No doubt, short-term vacation rentals are better than hotels most of the time. In fact, we present a minimum of 19 reasons why this is so. Families and large groups benefit the most from renting a vacation rental property advertising it’s large enough to accommodate the group. Many vacation rentals are pet friendly while most hotels and motels are not. Check out our list here and review our comments so you can make a decision for your next vacation.
19 reasons why vacation rentals are better than hotels
- More space and privacy. Vacation rentals typically offer more space than hotel rooms, which can be especially important for families or groups of friends. You’ll also have more privacy in a vacation rental, as you won’t have to share common areas with other guests.
- Kitchens and laundry facilities. Vacation rentals often come with fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities, which can save you money on dining out and laundry costs. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling with children or if you’re on a tight budget.
- Pet-friendly. Many vacation rentals are pet-friendly, which is a great option if you’re traveling with your furry friends. Hotels that allow pets often have limited availability and can be more expensive.
- Homelike feel. Vacation rentals often feel more like a home than a hotel room. This is because they typically have more character and personal touches, such as artwork, furniture, and décor. You’ll also have more freedom to make yourself at home, such as cooking your own meals, bringing your own food and drinks, and decorating the space.
- Location. Vacation rentals can be located in more unique and interesting locations than hotels. For example, you might be able to rent a houseboat on a lake, a condo in the mountains, or a beachfront bungalow. This can give you a more immersive and authentic travel experience.
- Flexibility. Vacation rentals are often more flexible than hotels. You can usually book them for shorter stays, and you may be able to cancel your reservation without penalty. This can be helpful if your travel plans change or if you’re not sure how long you’ll be staying in one place.
- Cost savings. Vacation rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Instead of paying for multiple hotel rooms, you can rent a single vacation property that can accommodate everyone. And with the ability to cook your own meals and use in-unit laundry facilities, you can save even more on dining and laundry expenses.
- More amenities. Vacation rentals often come with more amenities than hotels, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, barbecue grills, and outdoor decks. This can be a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors during your vacation.
- Better for families. Vacation rentals can be an excellent option for families, as they offer more space and privacy than hotel rooms. They also often come with amenities perfect for families, such as playgrounds, game rooms, and kid-friendly pools. Many vacation rental properties come with fenced-in yards which are great for children and dogs, and outdoor space can be important. The yards provide plenty of room to enjoy just staying at the property. You can entertain a group of friends at your luxury vacation rental. I am aware of many family reunions that have taken place at properties that I own. Even a few weddings. It’s all about quality time.
- More convenient. Vacation rentals can be more convenient than hotels, as they are often located in more residential areas. This means that you’ll have easier access to grocery stores, restaurants, and other local businesses.
- More authentic experience. Vacation rentals can give you a more authentic travel experience that a single hotel room, as you’ll be staying in a real home instead of a hotel room. This can be a great way to experience the local culture and way of life. It’s like having a second home with all of the comforts of home.
- More control. When you rent a vacation rental, you have more control over your vacation experience. You can choose the location, the size of the property, and the amenities that are important to you. This can help you create a vacation that is perfect for your needs and preferences.
- More flexibility. Vacation homes are often more flexible than hotels, as you can usually book them for shorter stays and cancel your reservation without penalty. This can be helpful if your travel plans change or if you’re not sure how long you’ll be staying in one place.
- More personal touch. Vacation rentals often have a more personal touch than hotels, as property management can be local. This means that you’ll likely receive a warm welcome and be able to get recommendations for local businesses and attractions.
- More affordable. Vacation rentals can be more affordable than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a group or on a family vacation. You can often find great deals on vacation rentals, especially if you book in advance. Look for a property that can accommodate the whole family. The cost of staying at a vacation rental will usually come at a lower price based upon the number of persons vs the total cost for the stay. A two-person stay at some vacation rentals may be less competitive than hotels. Where the rental prices become lower is the larger group. An example of cost: Biloxi, MS average price for a hotel room is $86 per night. The average cost for a vacation rental is $189 per night. You can see how much less expensive a vacation rental becomes when your group is larger.
- More eco-friendly. Vacation rentals can be more eco-friendly than hotels, as you’ll be able to cook your own meals in the full kitchen and reduce your impact on the environment. You can reduce your trip expense by cooking at home rather than eating out at a local restaurant each day.
- More fun. Vacation rentals can be more fun than hotels, as you’ll have more space to spread out and relax. You’ll also have the opportunity to cook your own meals, barbecue, and enjoy the outdoors.
Ask the host before you book
One of the best things about short-term rentals is the fact that you can select exactly what you want. One, two, three, four bedrooms. Select the bed configuration and square feet that best fit what you are looking for. Private homes are usually the best and this includes condos and townhomes. Long-term stays can be had at a lower cost if you book in advance. Here are a few things to ask the host or property manager before bookings:
- Are the property managers local? This is important because many internet start-ups have no actual company manager on site. I can’t begin to tell you how often guests call our property management company for things from batteries for remotes to locating the hair dryer. If you want the benefits of vacation rentals you need a local manager with local experience.
- Free parking. Not only free parking but adequate parking for your entire group. Ask this question before you book.
- Can extended family visit. You have booked your vacation rental for 8 people and you have two family members who want to drop by for a night. Is this ok?
- Can you prepare home-cooked meals? Generally, if there is a fully stocked kitchen this is a given but not always.
- Extra cost. Are there any extra costs for things that you assume may be included? Ask, don’t assume.
- Beach house. How long does it take to walk to the beach? Some indicate the beach is close but you really need a car. This may be ok but you can eliminate the surprise when a family member complains it’s too far to walk.
- Laundry service. Usually, the property will indicate a washer and dryer. If there are none listed, ask where the closest laundromat is located in the event you need one.
- Cleaning fee. What am I expected to do and what will the host do regarding cleaning? Are there any extra fees for cleaning?
- Discounts. Are there any additional benefits for staying at the property such as discounts on renting a boat, canoe, bicycle, etc.? What about a deal if you return next year?
- Community pool. If there is a pool, what are the hours and days it’s open or closed? Can children come during all of those hours?
- Do you offer vacation travel insurance, including a separate charge? If you are traveling to an area where the weather could ruin your vacation, consider buying travel insurance in advance. Christies Gulf Beach Rentals for example includes it at no additional charge when reserving on their website.
- Pets, do you accept and what are the fees? Most hosts typically charge a fee either refundable or non-refundable for a pet. They also specify a size for the pet, type, and number permitted. You may love your dog but they often damage vacation rental properties or at the least leave a mess of hair and urine. Be prepared to purchase damage insurance or pay the host for repairs.
- TV entertainment, do you have cable tv? It’s more common now for hosts to provide flat-screen TV’s without any cable tv entertainment venues. Be prepared to bring your own Netflix or another account if you want to watch more than Roku TV.
- Any odd or unusual HOA rules? On occasion, there are odd HOA rules such as no entry after X in the evening or special parking provisions or check-in rules.
Check the host website for more information
Some vacation property rental sites such as ChristiesGulfBeachRentals.com, provide lots of information about their properties including answers to many of the above questions. Airbnb rentals and VRBO rentals limit the amount of information that can be passed along so it’s difficult for many to make a decision based on this limited information.
About those hotels. I gave you many reasons above why you should book a vacation rental property to improve your vacation experiences. There are a few cases where going to a hotel may be better for a few. While there are great one and two-bedroom vacation properties that compete with hotel prices, a couple who will not cook, bring a pet or need any of the amenities should book at a hotel.
If you visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast and want to go to a nightclub, have adult beverages, and just fall into a bed at the end of an evening, stay at a hotel.
A traditional hotel stay is great for a single person traveling on business. Hotels are suitable for a short stay e.g. one night. If you require hotel staff to perform tasks such as printing work or faxing, a hotel may be best for you. In recent years vacation rentals have increased in number making availability suitable even on a busy day.
A holiday rental today usually means renting comfortable places for a beach vacation. According to Airbnb, there were about one million vacation homes on their platform in 2018, and in 2023 there are more than four million in the U.S., great for rental guests.
Should you fall in love with the idea of owning a vacation rental, check out this article. Since the COVID rush is over, some are buying a vacation home that they can rent when they are not using it. A nice investment particularly in some beach communities such as the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Check out this link to see what’s on the market today.