How to Choose a Cycle Hotel or Cycle Friendly Hotel
The whole of the Bikecation website is built around cycling hotels and cycling friendly hotels. We think these types of hotel are the best choice to stay in for your cycling holiday. Here are some reasons why and our pick of the best hotels:
What is a cycling friendly hotel?
Our cycling friendly hotels will have somewhere safe and secure to store your bike, either in the room with you, or a specific safe and secure locked room. The hotel must also be happy to have cyclists stay, and be happy to have you in your lycra in and around the hotel. We also make sure they serve a hearty early breakfast.
What is a cycling hotel?
A cycling hotel must have a specific room or area for cyclists and specific equipment, such as basic tools, a work stand, cleaning area, and a track pump. The hotel will also be flexible on meal times, serve cyclist specific meals (think big portions and lots of carbs for big days out on the bike). In addition, they will be able to launder your wet or dirty kit within 24 hours. Many cycle hotels also have guided rides, rental bikes, route map cards, GPX files and even in-house mechanics and a pick up or drop off service you can call on.
How do they differ from a normal hotel?
The key difference is that a cycling friendly hotel will want to have you and your bike there, understands your needs and will do everything it can to make your stay with your bike enjoyable.
Why stay at a cycling hotel?
Firstly, all our cycle hotels and cycle friendly hotels are situated in the best cycling locations. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave everything is geared around making cycling easy. All you should have to worry about is pedalling! The cycle hotels also have a unique understanding of your needs. The desire for big breakfasts, for showers before your flight home after that last cheeky ride, and your worries about your precious pride and joy.
What makes a good cycling hotel?
Without a doubt the old adage of location, location, location is the most important factor. You want to be as close to the great riding as possible and all our hotels on the site firstly fulfil this criterion. The next most important thing for us is that the hotel are friendly, flexible and have a member of staff that understands cycling and is knowledgeable about the local area.
The best cycle hotels also have extensive cycle specific facilities, such as tools, pumps, cleaning areas and work stands.
Where are your cycle hotels located?
We work with hotels that are located in over 50 destinations. The one thing they all have in common is that they are in the best cycling locations.
Why does a cycle hotel make the best bike holiday?
A cycle hotel is the best choice for cyclists as it allows the greatest degree of flexibility combined with a high level of support. You don’t need to have set dates or itineraries and you are free to choose what you do each day. You can build your own bike holiday - to your dream destination, on your dates, and most importantly, for your budget.
Further Questions
How should I travel to my cycling hotel?
The first decision for most cyclists is whether they should drive or fly to their destination. Flying is often much quicker and would always be our choice to preserve your energy. Plus, you can book hotels and flights with us! Once at the airport, you can decide whether to hire a car or book a transfer. It’s always worth pricing up both options. The big advantage of a hire car is that it can open you up to even more beautiful rides in remote locations.
What do I need to pack with me?
If you haven’t planned on hiring a bike then take your bike. Remember to include all your riding gear (including helmet and shoes) and any tools or tubes you would ride with normally. If you’re fussy, your favourite energy product is always worth packing as you never know what may be available on the ground, but you can always get hold of something. Other than that, just pack your normal holiday luxuries!
Can I rent a bike from my cycle hotel?
It depends on the hotel whether you can rent a bike directly from them, however you can always rent a bike directly through us and we will make sure it is waiting for you at your hotel on arrival. Simply add it to your basket on checkout and then we will contact you to confirm the size you need, pedal type, discuss any fit requests you have and confirm the exact bike you will get.
Do cycle hotels have maps and GPX files available?
The cycle hotels are very likely to have maps and GPX files available. We also provide you with Strava links and maps as part of your destination document you receive when you book with us.
Is there something for my other half/the kids to do at the cycling hotel?
Yes, there is always something for a non-cycling partner or kids to do at the hotel! Even the best cycle specific hotel caters for non-cyclists and all our hotels have a wealth of local knowledge to keep everyone happy and entertained. There are also recommendations within our destinations document that you receive upon booking.
Will there only be cyclists at the hotel?
It’s very unlikely that there will only be cyclists at the hotel. But there will certainly be a higher proportion of cyclists than at a normal hotel.
Will I find cyclings who I can ride with?
You will be sure to meet other cyclists in the hotel. We have always found fun, like-minded people to cycle with at every cycle hotel that we have visited.
Do cycle hotels organise guided rides?
Some cycle hotels organise guided cycle rides and some don’t. Contact us if this is what you are looking for and we can make sure you book the correct hotel.
How do you research and vet your cycle hotels?
Each hotel that is on our site has been extensively vetted. We research the hotel, it’s location and its facilities and then stay there ourselves. We personally check that the facilities match with what they claim and then make sure we give it the ultimate test; we always go for a local bike ride!
Do you have 5*/4*/3*/2* cycle hotels?
Yes, we have bike friendly hotels available at all price points.
Can I go training at a cycle hotel?
Yes of course. A cycle friendly hotel makes an ideal training base and we can tailor the routes we give you in your destination document to your goals.
Will there be a bike guide at my cycle hotel?
Some hotels have in house guides and even bike mechanics. We can organise you a bike guide at additional cost to any hotel on our website. Send us a message to find out more!