Room types

Twin room (sleeps 2)
Contains 2 beds. Suitable for 2 people

Double room (sleeps 2)
Contains 1 double bed. Suitable for 2 people

Single room (sleeps 1)
Contains 1 single bed. Suitable for 1 person

Triple room (sleeps 3)
Contains either three single beds, a double bed and one single bed, or 2 double beds in a room. Please note that many hotels do not have one full size bed for each guest in their triple rooms and one of the beds provided may be a roll away or pullout.

Twin room for sole use (sleeps 1)
Contains 2 single beds or one double bed, to be occupied by one person

Quad room (sleeps 4)
Contains either two double beds, one double plus two single beds or four single beds in a room

Twin/Double + child (sleeps 3)
Contains two beds with an extra bed suitable for a child, two double beds, which can sleep two adults and one child, or occasionally one double bed.

Cot/cradle or crib
Cot/cradle or crib suitable for a child under the age of two years.

Apartments

Apartment-style accommodation offers a flexible alternative to hotels. Apartments will typically have their own kitchen or kitchenette enabling guests to cook whatever and whenever they want.

Typically apartments will have a living area allowing guests to have space to relax and, depending on the selection, more than one bedroom, something rarely available in hotel rooms. This type of self-catering accommodation is available in a wide-range of destinations, from convenient city-centre location to waterfront resort-style accommodation.

Apartments offer incredible value for money and are available in many sizes. As the majority of hotels cannot provide interconnecting or quad room apartments become an ideal alternative for parties of 3 and more people and are especially suited for friends, couples or families wishing to stay together.

With units ranging from studios through to 5-bedroom apartments, all properties are fully furnished and many are offered with maid service, linen and towels. It is common that fully equipped kitchens are provided, complete with cooking utensils, crockery and cutlery. Some units are also able to offer a washing machine, and/or tumble dryer. Pets are welcome at a variety of properties.

Apartment hotel

This would be regarded as a high rise apartment building if more than three storeys, and a low rise apartment building when three storeys or fewer... The latter is a cross between an apartment complex and an all-suite hotel.

These apartment hotels cater for guests who plan on staying in an area for longer periods, typically seven or more days, and they differ from standard hotels as their rooms and amenities are more residential in atmosphere and design... Most, however, will operate with 24 hour reception and provide normal hotel type facilities other than food and beverage.

Apartments generally offer their guests the modern comforts of home... Some contain self-catering facilities while others are fully serviced... Units are generally described as:

• Studio - large living and combined sleeping area with full eat-in kitchen facilities... See studio floor plan.
  
  
• One bedroom - these apartments have a separate bedroom, living room and bathroom... Sizes can differ significantly, if you see the term Jr. one bedroom, it means it has a very small bedroom... This apartment is great for singles or couples. (ones that know each other really well...) See 1 bedroom floor plan.
  
  
• Two bedroom - These apartments have 2 bedrooms, living room, kitchen and bathroom... If you see 1 bed + Jr., expect a master bedroom and very small 2nd bedroom... These apartments are good for friends, couples and small families... See 2 bedroom floor plan.

Bed and Breakfast accommodation

Most people, when they think of staying in accommodation that is small and has personalized service, think 'B&B'. Bed & Breakfast accommodation is well established in Europe and North America as a way of travelling. It enables a "view" of the travellers' world that is not available from big city hotels or even the larger country hotels and motels and is one of Australia's fastest growing accommodation types.

Each Bed & Breakfast, almost by definition, is unique. There is none of the "sameness" or "blandness" you might experience with hotel chains. Each has its own ambience, its own particular interest and point of attraction to guests and each offers its own unique "spin" on the locality in which it is situated.

The one thing that B&Bs have in common is that they all provide a personal welcome and breakfast is an integral part of their tariff. The host's focus is on establishing a warm and friendly, though not intrusive, relationship with their guests.

Bed & breakfast definitions... While Australia has many charming and high standard B&Bs ranging from the truly luxurious to charming and friendly; we also have choices in the services provided with four types of Bed & Breakfast accommodation. Remember, to qualify for membership of the Bed & Breakfast and Farmstay Association - a mark of excellence in a B&B - the owner (or manager) must be able to provide a personal welcome to guests on arrival and breakfast must be provided as an integral part of the tariff. Breakfast will be prepared by the hosts for the first two categories mentioned below or by a hamper provided, or equivalent, in the two self-contained categories.

1. Bed & breakfast traditional
The host and guests are accommodated either in the same building or the guests in accommodation external to that building. The owner/operator lives on the premises, though generally in quarters separate or distinct from that of their guests. Depending on the configuration of the house, there can be a general feeling of privacy and independence from the resident family, or a feeling of being 'part of the family'. Depending on the location of the homestay, dinner may well be an optional extra. Country Bed and Breakfast properties are located on farms and in small country towns close to some of Australia's best attractions and are renowned for their service, friendliness and quality.

2. Bed & breakfast country home, guesthouse or inn
The host and guests are accommodated in the same building and the host has a separate individual living area from the guests. More than likely it has a formal guest dining room. It is a larger type of accommodation with five guest rooms or more. While the guest house, country home or inn may be found in cities, the category is more typical of country locations and rural towns. The host may be the manager rather than the owner of the property. Bathrooms may be private, ensuite, or in some cases, shared with other guests. Despite its larger number of guest-rooms, there is a general feeling of community living. It is more likely to be the sole source of income for the owner than would be the case with the traditional bed & breakfast or farmstay accommodation. Dinner may be provided for guests as a regular part of their operations.

• Shower and toilet facilities may be shared by guests but not with hosts
• The host or their representative is available to check guests in/out
• Communal rooms (not shared with host) - minimum guest dining room and guest lounge area to be provided
• Advertising should state if the tariff includes a continental or full breakfast
• Daily servicing of room included in the tariff

• The host should be available at all times during a guest's stay. If not resident, they must live within a reasonable distance of the property and information within the unit should clearly indicate their address/telephone number
• The host is available to check guests in/out
• Advertising should state if the tariff includes a continental or full breakfast

• The host is available to check guests in/out
• The host should be available at all times during a guest's stay. If not resident, they must live within a reasonable distance of the property

Boutique hotel/Boutique resort

The definition of a boutique hotel and resort (see island and mainland resort) varies especially among the hotel industry's primary players... but all agree that three specific attributes qualify a hotel for the appellation "boutique."

1. Service... The question that blurs the meaning of boutique hotels is "does size matter?" Most boutique hotel celebrities insist that it does, and that boutique hotels are properties that do not exceed 100 rooms...but what distinguishes boutique hotels from standardised hotels is the anticipation of guests' needs and desires rather than simply responding to a request... Knowing what a guest wants, when they want it, and how they want it is a major difference between good service and great service... The goal of any fine hotel, boutique or otherwise, must be great service.
   
   Each boutique hotel must develop its own recognisable flavour, with sumptuousness and excellence as the only similarities among boutique resort hotels. In boutique resort destinations, service is generally more important than it is in boutique city destinations... Exotic amenities take the role of technology in city destinations... In fact, boutique resort hotels actually promote the non-existence of electronics and communication devices in guestrooms as a competitive advantage... Traditional spas, rose petal baths, private individual plunge pools, honeymoon packages, and art and painting sessions are just a few examples of boutique amenities offered in resort destinations.
   
   
2. Atmosphere... This is a very important component of all boutique hotels and resorts. If atmosphere is considered the sum total of the physical facilities and all the intangibles that comprise a memorable hotel experience, this may be the single most critical factor... The definition of atmosphere in the 'boutique' context includes decor, ambience, personalised service, the attitude of management and staff... It's how these ingredients combine that create a genuine sense of intimacy.
   
   An intimate atmosphere may be the one absolutely essential component without which a hotel cannot be called boutique... The difficulty lies in creating an atmosphere of intimacy without familiarity... We define intimacy as caring, warm and personalised, yet totally professional.
   
   
3. Architecture and design... Style, distinction, warmth and intimacy are key words in the architecture and design of boutique hotels, which attract a niche of customers looking for a special and differentiated property able to fulfil their individual needs. Boutique hotels are not boxed into standards. The definition and expression of a theme is a crucial path to success. Many boutique hotels introduce different themes in each guestroom, making every single stay unique, even for repeat guests. Many hotel owners are revitalising older hotels, repositioning them as boutique properties, and it will be those properties that succeed in combining historic details with chic elegance that outlast the fads.

So what is a real boutique hotel? In the end, it is a hotel that makes guests happy to be there, makes them feel special, makes them want to return soon, and makes them want to tell others about their experience.

Destination spa

These exclusive, purpose-built spas provide accommodation in addition to multi-day packages... They will normally offer day treatment as well, so a day getaway can still be enjoyed.

The spa's facilities are totally dedicated to the spa experience and will specifically cater to beauty, health and fitness... They generally have more treatment rooms than a hotel or resort, and you can normally wander around the entire venue in robes or casual fitness gear... The cuisine tends to cater for both the weight conscious and the food lover.

Farmstay accommodation

Farmstay accommodation is always situated on a rural property or farm… This could be a hobby farm with access to some on-farm leisure activities or conducted tours of nearby properties involving on-farm experiences… Farms and Outback Stations are generally working properties primarily earning their livelihood from agriculture. The facilities and services offered by farmstays throughout Australia are of a high standard. Properties that are located in the Australian country and outback are very different to that offered in city hotels.

The actual accommodation will have both the owners and their guests living under the same roof; “purpose built” or converted from a relatively large farmhouse… Increasingly bathrooms are ensuite, though some smaller well established farms with a very high standard and good reputation provide bathroom(s) that are shared with other guests… The owner/operator lives on the premises, though generally in quarters separate or distinct from that of their guests. Depending on the configuration of the farmhouse, there can be a general feeling of privacy and independence from the resident family, or a feeling of being ‘part of the family’.

There can also be self-contained on-farm accommodation from a well-appointed cottage or cabin through to relatively basic accommodation of a bunkhouse variety. Whatever the actual form of the accommodation, there is a general feeling of inclusion in the daily routine of the farm… Dinner may be provided as an option for guests because of the more remote location. Similarly some form of self catering for meals other than breakfast may be expected. Typically located in a rural or outback environment, it is a destination in itself.

Your Australian Farmstay experience will include:

• An introductory farm tour or inspection with host or farmer.on some farms you may not be able to accompany the farmer during the day or take part in the actual farming activities
• The opportunity to be involved or watch at close quarters a variety of farm activities (in season)

The following activities will always vary from property to property and from season to season.

The range of farm activities can include:

• Feeding the chickens, collecting the eggs, milking a cow, feeding orphan lambs or calves
• Fishing the local dams or rivers for fish including yabbies (a type of fresh-water crayfish)
• Night-time wildlife spotlighting tours in search of Australian native animals such as kangaroos, possums and wombats
• Evening campfire dinner and sing along under the stars
• Seasonal farm activities such as sheep shearing, ploughing or harvesting grain crops, fruit picking, etc.
• Working in the vegetable garden or orchard (planting, watering or picking)
• Horse riding.at an additional cost
• Some specialist properties offer extended overnight camp-out riding treks
• Sheep dog demonstration and sheep shearing
• Watching cattle mustering
• Assisting with the planting of native trees
• 4WD Tours
• Bird Watching

Hostels

Hostels are a great cheap accommodation option, however, they have much more to offer than a cheap bed... sometimes referred to as a backpacker's hostel, they are also a place to party, meet new friends from around the world and get information on other cool places to go.

The term 'backpacker', used routinely in Australia, is not one common or recognised internationally, with backpackers likely to be referred to as either independent or budget travellers.

Hostel or backpacker accommodation is typically low cost accommodation normally with communal self-catering facilities and social areas. Backpackers pay for a bed not a room, therefore backpacker accommodation usually has a number of beds in shared rooms.

Hostels provide dormitory accommodation along with shared shower and kitchen facilities. Generally there are four to six people sharing a room and there is somewhere like a TV room or bar where you can meet other travellers... Often the people running the hostel are backpackers themselves, and are a mine of information on places to see, things to do and transport and accommodation options elsewhere in Australia

Australia has some of the world's best hostels and they often include facilities that you would seldom find in hostels in Europe or North America. You will often find private double or twin rooms, with attached en-suites as well as spas, swimming pools and courtesy buses. The Australian backpacking industry is very competitive and this keeps the standard of accommodation relatively high.

The best hostels are usually either small hostels in historic buildings that are full of character or newer, purpose-built places with first-class facilities. Hostels in popular destinations such as Airlie Beach, Byron Bay, Mission Beach, Noosa and Port Douglas tend to be excellent, as the competition between hostels in these places drives up the standard of accommodation. However, hostels in bigger cities and less visited regional centers aren't as predictable.

A good hostel should provide a way for travellers to meet each other with common areas and a design that is conducive to meeting other people. This is one of the main features that distinguishes hostels from hotels and motels, which are designed to offer their guests privacy. For this reason, many hostels with self-contained facilities (usually those that are former motels or apartment complexes) don't have as much atmosphere as your average backpacker's hostel.

Hostels that are located above pubs are among the worst. In many of these places the bar downstairs is the main business and a lot less attention is paid to the accommodation.

Hostels catering to working holidaymakers are usually not that great either, existing solely to provide accommodation to backpackers picking fruit. They do little for travellers that happen to be passing through own and only staying a night or two. However the management of worker's hostel do have a lot of employment contracts and sometimes also provide transport to and from work. These hostels work for the employers as much as the backpackers and they have more rules than your standard hostel. Often there are restrictions on alcohol consumption in worker's hostels as local farms rely on them to provide a reliable, hard-working and sober workforce.

Island resort / Mainland resort

A resort is a place for holidaying or vacationing. A resort can commonly refer to two specific but similar places... Towns or locations in which tourism or vacationing is a major part of the local activity but are usually not run by a single company (for example, Perisher Valley in the Snowy Mountains of NSW or Hamilton Island in the Whitsundays...) and vacation centres, usually run by a single company, which attempt to provide for all or most of a vacationer's wants while staying there. (For example, Hayman Island Resort in the Whitsundays...) At a minimum, most inclusive resorts include lodging and scenic views... many also include unlimited food, drink and entertainment as well.

The term resort is sometimes used interchangeably with the term hotel... Generally, a resort is distinguished by a large selection of activities, such as a golf course, spa, pool, beach, multiple restaurants, etc... A hotel is the central feature of a resort.

The type of resort commonly referred to in this web site is a resort which would include:

• Different accommodation styles ranging from luxury suites to self-contained apartments
• Conference facilities supported by office/secretarial services
• Excellent leisure facilities including sauna, spa, gym, swimming pool and tennis courts
• Licensed a la carte restaurant, wine bars, and coffee shops

Most resorts, particularly those on Queensland's Great Barrier Reef islands are located in relatively remote areas away from local population centres, so that the resort experience is focused on the facilities provided at the resort and the various activities that can be undertaken from the resort like diving, fishing, day touring, etc.

This is an accommodation facility located in natural surroundings, giving you the feeling of being in touch with nature... Often they are hidden away in the more isolated parts of Australia, close to mountains, lakes and rivers or situated in the rainforest or beside the sea. The more exclusive lodges or retreats are often purpose-built or restored character homesteads...

The rates charged are sometimes inclusive of a specific experience offered at the lodge... This could include guided walks, horseriding or fly fishing, etc. In general, the price usually includes all meals and a beverage service would be provided.

These hotels are distinguished by their decor, impeccable service and the latest in modern conveniences and amenities... They provide the definitive hospitality experience and the genuine luxury of staff that treat you with real care... A room service breakfast that arrives on time and cooked exactly as requested... They provide the luxury of space, silence, (especially at night) quality beds and fine bed linen changed daily as well as high quality furnishings and excellent interior design.

And as you would expect, they also provide the full range of hotel services including 24 hour room service, valet, concierge, transportation and tour services.

The term 'villa' can be used quite generically to mean a property with its own individual entrance. (in contrast to an apartment) It covers all types of individual properties from the semi-detached (duplex) dwelling, through townhouses to detached properties in their own grounds... and they can vary in size from one to six bedrooms.

Villas can come with their own private pool or you could share a communal pool. Properties will have full kitchens and contain everything needed for a self-catering holiday.

The property will normally be serviced on a weekly basis, but if extra cleaning is required, it can often be arranged at extra cost.

Often the location will be just as important as the property itself... and Holidays Allover can offer you some superb villas in some of the more diverse and attractive locations in Australia where you can experience the local way of life... and there really is something for everyone - whether a couple, a family or a group of friends. Villas will vary from the modern (built to the highest specification) to farmhouses and homesteads tastefully converted and renovated.