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
Holiday cottages are and ideal self contained self catering accommodation for couples, groups and families. Many holiday cottages in Lancashire and Cheshire are pet friendly and are close to holiday hotspots such as Blackpool, Manchester and Isle of Man. Holiday cottages in the North West are often surrounded by idyllic countryside. Find holiday cottages in the Northwest
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.
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 decor, fixtures and fittings, together with excellent standards of management efficiency and guest services. Excellent range of accessories and personal touches.
Many cottages are independently accredited by self-catering associations or by holiday cottage agencies, which are sometimes 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.
Many holiday cottage agencies have extremely high standards, and as well as inspecting the holiday cottages themselves for the highest standards of quality and comfort, they sometimes have a minimum standard of grading that they adhere to, usually 3 or 4 stars. Holiday cottage agences are usually very good contacts for luxury holiday cottage accommodation.
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. Holiday Cottages in Devon Holiday Cottages in Yorkshire Holiday Cottages in the Lakedistrict