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

Is Folkestone worth a visit?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Folkestone is definitely worth a visit! This seaside town on the Kent coast has seen a creative revival in recent years. From its historic harbour and pebble beach to the colourful Creative Quarter full of galleries and independent shops, Folkestone has something for everyone. Whether you’re after a relaxed day by the sea or a bit of culture and good food, it’s a great spot for a day trip or weekend getaway. 

Question 2

Does Folkestone have a ferry port?

Accepted Answer

Folkestone used to have a ferry port, but it no longer operates. Today, it's best known as the UK entrance to the Channel Tunnel, with Eurotunnel services running from Folkestone to Calais for cars and freight—not foot passengers. If you're looking for a passenger ferry to France, the nearest options are in Dover, around 20 minutes away by car or train. 

Question 3

Why is Folkestone famous?

Accepted Answer

Folkestone is famous for a few things: historically, it was an important Victorian seaside resort and a major ferry and military port, especially during both World Wars. Today, it’s known for its creative revival, thanks to the Folkestone Triennial, a major contemporary art exhibition, and its Creative Quarter, full of studios, cafés and galleries. It’s also well known as the UK base of the Channel Tunnel, offering fast travel to mainland Europe. 

Question 4

How do you spend a day in Folkestone?

Accepted Answer

Start your day in Folkestone with a walk along the Leas, a clifftop promenade with sea views. Head down to the Harbour Arm, where you can enjoy street food, craft beer and pop-up shops, often with live music or outdoor cinema in the summer. Wander through the Creative Quarter for art, quirky shops and great coffee. Relax at Sunny Sands Beach or take a coastal walk along the Lower Leas Coastal Park.  

Question 5

Has Folkestone got a shopping centre?

Accepted Answer

Folkestone doesn’t have a large shopping mall, but it does have a good selection of shops. You'll find high-street stores in and around the Bouverie Place Shopping Centre and more unique finds in the Creative Quarter, where local makers and independent retailers sell everything from art and books to vintage clothes and homeware. There are also markets and pop-ups on the Harbour Arm, especially in summer. 

Question 6

Does Folkestone have a sea front?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Folkestone has a lovely seafront! There’s the pebble beach along The Leas with clifftop views, and Sunny Sands Beach, a sandy spot great for families. The Lower Leas Coastal Park runs alongside the seafront too, with gardens, a play area and scenic paths down to the beach. 

Question 7

What is there to do in Folkestone?

Accepted Answer

There’s plenty to do in Folkestone! Visit the Harbour Arm for food, music and amazing views, or explore the Creative Quarter, packed with studios and indie shops. Art lovers can hunt down pieces from the Folkestone Artworks trail—Britain’s largest outdoor contemporary art exhibition. Relax on the beach, enjoy clifftop walks or explore The Leas Lift. For families, the Lower Leas Coastal Park has a fantastic play area, and history buffs can visit the Battle of Britain Memorial nearby.  

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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