Why Choose Self-Catering for Business Travel?
You control the day. Eat when it suits your meeting schedule. Spread out with a laptop at the table and take calls in a quiet room. If you’re here a week or more, the cost case improves too: one nightly rate covers the whole property, and you save on breakfasts and a few dinners.
Connectivity is strong across the UK. In Scotland, average download speeds have climbed to around 215Mbps as full-fibre rolls out, which is more than enough for streaming, video calls and work.
Self-catering in Scotland is also regulated. Since 2023, short-term let operators need a licence and must meet safety and information standards. Look for the licence number on listings and confirmation docs. It’s there for your peace of mind.
Key Features for a Business-Ready Stay
Reliable Wi-Fi and a workable desk set-up
Ask for the advertised broadband tier, the router location and where power sockets sit around the main table. A simple chair-plus-table beats a bar stool for long sessions. If you need a printer or an external screen, request it in advance or use local services.
Flexible check-in and check-out for changing schedules
Late landings and early departures happen. Most business-ready properties use key safes or smart locks, so you can arrive after hours without fuss. If flights move, ask for a grace window on check-in/out before you book – easy wins that reduce stress.
Parking and EV charging made easy
Central St Andrews uses a mix of on-street bays and council car parks. Long-stay options such as Argyle Street (North and South) publish current tariffs online, with typical charges for 4+ hours during the day and reduced windows on Sundays. Check the council page before you travel so you pick the right car park for all-day meetings.
Driving electric. You’ll find public chargers at Argyle Street car parks and on University sites like the David Russell Building and Gateway.
Meeting spots and coworking options when you need them
If you want a central venue, Enterprise Hub Fife offers meeting rooms with Wi-Fi and video-conferencing, bookable by the hour or day. In St Andrews, a few cafés sell day “work from here” passes with fast Wi-Fi when you fancy a change of scene.
Short Stays vs Extended Business Trips
Short stays benefit from location and quick access. Pick a place you can walk from, and you’ll gain back time on every meeting day. For week-long projects, prioritise laundry, a full kitchen and a decent table for laptop plus papers. Ask for weekly housekeeping and linen refresh if you’ll be in and out for more than seven nights. Many operators can invoice to your company details and provide VAT receipts; confirm at booking.
If your team rotates through, book a larger property and assign rooms. It’s simpler than juggling multiple hotel reservations. Keep a clear house manual on site so everyone knows Wi-Fi, bins, and parking rules.
Location Considerations for Working Travellers
St Andrews and the East Neuk.
Ideal if your meetings sit around the University, the Links, local tech firms, or tourism partners. The town is compact. The nearest rail is Leuchars, six miles away, with regular buses and taxis into town. The Stagecoach 99 bus links St Andrews, Leuchars and Dundee at high frequency throughout the day.
West and Central Fife.
If you’re visiting Glenrothes, Kirkcaldy or Dunfermline, choose bases near those hubs or accept a longer drive. The Levenmouth Rail Link reopened in 2024 with new stations at Leven and Cameron Bridge, reconnecting that area to the Fife Circle and Edinburgh – useful if your work touches energy, manufacturing or public-sector projects in Levenmouth.
Airports.
Dundee Airport sits about 15 miles from St Andrews and has regular flights to London Heathrow via Loganair. For a wider route map, fly into Edinburgh. There’s a direct Stagecoach 787 bus through to St Andrews, or a tram to Haymarket then a train to Leuchars.
Getting around without a car
Buses cover most local travel. The 99 corridor gets you between meetings in Dundee, Leuchars and St Andrews without parking worries. For Edinburgh-St Andrews, plan on the 787 airport coach or the X58/X59/X60 expresses plus a short walk.
How to Book Business-Friendly Self-Catering in Fife
Start with the brief. Dates, headcount, parking, EV needs, and any desk or screen requests. Confirm broadband tier and ask for a photo of the workspace. Check the licence number, invoices and payment terms. If your schedule is fluid, favour properties with key safes and a day-before flexibility policy.
Lock travel next. If you’re flying into Edinburgh, decide between coach, train via Leuchars, or a car hire depending on meeting venues. If you’re bouncing between St Andrews and Dundee, plan your days around the 99 bus and avoid repeated parking fees. For longer stints, set a weekly shop and keep simple breakfasts in the fridge so early starts are easy.
Hotel vs self-catering at a glance
| Hotel | Business-ready self-catering | |
| Workspace | Small desk; public areas for calls | Full dining table or dedicated desk; extra room for private calls |
| Meals | Restaurant hours; room service | Cook on your schedule; healthier, cheaper routine |
| Laundry | Often paid, limited hours | Washer/dryer in property; quick turnaround |
| Team stays | Separate rooms, less social | Shared base; easy team briefs and debriefs |
| Flexibility | Fixed check-in/out | Key safe; easier late arrivals and early exits |
FAQs
Is self-catering suitable for business trips?
Yes. You gain space, privacy and control over your day. Scotland’s short-term let licensing adds a safety and compliance layer, which helps with company approvals.
Do properties offer proper workspaces and Wi-Fi?
Modern homes do. Ask for the broadband tier and a photo of the workspace. In Scotland, average download speeds have climbed to around 215Mbps as full-fibre rolls out, which is more than enough for streaming, video calls and work. St Andrews benefits from the same trend. Expect strong, secure Wi-Fi and a smart TV with streaming apps in a modern property.
Can I book for multiple team members?
Yes. Choose a larger townhouse or apartment and assign rooms. Confirm bathrooms, parking and quiet hours, then set a simple housekeeping routine for longer projects.
Are there discounts for long stays or repeat bookings?
Often. Many operators offer lower nightly rates beyond seven nights and can invoice to your company details. Ask for a monthly price and cleaning schedule upfront.
How close are business-ready properties to transport links?
Central St Andrews homes sit a short walk from the bus station. Leuchars is the nearest rail station, linked by the 99 bus every 15 minutes or so in the day. From Edinburgh Airport, take the 787 coach straight to town. Dundee Airport serves Heathrow for quick city hops.
Plan your Trip
Ready to book. Browse our business-ready self-catering across St Andrews and Fife. Tell us your dates, team size and any workspace or parking needs, and we’ll shortlist the right places – close to meetings, set up for work, and easy to live in between calls.
