One of the biggest decisions you must make when traveling (aside from where to go), is where to stay! Should you stay in a hotel or a vacation rental? There are a number of factors to consider when making your decision. Here are some pros and cons of each to consider.
Hotels
| Pros | Cons |
| Consistency: You'll generally know what to expect as far as amenities, service, and cleanliness is concerned. | Lack of Space: Hotel rooms generally have a limited amount of space in comparison to vacation rentals. |
| Convenience: Most hotels are located in areas where most of the action is found—which will make it easier for you to get around and explore the city. | Price: Hotels are often more expensive in the long run than vacation rentals, especially when you consider other factors (ability to make your own food in vacation rentals, splitting up the cost amongst many travelers in a vacation rental, etc.) |
| Service: Hotels often have 24-hour desks, which is helpful if you need something immediately. They can also be the drop-off point for your food deliveries. There's generally a daily cleaning service at hotels and often you'll find fitness facilities or a pool. | Less Local Flavor: When you're staying in a hotel, you are often staying with other tourists and are treated like a tourist. Since vacation rentals are often apartments or houses in neighborhoods, those give you more of a local flavor to your trip. |
| Safety: Due to the fact that hotels have that 24-hour front desk (most hotels, anyway), there is an added level of safety that you'll find in a hotel that you won't find in a vacation rental. | Cookie Cutter Experience: In a hotel, all of the rooms will likely be the same, which is great if you like consistency. But if you're looking for unique accommodations, it's harder to find those in a hotel. |
Vacation Rentals
| Pros | Cons |
| Unique Experiences: Vacation rentals offer unique accommodations: some are even found in treehouses! This can really add to the special memories you'll create on a trip. | Inconsistency: Vacation rentals are hit and miss. Sometimes, they can be amazing and other times they can be a nightmare. You should always read the most recent reviews of every vacation rental you stay in to make sure it's to your satisfaction. Also, ask questions if you have any before you book! |
| Cost Effective: Compared to hotels, vacation rentals are often a much more cost effective way to travel. However, this is only if the rental doesn't add a bunch of extra fees to the listing (be sure to read the fine print). | Security Concerns: Vacation rentals do not have a front desk. So, the security of the apartment or house is really up to you. Some places have great locks, others may not. Remember, if you ever feel unsafe, contact the vacation rental listing site (Airbnb, VRBO, etc) immediately to express your concerns. |
| Amenities: Vacation rentals often come with at-home amenities like laundry, kitchens, and outdoor spaces. This can really help you feel like you are living like a local instead of just visiting like a tourist. These amenities can also help you save money (make your own food instead of eating out) and help you save space in your packing since you can wash your clothes part way through the trip. | Lack of Services: You likely will not have the same services in a vacation rental as you do in a hotel. You won't have a daily cleaning service, etc. And you actually might be expected to do some of the cleaning (washing dishes, washing towels and sheets, etc.) before you leave. If this is a concern and you don't want to do a bunch of housework on your vacation, ask before you book. |
| Personal Touch: When you stay at a vacation rental, you get to interact with the local who owns the place (usually) and this can help provide you with insider tips for the area. | Legal Issues: In some places, vacation rentals are illegal. You could actually end up with a fine or other penalty for staying in one. Make sure you do your research on this topic to make sure that everything is all a-okay before you hit the "book now" button. |
The Wrap Up
These, of course, are generalized pros and cons for hotels and vacation rentals and don't necessarily fit every situation. I have stayed in terrible hotels (that I thought were going to be nice) and vice versa with the vacation rentals. I've also stayed in amazing places in each.
Generally, I take into consideration a variety of factors when I make my decision. Cost is always a big issue. I don't think I'm unique in saying that I'd like to stay in the nicest place possible at the most cost-efficient price. The initial cost isn't the only fee to think about, though. As mentioned in the chart above, when you stay at a hotel—unless it has a fridge and microwave—you will need to eat out for every meal. This can really add up and make your trip that much more expensive. It's also not the best way for me to travel because I'm not used to eating every meal out since I cook all of my own food at home. Unless it's just for a night or two, I definitely prefer choosing accommodations that have a kitchen, or at the very least an in-room fridge and microwave.
I also really enjoy the feeling of security that you get at a place with a front desk. It's nice to know that other people are around, too, in case there are any problems. For instance, I stayed in an AirBnb once near the Paris Airport. It was a beautiful apartment; however, it was in a rather remote area that didn't feel like anyone else lived. I honestly felt like I was the only human staying on that entire street. I did not like that feeling at all, especially as a solo traveler. I'd much rather stay in a hotel where there are many other people around versus staying in such a remote location. If the vacation rental is in a populated and safe locale, I'm totally fine with it, and actually prefer it.
When considering AirBnb's, also remember that some are home stays. These are rooms in someone's home or apartment that they are renting out. So, you'll be sharing the space with the owner. I have stayed in a few of these and have really enjoyed the experience. On another trip to Paris, my AirBnb host was so worried when I didn't show up exactly on time (I was delayed due to my train being late) that she actually texted to check in on me. I really loved that. She also prepared a beautiful breakfast for me in the morning and was available to chat during the evening and gave me tips before I left to sightsee. It was a delight staying in this home with that family and I would definitely consider staying in this type of shared accommodation again.
Just remember, that regardless of what you choose (hotel or vacation rental), always read the most recent reviews of the place you're looking at before you make your final decision on any type of accommodation. This will give you a better idea of what the place is like right now and now what it was like a few years back. Things can change quickly in lodging (cleanliness, safety, and so forth), so those recent reviews are key.
FAQ: Hotel vs Vacation Rental - Choosing Your Accommodation
Q1: What factors should I consider when deciding between a hotel and a vacation rental?Choosing between a hotel and a vacation rental involves various factors. Consider amenities, space, cost, local experience, safety, and personal preferences when making your decision.
Q2: What are the pros of staying in a hotel?- Consistency in amenities, service, and cleanliness.
- Convenient locations near popular attractions.
- 24-hour front desk for immediate assistance.
- Enhanced safety due to front desk presence.
- Limited space in hotel rooms.
- Generally higher prices, especially after considering additional costs.
- Less local immersion compared to vacation rentals.
- Rooms can be uniform and lack uniqueness.
- Unique experiences in various accommodations.
- Potentially cost-effective compared to hotels.
- At-home amenities like laundry, kitchens, and outdoor spaces.
- Personal interactions with local hosts for insider tips.
- Inconsistent quality between vacation rentals.
- Security concerns due to lack of front desk.
- May not offer hotel-like services such as daily cleaning.
- Possible legal issues if vacation rentals are illegal in the area.
Decide based on your preferences, budget, need for local experience, desire for amenities, and safety concerns. Recent reviews of accommodations are crucial to understanding their current status.
Q7: Can you provide insights from personal experiences with hotels and vacation rentals?Certainly. The decision varies based on personal preferences and experiences. Consider factors like cost, amenities, safety, local immersion, and shared accommodations when making your choice.
Q8: What are some considerations for choosing an Airbnb vacation rental?Airbnb listings can include various types of accommodations, including shared homes. Shared homes offer a personal touch and interaction with local hosts, enhancing the local experience.
Q9: How important are recent reviews when choosing accommodation?Recent reviews play a significant role in understanding the current status of accommodations. They provide insights into cleanliness, safety, and other aspects that might have changed over time.
