About Self-catering accommodation
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| About Self-catering accommodation |
Self-catering accommodation
When looking for accommodation in Stellenbosch or elsewhere, it is important to choose the type of accommodation that would make your stay most
pleasant and comfortable. The type of accommodation that is best for you depends on your situation, on your budget and - to a large extent - on your
personality and accommodation preferences. The term self-catering accommodation refers to an accommodation establishment where no meals are
served, and where the premises are equipped to enable guests to cook their own meals.
Accommodation types in South Africa contrasted
The main benefit of self-catering accommodation is the high level of privacy one usually experiences. However, more privacy means fewer
interruptions and therefore less personal service - the guest has to be more independent. Self-catering is the right option for you if you are a fairly
self-sufficient traveller who would like to enjoy the destination according to your own preferences. The difference between self-catering
accommodation and other popular accommodation forms becomes clear when the types of accommodation are contrasted as follows:
Hotel accommodation: When staying at a hotel guests can usually combine the benefit of the availability of service (because there is a reception
desk to which queries can be directed), with a relatively high level of privacy (although there may be some interruptions). Room service for meals
and other small items, and a daily cleaning service add to the convenience. Many hotels have a restaurant on the premises, although the cost of
meals is usually not included in the nightly accommodation rate. The one exception is breakfast, which is sometimes included in the accommodation
rate (guests should specifically enquire at the time of reservation). Hotels may also offer supplementary services, such as spa treatments, a pool,
games rooms, etc. In South Africa the cost of a hotel room typically includes parking for your car - it is unusual in South Africa to pay extra for
parking. It is also not customary in South Africa to leave a tip for hotel cleaning staff. A benefit of hotel accommodation is that it is usually easy to
book online, as hotels tend to have efficient websites. However, hotel accommodation tends to be expensive compared to other accommodation
types.
Safari accommodation: In South Africa, as in the rest of Africa, safari's are a popular. The term usually refers to viewing wildlife (such as elephants,
leopards, lions, rhino and hippopotamus) in their natural habitat while travelling in an open four-wheel drive vehicle in the company of a professional
safari guide. Safari packages often include accommodation in a safari lodge on the game farm or in the nature reserve - sometimes in well-equipped
tented accommodation camps. The accommodation is usually luxurious and specifically caters for overseas visitors. Meals, drinks, spa treatments
and other activities are frequently included in the price. Safari accommodation packages are usually quite costly.
Bed and breakfast accommodation: There is a large number of breakfast establishments in Stellenbosch and in South Africa. The term usually refers
to accommodation in a residential-type setting where guests are allocated a room to sleep in with a private bathroom, and where breakfast is
included in the nightly accommodation rate. Because there are so many such accommodation establishments, service and privacy levels as well as
accommodation standards vary widely. Prospective guests are encouraged to research the accommodation establishment before finalising a
reservation in order to ensure that the accommodation experience is in line with expectations. Some bed and breakfast accommodation
establishments operate very much like small hotels, while others may have guests sleeping in the house where the owners live and may afford little
privacy. Rooms are usually serviced daily, and some bed and breakfast establishments may even offer a room service or restaurant for meals other
than breakfast. Many of these accommodation establishments offer a pool, and in South Africa parking is usually included in the nightly
accommodation rate. Some bed and breakfast accommodation establishments also offer self-catering accommodation on request. Prospective guests
should confirm in advance whether such units are indeed fully equipped to enable the preparation of self-catered meals.
Guest house accommodation: The term 'guest house' is often used by accommodation establishments that consider themselves to be more
upmarket, or to offer more services than mere 'bed and breakfast' accommodation. However, the distinction is blurred and these accommodation
terms are often used interchangeably.
Self-catering accommodation: Self-catering accommodation comes in many forms. The most important distinction is between establishments that
offer self-catering accommodation at the premises where the owners reside (such as a room in the house with a separate entrance), and private
self-catering properties (such as a freestanding house or a private apartment). Self-catering accommodation means guests are required to cook their
own meals (facilities are provided) or to eat in nearby restaurants. Self-catering accommodation premises are not necessarily serviced daily - guests
should research the policy of the accommodation establishment before finalising a reservation. In many cases self-catering accommodation
establishments do not have a formal reception desk on the premises - it is therefore important to know the contact details of the owners or managers
in case the need arises to contact them. Although self-catering accommodation is usually the most affordable accommodation option, some
accommodation establishments may be poorly administered.
What to expect from self-catering accommodation in South Africa
Self-catering accommodation should ideally allow for privacy (unless the guest is specifically looking to feel part of the family), such as that afforded
by freestanding homes or private apartments. A self-catering accommodation unit should allow for the preparation of meals, and should therefore at
least have a fully-equipped kitchen with an oven, stove, microwave oven, fridge, freezer facility, crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and other utensils. It is
important for prospective guests to know the distance from a self-catering accommodation unit to the nearest supermarket and/or restaurants, as
food is not available on the premises.
Many units have a washing machine, which is useful for extended stays. In Stellenbosch - as in most of South Africa - air-conditioning is important in
the summer months (and also useful for heating up the unit in winter). Self-catering accommodation units are usually equipped with an ironing board
and an iron. Like hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, self-catering accommodation units vary in their bathroom configurations. Guest
should enquire as to whether a bath and shower, or only one of the two is available. As in all accommodation establishments, self-catering units
often have a shower facility inside the bath, in stead of a separate shower. A number of years ago it was not uncommon for self-catering
accommodation establishments to expect guests to bring along their own bath towels and bed linen. This practice has, however, become less
customary and most self-catering accommodation units now offer all the standard features one would expect in other types of accommodation
establishments, such as a hairdryer, basic toiletries, etc.
An important aspect to consider before making a reservation for a self-catering accommodation unit, is the exact location of the accommodation.
Keep in mind that bed and breakfast accommodation establishments and self-catering accommodation units that are located on the same premises as
the owners' home, are likely to be situated in the suburbs rather than in the centre of town. This could be a disadvantage to guests who were hoping
to explore a city or town on foot.
Tourist safety in self-catering units
Guests considering self-catering accommodation should enquire about the availability of a safe to lock away valuables, especially in units that are
serviced daily. As with any accommodation establishment in any part of the world, some consideration should be given as to whether the
accommodation is located in a safe part of town - especially if guests prefer to walk to nearby attractions. Some units may be equipped with useful
safety features such as an alarm, burglar bars on the windows or security gates surrounding the premises. Self-catering accommodation units are
often more likely than other accommodation types to offer these features. The safety of one's vehicle should also be considered - prospective
guests should enquire as to whether secure parking, or parking on the side of the street will be available.
Quality of self-catering accommodation
Self-catering accommodation is a popular form of accommodation in South Africa. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has a special
self-catering category in which self-catering accommodation establishments can be awarded a star grading. Local tourism bureaus often also grade
establishments in the self-catering accommodation category if they are members of the organisation. The standards in self-catering accommodation
units vary widely - from very luxurious to basic. One of the best ways to establish whether a self-catering accommodation unit meets your needs, is
to study the establishment's website carefully, and to e-mail the self-catering establishment with any remaining questions that you may have.
Self-catering accommodation is usually an affordable, and often a very good alternative to other types of accommodation. The independent traveller
may often enjoy self-catering accommodation more than any of the other accommodation options, as long as a properly equipped and reputable
self-catering accommodation establishment is chosen.
Compiled by Squirrel & Vine self-catering apartment, Stellenbosch, South Africa (http://www.squirrelaccommodation.com)
When looking for accommodation in Stellenbosch or elsewhere, it is important to choose the type of accommodation that would make your stay most
pleasant and comfortable. The type of accommodation that is best for you depends on your situation, on your budget and - to a large extent - on your
personality and accommodation preferences. The term self-catering accommodation refers to an accommodation establishment where no meals are
served, and where the premises are equipped to enable guests to cook their own meals.
Accommodation types in South Africa contrasted
The main benefit of self-catering accommodation is the high level of privacy one usually experiences. However, more privacy means fewer
interruptions and therefore less personal service - the guest has to be more independent. Self-catering is the right option for you if you are a fairly
self-sufficient traveller who would like to enjoy the destination according to your own preferences. The difference between self-catering
accommodation and other popular accommodation forms becomes clear when the types of accommodation are contrasted as follows:
Hotel accommodation: When staying at a hotel guests can usually combine the benefit of the availability of service (because there is a reception
desk to which queries can be directed), with a relatively high level of privacy (although there may be some interruptions). Room service for meals
and other small items, and a daily cleaning service add to the convenience. Many hotels have a restaurant on the premises, although the cost of
meals is usually not included in the nightly accommodation rate. The one exception is breakfast, which is sometimes included in the accommodation
rate (guests should specifically enquire at the time of reservation). Hotels may also offer supplementary services, such as spa treatments, a pool,
games rooms, etc. In South Africa the cost of a hotel room typically includes parking for your car - it is unusual in South Africa to pay extra for
parking. It is also not customary in South Africa to leave a tip for hotel cleaning staff. A benefit of hotel accommodation is that it is usually easy to
book online, as hotels tend to have efficient websites. However, hotel accommodation tends to be expensive compared to other accommodation
types.
Safari accommodation: In South Africa, as in the rest of Africa, safari's are a popular. The term usually refers to viewing wildlife (such as elephants,
leopards, lions, rhino and hippopotamus) in their natural habitat while travelling in an open four-wheel drive vehicle in the company of a professional
safari guide. Safari packages often include accommodation in a safari lodge on the game farm or in the nature reserve - sometimes in well-equipped
tented accommodation camps. The accommodation is usually luxurious and specifically caters for overseas visitors. Meals, drinks, spa treatments
and other activities are frequently included in the price. Safari accommodation packages are usually quite costly.
Bed and breakfast accommodation: There is a large number of breakfast establishments in Stellenbosch and in South Africa. The term usually refers
to accommodation in a residential-type setting where guests are allocated a room to sleep in with a private bathroom, and where breakfast is
included in the nightly accommodation rate. Because there are so many such accommodation establishments, service and privacy levels as well as
accommodation standards vary widely. Prospective guests are encouraged to research the accommodation establishment before finalising a
reservation in order to ensure that the accommodation experience is in line with expectations. Some bed and breakfast accommodation
establishments operate very much like small hotels, while others may have guests sleeping in the house where the owners live and may afford little
privacy. Rooms are usually serviced daily, and some bed and breakfast establishments may even offer a room service or restaurant for meals other
than breakfast. Many of these accommodation establishments offer a pool, and in South Africa parking is usually included in the nightly
accommodation rate. Some bed and breakfast accommodation establishments also offer self-catering accommodation on request. Prospective guests
should confirm in advance whether such units are indeed fully equipped to enable the preparation of self-catered meals.
Guest house accommodation: The term 'guest house' is often used by accommodation establishments that consider themselves to be more
upmarket, or to offer more services than mere 'bed and breakfast' accommodation. However, the distinction is blurred and these accommodation
terms are often used interchangeably.
Self-catering accommodation: Self-catering accommodation comes in many forms. The most important distinction is between establishments that
offer self-catering accommodation at the premises where the owners reside (such as a room in the house with a separate entrance), and private
self-catering properties (such as a freestanding house or a private apartment). Self-catering accommodation means guests are required to cook their
own meals (facilities are provided) or to eat in nearby restaurants. Self-catering accommodation premises are not necessarily serviced daily - guests
should research the policy of the accommodation establishment before finalising a reservation. In many cases self-catering accommodation
establishments do not have a formal reception desk on the premises - it is therefore important to know the contact details of the owners or managers
in case the need arises to contact them. Although self-catering accommodation is usually the most affordable accommodation option, some
accommodation establishments may be poorly administered.
What to expect from self-catering accommodation in South Africa
Self-catering accommodation should ideally allow for privacy (unless the guest is specifically looking to feel part of the family), such as that afforded
by freestanding homes or private apartments. A self-catering accommodation unit should allow for the preparation of meals, and should therefore at
least have a fully-equipped kitchen with an oven, stove, microwave oven, fridge, freezer facility, crockery, cutlery, pots, pans and other utensils. It is
important for prospective guests to know the distance from a self-catering accommodation unit to the nearest supermarket and/or restaurants, as
food is not available on the premises.
Many units have a washing machine, which is useful for extended stays. In Stellenbosch - as in most of South Africa - air-conditioning is important in
the summer months (and also useful for heating up the unit in winter). Self-catering accommodation units are usually equipped with an ironing board
and an iron. Like hotels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses, self-catering accommodation units vary in their bathroom configurations. Guest
should enquire as to whether a bath and shower, or only one of the two is available. As in all accommodation establishments, self-catering units
often have a shower facility inside the bath, in stead of a separate shower. A number of years ago it was not uncommon for self-catering
accommodation establishments to expect guests to bring along their own bath towels and bed linen. This practice has, however, become less
customary and most self-catering accommodation units now offer all the standard features one would expect in other types of accommodation
establishments, such as a hairdryer, basic toiletries, etc.
An important aspect to consider before making a reservation for a self-catering accommodation unit, is the exact location of the accommodation.
Keep in mind that bed and breakfast accommodation establishments and self-catering accommodation units that are located on the same premises as
the owners' home, are likely to be situated in the suburbs rather than in the centre of town. This could be a disadvantage to guests who were hoping
to explore a city or town on foot.
Tourist safety in self-catering units
Guests considering self-catering accommodation should enquire about the availability of a safe to lock away valuables, especially in units that are
serviced daily. As with any accommodation establishment in any part of the world, some consideration should be given as to whether the
accommodation is located in a safe part of town - especially if guests prefer to walk to nearby attractions. Some units may be equipped with useful
safety features such as an alarm, burglar bars on the windows or security gates surrounding the premises. Self-catering accommodation units are
often more likely than other accommodation types to offer these features. The safety of one's vehicle should also be considered - prospective
guests should enquire as to whether secure parking, or parking on the side of the street will be available.
Quality of self-catering accommodation
Self-catering accommodation is a popular form of accommodation in South Africa. The Tourism Grading Council of South Africa has a special
self-catering category in which self-catering accommodation establishments can be awarded a star grading. Local tourism bureaus often also grade
establishments in the self-catering accommodation category if they are members of the organisation. The standards in self-catering accommodation
units vary widely - from very luxurious to basic. One of the best ways to establish whether a self-catering accommodation unit meets your needs, is
to study the establishment's website carefully, and to e-mail the self-catering establishment with any remaining questions that you may have.
Self-catering accommodation is usually an affordable, and often a very good alternative to other types of accommodation. The independent traveller
may often enjoy self-catering accommodation more than any of the other accommodation options, as long as a properly equipped and reputable
self-catering accommodation establishment is chosen.
Compiled by Squirrel & Vine self-catering apartment, Stellenbosch, South Africa (http://www.squirrelaccommodation.com)
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