Hotels, B&B, Self-Catering
 

Just a little confused, what is the difference between the self-catering and a hotel? I just want something like our Holiday Inn Express or something on that level, is there anything? I really don't want to spend alot for lodging and want the quantness of the area. What is the best bet???

Self-catering = what Americans call a "vacation rental". A cottage or apartment that you rent - usually for a week at a time. But in major cities you can rent for shorter periods. Self-catering places are not hotels - but there are a few "apartment hotels"

B&B = A private home where they rent one or more bedrooms by the night and serve breakfasts. Most B&Bs have 2 to 5 rooms. But in big cities some "B&Bs" are really just small hotels w/o a lot of extra services.

Hotel = a larger property with a front desk, and some additional services/amenities. Hotels can be anything from no star flea bags to 5 star super deluxe places that cost hundreds of dollars a night.

But you don't mention where you are going.

Hi!!!

If you don't want to spend much for lodging and want the quaintness of an area, then self-catering is the way to go!!!! You get the best *bang* for your buck and then some!!!!

I'm going in June to several locations in England and Scotland, planning on trying to reserve rooms prior to leaving the States, but will stay about 4 days in London, and not really sure just what the self-catering involves. Do you need to provide linens and such or is it between a B&B and a hotel? Any suggestions? I really like the B&B idea but not necessarily the price on some of them. Like is the usual price per person orwhat is the difference between a single and a twin?

Thanks

There are several firms offering self catering but the one I use is http://www.english-country-cottages.co.uk/

I've never been to one where bed linen and towels haven't been provided, but the information will be on the website.
As somebody else said, you usually have to book for a week.
If you want to travel around, I'd go to a town you like the look of and go to the Tourist Information Office. They will book accomodation for you with a variety of prices. It's fun because you can end up in places with a bit of character.
If you want to be sure of having a place to stay, the Information Office in one town will book ahead for you in your next destination.

There is a great site that can answer just what you'd like to know about Self-catering. It's called Slow Travel and you can find it at
http://www.slowtrav.com/vr/index.htm

I usually use Premier Cottages
http://www.premiercottages.co.uk/

Like the previous poster said, there are many firms that offer self-catering...doing a google search is a good way to find them or visiting the tourist board website for the area you would be visiting! Some are run by the owners themselves, so there is no agent fee involved.

Depending on the time of year you go, you could rent for a short stay. More and more places are offering this, I have found. I will be staying in a cottage in the Cotswolds for 4 or 5 nights next month!

Well - I don;t think you're going to find anything like Holiday Inn Express. It sounds like you biggest concern is London - and for that I would never arrive without reservations.

If you want to rent an apartment and can provide an approximate budget people may be able to reco specific neighborhoods for you to look at. Also - how many of you are there - is a studio OK - or do you need something bigger?