Choosing a place to stay is a big decision when planning a trip. ⚠
Choosing a place to stay is a big decision when planning a trip. Finding the best value for your stay, though, means thinking beyond just the price tag. It involves balancing comfort, convenience, amenities, and location to match your travel style and budget. In recent years, the travel industry has been flipped on its head as travelers now have so many different options. But with prices constantly changing, what truly is the best value for your stay?
Table of Contents:
- Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals: Which Offer the Best Value for Your Stay?
- Getting the Best Value: Beyond Just Cost
- Conclusion
Hotels vs. Vacation Rentals: Which Offer the Best Value for Your Stay?
It used to be that alternative accommodation platforms offered the most affordable way to see the world. While that might sometimes still be true, a recent study from the consumer website Which? found that hotels are actually now cheaper than vacation rentals in over 75% of the locations studied. The research compared thousands of hotels and hundreds of thousands of Airbnb and Vrbo properties across 50 destinations, and hotels more often came out on top.
For example, the study found that you could save over $100 on a one-bedroom rental in Santorini, Greece if you booked a hotel instead. Even in San Francisco, where Airbnb got its start, opting for a hotel could save you about $44 compared to an Airbnb apartment. This trend holds true across many popular vacation spots.
Why is this? Experts point to a few contributing factors. For starters, vacation rental properties are getting fancier. It used to be that travelers looking for affordable hotels were mainly renting small apartments. Now, vacation rentals on platforms like Vrbo lean more towards large houses with more amenities, often in pricey areas. When you tack on added fees like cleaning fees and security deposits, hotels can be a more budget-friendly option.
But deciding between a vacation rental vs. hotel comes down to more than cost. Here are several factors to help you decide on the best value for your stay.
1. Travel Needs
First, ask yourself some questions. What kind of trip are you taking? What is most important to you? How about location, amenities, space, privacy, etc.? A hotel may be the perfect option if you just need a comfortable place to lay your head at night. Hotels are also fantastic when visiting busy city centers because they’re often near public transportation, shops, and restaurants. Plus, hotels give you benefits like housekeeping, room service, and sometimes even pools, gyms, and free breakfast.
However, a vacation rental is hard to beat if you crave a home-like atmosphere with the comforts of your own space. Your stay might include added bonuses that hotels rarely offer like multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, a full kitchen, and even backyards, giving everyone more breathing room to relax.
2. Group Size
If you’re vacationing with kids or a group of friends, spreading out in a multi-bedroom Airbnb with a private pool may seem much more enticing (and cost-effective.) than booking multiple, cramped hotel rooms.
A rental can feel like your home away from home because it offers communal spaces where everyone can gather in the kitchen or living room and socialize, cook together, or simply enjoy each other’s company. Plus, vacation rentals eliminate some of the hassle and costs of dining out for every meal.
3. Length of Stay
Hotels are generally more convenient for shorter trips due to their centralized locations, ease of booking and cancellation policies, and daily housekeeping services. But staying in one place for a week, a month, or longer means you can really take advantage of what a vacation rental offers.
You get to know a neighborhood, maybe discover your favorite coffee shop or bakery nearby, and just live more like a local. Financially speaking, this might also save money in the long run because you’ll have access to a full kitchen so you can prepare some of your own meals and snacks.
Getting the Best Value: Beyond Just Cost
While getting the best value for your stay is heavily influenced by your individual needs and budget, several tried and true tactics can help stretch your dollar further:
1. Compare Prices Thoroughly
Finding good deals takes some effort, but always using websites like Kayak , Expedia , Priceline, and Google Flights to compare hotel and vacation rental costs will get you the most for your money. You’ll get a clearer picture of price ranges and may even snag lower rates during your preferred travel dates. Remember, a little bit of comparison shopping goes a long way.
2. Factor in the Hidden Costs
Don’t get fooled by low prices, factor in additional costs that can catch you by surprise and drive up the overall price. Things like resort fees at hotels or cleaning fees, taxes, and security deposits for vacation rentals add up quickly, so keep an eye out for those when booking.
You can get a complete financial picture upfront and prevent unpleasant budget surprises by incorporating these costs.
3. Embrace the Off-Season Magic
Sometimes traveling during the off-season or “shoulder” seasons just before and after peak times helps you experience destinations without the crowds at a much lower price. So if you’re flexible with travel dates and don’t mind cooler temperatures, you might find amazing accommodations at a fraction of the price. You’ll need to weigh those factors against what you hope to do while visiting, but don’t discount how much more affordable travel is when most travelers are back at home.
4. Look Into Rewards Programs
Don’t underestimate the power of joining travel rewards programs because they offer savings on rental car bookings, airfare, and of course, lodging. Many hotel chains offer loyalty programs that give points for free stays, while even platforms like Vrbo partner with companies like Capital One to offer cardholders 5-10% savings. Learning how to maximize travel rewards and save is key for any travel enthusiast.
Conclusion
Choosing accommodations comes down to personal preference and your trip priorities, whether convenience, cost, or something else entirely. Ultimately, understanding the various factors involved can help you get the best value for your stay and have an enjoyable travel experience overall. Remember, the goal is to create a trip that suits both your budget and travel style.
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