Staying in a hotel versus staying in a cottage

In normal instances staying in a hotel when you are on holiday is the most preferred option for most people in Diani Beach. However other accommodation options are also available including cottages, villas, among others.In this article I delve into the pros and cons of hotels on one end and cottages on the other.

Diani beach plays host to several world class hotels each representing different levels of luxury and ambience. For this reason the hotels have taken the mantle from villas and cottages creating a clear divide in class.
What really attracts guests to these establishments when they come to Diani Beach?

COST FACTOR

Diani Beach hotels are predominantly preferred because most people are budget travelers making them a good option based on cost. A room at a four or five star hotel in Diani beach goes for between 150 – 200 USD per night depending on the amenities available. Compare that with the costs of booking a villa or cottage which are in excess of 2,000 USD with some asking as much as 5,000 USD for a minimum, one week’s stay.

The only instance where the villas and cottages are a suitable option is when you travel as a family because staying in a hotel for a week digs deep into your budget. The duration of your stay and size of your company (read family or partners) or entourage (read friends) determines the appropriate accommodation.
Best advice, check out the rates for hotels and cottages around Diani Beach to arrive at an informed decision.

SERVICES

Most villas and cottages encourage self catering with the option of hiring a chef. Here, you get to prepare dishes as you wish or get the chef to whip local and international cuisine right in your kitchen. In hotels you simply have to contend with a stringent menu over which you have little say.
Laundry services are readily available in both hotels and cottages. Room services are a necessity and none should luck the provision for such.
However due to the small number of guests in cottages and villas, all the above named services are accorded better attention. I have noted that some hotels in Diani Beach give sterling services despite their rating.

PRIVACY

Depending on your character and preference you could opt to stay at a hotel where you will be accorded the opportunity to meet various people (networking) and indulge in numerous activities. In contrast you could be reserved and needing to go on holiday ready to spend generously which leaves you with a stay in a villa.
Privacy also entails the surrounding where some hotels in Diani beach are located close to the beach giving the public free access to the properties. This apparently leaves guests feeling totally uncomfortable as they lie on the sun beds or exposes them to unwanted intrusion.

ACTIVITIES
Leisure activities are among the priorities in your holiday plans. While some hotels offer limited activities others ensure guests experience a repertoire of various sports and relaxing activities like massages. Golf courses and therapeutic centers offering a wide range of treatments are available in some hotels. Aquatic sports can also be found in other hotels in Diani Beach.

Most cottages don't focus on in-house activities

Cottages don’t uphold the activities as much and normally direct their guests to places where they are available.
All said, your accommodation choice is dictated by the information you have and your preference.
What is your preference in light of the above? Where did you have the most memorable stay in Diani Beach?

• Tweet