Self-catering vs. B&B
 

My family of four would like to spend a week in the Cotswolds. We plan to eat most meals out as we will be doing much sight-seeing, but we want to base ourselves in one spot for a week so we don't waste valuable time packing and moving each night. Does anyone have experience with self-catering accommodations in this area? Is the cost comparable to a mid-range B&B? Any help with pros and cons of either would be appreciated. <BR>Thank you.

I stay in/near the Cotswolds every few years and have done both. For a family I HIGHLY recommend self catering. A cottage will be as cheap (or sometimes cheaper) than a B&B. You still can eat most meals out - but you don't HAVE to. If you want to have a BarBQ, or bring fish and chips back - not things you can di in a B&B. If someone is under the weather and decides to stay home one day (it happens) it is much more comfy when you have your own place and can spread out instead of being underfoot in a B&B. <BR> <BR>Don't get me wrong - B&Bs are great, but for a family for more that 3 days a cottage is much more comfortable. <BR> <BR>

Janis, <BR>Thank you for your input. You confirmed what I had been thinking.

Robyn, <BR> <BR> Sometimes you'll also find a place that has both B&B rooms in a main house, along with self-catering cottages. That way, if you WANT to have someone fix you a breakfast with baked beans, broiled mushrooms and tomato*, you may be able to arrange it. <BR> <BR>Our family has done both--b&b's all over the UK, and self-catering during one trip through Exmoor. Occasionally, my kids would get pretty fed up with having to be quiet and behave as you would in someone's home (the b&b experience). The cottage was a little more relaxing in that regard. On the negative side, we had to shop for food and then fix some of our own meals at the cottage...we parents would just as soon have left that part of domestic life behind on our trip overseas. <BR> <BR>have fun <BR> <BR>Dave White <BR>http://www.KidsToLondon.com <BR>[email protected]

Dave, <BR>Thank you for the insight from your experience. When I am on vacation I like to be pampered. However, I wanted to consider self-catering if the savings on accommodation would be substantial. If it is comparable, we might opt for the B&B to have the daily room service and breakfast provided.