With temperatures exceeding 30C (86F), a growing number of Britons are booking stays in air-conditioned hotel rooms to escape a severe heatwave. The Met Office has issued a rare red 'danger to life' warning, anticipating significant disruption to daily life, including travel.
For some, like a 35-year-old airline pilot identified only as Mike, the decision to book a hotel room is driven by the need for adequate rest to perform his job safely. He recounted booking a Premier Inn room for £60 when temperatures were forecast to exceed 24C (75F) the night before work, noting that he had done so previously when heat impacted his sleep. "My sleep is very important to make sure I'm fully rested and ready for my next duty," he stated.
Research from Leonardo Hotels indicates this is a growing trend, with 52% of Britons reporting they have booked, or would consider booking, a hotel solely for its air conditioning. The study also found that 58% of men are more likely to consider this option, and 87% of respondents wake up at night due to the heat. "Our research shows that many people are now turning to hotels for genuine relief during extreme temperatures – not just for a break, but to prioritise their wellbeing and get a proper night's sleep," said Suzanne Cannon, Head of Marketing for Leonardo Hotels UK and Ireland.
Hospitality group Guesthouse Hotels has introduced a "Heatwave Hero" package, with rooms starting at £200. This offer provides 24-hour access to air-conditioned facilities. The company has also opened its air-conditioned public spaces to locals for free, including ice and water. Their properties in Margate and Brighton have seen increased bookings from individuals seeking respite from the heat.
Social media posts reveal similar experiences, with one American living in London sharing her decision to book a hotel a mile from her flat due to the lack of air conditioning in her home. Others have expressed sticker shock at hotel prices during the heatwave.
During a previous heatwave in May, booking hotel rooms for air conditioning was also a noted behavior. Online forums and social media platforms saw users sharing their experiences of booking hotels to cope with the high temperatures.
Travel experts have observed shifts in booking patterns. Jamie Lavers, UK Travel Expert for Superbreak, reported a 32% increase in seaside bookings, attributing it to cooling sea breezes in coastal locations. Bookings in northern regions have also seen an 18% rise, potentially due to cooler temperatures. Popular choices in Scotland are also anticipated.
To help people find locations with climate control, a website called Where's Cool has been developed. Created by Thomas Chivers, the site uses data from the Food Standards Agency and public energy performance certificates to identify businesses with air conditioning. Users can also confirm the presence of AC on the site, aiding in its upkeep. "Whether you're looking for somewhere to work from this week, or even a cool place to watch the match, simply stick in your postcode and see where near you has air conditioning!" Chivers noted.