We stayed in a 3 bedroom Seaside Apartment at the Bognor Regis Butlin's in June. When booking I found it really difficult to find the differences between accommodation types. It was only when we nearly due to go that they sent a link to a handy guide which shows the main differences, but I still found I wanted more information so I have shared what is useful to know below. While this guide is specifically for Bognor Regis, the other sites are very similar.

Checking out the Bognor Regis Resort Map after arriving at Butlin's

The Different Accommodation Options At Butlin's

Butlin's accommodation is divided in to four levels using “B-ratings” to help you compare the different types at a glance (the price doesn't always reflect the rating when there are offers).

B - Basic Accommodation is the budget choice with basic rooms, for example Silver Rooms.

BB - Value Accommodation has a little more space or self catering facilities as well as a lounge space. Examples include Silver Apartments and New Style Silver Apartments.

BBB - Moderate Accommodation is described as having “thoughtful touches which create a cosy and relaxing place” eg towels and hairdryers are included. Examples include Gold Apartments, Seaside Apartments and Wave Hotel Rooms.

BBBB - Premium Accommodation has more space, better furnishings, a more peaceful location (although that will depend on your neighbours), towels and dedicated parking.

The double bedroom in a Seaside Apartment (Bognor Regis Butlin's)

What Is The Difference Between Butlin's Apartments and Hotel Rooms?

There are some things you can expect in all Butlin's accommodation: you get bed linen (with the beds made up), wardrobe space, heating, a bathroom, iron and ironing board, tea and coffee facilities (including a small supply of tea, coffee, milk and sugar), television and free essential wifi (which we found pretty good so unless streaming a lot you might not need to upgrade to the paid for wifi). In all accommodation, except for silver hotel rooms, you get a fridge which is in the form of a mini cooler in the hotel rooms.

The access to activities is exactly the same regardless of which accommodation you book meaning you always get free access to the fairgrounds, swimming pool, softplay, shows and activities. Prebooking is required and there are also activities you can book for a small additional fee.

The big difference between hotel and apartments is that for most of the hotel based accommodation you don’t get self catering facilities so you will need to go to the restaurants or food court to eat. The exception to this is there are a few apartments inside the hotels which do have self catering, but this is not the case in the hotel rooms or suites. If you want to stay in the hotel or don't want to prepare meals buying a dining plan might save you money on meals compared to paying as you go. At Bognor Regis for adults these currently start at £20.75 per day going up to £31.95 per day, children's plans cost less than this. 

Currently (and this may change as COVID restrictions are eased) there is no housekeeping during your stay in any accommodation. While you can request clean towels and bed linen if you want it they will leave these at your door.

Location Of Accommodation

At Bognor Regis all accommodation is a short walk from the Skyline Pavilion. The longest walk is from the Seaside Village to the Swimming Pool, but that still only takes 5 minutes (if you don't get distracted) so which ever accommodation your choose you will be near to the activities.

What Do You Get In Butlin's Self Catering Apartments?

The self catering facilities vary slightly between apartments, but they will all have a kitchen and dining area with oven, fridge and kettle. The table will have sufficient seating for the apartment size, but if you want a high chair you will need to bring one from home or hire one.

In our Seaside Apartment kitchen we had: an electric hob and oven, toaster,  microwave, kettle, sink with very small draining area, chopping board, basic cutlery, crockery and equipment for cooking (see my separate post for what to pack when staying at Butlin's).

In some accommodation (like Gold Apartments) there are dishwashers.

In our 3 bedroom apartment we had 2 rooms with twin beds and 1 room with a double bed. In the room with a double bed there was a dressing table, large mirror, hairdryer and safe. There were wardrobes and drawers in each bedroom.

The front door to the apartment had a security chain on which was out of the reach of our toddler. Given the number of times he unlocked the door and tried to go out this was a very welcome addition.

The kitchen and dining area in our Seaside Apartment at Butlin's Bognor Regis

The living area in our apartment had a sofa, television and small table

The twin bedrooms in the Seaside Apartment

The twin bedrooms in the Seaside apartment had a cloud "night light" on the wall.

The bathroom had a shower, toilet, sink and heated towel rain, but is quite small.

Paying for Accommodation Extras

Depending on your type of accommodation you will be given the option to pay a little more to specify extras these include: choosing your floor (there is a premium for ground floor apartments and top floor hotel rooms) and balconies. 

If you don’t upgrade you may still be lucky enough to get these extras, but it will depend on what they have available. Our apartment was on the first floor and didn’t have a balcony, the apartments next to us did and they were regularly out there smoking. Generally people seemed to use their balconies as a good place to dry their swimming costumes and towels, but we hung ours on the towel rail in our apartment.

Hiring Additional Items for Your Stay At Butlin's

For convenience, or to save space when travelling, you can arrange to hire various items you might need during your stay. For children these include: high chairs, bed guards, baby baths, bottle warmers as well as outside items like scooters and bikes although what is available varies between resorts. You can arrange this in advance or when on site by visiting the hire shop.

Towels

Towels for use in the accommodation (not for the beach or the pool) are provided in all Bognor Regis accommodation except Silver Rooms, Silver Apartments and Standard Apartments. They were small and thin, but perfectible usable. You can hire bath towels from the hire shop if not provided.

Various Coronavirus restrictions and changes are in place at Butlin's

Post Coronavirus Changes At Butlin's

When Butlin's initially reopened after the Coronavirus restructions they were limiting the number of people on site and in all venues. They also stopped allowing day visitors, but the great news is you can now get a Butlins Day Pass again, so whether you live in the area or you are planning to stay nearby, but not in the Butlin's accommodation you can still enjoy some of the best that Butlins has to offer.  With a Day Pass you can enjoy the playgrounds, swimming pool, fairgrounds, soft play and day time entertainment in the Skyline Pavilion, but not the other venues (although some activities like soft play are bookable and you can only use if they have space).

Table Service

By downloading the B serve app you can order drinks and food to your table in all the venues. It also allows you to order and pay for take away food (eg from the fish and chip shop or Papa Johns) for collection at a specific time.

All details are correct to the best of my knowledge at the time of publishing, but contact Butlin's if you have any specific requirements you need help with.