Is a Cottage or a Hotel Better for a Romantic Break in Devon?

When planning a romantic break in Devon, one of the biggest decisions isn’t where to go – it’s how you want to stay.Both hotels and self-catering cottages can be romantic. But they offer very different experiences, and they suit different kinds of couples. This guide compares cottages and hotels so you can choose the option that best fits how you want your break to feel.

Staying in a Hotel for a Romantic Break

• On-site restaurants and bars

• Spa facilities and room service

• No cooking or cleaning

• A sense of occasion

• For short breaks, hotels can feel indulgent and easy

• Shared spaces reduce privacy

• Dining times and menus are fixed

• Noise from other guests is common

• Romance can feel public rather than personal

• Hotels suit couples who enjoy atmosphere and convenience, particularly for one- or two-night stays.

• Appeal to couples who enjoy being looked after

Staying in a Cottage for a Romantic Break

• Complete privacy – no shared spaces

• Freedom to set your own pace

• Space to relax without interruption

• Cottages offer a quieter, more immersive kind of romance

• More personal

• No background noise

• Less formal - no need to dress for breakfast

• You’re responsible for meals (unless eating out)

• No on-site staff or facilities

• Suits couples who value peace, independence and meaningful time together.

The Verdict

Neither option is objectively better – but they are very different.

• Choose a hotel for ease, structure and short indulgent breaks.

• Choose a cottage for privacy, calm and deeper connection.

For couples seeking a romantic break in Devon that feels unhurried, personal and genuinely restorative, a thoughtfully designed cottage often provides what hotels cannot: space, silence and time that feels entirely your own.

• Is a cottage or a hotel better for a romantic break in Devon?

  A cottage is usually better for couples who want privacy, peace and flexibility, while a hotel suits couples who prefer convenience, on-site dining and a more structured stay.

  A hotel is often more romantic if:

  • You like being looked after

  • You enjoy dining out every night

  • You’re staying for a very short break

  A cottage is often more romantic if:

  • You value privacy and quiet

  • You want to slow down

  • You enjoy relaxed mornings and unrushed evenings

  • You’re celebrating something personal, like an anniversary or honeymoon

  For longer stays, many couples find cottages more restorative and less tiring than hotels.

• Are cottages more romantic than hotels?

  Cottages often feel more romantic for longer stays because they offer complete privacy, quiet evenings and freedom from schedules. Hotels can feel romantic for short, indulgent breaks but are less private.

• Is a cottage or a hotel better for an anniversary or honeymoon?

  For anniversaries and honeymoons, many couples prefer a cottage because it offers uninterrupted time together, privacy and a stronger sense of escape compared to shared hotel environments.

• Which is better for a longer romantic break?

  For stays of several nights or more, cottages are often more comfortable and restorative than hotels, as they allow couples to settle in without timetables or shared spaces.