VACATION HOME VS. HOTEL, WHICH IS RIGHT FOR YOUR FAMILY?
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by Kristin Young | Updated On: October 27, 2020
One of the main things that will set the tone for your trip is your choice of accommodations. Especially when traveling with children, or extended family, you will really need to weigh up the pros and cons of renting a vacation home or staying at a hotel.
We travel with two young children, and usually choose a house or apartment. There are several sites out there but we find Airbnb is by far the easiest to use. Booking is easy (similar to a hotel), and their customer service has always been great for us. Click here for $40 off your first stay with Airbnb.
Vacation home vs. hotel comparison
VACATION HOME
HOTEL
SPACE
Space is the main selling point for us. For about the same price as a hotel room, we usually find a great two-bedroom apartments or home. This is SO important for both naps and bedtimes! It also means that during the day we’re able to spread out with room to play with their toys.
Check out Best Toys for 1 Year Old (UK) for some inspiration.
This semblance of home is also much more relaxing for the children.
WINNER!
Hotels just can’t compete with most vacation rentals on space and privacy for the price. However, price aside, we have found some fantastic suites that offer plenty of space for the family to spread out.
AMENITIES
Vacation home amenities vary widely, but usually you will get a full kitchen, and often laundry facilities in the home.
TIE!
Hotels are fantastic for their leisure amenities. What they lack in kitchens, they usually make up for in restaurants, rooftop terraces, pools, and fitness centers.
TIE!
SERVICE
Although hosts often meet you or provide detailed directions for entry, vacation home service just doesn’t compare to a hotel. Check-ins, especially in foreign countries with unreliable internet, can sometimes be a bit troublesome to coordinate. Usually there’s no daily housekeeping, and concierge-type services are somewhat limited. Many hosts are available for questions, but not on site.
Hotels clearly take it on the service front. Check-in are super easy because local drivers are familiar with the location, and they’re always open with someone at the desk to greet you. Usually rooms are cleaned and restocked daily. Plus, many offer an on-site concierge to help arrange transportation and activities or offer suggestions and directions.
WINNER!
LOCATION
Vacation homes are usually located in more residential areas, offering a chance to “live like a local”.
TIE!
Hotels are often in the PRIME locations.
TIE!
In the end, we almost always choose to stay in a vacation rental. The major determining factor for us was discovering that when we only have one room, we all have to go to bed at the same time. Otherwise, it’s quite a struggle getting the little ones to go to sleep while other people are up and talking or watching TV.
Plus, anyone who has a toddler knows just how fun it is to take them out to a restaurant. We do it often, and work on teaching our children to behave properly while there. But, it’s also nice to have a night off and just eat at “home”.
Bonus: you can save a lot of money by cooking some of your meals instead of always eating out.
However, when we only have one night in a location, a hotel is usually just easier. You won’t have time to grocery shop or cook at home, so you might as well enjoy the ease of check-in and the added amenities that come with a hotel. Many offer suites for a slight upgrade. We usually look for an Embassy Suites because they’re affordable, all rooms are suites, and they have pools. On top of that, there’s a great made-to-order and continental breakfast, along with happy hour appetizers and a few drinks all included with the stay. Perfect for parents and kids!
Depending on the trip, sometimes a vacation home is exactly what you need, but other times a hotel is just the ticket.
PIN IT!
About the Author: Kristin Young
