to not want to do self-catering holidays every time?

[MotherofPearl]

DP and I have opposing views on this. He has what I regard as an irrational hatred of hotels (says he doesn't like being around 'all the other people in hotels' ). Also says he doesn't like being cramped in with the DC (we have 3). I think interconnected rooms solves the latter problem, and feel quite strongly that self-catering holidays aren't really a break for me! Although we share the cooking, I end up doing most of the other stuff (laundry, making beds, general cleaning up).
I'd just like it if sometimes we could opt for a hotel, and someone else could think of the meals, make the beds, and supply the clean towels! All-inclusive is something I can only dream of! And it's not a money issue; I've asked him about that. So, AIBU to desperately hanker for a hotel holiday?

Our DS , organises our holidays. And his list includes,

Wifi,
Pool.
Self catering serviced apartment
Lots of places to eat within ten minutes walk if in city
At least one grocery shop in easy reach.

One of the most successful provided continental breakfast as well if you booked by 10 pm. Magnificent views over Barcelona, easy to get to camp nou and beach, only prob was that our fave restaurant was closed on Saturdays if Barca were at home, because they took it over. Damn.

Recommend getting older children to do the booking.

I love hotels and go alL the time (3 kids).
I am with you, self catering is not a break! X

Ooh Orlanda we want to go to Barcelona with a similar list.... Recommendation?!

I hate doing laundry at home but quite like it on holiday. It dries so quickly :)

Ratbagcatbag

Unless you are self catering at the top of a mountain then surely there will always be neighbours? We go AI but always villa style accommodation, so we can put little ones to bed and sit on the terrace within earshot and have some adult time.
AI doesn't preclude you from having food. Your room does not have to be food free, why can't you keep supplies of food and drink for early risers in a room

Just back from a week in a serviced apartment. PIL bought us a stack of paper plates and cups, so only minimal washing up. Real treat to have bathroom cleaned and beds made .

Self catering is def not a holiday for you. Its just the same old shit but nothing is in the right place and its all far less convenient. However, I do understand your dh's point of view - who wants to sit around a horrid hotel pool with a bunch of strangers? We are going to an apartment within a hotel complex this year - or own space/balcony, 2 beds, small kitchen. I will probably do dinner one or two evenings and thats it. Off to the resort restaurants for the other nights. Its the way to go whilst the kids are so small - there is lots laid on for them. When they are more grown up, I guess we will go for a villa but I am damned if I will be cooking or cleaning on that one week a year.

Apartment style accommodation is available in AI complexes too- it's not all concrete blocks and squashed by a pool.

Pearlymum - I'd never considered AI in a villa style place and actually that sounds fab. The neighbours thing isn't so much an issue in separate caravans but was awful in a hotel room.
Will definitely be looking at other options for in a couple of years though, I guess i hadn't thought about what other options are available. :)

We have done both. Our best compromise is self catering in the grounds of a hotel. So all the hotel facilities but more space.

We are heading off for a few nights in a hotel today though. Interconnecting rooms. DP will complain about the cost of eating out but I don't care. I'm knackered and even heating up a ready meal seems too much ATM!

We have been 9 or 10 AI holidays with kids ( and a couple of SC just for reference)
Always on a budget, but always chosen carefully. Quite a few have been villas with kitchens- despite being AI, due to the popularity of AI in the past few years many complexes have changed their complexes from SC to AI, but leaving rooms intact. We always go for ground floor, which means a terrace and room to spread out and kids have outside area for guddling, painting, washing shells etc.
We always choose a small family run hotel, we don't do kids clubs, but most hotels do some entertainment at least for an hour or two, often early evening, so face painting, kiddies mini disco etc, near the bar area so adults can have a pre dinner drink while kids are having fun a few feet away.
I am sure there are awful AI hotels- just as there is some awful SC places.

Recommendations for villas / 2 bed apartments in AI complexes please!

We go half board and I think it's fab. The room has a fridge for snacks & drinks and a balcony so if ds wants an early night we can sit outside and relax. I love the buffet as there is always something for everyone to eat and no waiting.

We went self catering with ds once and I'm not doing it abroad again. Part of every day was taken up with finding and preparing food. Local supermarkets and restaurants were poor quality. You have to do some cleaning if you're cooking and eating however low standards are.

I'm confused about people needing a washer for a standard holiday, we just wash stuff in the shower and dry it outside. Everything gets covered in sand and suncream anyway!

Recommendations for villas / 2 bed apartments in AI complexes please!

Yes please Pearlylum!

Recommendations for villas / 2 bed apartments in AI complexes please!

Sani Beach Club

Actually Sani isn't AI, it's full board

I'm so over S/C, we have done it for years and this year I put my foot down. We have booked a 2 bed suite in a hotel, B&B and I can't wait.

I will add that the reason we go s/c usually is that we have a horror of overcrowded crazy busy resorts but I've found somewhere I think is going to be more chilled but I'm going to miss havjng a washing machine. Breakfast in a hotel is one of my favourite things ever.

I much prefer to have our own space, I don't get on with hotels at all, I'm afraid. Hate being surrounded by other people at breakfast, piling their plates with as much food as they can physically force down. Grim!

I also get tired of eating out every night and having to get myself showered and dressed and in a presentable enough state to do that.

So, self catering for us. We always have a dishwasher and washing machine. Lots of quick and easy meals, cooking and clearing up afterwards being equally shared between the four of us.

I dislike hotels for more than a couple of nights with the kids, mainly because getting them dressed and presentable to go down for breakfast is such a PITA

YANBU a holiday to us means, getting away from everything we do at home & relaxing. Having someone else do all the chores & cooking. Self catering is shit! That's no holiday at all.

We always book serviced villas and eat out if not in a hotel :)

We have also had take out ordered into villas in the past. When we go away with family or friends we often have a catering company come in too. Lots of options :)

How nice that you can afford that LadyMary and Florence.

I dunno but our budget won't stretch to 14 lunches and 14 evening meals for 4 in restaurants. We must be one of those poor families you hear about.

I was responding to the OP, bibbitybobbityyhat. I'm unsure of her personal circumstances so she can take or leave the parts of my post as suits.