Going it alone

In the latest of our series on accommodation is Scotland, Richard Goslan looks at self catering.

To cook, or not to cook? That's the question concerning most people when it comes to their choice of holiday accommodation.

There are two schools of thought here – whether to go for the full hotel pampering experience, with endless buffets and a la carte options, the extensive leisure facilities that a decent hotel or resort has to offer, and no dishwashing for the duration. Or do you opt for the independence of your own selfcatering property, being able to come and go as you please, even if it comes at the cost of having to shop for ingredients, prepare your own meals – and tackle the washing up afterwards.

If hotel food loses its appeal as quickly as the Germans bag the poolside sunloungers in Majorca, and self-catering is more your thing, Scotland has a fantastic variety of accommodation to choose from.

Options around the country range from baronial castles to cosy cottages, family-friendly farmhouses to architectural wonders. Just remember the washing up liquid.

With the growth of the internet and online booking, it's now possible to get a clear idea of what your holiday accommodation is actually like. The best websites have lots of pictures from both inside and outside the property, along with all the information you could possibly need about the home and the surrounding area. Most sites also allow you to check availability online and will give you a specific price, depending on the time of year you want to visit.

One of the best places to start your search is t...

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• By : Richard Goslan
• In : Hotels
• Issue : 37
• Page : 46
• Words : 1,198