Which do you prefer with your kids on foreign holidays: self-catering or hotel half-board?

[MrsMerryHenry]

And why?

We prefer s/c with or without children.

I don't like the idea of being tied to eating at the hotel all the time -we tend to like trying different places that we spy whilst out and about. Part of the fun is stumbling upon great little restaurants tucked away in side streets.

Also, as I'm veggie, I think I might find the selection a bit limited for an entire week or two in one hotel judging by my experiences in the countries I've been to.

Prefer the space of s/c too

Hi MrsMerryHenry, how old are your children? My ds is 5, and we have always rented private villas abroad, it gives you so much flexibility esp when they are small. The main advantage is having more bedrooms, and more space. Hotel rooms tend to be usually designed for 2; sometimes bigger rooms have lounge areas with pull out settees etc, but i'd personally find this a pain and too cramped. Self catering apartment complexes abroad sometimes have the option of a "2 bedroom aprtment" so you all have your own beds, but these tend to always be v.expensive and get booked up first. Some of these large compexes then have "hotel" type facilities, childrens clubs, entertainment etc. However, we have always found you cannot beat having your own privacy in a villa, eating in when you want, out when you want, and no fighting over sun loungers!!! Hope that helps!