The Essential Hen Party Accommodation Guide: Hotels, Houses & Hot Tubs
Make it extra special
After fifteen years of organizing legendary weekends, we’ve noticed one consistent truth: Hens are much more particular about where they sleep than Stags. (I know, it’s not a shocking discovery, but it’s interesting nonetheless). Choosing the right base for your weekend is the biggest decision you’ll make. It dictates the budget, the level of privacy, and whether or not you can host any activities.
For some, the service of a 5-star hotel is the dream, whereas for others the "total lockdown" privacy of a country manor is what the hen is hankering for. Although it is an important choice, don’t worry, we’re here to help. This is the definitive guide to hen party stays and the activities that make them legendary.
1. The Hotel Spectrum: From Budget to 5-Star Luxury
The 2 and 3 Star Budget Stays: Establishments like Travelodge or Premier Inn are staples for a reason. They offer clean, modern rooms and are almost always centrally located, and they offer the same level of quality everywhere you go. In the UK star system, a 2-star hotel must provide en-suite or private bathrooms and twenty-four hour access. A 3-star step-up usually adds Wi-Fi in public areas and room service for snacks and drinks.
The 4 and 5 Star Luxury Choice: If the bride wants the royal treatment, then it’s time to step up a notch and look at the four or five star hotels. These establishments offer 24-hour full-meal room service, professional concierge staff, and often feature on-site spa facilities as well as a bar, restaurant and other facilities. Many 5-star hotels include multi-lingual receptionists and proactive customer care to ensure your stay is flawless.
2. The "Hen Party House": Privacy for the Party
In the last few years, private houses and apartments have skyrocketed in popularity and they are currently the most popular choice because they offer something a hotel cannot: total privacy.
Why Choose a House? The biggest downside of a hotel is the lack of communal space. If you want to all hang out together, you either all have to squish into a room (not ideal) or you’ll be heading down to the bar. But a hotel bar is a public area, so you have to stay "decent." In a private hen house, on the other hand, there are plenty of communal areas and you own the space while you are staying there. This is essential for activities like Nude Life Drawing or hiring a Cheeky Butler, as it gives you somewhere for the activity to be held without having to traipse across the city to a different location. It also allows the group to bond in a shared kitchen or lounge rather than being split across separate corridors.
3. Top 10 Activities for the Ultimate Hen House Party
So, a hen house feels like a good option to you, does it? But then, once you’ve booked the house, you need to fill it with fun and excitement. So why not consider a couple of the many activities available that "come to you," saving on travel costs and allowing you to let your hair down without having to worry about leaving the house.
1. The Private Chef: Since you have a kitchen, use it! We organize a professional chef to cook a delicious two or three-course meal while you relax with prosecco. The best part? They do all the washing up and leave the kitchen exactly as they found it. Doesn’t matter what sort of food you’d like – just ask when booking and we can make sure that the chef is going to provide whatever you want.
2. Cheeky Cocktails & Mixology: A mobile cocktail masterclass with a "naughty" twist. A hunky mixologist (clad only in collar, cuffs, and apron) brings all the ingredients to your living room to teach you three classic cocktails while hosting hilarious competitive games. You’ll get to make cocktails, drink cocktails and play for the entire experience.
3. Nude Life Drawing: A bestseller for private houses, for obvious reasons. We send a professional, fully nude male model to your lounge to act as your muse. Armed with sketchpads and bubbly, you’ll spend 45 minutes testing your artistic mettle, sketching and re-sketching every part of the model (though some of you may focus on certain parts more than others!) This is usually accompanied by plenty of raucous laughter as the wine flows and the excitement increases.
4. Murder Mystery Dinner: For those of you who have a dramatic bent, why not turn your dinner into a whodunnit? You’ll be joined by professional live actors, and each guest is assigned a character with costume tips in advance. It’s an immersive evening of theatrics and sleuthing, the likes of which you’ll never experience in every day life.
5. Mobile Pamper & Makeup Masterclasses: Why travel to a spa when the beauticians can come to you? Spend the afternoon in your robes while experts provide massages, manicures, and pedicures. You can even add a makeup masterclass to learn professional contouring techniques before the big night out.
6. The "Crafternoon" Session: Ideal for groups who want a keepsake. From Fascinator Making and Flower Crowns to Jewellery and Perfume Design, these sessions allow you to create something bespoke while sipping drinks in your own space. With all of these, you’ll end up with some kind of souvenir that you can take home and maybe even wear to the wedding.
7. Cheeky Butlers: A time-honored classic that is perfectly at home in a hen party house. A fit, charming man in a "bottom-revealing" apron serves your drinks, hosts party games, and even helps with light housework or greeting guests. It’s the perfect way to add a naughty edge to your night in.
8. The Comedy Roast: Only for the bravest of hens, the comedy roast is absolutely hilarious, but you’ll need to have a thick skin! We send a professional comedian to the house whose job is to roast the bride. They will have worked with the Maid of Honour in advance to gather juicy secrets, ensuring a hilarious (and slightly edgy) performance tailored entirely to your group.
9. Psychic Hen Nights: For something "out of this world," why not embrace the supernatural and arrange a psychic hen night? A celebrated psychic provides tarot, crystal ball, or palm readings for each guest, and it’s always a sight to see. It’s a fascinating ice-breaker that will have the group talking for years.
10. Private Dance Classes: We send an instructor to your house to teach you a specific routine based on your vibe. Whether you want to be busting out Beyoncé at the wedding reception or fancy tackling the infamous Baby lift in a Dirty Dancing routine, they’ve got you covered. It’s the perfect preparation for hitting the dancefloor later that evening.
4. Stays with the "Wow" Factor: Hot Tubs & Boutique Pads
All hen houses are great, but if you are looking for something that takes it to the next level, then why not consider some of these options:
The "Holy Grail" Hot Tub House: If you want a sure-fire winner, look for properties with hot tubs. From the White House in Manchester with its rooftop terrace to The Big House in Chester featuring a twin-hot-tub spa room, these features provide the ultimate social hub for your group because nothing beats a glass of prosecco in a hot tub!
Boutique Pads for Smaller Squads: You don't need a group of thirty to enjoy a private property. Intimate groups can opt for luxury Georgian apartments like The Spas in Bath or the shabby-chic Shipyard in Brighton, which offers a private patio designed specifically for parties.
Glamping: The "Zen" Alternative: If the bride prefers stars over strobe lights but still wants to sleep in a real bed, then why not give glamping some consideration? With the option of spacious yurts or bell tents with actual furniture and comfortable beds, glamping gives you a festival-style getaway with campfires and beautiful views, perfect for a group that just wants to be together in nature.
Ready to Find Your Perfect Base?
Whether it’s a rural manor in Norfolk with a private chef or a central penthouse in Liverpool (or any of the multiple other houses we offer), the thing to bear in mind is that these properties often book up six to twelve months in advance, so don’t delay, give us a call today.