Vacation Rentals are becoming a very popular accommodation choice for vacationing due to the better value for money that they offer. You’ll find them referred to as Villa’s, Condo’s, Townhomes and Apartments - they are a great alternative to hotels so let's see if a vacation rental is really right for you...

Value

Staying in a Vacation Rental Villa is often a lot cheaper than the equivalent accommodation in a hotel or timeshare (if it’s even possible to get an equivalent). Most vacation rental owners are just covering their expenses in the hope that the property value goes up and for their own personal use. This means you are a getting a great deal for your Dollar (or Pound, Rupee, Euro - insert your favorite currency here)!

Often they are better value for small families when compared to staying in a hotel room, even if prices are comparable, because you get much more in terms of space and amenities. When you start looking at Vacation Rental homes that sleep 2, 3 or more families, the value is much higher as the price per person is significantly lower.

If you are so inclined, then factor in savings by not having to eat out every night, or pay for an expensive drink from a hotel bar. It can be a little more work than staying in a hotel, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. You can eat out, get take out meals and bring them back to the Vacation Rental condo or you can cook. Your self-catering vacation rental home should at the least provide most basic cooking utensils required.

Be sure you compare prices consistently - with/without taxes, with/without some options (eg. pool/spa heat, BBQ). Also consider what may be included at no additional charge by some and not others (Free phone calls, Internet/WiFi, BBQ usage etc) - if you want that amenity then factor that in too. Also consider the location, privacy and living space - for large groups the more space the better to avoid being with everyone else too much of the time (we all need our own space at times and vacations can be very stressful for some).

Vacation Rental Property Amenities

There is no comparison! Compare staying in a hotel that costs $100 per night for a family of 4 with one small room, one small bathroom and two queen beds - not the best living arrangement! For the same price you could have a 3 bedroom condo - yes 3 bedrooms! Privacy for Mom and Dad and space for the kids. But wait, there is also a kitchen, a living area, a dining area and maybe 2 or more bathrooms - which would you rather have!

Proximity

Vacation Rental homes are usually located near the area's attractions (beach, lake, theme parks) but do vary in distance from it. Rental Rates will also vary accordingly so the further away it is the less you’d expect to pay. In popular areas (such as Disney World) the traffic can be very congested so the distance has a bigger impact on the travel time. Ask your vacation rental owner how long it takes to get to your important attractions as well as how far away it is - in both quiet and busy times of the day.

Resort Amenities

A vacation rental villa may have some of the amenities typical of hotels - some may be provided as part of the home and some may be provided as part of the community in which that home is located. The more luxurious the vacation home, the more amenities it may have. Some vacation homes have more amenities than you would expect to find in a standard hotel, such as games machines, multiple bathrooms, TVs/DVDs in all bedrooms, home theater systems and more.

Family Reunions

Also known as "Togethering", family reunions are popular these days. There are many Vacation Rental homes that can cater for larger family groups. Sometimes you may need more than one vacation villa - maybe a 6 bedroom single family home for 2 large families and a 2 bedroom condo for another. Renting a vacation home for your family reunion allows your family to have activity filled days and fun filled nights, together, in the privacy of a home away from home.

Local Knowledge, Personal Involvement

When renting a vacation home directly from the owner, they will have local knowledge of the area and can give recommendations, help and assistance with your planning. This can range from which local attractions are the best, restaurant recommendations and specific information about their own Vacation Rental home - including suggestions as to how the sleeping arrangements can work for your family.

In summary…

Vacation Rental homes offer more independence than mainstream hotels. If you:

  • Prefer to have as much control as possible over what you do and when
  • Value private living space for eating, socializing and playing
  • Like to be able to prepare quick meals and snacks without having to go to a restaurant
  • Love the cost savings for larger families or groups

… then a Vacation Rental home, villa, condo or townhome is a great choice.