Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals: What’s the Best Choice for Your Vacation? 

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When planning your next vacation, it’s only natural to want to create a magical trip for everybody in your family. To that end, one of the biggest expenses associated with vacations is also one of the biggest decisions: where to stay. In the past, hotels have ruled the vacation world, but this dynamic has slowly changed over the last few years with the introduction of vacation rentals. With hotel prices averaging 54% higher than just one year ago, choosing to stay in a vacation rental can save you heaps of money.

What is a Vacation Rental?

As opposed to a hotel, vacation rentals are homes, apartments, condos, and other dwellings that are rented out in the short-term by the owner to travelers who wish to stay in the area. In most cases, a traveler has access to the entire dwelling and all amenities and locations including the kitchen, backyard, front yard, and more. 

Companies such as Airbnb pioneered the vacation rental space and made the practice extremely common in the United States. With lower costs and more flexibility, vacation rentals have become a preferred alternative to hotels.  

Pros of a Vacation Rental

As with all accommodation types, there are a number of pros that vacation rentals bring to the table. Most notably:

  • You can stay amidst the locals
  • You have access to more space than just a room
  • Cheaper costs than most hotels nightly fees
  • You can save money by buying and cooking your own food

Cons of a Vacation Rental

However, there are a couple of cons to be aware of before settling on a vacation rental for your next accommodation spot:

  • You will have to pick up after yourself to avoid cleaning fees
  • There may be quiet hours based on the neighborhood you’re in
  • You don’t really know what you’re getting until you get there
  • You may need to bring towels, bedding, or other items

How to Choose Between a Hotel and Vacation Rental 

The choice between a hotel and vacation rental can be difficult, but the decision is situational. For example, spacious Disney World vacation rentals for large families will be appealing to families who want to stay off the park grounds but still in the vicinity, whereas those who want a resort feel may prefer the hotel experience. Consider some of the following factors as you make your choice:

  • Will you be cooking food yourself or eating out?
  • Do you only need a room to sleep in or do you need access to more space?
  • Do you want to feel as if you’re living with locals in the vacation spot?
  • Do you know much about the area you are trying to stay in?
  • What is your budget on a per night basis?

All of the above questions will help you determine whether a hotel or vacation rental stay is the best choice for you and your family. 

Plan you next vacation today

As you start to think about accommodations for your next vacation, consider how much space your family needs and what you’re looking to get out of your vacation. If you want an in-depth cultural feel, more space, and more freedom, then a vacation rental may be the best accommodation option for you and your family.