Organising a trip for 20 or more people is a logistical feat. The stakes are high, and the details matter. When booking accommodation for 20+ guests, a standard holiday rental simply won't cut it. You need a property built for scale. Here is our essential checklist to ensure your massive group booking goes off without a hitch.
1. Bedroom Configurations and Flexibility
When you have 20+ guests, the sleeping arrangements are complex. Don't just count the number of bedrooms; look at the bed configurations. Are there 'zip and link' beds that can be converted from twins to doubles? This flexibility is crucial for groups with a mix of couples and singles. Check if any rooms are interconnecting—perfect for families with young children—and ensure there are enough bathrooms to avoid a morning logjam.
2. The Dining Table Challenge
One of the most common oversights is the dining table. A house might sleep 22, but does the dining table actually sit 22 people in one go? For many groups, the shared meals are the highlight of the trip. Ensure the property description explicitly mentions that everyone can dine together. Look for stately homes or manor houses which usually feature grand formal dining rooms.
3. Kitchen Infrastructure
Cooking for 20 people requires more than just a standard oven. Look for kitchens with 'double everything': two dishwashers, two large fridge-freezers, and multiple ovens. If you are hiring a private chef, they will appreciate a professional-grade setup. Check if there is enough crockery, glassware, and oversized pots and pans to cater for a small army.
4. Parking and Accessibility
Twenty guests often mean five to ten cars. Ensure the property has sufficient off-road parking. If you are booking a central townhouse in Bath, parking might be restricted, so check for nearby public car parks or provided permits. For rural properties, ensure the access roads are suitable for larger vehicles or multiple cars arriving at once.
5. Activities for All Ages
With a group this size, interests will vary. A house with a games room, a swimming pool, or a tennis court provides essential entertainment that keeps everyone occupied without having to leave the property. Large gardens are also a major plus for summer gatherings.
FAQs
What happens if our group size changes?
It is always easier to scale down slightly than to add guests to a property at capacity. We recommend booking a property that has a little 'breathing room'—for example, booking a 24-sleeper for 20 guests.
Do we need to bring our own towels?
At Escape Houses, our luxury properties typically include all linens and towels, but it's always worth double-checking the specific property listing for details.
Conclusion
Booking for 20+ guests requires a keen eye for detail. By focusing on dining capacity, bedroom flexibility, and kitchen infrastructure, you can ensure a comfortable and stress-free stay for everyone. Explore our large houses for 20+ guests today.
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