Why Vacation Rentals Are Better Than Hotels

The vacation rental industry has skyrocketed over the last few years and shows no signs of slowing down. Travel is on the rise, as well as an interest in experiencing higher-quality and home-like vacations. People are booking longer trips, spending more money, and traveling further to find their perfect destination. But is staying in vacation rentals worth all the hype? We say yes.

Why Booking Vacation Rentals Is the Smarter Choice

Plan Your Perfect Vacation

Travelers have more options with vacation rentals. When booking a hotel room, guests usually can’t pick the location or receive all the amenities they need. With vacation rentals, guests can plan their ideal getaway by selecting a home that has everything in a location that suits them.

If you don’t mind sharing outdoor amenities and prefer high-rises, there’s a rental condo. If you want it all to yourself, there’s a private rental home. Those looking for a quiet beach retreat overlooking the ocean can book a home with private beach access and pool. Adventure seekers can select a home that’s close to ski-in and ski-out, or one that sits quietly on a lake in the mountains. Whether in the middle of the action or on the outskirts, there’s a rental available.

Don’t Sacrifice Privacy and Save Money

Ever shared a bathroom with two, maybe four, other people? What about not relaxing at the pool because dozens of people were fighting for space? If so, you know how inconvenient this is, and how you sacrificed privacy.

Vacation rentals provide more privacy than a hotel room or suite. Guests have the option – but not forced – to share pools, hot tubs, laundry facilities and eating areas. Renting a home can provide guests with their own bedroom, bathroom and seating area. Also, when it’s time to unwind, they have a personal, dedicated space. Vacation homes are great for families because parents can put kids to bed, then watch a movie or spend time together, without worrying about disturbing children.

Travelers can book multiple hotel rooms to have more privacy, but it’s costly. Why spend thousands on hotel rooms for a week when booking a vacation rental costs a third of the price? With vacation rentals, guests have more space, and the average cost per night is much lower, saving them potentially thousands of dollars.

Take Away: Why spend thousands on hotel rooms for a week when booking a vacation rental costs a third of the price?

Feel Like a Local, Save More Money

Rental homes provide the luxuries of home because they are a home. Also, many hotels are run by major corporations with large staffs, therefore, hotels have to charge for nearly everything. Most vacation rentals come stocked with everything you need at no additional cost.

The kitchen and dining areas have cookware, utensils and dishes. Guests may also find board games, books and DVDs in their rental. They also have the freedom to bring their own entertainment, and enjoy it at no charge. No more paying for movies or flipping channels trying to find something to watch.

Many rental homes are also equipped with washers and dryers, so guests can clean laundry without paying hotel fees or taking clothes to the dry cleaner. In some homes, guests also have private hot tubs, pools and outside seating areas, perfect for relaxing with loved ones. In a vacation rental, travelers feel more at home and feel a sense of local pride because they are part of the community during their stay.

Gain Added Security

In most cases, hotel staff come into your room to clean and restock supplies. Also, you worry about keeping things in a safe or bringing them with you. Hotels cannot compete with the added security vacation rentals provide travelers.

When guests stay in a rental, they don’t worry about staff coming into the space, and keyless entry provides another level of security. Random strangers cannot enter without permission. Only guests have the passcode, and they don’t have to keep up with keys or pay extra charges if they lose the key. Additionally, travelers can park on-site in an attached garage or driveway. No more parking across a crowded lot or fighting for premium parking.

But what if something breaks? Hotels have staff dedicated to maintenance issues and repairs. However vacation rental property managers have local companies on-call 24/7. These are trusted professional crews who specialize in cleaning and maintenance, delivering services to make guests happy and comfortable.

Take Away: By working with local vacation property managers and businesses, you are more than a visitor, you’re like family.

Eat Healthier, Spend Less

Some hotel rooms and suites have kitchens but lack a comfortable eating space. This forces travelers to dine out, which can cost hundreds and break healthy eating habits.

Vacation rental homes provide the place to create home-cooked meals. Sure, dining out is always fun and recommended in moderation, but guests can eat healthier on vacation by cooking their own meals. This also gives travelers a reason to visit a local farmers market or festival where they purchase local products and support the economy.

Take Away: The savings gained by staying in a vacation rental allows guests to do other things, such as take a sunset tour, helicopter ride or 4×4 adventure.

Ditch the hotels. Browse vacation rentals in 100-plus destinations. Then get FAQs answered by vacation rental experts.