When planning a vacation, you may automatically think of bringing your family (or just yourself) and checking into a great hotel. With so many air + hotel + car rental packages out there, it’s easy to get sucked into that frame of mind. And, in the long run, you can often get the best vacation deals by going that way. Still, there are other accommodation options that you may want to explore.
Vacation rentals, for example, offer many amenities that most hotels don’t. Usually owned by regular people (renting a vacation home means helping out a “mom and pop” business rather than a big corporate-owned hotel), vacation rentals tend to give you full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. They are also available wherever you want to stay. You can find condos or houses (with single-family homes you get the ultimate in vacation privacy) anywhere in the world.
If you prefer to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle, you can find rentals in the middle of the action (perhaps a condo on the Las Vegas Strip or a ski-in/ski-out cabin tickles your fancy), but you can also find rentals to suit to peace and quiet. Many of these homes are tucked away from the busy streets and thoroughfares where hotels predominate (rather than a condo next to the Las Vegas casinos, you might prefer a home a few blocks away with a fenced-in yard and private pool). .
What about families traveling with pets? Is a hotel or vacation rental more likely to accommodate them? Well, I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen too many hotels that appreciate even well-behaved dogs walking through their lobbies (even on leashes). On the other hand, vacation rentals are often the way to go for pet owners, because many accept dogs and cats (with an additional deposit). However, be sure to check the pet policy of the place beforehand, as each owner sets their own rules.
The last thing I want to mention is the general vibe of vacation rentals versus hotels. With hotels (especially the big chains), you get… more or less the same no matter what part of the world you visit. This can be good for those who don’t like change, but if you want to stay somewhere that embraces the culture of the local area, you’re more likely to find it in a vacation rental. Many owners stay in their properties for a few weeks each year, so the houses often feel like homes. They are more welcoming and friendly than the austerity of most hotel rooms.
Lest you think I have an agenda to promote rentals over hotels (I don’t, unfortunately), I must admit that there are some downsides to vacation rentals. Finding the right place in the first place may involve more internet research than simply booking through a website that offers package travel deals. Second, because vacation rentals are often privately owned affairs, you can be hit or miss with the service. Not all rental owners have their own websites, and it may take a while for owners to contact you if they don’t use a management company. Third, most vacation rentals do not include maid service. The facilities will be clean when you arrive (in fact, you’ll often be charged a cleaning fee), but don’t expect anyone to come in and change your sheets every day. Finally, rentals are usually more expensive than hotels. You usually get more square footage for your money (multiple bedrooms, full kitchen, separate living and dining room, etc.), but you pay for it. That’s why rentals are popular with families and friends who can share the costs.
As you can see, there are pros and cons to both hotels and vacation rentals. I’m a big fan of rentals myself (among the other reasons listed here, I really like supporting “mom and pop” businesses rather than faceless hotel chains), but each has its advantages depending on your preferences. Be sure to look around you before deciding where you want to spend your vacation.