Wondering about whatâs the difference between âen-suiteâ and âsharedâ bathroom facilities? The answer may depend on whether youâre in the UK or the USA â or the language system your accommodation follows.Â
Letâs break it down simply for you.
En-suite Facilities
En-suite originates from the French word âen suiteâ which translates to âconnectedâ or âcomes nextâ.
When your accommodation boasts an âen-suiteâ bathroom, this means your room comes complete with a private toilet and shower, exclusively for your use.
No wandering down hallways or sharing with others â itâs your personal haven.
Read: 46 Tips to identify fantastic Hostels worldwide
This is a term that has been anglicized in the UK and is now part of the common English language.
Private Facilities
Things get a bit confusing in the USA. There, âprivateâ is used to describe what the UK calls âen-suite.â
So, remember that a âprivateâ bathroom in the USA is the equivalent of an ââen-suiteââ facility.
Shared Facilities
On the other side, âshared facilitiesâ are like a campfire gathering.
These bathrooms are shared among several guests. Itâs an affordable option that encourages a sense of camaraderie, but it does mean sharing your hygiene space with fellow travelers.
Shared facilities can be among guests from different dorms throughout an establishment, or there can be one shared bathroom facility per dorm room.
For example: a shared bathroom for the female-only dorm.
Read: Staying in a Hostel for the Very First Time (Guide)
The bathrooms themselves can be multiple showers inside of one room with a private door to each shower, or they can be in the style of one shower shared by a certain number of people.
The UK vs. USA Bathroom Lingo
The showdown between âen-suiteâ and âprivateâ bathrooms is a classic case of British English vs. American English. In the UK, these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, which can confuse travelers.
However, in the USA, âprivateâ is the go-to term for what the UK calls âen-suite.âÂ
To sum it up:
- En-suite (UK): Your personal bathroom right in your room.
- Private (USA): An American twist â a bathroom inside your room.
- Shared:Â A communal bathroom experience for the adventurous.
Navigating the Bathroom Maze
Now that weâve cracked the code, how can you ensure a seamless booking experience? Itâs simple â ask questions. When booking accommodation in England or anywhere with bathroom-related uncertainties, donât hesitate to ask the property owners for clarification or simply look for an option to differentiate the two on a booking platform.
This straightforward approach ensures you know precisely what bathroom facilities come with your room.
By seeking clarity, you can avoid unexpected surprises and keep your travel experience on track. After all, nothing spoils a trip faster than bathroom confusion.
Also take into consideration that although itâs rare, some establishments even offer same-sex showers and bathrooms, so keep an eye out for that if it makes you uncomfortable!
Read:Â Female Solo Travel Safety Tips
On Hostelz, you can filter the results based on all your personal preferences.Â
They will get different prices comparing all the main booking platforms â it will show you which one, whether through Hostelworld, Booking.com, or the direct hostel website, is the cheapest for your dates and facilities of preference.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you prefer an en-suite or are open to shared facilities, understanding the terminology is crucial for a smooth travel experience.
While the UK and the USA may use different bathroom terms, a little curiosity and communication go a long way.
So, when in doubt, ask questions, and remember that a well-appointed bathroom is a travelerâs best friend.
Whatâs next? More useful info:
- Hostel Packing List â 23 items you have to pack
- Hostels from A to ZÂ â A Fun Guide
- Tips for traveling alone as a woman
- Female Hostels: Everything you need to know
- New Solo System Hostelworld App Review
- Different types of Hostels
- Hostel rules and hostel etiquetteÂ
- How to Travel on a Budget? Simple Tips for Saving Money on Your Next Trip
- How to Deal with Bed Bugs While Traveling
Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks team
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