Accommodation

Budget Hotels

Budget hotels are a practical choice for short-term stays, offering essential amenities at affordable prices. These hotels are ideal for newly relocated individuals needing temporary accommodation while they search for a more permanent residence.

Recommendations

1. Premier Inn Northampton Town Centre: Centrally located with comfortable rooms and on-site dining options.
2. Travelodge Northampton Central: offers budget-friendly rates and essential amenities like Wi-Fi and en-suite bathrooms.
3. Ibis Northampton Centre: conveniently situated near the train station, offering modern rooms and a 24-hour café.

Luxury Resorts

For those seeking a more luxurious stay, Northampton’s upscale resorts provide top-notch amenities and services. These resorts are perfect for business travellers, vacationers, or anyone desiring a high-end experience.

Recommendations

1. The Hopping Hare: A boutique hotel with elegantly decorated rooms, fine dining, and excellent service.
2. Sedgebrook Hall: Set in a beautiful country house with extensive grounds, leisure facilities, and conference services.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)

B&Bs offer a cosy and intimate experience, often in charming historic properties. They are perfect for those who appreciate personal touches and local hospitality.

Booking and Check-In

• Reservations: Make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
• Check-In: Provide accurate arrival information for a smooth check-in process.

Local Etiquette

• Politeness: Politeness is highly valued. Simple gestures like “please” and “thank you” go a long way.
• Engagement: Engage in casual conversations with hosts; they often provide valuable local insights.

Breakfast Etiquette

• Timing: Be punctual for breakfast, as it is usually served within a specific time frame.
• Preferences: Inform hosts of any dietary restrictions beforehand.

Recommendations

1. The Langham Hotel: A conveniently located B&B offering a comfortable stay with home-cooked breakfasts.
2. The Poplars Hotel: A traditional stone-built property with a relaxed atmosphere and excellent hospitality.
3. The Aviator Hotel: An Art Deco hotel with a unique charm located near Sywell Aerodrome.

Hostels

Hostels provide budget-friendly accommodation, especially for younger travellers or those on a tight budget. They often feature shared rooms and communal areas, fostering a social atmosphere.

Recommendations

1. The Plough Hotel: A historic hotel offering both private and shared rooms with basic amenities.
2. YHA Northampton: A modern hostel with dormitory-style accommodations and common areas for socialising.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals offer a home-away-from-home experience, ideal for families or longer stays. These properties range from apartments to entire houses, providing flexibility and privacy.

Platforms

• Airbnb offers a wide range of properties, from budget options to luxury homes.
• HomeAway specialises in vacation rentals with various price ranges and property types.

Serviced Apartments

Serviced apartments combine the comfort of home with hotel-like amenities, perfect for extended stays. They come fully furnished with equipped kitchens and housekeeping services.

Advantages

• Convenience: Move-in ready with all essential furnishings and appliances.
• Flexibility: Often offer flexible lease terms.
• Security: Many have security features like CCTV and controlled access.

Recommendations

1. Cotels Centro Apartments: Located in the town centre, offering one- and two-bedroom apartments with modern amenities.
2. The Pinnacle Service Apartment offers spacious, fully furnished apartments in a central location.
3. Bloomsbury House provides luxury serviced apartments with excellent facilities.
4. Alpha House Apartments: Modern apartments with comprehensive services and amenities.
5. Somerset House offers well-equipped apartments in a convenient location.

Dayuse

Dayuse hotels cater to travellers needing accommodation for a few hours during the day. They are ideal for layovers, business meetings, or brief rests.

Recommendations

1. Ibis Northampton Centre: Centrally located, offering day-use rooms with modern amenities.
2. Delta Hotels by Marriott Northampton provides luxurious day-use rooms with access to hotel facilities.
3. Holiday Inn Northampton: Features comfortable day-use rooms with a riverside setting.
4. Hilton Northampton offers high-end day-use rooms with access to fitness and wellness facilities.
5. Campanile Northampton: A modern hotel with day-use options and conference facilities.

Booking Process

• Duration: Typically allow bookings for a few hours during the daytime.
• Amenities: Include standard amenities like a bed, bathroom, Wi-Fi, and sometimes additional facilities like a minibar.

Finding Accommodation

For newly relocated Africans, finding accommodation can be simplified by using various online platforms and resources:

Websites

• Rightmove: Comprehensive listings of properties for rent and sale.
• Zoopla: An extensive database of rental properties with detailed information.
• OpenRent: Direct communication with landlords, avoiding estate agent fees.
• Gumtree: Classified ads with a variety of housing options.
• SpareRoom: specialises in shared accommodation and rooms for rent.
• Movebubble: A user-friendly app for finding rental properties.
• Roomgo: Platform for finding and advertising shared accommodation.
• RoomBuddies: Connects people looking for roommates and shared housing.
• Booking.com offers a range of short-term accommodation options, including hotels and B&Bs.

Additional Tips

• Cultural Adjustment: Adjust to the local culture and customs, making your stay more enjoyable.
• Local Support: Connect with local immigrant or expat communities for insights and support.
• Transportation: Familiarise yourself with public transportation options for easy commuting.
• Banking: Set up a local bank account to facilitate transactions related to rent and bills.

By considering these accommodation options and resources, newly relocated Africans in Northampton can find a home that suits their needs and preferences, ensuring a smooth and comfortable transition to their new environment.