Q: What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival . Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 1

What is Dorchester famous for?

Accepted Answer

Dorchester is famous for its Roman history and connections to the famous author Thomas Hardy, who was born nearby and based much of his fictional “Wessex” on the area. The town features several historical sites, including the Roman Town House, Maumbury Rings and Max Gate (Hardy’s later home). Dorchester is also known for its museums, like the Dorset Museum and The Keep Military Museum.  

Question 2

Is it worth visiting Dorchester?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dorchester is definitely worth a visit, especially if you're into history and literature. It’s a great place to learn about Roman Britain, walk in Thomas Hardy’s footsteps and enjoy local markets. The town has a relaxed pace, and while it’s not as busy as nearby coastal towns, it offers easy access to the beautiful Dorset countryside and Jurassic Coast. 

Question 3

What is the nicest part of Dorchester?

Accepted Answer

One of the nicest areas to check out in Dorchester is Poundbury—a modern neighbourhood with a traditional feel, built with support from King Charles III. It’s got lovely architecture, wide streets and a great mix of independent shops and cafés. The Old Town is also a must-see, with its Georgian buildings and historic spots that are fun to explore. If you’re after some green space, Borough Gardens is a lovely park right in the centre—great for a picnic! 

Question 4

Is there much to do in Dorchester?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Dorchester is packed with things to do! History lovers can explore Roman ruins, ancient amphitheatres and multiple museums. Literary fans can follow in Thomas Hardy’s footsteps, while kids can explore the Dinosaur Museum or pretend to be archaeologists at the Roman Town House. And, with the coast just down the road, you can squeeze in a beach trip too.  

Question 5

Is Dorchester walkable?

Accepted Answer

Definitely! Dorchester is the kind of town where you can ditch the car and explore on foot. Everything’s close together, from museums, cafés, shops, parks and even some Roman ruins are just a short stroll apart. The town centre is flat, easy to navigate and great for a relaxed wander, or head out for nearby countryside walks.  

Question 6

What is Dorchester like for shopping?

Accepted Answer

You'll find plenty of independent shops and quirky boutiques tucked along the town’s historic streets. On market days, the town buzzes with stalls offering everything from local cheeses to handcrafted gifts. While there are a few familiar high-street names, it’s the one-of-a-kind finds and the welcoming local feel that really make shopping here enjoyable. For something a little different, take a short trip to Poundbury, just on the edge of town, where you’ll discover stylish stores —great for souvenirs! 

Question 7

Does Dorchester have a beach?

Accepted Answer

Not exactly—but the coast is just a stone’s throw away! While Dorchester itself doesn’t have a seaside, you’re only about a 15–20 minute drive from Weymouth Beach. The Jurassic Coast is also nearby too, with jaw-dropping spots like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door—perfect for a day of exploring, swimming or just soaking up the views. 

Question 8

What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Accepted Answer

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 9

What time is check-in and checkout?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 10

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 11

What is Premier Inn CleanProtect™?

Accepted Answer

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind.

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Question 12

What facilities are provided for customers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access.

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Question 13

Can I bring my pet to a Premier Inn hotel?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.

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