Property agent, Fleurets, has predicted that by the end of the decade, traditional bed and breakfast accommodation will have been forced out of the city centres and will survive only in seaside towns.

Kevin Casserly, hotel negotiator for Fleurets London Hotel Division, said the sector has not recovered from the downturn post-September 11 and has been hit hard by the growth in budget hotel brands.

“Occupancy levels and achieved room rates have declined and it looks unlikely that we will see a return to ‘the good old days’ in the immediate future,” he said.

“The B&B market will still exist, with potential growth, in the traditional seaside towns, but during this decade we will see the gradual demise of the familiar landlady throughout the rest of Britain.”