<p>Can&#x27;t decide between a catered or self catered chalet service? Here are 5 reasons why you should go self catered.</p>
Photo: Chalet Griottes, Meribel

Top 5 Reasons to Rent a Self Catered Chalet

Can't decide between a catered or self catered chalet service? Here are 5 reasons why you should go self catered.

Advice
Published at: 11 Oct 2019
Last updated at: 7 Apr 2022

The ski season is fast approaching which means it’s time to get booking your trip to the slopes. One of the main things to think about when looking for ski accommodation is whether to go for a catered or self catered chalet or apartment. Whilst a catered chalet has many perks, not least the fact you won’t have to lift a finger all week, there are also many advantages in booking a self catered ski property.

Serena Norton
Serena Norton
Self-catered Apartment Agate in VerbierPhoto: Apartment Agate, Verbier1 / 3
balcony-at-sovereu-penthouse-in-verbierPhoto: Sovereu Penthouse, Verbier2 / 3
Bedroom in Apartment Brunnenhof 1, LechPhoto: Apartment Brunnenhof 1, Lech3 / 3
  1. Value for money
    The first notable difference between catered and self-catered chalets is the price. Catered chalets can be eye-wateringly expensive in comparison. For example, a week’s stay in Chalet 1597, Lech in March 2020 was EUR 41,600 for up to 12 guests when offered fully serviced but a fraction of the cost at EUR 19,780 when taken on a self-catered basis.

    If you think you can do without the five-star service, which in Chalet 1597 includes daily cooked and continental breakfast, freshly baked afternoon tea, canapes and champagne before a four-course dinner each night, plus a complimentary bar, dedicated driver service and complimentary ski instructor on the first two days of your stay, then you might want to consider the self-catered option. This still includes daily housekeeping and a concierge service prior and during your stay to help organise things such as ski passes, activities and restaurant bookings as well as any experiences & activities you might want to try.

    Many self-catered properties also include a welcome basket of essentials such as milk, bread, condiments, tea, coffee etc and many will offer a pre-arrival shopping /fridge-stocking service for you.
  2. State-of-the-art-facilities
    Renting a self-catered chalet doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the best properties. Many of the finest luxury chalets, such as Chalet Elbrus in Zermatt, can be taken on a catered or self-catered basis. For a significantly reduced price, you still get to relax in the lap of luxury, whether that be in the hot tub, hammam or cinema room.
  3. Privacy
    Renting a self-catered chalet affords you more privacy than a catered chalet. Whilst some people might enjoy having staff attend to their every need, others prefer to just spend time with their friends and family, cooking together or curling up beside the fireplace without being disturbed.
  4. Opportunities to try different restaurants
    Think of all the restaurants you miss out on sampling when renting a catered chalet. Zermatt alone has 17 restaurants featured in the 2020 Gault-Millau guide for Switzerland. In a self-catered chalet you can enjoy a different dining experience every single night. Even if you’re eating in it’s always fun to peruse the aisles of the local supermarket, checking out what local delicacies and artisan products are on offer and coming up with new local dishes to cook as well as old favourites.
  5. Flexible Service
    Many self-catered properties come with the option to add on particular services. For example, perhaps you want to have a driver service during your stay or a chef for a couple of evenings. This is all possible - for a price. Or maybe you don’t need a mid-week towel change or daily cleaning - some properties such as Sovereu Penthouse in Verbier allow you to remove services you don’t require which in turn reduces the price of your holiday.