A self-catering property means you rent a place with a full kitchen to cook your own meals - ideal for families, budget travelers, and those who want flexibility on vacation. Learn what’s included, what to watch out for, and why it’s better than hotels.
What Is Self-Catering?
When you book a self-catering, a type of accommodation where you prepare your own meals and manage your own space. Also known as self-catered accommodation, it’s not just about saving money—it’s about having control over your stay. You get a kitchen, a fridge, a dining area, and the freedom to eat when, where, and how you want. No set meal times. No hidden buffet charges. Just you, your food, and your pace.
This is different from hotels where meals are included or served on-site. With self-catering cottages, standalone homes rented out for short stays, often in rural or scenic areas, you’re not just getting a room—you’re getting a home base. You might find them in old stone barns, cozy woodland cabins, or converted farmhouses. They come in all sizes, from a single room for one person to five bedrooms for a big family. And unlike hotels, you’re not sharing hallways, elevators, or breakfast lines. It’s quiet. It’s private. It’s yours.
People choose self-catering rentals, short-term stays where guests handle their own cooking, cleaning, and daily needs for all kinds of reasons. Families love the space to spread out and the ability to make meals for picky eaters. Couples appreciate the quiet evenings with wine and home-cooked dinners. Solo travelers enjoy the independence. Even remote workers pick them because they get a real kitchen, a desk, and no hotel noise. You don’t need to be a chef—just someone who likes having a fridge full of their own snacks and the chance to make toast at 10 p.m. without waking anyone.
It’s not about luxury. It’s about practicality. You’re trading hotel service for freedom. You’ll do the dishes. You’ll shop for groceries. But you’ll also save hundreds on meals, sleep in a real bed instead of a hotel mattress, and maybe even cook dinner with a view of the countryside. And when you’re done eating? You can leave the table messy. No housekeeper is rushing you.
Some places call it holiday cottages. Others say self-catered apartments or rental homes. But the core is the same: you’re not being fed. You’re being trusted to take care of yourself. And that’s exactly why it works for so many people. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a long summer break, or a quiet winter retreat, self-catering gives you the space to live like a local—not just visit like a tourist.
Below, you’ll find real answers to the questions travelers actually ask: What’s the difference between a cottage and a small house? Do glamping tents have toilets? Can you live in a cottage full-time? And why do some places say "adult only"? These aren’t marketing fluff. They’re real experiences from people who’ve done it. Whether you’re new to self-catering or just looking for the right spot, what’s here will help you decide what kind of stay really fits you.