Hotels and vacation rentals are the two most popular forms of accommodation when traveling. Both of them offer a very different experience. Just which one is right for you? This post compares the differences between a hotel and rental accommodation.
How long are you staying?
Hotels are typically best suited for shorter stays of 2 weeks or less. Beyond this, they can start to get quite expensive.
It’s possible to find rentals that you can stay in for several months that are likely to be much cheaper than a hotel. That said, short term rentals can also be quite popular and affordable. Just be wary that some rentals may have a minimum stay of two or three nights.
Are you looking for a private escape?
In a hotel, you typically get your own private room. The exception to this is hostels, in which you may have to share a room with strangers. While your hotel room can offer some privacy, other facilities of the hotel are typically shared among guests. This may include a shared pool, shared car park and shared public wi-fi.
A vacation rental could offer a more private escape. When renting a villa, you may have the whole premises to yourself – including your own private pool. This makes it an attractive option for those that want their own space. Those who want to meet people may prefer a hotel.
Are you prepared to take care of cooking and cleaning?
Most hotel rooms do not have kitchen facilities. On-site restaurants are popular though – in some all inclusive hotels, food may even be included in the price. Not having to cook meals while on vacation can be a huge perk for some travelers. You typically also don’t have to worry about cleaning your room before you leave – most hotels have room service that will take care of this.
Vacation rentals do not have on-site restaurants, but often do have kitchen facilities. This means that you’ll either have to prepare your own meals or find a local restaurant to eat at. It’s also likely you’ll have to clean up before you leave. In fact, some vacation rentals will charge extra fees or won’t give you back a deposit if you leave the property a mess. Therefore, a vacation rental isn’t recommended if you’re looking for a break from housework.
Are you travelling with a large group?
When staying in a hotel as a large group, you will likely need to pay for multiple rooms. This could work out quite expensive and may not be ideal if kids have to be split up.
A vacation rental could cost less to rent out for a big group. You’ll also have more flexibility as to where everyone sleeps and you’ll be able to enjoy more shared private space than in a hotel. Some vacation rentals are very big and have 10+ bedrooms. You’re unlikely to find a hotel room anywhere with this many bedrooms. This is a perk to consider if you’re planning a big family vacation or a bachelor/bachelorette party.
