Open a Hotel - Campsite Franchise

Hotel and campsite franchises in the UK

Domestic breaks, business travel, events and international tourism keep demand for rooms high across the UK, from city centres to the coast and the countryside. Franchising is widely used in hospitality: many of the hotels travellers know are run by independent owners or operators under a brand’s name, booking system and standards. This category lists the hotel, aparthotel and campsite franchises recruiting in the UK. Each listing shows the personal contribution the franchisor asks for, so you can compare opportunities by budget.

The main formats

Accommodation franchises vary greatly in size and investment:

• Branded hotels: an owner converts or builds a hotel under a brand, which brings reservations, standards and loyalty schemes.
• Budget and limited-service hotels: lean operating models with few or no food and beverage services.
• Aparthotels and serviced apartments: self-catering units for longer stays, popular with business travellers and families.
• Campsites, holiday parks and glamping: pitches, lodges, pods or tents on rural sites, often with seasonal peaks.

How hotel franchising works

In most hotel franchises, the franchisee owns or leases the property and runs the business, while the franchisor provides the brand, the central reservation system, distribution on booking platforms and its own website, loyalty programmes, design and quality standards, training and purchasing agreements. Some owners also appoint a management company to operate the hotel day to day.

Fees typically include an initial fee and ongoing fees based on room revenue, plus marketing, reservation and loyalty contributions. There is no franchise statute in the UK, and the agreement is governed by general contract law, so have it reviewed by a specialist franchise solicitor, especially on length, exit terms and refurbishment obligations.

How much does a hotel or campsite franchise cost?

This is one of the most capital-intensive sectors in franchising, because the property is the main investment. When comparing brands, check:

• the initial franchise fee and conversion or opening costs;
• the purchase, lease or construction of the property;
• brand standard works, furniture, fixtures and equipment;
• technology, reservation and loyalty fees;
• pre-opening costs, recruitment and working capital.

Rules to check before opening

Fire safety and licensing

Every hotel and campsite needs a fire risk assessment under fire safety law, with suitable detection, escape routes and staff training. Selling alcohol requires a premises licence and a designated premises supervisor, and serving food requires registration with the local authority.

Planning and site licences

Hotels need the right planning use, and changes to buildings may need planning permission and listed building consent. In England and Wales, most caravan and holiday park sites also need a site licence from the local authority, and conditions on pitches, spacing and season apply.

Staff and tax

Hospitality relies on staff paid at least the National Minimum Wage or National Living Wage, with right to work checks. Accommodation is subject to VAT, and business rates apply to the property.

Key figures in accommodation

Owners track occupancy, average daily rate and revenue per available room. A brand helps mainly through distribution and loyalty, so compare how much business it delivers directly against the commission paid to online travel agents.

How to choose the right hotel or campsite franchise

Compare brand strength in your area, fee structures, required works and direct booking performance, and speak to other owners in the network. You can also look at leisure franchises, restaurant franchises, pubs and bars franchises and property franchises.