Getting the right accommodation sets the tone for a perfect vacation and puts you in the right mood to enjoy an exciting new destination. These days, travelers have a variety of options when it comes to choosing where to stay while on holiday, be it a private hotel suite, a villa, a holiday home or an apartment. However, a majority of travelers either choose a good old hotel close to the heart of the city or rent a home on sites like Airbnb for a cozy and homely experience.
Not sure which one you should opt for during your upcoming holiday? Here are some of the most important factors that can help you decide.
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Budget and duration of stay
While hotels charge you on a per nightly basis, vacation homes offer more flexibility on the charges depending on the duration of stay. If you are planning to stay for a longer duration, you can opt for a vacation home as the per nightly average will typically be lesser compared to a hotel room. Plus, vacation homes will help you save more money as they usually have a kitchen which encourages guests to cook their own meals rather than splurging at a restaurant. On the other hand, if you are planning a short trip on a tight budget, you could opt for a budget hotel or bed & breakfast rather than spending extra money on a vacation house.
Convenience and amenities
When it comes to convenience, it all depends on individual preferences. Travelers who want to enjoy their trip without being bothered with cooking and tidying should choose a hotel which will have a 24×7 help desk to cater to all your needs, be it breakfast in bed, new linens every morning or any other house-keeping service. Conversely, traveling couples or families who don’t mind cooking for themselves or making their own bed every morning can go for the flexibility and privacy of a rental home. Similarly, travelers can find all types of amenities at the hotel itself, be it Wi-Fi, toiletries or laundry services. A vacation renter would have to bring most of these things with themselves as not all rental homes offer these services.
[Related: 10 things that could go wrong on your holiday]
Location
Hotels are usually situated in the heart of the city or in busy areas which are close to most of the prime attractions. Meanwhile, the location of rental homes varies on the price you are willing to spend. You can either rent out a quiet place away from the hustle and bustle of the city at a lower price or pay top dollar for a penthouse in the city center or beachfront house with a breathtaking view.
Privacy
If you don’t want to run into dozens of guests, staff and other people every now and then and want to stay away from the fast-paced activity of a busy hotel, a vacation house is ideal for you. Privacy is one of the main reasons why travelers opt for their own private houses instead of choosing to stay at a hotel.
Space
If you are a large family with kids, then you should definitely rent a vacation home instead of staying at a hotel. Having your own private accommodation will give you the luxury of space without having to spend a fortune on booking an extra-large suite at a hotel. Plus, you will have one place where you could all stay together rather than taking multiple rooms in a hotel. Private homes also offer space for kids like a backyard or terrace where they can play and run around in. This gives you the perfect opportunity to bond together as a family.