Why Sawday's - a special collection

We inspect & select

Our collection is a shortcut past the bland and impersonal to places crafted by people with a passion for hospitality. Every single B&B, hotel, inn and self-catering place on Sawday’s is visited and revisited by one of our experienced team to make sure it has the creativity and warmth to give you a memorable stay.

We reject over 50% of places that apply and know you’ll love the ones we’ve accepted. Our descriptions are honest, trustworthy and based on our personal experience of each unique place to stay.

Amazing places

We look for warm and generous hosts, a connection to the local area, awareness of environmental responsibility, and the essentials (beds, bathrooms and kitchens) done with style and care – you can trust our places will make you feel welcome and comfortable.

You’ll also find something extra – surprising or unusual touches of creativity, craft or personality that will be the highlights of your stay and the things you always remember.

Over 30 years’ experience

Over 30 years ago our founder, Alastair, took up the cause of championing independent owners in an industry that increasingly marginalised them. 

A lot has changed in that time, but we still know that a personal touch makes a great holiday. As special moments and meaningful experiences in travel get harder to find, we get even more committed to seeking them out and bringing them to you.

Book direct

We put you directly in touch with the people who will be welcoming you when you stay. It costs you nothing to use our site – there are no booking fees, no surprise card charges and no admin costs.

To book with an owner, you will visit their website or send an enquiry email. If it’s olive harvest or market day, you might have to wait until the end of the day for a reply, but that’s part of the beauty of dealing with real people, rather than automated booking systems.

If you have a special place that you think could be a match for Sawday’s and you’d like to list your property with us, apply to join the collection.

Get travel inspiration from our collection of special hotels, B&Bs, inns and self-catering places to stay.