When my husband and I travel, many times we turn to vacation home rentals instead of hotels. We like the added space, having a kitchen and the ability to really get away from the crowds. While not ideal for all trips, it is a great way to experience an area, for around the same price of a hotel.
Upsides to renting a vacation home:
- Kitchen – we can make coffee in the morning and cook dinner with items we’ve bought form the local farmer’s market at night. Added flexibility around meals and potential cost savings, as well.
- More room – we can get at least a couple bedrooms, living room and dining area, for around the same price as a nice hotel, most times.
- Less People – by staying outside of a hotel and in a community, we leave behind the crowds of people and subsequent ‘hustle and bustle’.
- Better Location – In many areas, especially beach communities, a vacation home may land you in the best area, with access to all the area has to offer. On the central coast, we can stay close to the beach and hiking trails so we can take peaceful morning and afternoon walks without any hassle of getting there.
Downsides:
- No services – You won’t have your room cleaned up after you each morning, or room service to order from.
- Internet – While most homes come with internet connections, there are times that they don’t… best to ask the rental service if this is critical to you.
- Outside the main attraction area – in some instances, a vacation home may be outside of the main area you are wanting to visit which can mean more driving.
- Cost – It may cost more than a hotel, especially if the hotel is offering a great ‘getaway package’.
All in all, I find that renting a house can be the best part of the vacation. I can sit around and read all day, take great walks, and go see attractions all day. I like to have down time on my vacations, so a house works out very well. I don’t get cabin fever if I decide to stay in, and it provides me with a very relaxing environment.
There are times I prefer a hotel… usually when I want to be pampered, know that I’ll be out and about a lot more than I will be lounging around, and when I just don’t want that much space.
Would love to hear others stories about renting a vacation home.
I would have to agree! I find that when you’re with a bigger group, renting a house can be the better way to go!