Why a Self-Catering Cottage is Better Than a Hotel

The Lake District is one of the most popular UK destinations. For those who love hiking and adventure holidays or who want to just lounge by the lakeside, there’s something for everyone here.

While hotels may have been your go-to option in the past, it’s time to consider a self-catering cottage as your Lake District abode, especially if you’re a dog owner and have kids in tow.

Here’s why a self-catering holiday cottage beats a hotel stay hands down.

Flexibility and Freedom

Hotels often come with a set itinerary—fixed mealtimes, housekeeping hours, and check-in/check-out deadlines which can be more than a little frustrating. With a self-catering cottage, you have the flexibility to eat breakfast at noon or take a midnight swim without disrupting anyone else’s schedule. If you want a lie-in or hold a party or barbeque, you’re free to do so.

Bring Your Four-Legged Friend

One of the greatest advantages for dog owners is that many self-catering cottages are pet friendly. You don’t have to leave your furry friend behind or go through the hassle of finding a dog sitter while you are away.

Your pet gets to holiday right along with you, running freely and enjoying the beautiful Lake District countryside.

Tailored Holidays

A self-catering cottage allows you to customise your holiday according to your interests and itinerary. Whether you’re into hiking, cooking or just lounging with a book, your time is entirely your own to plan as you see fit. You can invite friends and family around and do anything you like.

Hotels generally limit you to their menus or the local restaurants for every meal. A self-catering cottage often comes with a fully equipped kitchen, giving you the freedom to cook what you like, when you like it. For families with specific dietary needs or preferences, this is a real positive. Many cottages have amazing outdoor spaces so if you want to get out the barbecue and cook away, there’s nothing stopping you.

Hotel rooms can be cramped, especially when you’re holidaying with kids or with a pet. Most cottages have ample space, including separate bedrooms, a living area, and outdoor spaces like a garden or a patio, making your stay much more comfortable and homely.

With a self-catering cottage, you can enjoy the peace and quiet of your own private accommodation. For dog owners, this is especially useful. Your pet can move about freely without causing a fuss or being restricted by hotel policies. During the height of the season, hotels tend to be noisy and you can’t choose who you are roomed next to.

Less Money on Meals

Self-catering cottages allow you to save money by preparing your own meals – a great option if you need to operate to a set budget. It also means you can splurge out where it counts, perhaps on a fancy dinner or an extra outdoor activity that you might not have been able to afford otherwise.

Long-Term Stays

Hotels can be really expensive for extended stays. Cottages, on the other hand, often offer discounted rates for long-term bookings, making it financially wiser if you’re planning to explore the Lake District in depth.

Finally, hotels often come with additional costs like service charges, tourist taxes and pet fees. With a self-catering cottage, what you see is often what you get. This can make budgeting for your trip a lot easier and more transparent.