Self Catering Cottage vs. Hotel Stay – which is best?

It’s that time of year again when we all start planning our summer holidays, and thoughts turn to location, cost, and accommodation. And of course, most of us would love to be sunning ourselves in the Caribbean, sipping on cocktails while a waiter or waitress attends to our every need.

Unfortunately, we don’t all have the budget for an all-expenses stay in sunnier climes, meaning many holidaymakers are planning on staying in the UK this year. Why put up with delayed flights, lost luggage and outrageous taxi fees when you can simply drive to your holiday without leaving the country and enjoy some of the UK’s most beautiful destinations?

Once you’ve decided on your destination, next on the list is accommodation – hotel or self-catering? It’s nice to think of staying in a hotel, crisp white sheets on a bed that’s made for you every day, room service when you get back from a day’s sightseeing, maybe a drink in the bar at the end of the evening.

But what if you don’t want to eat when the restaurant is open or your favourite meal isn’t on the room service list? Kids in bed means you can’t enjoy that nightcap in the bar either. These are just a few of the reasons we think self-catering is a much better option for your holiday.

Difference Between Self-Catering and Room-Only

Self-catering and room-only accommodations differ in the amenities provided for preparing food.

So, what does self-catering mean in hotels? Self-catering includes kitchen facilities, allowing guests to prepare their own meals. These may feature a fully equipped kitchen or a kitchenette with essential appliances like a stove, fridge, and microwave. This option is ideal for travellers seeking flexibility in meal choices and budget-conscious guests who prefer cooking over dining out.

On the other hand, room-only accommodations provide a place to sleep but don’t include meal provisions or kitchen facilities. Guests staying in a room-only setup will need to rely on nearby restaurants, cafés, or hotel dining services for their meals.

Here are a few more benefits to self-catering properties:

Your Schedule

By choosing a self-catering property, you’re not at the beck and call of anyone else. No having to be back to the hotel in time for dinner, or getting up while breakfast is being served. No making yourself scarce when the maid turns up or worrying about waking other guests if you arrive back late. With a self-catering apartment or cottage, you can do what you want, when you want – and all in private.

Food You Enjoy

Have you ever looked at a hotel menu and thought “There’s nothing I fancy”? or there’s nothing the kids want to eat. Nothing that caters directly for you. Self-catering is exactly that – it gives you the option to eat what you want when you want it. Yes, you have to cook it, but let’s face it, a fun al fresco BBQ in the garden beats sitting in a stuffy hotel dining room trying to entertain the children so that they don’t upset anyone, doesn’t it?

Comfort and Relaxation

With the best will in the world, not many hotels can be a home away from home. It’s not always easy to relax when you’re surrounded by other people and families just centimetres away on the other side of the walls.

The privacy and comfort afforded by a cottage or apartment are beyond compare. You can bring your own pillows, let the kids bring their favourite toys – whatever you need to make your stay as comfortable as possible. And rest secure in the knowledge that if one of the children does have a screaming tantrum, there’ll be no banging on the walls and complaints about you to hotel management!

Your Entertainment

There’s only so much you can take with you, and if you’re travelling with children, it can seem as if you need an extra car just for all the favourite blankets, teddies and toys, and accessories.

A hotel room is great sometimes, but aside from the space issue, you’re usually stuck with a set amount of TV channels and the hotel band if you’re lucky.

Self-catering accommodation usually comes with a DVD player, in some cases a garden, and a whole host of tips for things to do right on the doorstep. Some properties will also have books, board games and more for those nights when you don’t want to be out painting the town red.

A Relaxed Holiday

We’re great believers that everything should be as relaxed as possible on your holiday – after all most of us only go away once a year, so it’s important to get it right.

While a hotel is nice, we often find that it never quite feels ‘right’. Staying in a self-catering property instead means you’ll be more relaxed, you’ll have more room, and the children will be happy (so hopefully you’ll have more peace too!)

What better reason to forego the hotel and stay in comfort?