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Are you someone who wants to take control of your vacation as much as possible? If yes, self-catering accommodations are the right accommodation option for you. There are several types of self-catering accommodations that let you spend time away from home on your own terms. To learn more about these accommodations, keep reading this comprehensive guide, which also includes some of the top destinations around the world where you can find them.
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Self-catering accommodations include amenities that let you cater to yourself and your group. Instead of depending on the various services from the property, these accommodations allow you to provide for yourself as much as you can.
Catering for yourself gives you more control and independence, making it perfect for those on a specific diet or who tend to obsess over small details. Self-catering accommodations are also ideal for families with kids and toddlers. These accommodations allow families to cater to their little ones in a way that only they know is the best.
To learn about the ways you can cater for yourself, let’s also look at some common amenities you can find in self-catering accommodations.
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A decently appointed kitchen is the most basic amenity that lets travelers cater to themselves. By booking an accommodation with a kitchen, you can cook your favorite meals any time you want. Private kitchens also easily allow you to follow dietary restrictions, if any.
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Access to laundry equipment during your stay is the next best thing after kitchens. A washer and a dryer provide the luxury of packing light, even for extended stays. They also allow you to be at ease with your toddlers, who might need more change of clothes.
Access to on-site parking makes for easy in-and-out movement, allowing you to commute with relative ease. You'll also be able to save on parking fees.
A fast and stable internet connection not only keeps you connected and entertained, but it also allows you to have long and relaxing workcations. So, if you are a business traveler or someone who works from home, you can have convenient extended stays in self-catering accommodations.
Most self-catering accommodations boast a TV, often with streaming capabilities, allowing you to stay up-to-date on your favorite shows. You can also find books, gaming consoles, puzzle games, or indoor play equipment, making for an entertaining time for people of all ages.
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Apart from the internet connection, a dedicated workspace is another amenity that makes self-catering accommodation ideal for business and work travelers. While some have a separate office, others might have a work desk that lets you sit and work comfortably for long hours.
Most self-catering accommodations include bedding and toiletries for a more convenient stay. These features save you the hassle of packing additional things.
Depending on management, several types of accommodations boast self-catering amenities. Let’s take a look at a few common options where you can have a self-catering stay.
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Serviced apartments are fully furnished accommodations with well-appointed private kitchens and even laundry facilities that allow you to move in and settle right away. It is also the most common type of self-catering accommodation that you can find.
Vacation rentals and holiday villas include independent rentals such as rental apartments, houses, cottages, cabins, and villas, among others. While not all vacation rentals feature self-catering amenities, many boast a private kitchen and laundry equipment, among others, allowing you to stay conveniently.
Aparthotels is an apartment-like accommodation that offers self-catering amenities, including a few hotel-like services. It might also feature only basic kitchens with a fridge and a microwave.
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If you want additional services apart from self-catering amenities, then extended-stay hotels and hotels with kitchens would be perfect for you. Aside from basic in-room kitchens and communal laundry facilities, these hotels offer facilities and services such as on-site restaurants, a 24-hour front desk, a concierge, and airport shuttles, among others, making for a hassle-free stay.
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While not all homestays offer private kitchens, plenty of them offer access to a shared or owner’s kitchen. Some also have on-site parking, an internet connection, and access to laundry equipment, making for a budget-friendly self-catering stay.
Monthly rentals are vacation rentals that take bookings for a minimum period of one month. Moreover, this accommodation type always has self-catering amenities, making for a hassle-free long-term stay.
Self-catering accommodation comes with several perks you won’t find in hotels and resorts. Let’s take a look at some of the top advantages you can enjoy during your stay in a self-catering accommodation.
Aside from accommodation and transportation, meals are the next major expense on any holiday. If you can take the time to cook for yourself, self-catering accommodations allow you to save money on one of the three major vacation expenses.
Apart from cost-cutting, self-catering accommodations offer you the flexibility to cook according to your preferences. You can simply cook your favorite meals while following your cooking preferences and dietary restrictions, if any.
Even though you can find laundromats and pick-and-drop laundry services close to your accommodation, they always come with additional charges. So, if you are short on budget, having laundry equipment at your disposal is always a convenient feature.
With all the above-mentioned self-catering amenities, you can have the most relaxing, homelike experience while being away from home. The fully furnished apartments, with appointed kitchens, allow you to settle right in, making it just like you are living at home.
Self-catering accommodations are one of the best accommodation options for a long-term stay. During your stay, you can cook your own meals, do your laundry, and stay on top of your work for as long as you want.
Self-catering accommodations allow you to spend time doing the things you want, and they offer enough space to move around.
Self-catering accommodations also allow you to live like a local, making it possible to explore local culture. They allow you to stay amidst the locals, getting to know about their traditions, for as long as you want.
Explore England's magical cities and magnificent countryside while staying in self-catering accommodations. During your stay, you can eat at some of the oldest restaurants in London and drink at iconic pubs in Oxford. To explore charming and historic urban settings, you can book self-catering accommodations in Leeds, Chester, Cambridge, and York. Moreover, you can admire the stunning countryside and scenic coasts while in self-catering accommodations across the counties of Dorset, Suffolk, and Devon. To also witness the island’s wildlife, you can stay in self-catering accommodations near Yorkshire Wildlife Park.
The western extension of the UK, Wales, features a gorgeous capital city and abundant natural beauty, including rugged national parks and coastlines. Explore all of it while staying conveniently in a self-catering accommodation in Wales. To witness some of the most charming coastal landscapes in the country, you can stay in a self-catering accommodation in Pembrokeshire.
The northernmost constituent country of the UK, Scotland, features plenty of self-catering accommodations where you can have a comfortable stay. To explore the best of Scottish culture, you can stay in a self-catering accommodation in Glasgow. For an adventurous time, you can book accommodations on the Isle of Arran, or Dumfries and Galloway. Among other adventurous activities, you can surf at some of the best surf spots during your time in Scotland.
With plenty of self-catering accommodations across Gauteng, you can conveniently explore South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, and a fother tourist destinations. For more options, you can also find self-catering accommodations in Vereeniging and Vanderbijlpark.
Sitting on the shores of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, Western Cape boasts some of the best coastal landscapes in South Africa. The province includes Cape Town, which boasts a magnificent confluence of nature and urbanity, including stunning surf spots for surfers. To admire more coastal views, you can stay in serviced apartments in Jacobsbaai and Velddrif. If you are looking for a country backdrop, you can book one of the many serviced apartments in Franschhoek, Oudtshoorn, or Tulbagh.
Sitting on the shore of the Indian Ocean in eastern South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal Province features stunning beaches and expansive savannah. The province boasts Durban as a major urban hub, where you can find a range of attractions and things to do. To admire the rugged terrain in the province, you can stay in self-catering accommodation in Jozini. Moreover, to witness an urban setting against the backdrop of the Indian Ocean, you can book self-catering accommodation in Umhlanga. You can also find several self-catering accommodations in the coastal villages of Salt Rock and Umdloti.
Northern Cape Province covers most of the northern and northwestern regions of the country and boasts an abundance of natural beauty. If you are looking for self-catering accommodation in the province, you can check out some options in Upington.
The provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo boast Kruger National Park, which is one of the most iconic national parks in Africa. If you are planning to embark on safaris, you can have a convenient stay in one of the self-catering accommodations near Kruger National Park. To make the most of the therapeutic natural hot springs, you can also find some self-catering accommodations in Bela-Bela. Apart from self-catering accommodations, you can also find several glamping spots in Kruger National Park for an adventurous time.
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Ireland boasts a natural beauty that is on par with its British Isle counterpart, the UK. It also boasts a long history and a vibrant culture, which, along with its natural beauty, beckons tourists from around the world. To witness the best of its natural beauty, you can check out several UNESCO sites in Ireland. If you are someone who likes to cater for themselves, you can find self-catering accommodations in Galway and Cork, two of the most charming destinations in Ireland.
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Australia’s South Coast boasts some of the best natural landmarks in the country, including beaches, cliffs, and rock formations. To make the most of it and admire some of the best landscapes, you can find self-catering accommodations across the South Coast. Once settled, you can visit some of the country's top theme parks and amusement parks or the famous buildings here. Moreover, you can head to Melbourne or Brisbane's night markets for a fun food trip.
Apart from self-catering accommodations, you can also find hotels with kitchens or kitchenettes that allow you to cater to yourself. Before you go through with your booking, keep in mind that hotel rooms don’t always have all the amenities of self-catering accommodations. Even the kitchens in these rooms are not always fully appointed, as, in many instances, they only include a microwave, a fridge, and a few basic dishes. Let’s take a look at some of the best destinations where you can find hotels with kitchens or kitchenettes.
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The stunning West Coast state boasts a range of magnificent landscapes and year-round pleasant weather. As a testament to its natural beauty, the state boasts some gorgeous lakes and several waterfall hikes to its south, that make for magnificent sights. To enjoy a vibrant urban setting, you can book hotels with kitchens in Los Angeles, San Francisco, or the state capital, Sacramento. The state boasts plenty of gorgeous coastal cities on the shore of the Pacific, which you can make the most of while staying in hotels with kitchens in Manhattan Beach, Huntington Beach, Laguna Beach, Long Beach, Carlsbad, or Pismo Beach, among others. If you want to be close to winter skiing spots, you can find self-catering hotels with kitchens in Mammoth Lakes, Big Bear Lake, or South Lake Tahoe. For a fun and entertaining day with your kids, you can find Disneyland Park in the state, in the vicinity of which you can also find many hotels with in-room kitchens.
The peninsular state of Florida sits on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, imbuing it with some stunning coastal landscapes. One of the best ways to witness its natural beauty is by taking a scenic train ride. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, you can find hotels with kitchens across Florida, which make for a comfortable stay. The state’s eastern coast, which is along the shore of the Atlantic, boasts several glamorous cities, such as Miami, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, St. Augustine, and Pompano Beach, all of which also allow you to have a convenient stay in hotels with kitchenettes. To make even more of the beaches, you can book a stay in hotels with kitchenettes in Florida Keys, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Clearwater, or Cocoa Beach. Moreover, business travelers will be pleased to know that there are several hotels with kitchens in the state capital, Tallahassee, as well. If you are planning a holiday with kids, however, you can stay in hotels with in-room kitchens near Universal Studios, Orlando.
Texas is the second-largest state in the USA after Alaska, boasting several urban hubs, such as Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth, making it ideal for business and leisure travelers. The state has a long-standing history, which is evident from its various historical places. For the most cultural and vibrant time in Texas, you can book your stay in a hotel with an in-room kitchen in Austin. For more accommodation options in and near the Dallas-Fort Worth Metro Complex, you can find hotels with kitchenettes in Lewisville, Plano, Grapevine, and Arlington. In the vicinity of Houston, you can find the Trinity and Galveston Bays, which you can make the most of by staying in hotels with a kitchenette in Texas City, Kemah, or Galveston. More destinations with this self-catering accommodation type include El Paso and Corpus Christi.
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The province of Ontario sits on the shores of four of the five Great Lakes and includes urban hubs in the closest proximity to the USA. The lakes, along with Hudson Bay, provide Ontario with some beautiful beaches. To make the most of the province’s urban setting, you can book a hotel with in-room kitchens in Ottawa, Toronto, or Mississauga. The province also boasts the more magnificent side of Niagara Falls, which you can admire by staying in hotels with kitchenettes in the area. For more self-catering accommodation options in Ontario, you can find a few hotels with kitchens in Barrie and Sarnia.
The province of Alberta, which features both prairies and the imposing Rocky Mountains, allows tourists to have a comfortable, self-catering stay in hotels with in-room kitchens in Calgary and Edmonton. Apart from being one of the largest cities in Canada, Alberta also boasts destinations from which you can admire some of the most magnificent mountainous landscapes in the world. To make the most of the Rockies, you can book your stay in hotels with kitchens in Banff, Jasper, or Canmore. Other destinations with hotels with kitchens in the province include Red Deer, Edson, and Sherwood Park. While exploring the mountains and Alberta, you have to check out its beautiful lakes, which make for some of the most magnificent sites in the province.
The West Coast province of British Columbia boasts stunning coastal areas and gorgeous mountain ranges. It also boasts a couple of the most bustling urban spots in Canada, including Vancouver and Victoria, which boast hotels with kitchens for a comfortable stay. For a relaxing time surrounded by rivers in the province’s south, you can find hotels with kitchenettes in Kamloops, Vernon, Kelowna, Chilliwack, Burnaby, Osoyoos, and Penticton. If you want to bask in stunning coastal landscapes, you can stay in hotels with kitchenettes in Prince Rupert or Campbell River on Vancouver Island. During your stay in British Columbia, you can be a part of some of the most popular festivals in the province.
From iconic and famous landmarks in Rome to adventurous things to do in the Dolomites in the summer, Italy offers something for everyone. It also boasts several gorgeous and culturally rich cities, which make for an exciting vacation. For a convenient, self-catering stay in the country, you can find hotels with kitchenettes in Florence, Naples, and Milan.
Among its endless attractions, France boasts iconic cities and plenty of UNESCO sites scattered across the country. For every France trip, checking out its iconic capital, Paris, and its endless things to do for vacationers is a must. For a self-catering stay, you can also find several hotels with kitchenettes in Paris. You can also book a hotel with a kitchenette in Nice, which is one of the most charming coastal cities in the country.
Jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea with a few thousand islands, Greece boasts some of the most pristine and beautiful beaches in the world. It also features plenty of interesting things to do and see, such as historic monuments and breathtaking natural attractions. When in Greece, you have to check out its historic capital, Athens, where you can find plenty of hotels with kitchens for a comfortable stay. You can also find various hotels with kitchens in Santorini, a magical island characterized by its cliffs and white houses.
Germany is famous for a lot of things, including historic palaces, vibrant festivals, and plenty of famous landmarks in its capital, Berlin, to name a few. It also boasts charming cities filled with tourists and international students, imbuing it with a cosmopolitan vibe. If you are looking for a self-catering stay in the country, you can find hotels with kitchens in Munich and Frankfurt, both of which feature a long-standing history.
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From world-famous, luxurious trains to some of the most stunning waterfalls, Japan is known for a lot of things. The birthplace of anime and manga also boasts an anime locations tour, which makes for a unique experience. If you are planning a visit, you can find several hotels with kitchenettes in the bustling metropolises of Tokyo, Osaka, and Shinjuku City. To learn about the country’s past and culture in the best way possible, visit Kyoto and stay in any of its hotels with a kitchen.
Travelers who have India on their bucket list are up for a variety of beautiful places, such as sky-high valleys, stunning waterfalls, and magnificent historic monuments. The country also boasts plenty of UNESCO sites, which are enough to keep visitors busy. For a comfortable, self-catering stay in India, you can find hotels with kitchenettes in the economic hubs of Mumbai and Bengaluru. To be close to some of the most stunning beaches in the country, you can book a hotel with a kitchenette in Goa. For more accommodation options, you can find hotels with in-room kitchenettes in Chennai.
Thailand boasts a variety of attractions and destinations, making it a favorite of tourists in Southeast Asia. When in the capital city of Bangkok, tourists can explore its vibrant nightlife and magnificent temples. They can also have a unique experience by exploring Pattaya Floating Market. For a comfortable stay, there are plenty of hotels with kitchenettes in Bangkok and Pattaya City. Tourists can also have the most relaxing time while staying in a hotel with a kitchenette in Chiang Mai, as the city has plenty of Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Boasting the charming islands of Java and Bali, Indonesia is a paradise for tourists. The country boasts plenty of beautiful beaches and historical places. To comfortably explore all of it, make a hotel with a kitchenette in Jakarta your base while in the country. If you want to witness lush greenery and gorgeous landscapes in Bali, you can stay in a hotel with a kitchenette in Ubud. Other destinations where you can find hotels with kitchens include Yogyakarta and Bintan Island.
The vast and magnificent Australia has no dearth of attractions for any kind of traveler. The country boasts bustling metropolises and breathtaking natural attractions that are enough to keep tourists busy and amazed. If you are in Sydney, you can check out iconic landmarks such as Sydney Tower and Sydney Harbour. Among other accommodations, you can also find several hotels with kitchenettes in Sydney, which make for a hassle-free stay. For the most fun coastal getaway in the country, you can stay in hotels with kitchenettes in Gold Coast and Perth. While staying in hotels with kitchenettes in Brisbane, you can also check out the surf spots and plenty of other things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
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With plenty of stunning island countries and islets, the Caribbean boasts plenty of gorgeous places to visit. The region also has all kinds of accommodations, allowing you to have the vacation you want. A couple of the best island nations where you can find hotels with kitchenettes include Barbados and the Bahamas. Another stunning destination where you can explore beaches and surf is Aruba, which also features plenty of hotels with kitchenettes.
Now that you have shortlisted a few listings for your upcoming getaway, let’s take a look at a few things you can consider before finalizing your booking.
If you are arriving at your destination via public transport, it would be best to choose an accommodation close to tourist attractions. If you are instead taking a personal vehicle, you can stay in the suburbs, as the accommodations there might also be budget-friendly.
Even though self-catering accommodations allow you to save money on meals and laundry, it would still be best to plan your budget and shortlist your options accordingly.
If you are traveling with a group of friends or family, it would be best to decide the sleeping arrangement beforehand and choose the property accordingly. If you are a group of three people, you can book a one-bedroom apartment with extra bedding or a sofa bed, as the arrangement is suitable for some additional bucks.
While serviced apartments and vacation rentals boast plenty of amenities, including fully equipped kitchens, hotels with kitchens usually only include basic kitchens. However, hotels with in-room kitchens might also have additional communal amenities, such as a swimming pool and gym. So, depending on the amenities you need, carefully consider the kind of self-catering accommodation you want.
It would be best to read all the house rules carefully to avoid any surprises during your stay. Making sure that you are aware of all the house rules and policies would also make for a hassle-free experience for you and the host. If you plan to travel with kids or take along your furry friends, it would be best to go through the child and pet policies. While pet policy will tell you about pet fees and other rules, child policy can tell if the property has double bedding or cribs.
You can also check if the property has all the accessibility features required. For instance, some vacation rentals are set on the upper floors without the availability of an elevator, not making them accessible to everyone.
Checking out the guest reviews is probably the best way to learn more details about the property. All booking platforms include guest reviews, allowing you to choose the best properties.
Before you leave for your self-catering getaway, check out a few ways in which you can prepare the best for your stay.
If you are planning a long-term stay, it would be best to research local markets and shops near your accommodation. You can also pre-plan the attractions that you are going to be checking out to make the most of your vacation.
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Before you reach your accommodation, you can also buy some groceries to set you up for your stay. Plus, you can reach out to your host to inquire if the kitchen is stocked with basic supplies so you can plan what to prepare and buy accordingly.
To make your self-catering stay hassle-free, it would be best to reach out to the host and inquire about any doubts. It’s also generally a good idea to coordinate with your host before arriving at your accommodation.
Most self-catering accommodations have bedding, toiletries, and a washing machine, allowing you to go easy while packing. However, it would still be ideal to be comprehensive while packing and keeping all the stuff that you might need. Apart from clothing, don't forget to keep your toothbrushes, gadgets' chargers, and other personal essentials.
While having a fully serviced and all-inclusive stay makes for a relaxing getaway, staying in a self-catering accommodation has perks of its own. They allow night owls to not worry about breakfast timing, enable you to prepare meals only the way you like them, and offer maximum privacy, among other benefits. Apart from flexibility and independence, they also allow you to save some bucks on meals, laundry, and parking, making them ideal for budget travelers. Considering the multiple advantages, there is no reason why you shouldn’t book a self-catering accommodation for your next getaway.
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