU so it has to be to your taste. That’s why TUI curated the Small & Friendly collection. Let’s take a look…

Sample Small & Friendly

Small & Friendly hotels have fewer rooms than some of the spots we sell – the biggest hotel you’ll find in the Small & Friendly collection only has 130 rooms. This hotel collection focuses on hotels which aren’t in typical tourist hotspots and are a little off the beaten track. That’s because, when you book a Small & Friendly hotel, the main goal is to immerse yourself in the local culture and feel at one with the people who live there.

When you think of somewhere off the beaten track, and not in tourist centres, you may think of a tiny hotel in the middle of nowhere but we’re here to change your mind! Although the locations are rural, they’re close to secluded beaches and bays. Can you think of anything dreamier than a beach all to yourself? Walking trails and scenic paths entwine every Small & Friendly destination so bring your comfy shoes and explore the forgotten corners of the world. Golf enthusiasts will be happy too – world-class standard courses are situated in some of the most beautiful surroundings.

Marinos Apartments in Kefalonia, Greece gives the feeling of being on a retreat, it’s tucked away in a quiet spot on this gorgeous island with plenty of palm trees around. However, just across the road, there’s a sandy beach so you’re never too far away from being able to enjoy one of the best things about being on a peaceful Greek island. Did you know that you can find a range of Small & Friendly hotels in more exotic destinations too? Safari Island Resort in the Maldives is a great example of how you can enjoy a smaller, more intimate hotel instead of a huge resort in long haul destinations. This exotic retreat is set on its own private island so it really takes that secluded, peaceful break to the next level!

Stylish Spots

You’ll get a flavour of the destination you’re staying in, thanks to hotels that embrace local architecture and cuisine. These hotels are less about crowd-pleasing British favourites when it comes to meals and are more about allowing you to explore a new culture and discover some new favourite meals and traditions. There’s nothing quite like an authentic, home cooked meal from a family run hotel that’s been sharing their culture and traditions with its guests for many years!

The Small & Friendly hotel collection properties are mostly family owned so you can expect a friendly, attentive approach throughout your stay. Because lots of these hotels are run by families, you’ll feel like part of the clan by the time you reach the end of your holiday. That’s why we see so many customers returning to these beautiful spots, as the service they receive is second to none. Along with amazing service, the hotels themselves are in stunning, scenic spots, with traditional architecture that fits right in with the landscape. From sugar-cube-style properties on small Greek islands to hillside Italian apartments, whatever you desire, there’s a place for you thanks to TUI’s Small & Friendly collection.

A handful of the Small & Friendly holidays also come with inclusive car hire, which takes the hassle out of exploring further afield. Thanks to this, scenic walking routes, sleepy out-of-the-way villages and tucked-away beaches are all within reach thanks to a Small & Friendly holiday. The hotels which offer car hire as part of your package are:

Your Next Getaway

There’s a Small & Friendly hotel in so many countries and resorts across the world, here’s just a few of our favourites:

Europe

Turkey

Maldives & Mauritius

To see more of the fabulous Small & Friendly hotel collection, visit our Small & Friendly deals page!

Ready To Explore?

If a Small & Friendly hotel sounds like the perfect hotel spot for you, then we have the next best thing…handpicked deals at the best possible prices. You’re welcome!