If you’ve come across the term “self catering accommodation” and aren’t sure what it means, you’re not alone. In simple terms, self catering refers to a holiday rental where you have the freedom to cater for yourself, in other words, you rent a furnished property and you’re responsible for your own meals. Unlike a hotel or B&B, there’s no on-site restaurant or daily breakfast service. Instead, you get your own kitchen and living space and can follow your own schedule. Check out our accommodation in St Andrews to find your next perfect stay.
Self Catering Defined
“Self catering” literally means you cater for yourself. In the context of accommodation, it means renting a property where no meals are provided, but you have facilities to cook your own. This type of lodging is also known as a holiday let, vacation rental, or holiday cottage. The property could be an apartment, cottage, or holiday home, but in every case, guests have their own private space and kitchen.
In the UK (including Scotland), self catering accommodation is a common way to holiday. It’s popular with travellers who want more space and independence than a hotel offers. International visitors might compare it to booking an Airbnb, though “self catering” is the traditional British term. Essentially, when you book self catering, you’re getting a home away from home. You’ll have exclusive use of a furnished property and can come and go as you please. There’s no daily housekeeping knocking on your door and no set meal times, the schedule is entirely up to you.
What’s Included?
What exactly do you get when you book self catering accommodation? Self catering stays come fully furnished with the essentials you need for daily living:
- Bedrooms and bedding: Beds made up with fresh linen, plus towels provided. When you stay with Short Stay St Andrews you will get hotel quality linen and towels.
- Living area: A lounge or sitting room with sofas, chairs, and often a TV for you to relax.
- Kitchen: A kitchen or kitchenette equipped with appliances (stove, fridge, microwave, kettle, etc.), plus cookware, utensils, plates and glassware. Basic supplies like dish soap and a tea towel are usually included.
- Bathroom: At least one private bathroom with a toilet, shower and/or bath. Hot water and starter toiletries (soap, toilet paper) are supplied.
- Utilities & Wi-Fi: Electricity, heating, and hot water are included, and most holiday lets offer free Wi-Fi so you can stay connected.
- Laundry: Many self catering homes have a washing machine (and sometimes a dryer or clothes airer), useful for longer stays.
Keep in mind daily housekeeping isn’t included, the property is cleaned before and after your stay, but during your visit you’ll tidy up after yourself. Hosts usually ask that you leave the place in good order (for example, disposing of rubbish properly). Some properties include extras like a welcome basket of tea, coffee or local treats, but this varies. In general, you’ll have all the comforts of a home, just without hotel services like room service or a concierge.
Self Catering vs Hotels and B&Bs
How does self catering accommodation compare to a traditional hotel or a bed-and-breakfast? The experience is quite different in several ways:
- Meals: Hotels and B&Bs provide meals (at least breakfast), whereas with self catering you cook your own meals or dine out as you wish. You have more freedom, eat whatever and whenever you like, without being limited to set dining times or menus.
- Space & privacy: Self catering properties offer far more space. Instead of a single room, you get an entire apartment or house with separate bedrooms, living areas, and maybe a garden. You won’t have strangers in the next room or staff coming in daily.
- Cost: Self catering can be more cost-effective, especially for families or groups. One rental covers the whole property, which can be cheaper per person than booking multiple hotel rooms. Plus, you can save by cooking some meals instead of eating out every time.
- Service & support: In a hotel, you have a reception desk and daily cleaning; in self catering there’s no on-site staff or daily maid service. However, a good self catering provider will offer support if needed. For example, Short Stay St Andrews has a local team available to assist guests. You get independence, but you’re not totally on your own if an issue arises.
In short, choosing self catering vs a hotel comes down to whether you prefer independence and space over full hotel service. Many travellers love the relaxed, homely feel of self catering, while others prefer the convenience of hotels. It’s a personal choice, in fact, some trips might even combine both styles for the best of both worlds.
Who is Self Catering Best Suited For?
Self catering accommodation can be a fantastic option for a wide range of travellers. It’s especially ideal for:
- Families with children: Having a kitchen and extra rooms makes holidays much easier. You can prepare kids’ meals, keep to familiar routines, and have space for children to play without worrying about disturbing other guests.
- Groups of friends (or golf groups): Everyone can stay together under one roof and split the cost. You’ll have communal areas to socialise, perfect for shared dinners or game nights, instead of being split into separate hotel rooms. Find our golf accommodation here.
- Couples seeking privacy: Enjoy a private, intimate getaway with no interruptions. A cosy cottage or stylish apartment offers more romance and seclusion than a busy hotel.
- Longer stays: For week-long holidays or extended visits, having your own kitchen and laundry facilities is invaluable. You can settle in and live at a slower pace, making it feel more like a home than a hotel.
- Travellers with special diets or preferences: If you have dietary restrictions or simply love cooking, self catering is ideal. You control the menu, easily prepare gluten-free, vegetarian, or kid-friendly meals, and try local ingredients at your leisure.
Of course, self catering might not suit those who want full pampering (like daily room service or an on-site restaurant). But even if you don’t plan to cook much, having that option and extra space can make your stay more comfortable. The key is that self catering gives you choice and control over your holiday.
Benefits of Self Catering
Why choose a self catering holiday? Here are some key benefits:
- Freedom & flexibility: No schedules to follow – you’re not tied to set meal times or hotel check-in/out rules. Do everything on your time.
- More space and comfort: Spread out with multiple rooms. It’s far more comfortable for families or groups than squeezing everyone into a couple of hotel rooms.
- Cost savings: Often cheaper per person than a hotel, especially when you fill a property with your group. You can cook some meals to save on dining costs and avoid many extra charges (no room service fees, no tipping housekeeping, free parking in many cases).
- Live like a local: Shop at local stores, cook with regional ingredients, and experience the destination in a more authentic way. In St Andrews, for example, you can visit the farmers’ market or fishmonger, then enjoy a home-cooked meal – an experience you’d miss in a hotel.
- Privacy: With an entire place to yourself, you won’t be disturbed by other guests or staff. It’s your private space, which makes for a more relaxing and personal stay.
Overall, self catering accommodation offers a flexible, comfortable, and home-like way to travel. It puts you in control of your holiday experience. In a destination like St Andrews – where you might spend one day on the golf course and the next exploring the coast – having your own home base to return to can make the trip even more enjoyable.
FAQs About Self Catering
What does “self catering” mean in accommodation?
“Self catering” means that no meals are provided by the accommodation – you’ll be preparing your own food. The property includes cooking facilities (a kitchen) for your use. In other words, it’s a lodging where you cater for yourself, rather than having meals served to you as in a hotel or B&B.
What’s included in a self catering rental?
Most self catering rentals come fully furnished with everything you need for a comfortable stay. This includes furniture, kitchen appliances and cookware, dishes and cutlery, bed linens and towels, and utilities like heating and hot water. You’ll have a private bathroom and usually Wi-Fi. Essentially, you get a complete “home” to stay in. Daily cleaning or room service isn’t provided, so you’ll take care of daily tasks yourself, but all the necessary facilities are there.
Is self catering cheaper than a hotel?
Often, yes. Especially for families or groups. With self catering, one rental fee covers the whole property, so the cost per bedroom (or per person) can be much lower than booking multiple hotel rooms. You can also save money by eating some meals in. Of course, it depends on the specific property and hotel in question, but generally self catering offers great value. Plus, you won’t be hit with extra charges for things like mini-bar snacks or service fees.
Do I have to cook for myself?
Not if you don’t want to. “Self catering” simply means you have the facilities to cook. You’re free to dine out or get takeaways every day if you prefer. Many guests do a mix – enjoying local restaurants some days and cooking on others. The beauty of self catering is having the choice. Even if you never cook a full meal, it’s nice having a fridge for snacks and the ability to make a cup of tea or breakfast whenever you want.
Is self catering suitable for families?
Yes, self catering is excellent for families. In fact, it’s often the preferred option for those traveling with children. You have separate bedrooms to give everyone space, a living room to gather in, and the ability to cook kid-friendly meals (picky eaters rejoice!). There’s also room for things like prams, toys, and all the gear that comes with babies or toddlers. Parents appreciate being able to stick to bedtime routines without feeling confined. Overall, the home-like environment of a self catering property can make family travel much less stressful than squeezing into one or two hotel rooms.
At Short Stay St Andrews, we’re happy to help with any other questions you have. Feel free to explore our site for more guides – for example, check out our Planning a Self Catering Stay in St Andrews guide for tips on preparing for your holiday, or see Why Choose Short Stay St Andrews for Self Catering to learn what sets our accommodation apart. Self catering is a wonderful way to enjoy St Andrews and Fife at your own pace, and with the right preparation you’ll feel right at home from the moment you arrive.
