When looking to book your next holiday destination, there are various factors to take into consideration i.e. budgeting, the location, services provided etc. Although the hotel industry is still going strong, self-catering accommodations has become a dominant component within the travel and tourism industry. Booking holiday getaways through these alternative accommodations has become a growing trend as the new generation are keen in traveling the world and looking for places to stay outside of hotels.
The holiday rental industry has increased in popularity over the past few years and I think it’s safe to say, it’s here to stay! The heightened interest of holiday rentals could be due to the fact that people are now looking to experience a more higher
Photo by Naim Benjelloun
quality, home like holiday accommodation! These days. People are now interested in booking longer holidays, have more disposable income to splurge and are open to travelling further to find their perfect holiday destination!
There has been steady competition between staying at a hotel vs staying at a holiday rental. Let’s take a look at some of differences between staying in hotels compared to staying in holiday rentals!
Services & Amenities
Hotels can offer a number of services and amenities, from restaurants, bars, spas and gyms.
But why limit yourself? Self-catering accommodation offers you the chance to customise your itinerary. Choose from delectable restaurants, immerse yourself in the community at local bars, and take your pick of the many great experiences on offer.
Security and Privacy
Hotels can give you a sense of security that hotels typically offer. With room keys and staff on hand to help with any issues.
Self-catering can offer you the same sense of security, with properties usually secured with keysafe boxes and staff available to call if you have any issues. Plus you can enjoy the privacy of your stay with the whole house or apartment to yourselves. Guests will be able to relax without being disturbed by cleaning or management staff unless called upon.
Photo by Jaelynn Castillo
Business Trips
Where is the best place to stay for a business trip? Hotels give you a personal space to set up your laptop and papers if you are working remotely. Make yourself a tea and coffee and connect to the WiFi.
But what about self-catering accommodation? Most cottages these days will come with high-speed broadband WiFi connections. They also allow you more opportunities for separating your work and living environments. Establish your remote office in the kitchen or a separate bedroom, while keeping the lounge and living spaces to yourself and your family.
Sticking to the Schedule
Hotels often have schedules that need to be followed. An example would be having breakfast and/or dinner within a specific timeframe which means less freedom when it comes to planning your daily adventures. There are no such restrictions at self-catering accommodation. Want at late breakfast? Want to enjoy a midnight snack? The kitchen is right there! It also gives you much more control over what you eat and how you organise your time.
When it comes down to it, there isn’t a whole lot of living space when staying within a hotel as you are mostly confined to a single hotel room for the most part. This could be a big disadvantage for big families or when travelling with friends as this could result in people being split into different rooms or even different floors which can take away the fun, excitement and bonding element of staying in the same vicinity!
Self-catering accommodation is perfect for a family stay with plenty of room to sit together or stay apart if kids want to enjoy their own room.
Bang for your Buck (£££)
Holiday rentals are generally calculated on the full house, this generally makes them better value for longer stays or when broken down per person. By saving money through not splurging on a hotel room, you will instantly get more bang for your buck as you will generally get an entire house to rent! This will often include a living room, a bedroom and a kitchen!
Home Comforts
While hotels are often characterised by the same style and layout for each room, renting an entire house gives that feel of a home-from-home. Giving you more space also allows you to spread out and make it your own. They usually provide all the homely things you would expect such as kitchen appliances, dishes, books and games etc. These amenities provided can make your stay much more comfortable and relaxing whether you are travelling as a couple, in a family or with friends!
All are Welcome, which Involves your Furry Friends
For those who have a furry companion, there are many holiday rentals are pet friendly! Even though there are hotels that will accommodate pets, it can often be a hassle trying to find one. In addition, rooms that are pet friendly generally cost more and are often located in the least desired parts of the building.
Photo by Josh Hi
Maintenance
Both hotels and self-catering offer great service when it comes to things going wrong. A call to the hotel staff or property manager can solve most minor issues.
Out and About
While hotels provide a place to sleep and a base for your holiday, self catering can offer more space if you are bringing golf clubs, bikes, even kayaks or fishing gear. When booking a holiday rental, you should always take a look at what there is going on around and about. You can often find fantastic activities from your doorstep. Do a background check on the nearby area and making sure you are aware of emergency contact numbers!
The Main Takeaway
Both hotels and holiday rentals have their advantages and disadvantages. When booking for your next holiday, make sure to weigh the pros and cons to help determine which type of accommodation is the best choice for you! However, if you are leaning more towards staying at a holiday rental, why not check out some of our self-catering cottages at Cooper Cottages!
