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The advantages of self-catering holiday cottages rental is that you are rooted in one place, with all the amenities of home. Amenities do vary from cottage to cottage so it's worth making a list of your specific requirements, rather than just relying on an attractive photograph. think about issues like accessibility, whether you're bringing a pet, do you have very young children, what exactly is included in the price, will you be located near shops, restaurants or pubs and is smoking permitted?
In short, start by working out what your particular needs are before booking. Remember, remote idyllic holiday cottages may be perfect in the summer, but isolated in the winter. Planning, knowing your needs, and a bit of general prior research into the local area and it's amenities is definitely the trick to getting your perfect holiday cottage.
Lake District Holiday Cottages - Checklist and Booking
When booking your Lake District Holiday Cottage consider the following checklist and requirements:
What parking facilities do you need? What kind of location have you in mind in Autumn, Winter and Spring a cliff top or beach cottage may be less appealing. Will you be eating in or out? Check on nearby pubs and restaurants, and cooking facilities in your cottage. Do you have young children? are facilities like cots, high chairs, and a safe enclosed garden available? Access issues may be important. Note ground floor access and disabled facilities if needed.
If you're taking your pet - is this agreeable with the owner and is the layout of the cottage suitable for dogs? Cottages situated on working farms are often unsuitable for pets. Cottages which state no children or pets simply mean they are not suitably equipped for either. Some cottages emphasise they do not cater for children under a certain age. How many people will be staying in the cottage, and is ample space available for those numbers? Is smoking allowed? Do you require a tv & video? Or a four poster bed for romantic breaks? If eating in will you need a microwave?Check fuel facilities and whether this is inclusive in the price.
UK Holiday Cottages - Lake District Pricing
Prices for holiday cottages vary according to high and low season, that is they are reliant on demand. When booking ask the owners which weeks they define as high and low season. Some owners may be open to negotiation.
Low season varies but normally includes Autumn, Winter and Spring, but be aware that prices will increase over prime holiday weeks such as Christmas, New Year, school half terms, Easter and the May bank holidays. Low season means lower prices, quiet getaways and roads and more affordable prices, meaning that you may choose a cottage in low season that would be much more expensive in high season. High season can be loosely defined as the Summer months, and prices are approximately £100 more than in low season.
The following dates are an approximate guide to seasonal demand: High Season: 24-31 May (Spring Bank Holiday), 5 July, 30 August, 22 December, 5 January (Christmas/New Year) Mid Season: 12-26 April (Easter), 31 May, 5 July, 30 August, 27 September, 11 - 25 October. Low Season: 4 January - 12 April, 26 April, 24 May, 27 September, 11 October, 25 October, 22 December.
Self Catering Holiday Cottages Accommodation Grading
When graded, self-catering holiday cottages are now rated by a Tourist Board star system of 1 star to 5 stars. Grading standards do vary between English, Welsh and Scottish Tourist Boards, but can a broad definition of grading standards can be taken as follows:
1 Star - Fair and Acceptable, Acceptable overall level of quality. Adequate provision of furniture, furnishings and fittings. 2 Stars - Good, Good overall level of quality. All units self-contained.
3 Stars - Very Good, Very good overall level of quality. Very good standard of maintenance and decoration. Ample space and good quality furniture. All double beds with access from both sides. Microwave.4 Stars - Excellent. Excellent overall level of quality and attention to detail. Either access to washing machine and dryer, if not provided in the unit, or a 24 hour laundry service. 5 Stars -Exceptional, World-Class - Exceptional overall level of quality. High levels of fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of accessories and personal touches.
Lake District Holiday Cottages - Top Tips
Self-catering Associations: Many cottages are independently accredited by self-catering associations which are independent of public and private sector tourist institutions. They have their own logos and associations insist that their members offer high standards of comfort, cleanliness, courtesy and efficiency.
If taking your pet, don't allow them on the furniture and do not leave them alone in the property. Ask the owner for advice on local amenities and facilities. If you have any extra needs, queries or problems make sure you speak to the owner - these are often easily rectified. Take out holiday insurance - premiums are low compared to holiday insurance abroad and cover risk such as lost luggage, cancellation due to illness or family bereavement occurring during or just before your holiday.
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