HOTEL vs VACATION RENTAL



How to decide?
Part One - The Costs

    For many of us, an important consideration for a holiday is cost.  Many guests, when starting their search, fail to take into account all of the hidden costs (both monetary and psychic) of a hotel based vacation versus a vacation rental home.  At first blush, here in Fort Lauderdale or Puerto Vallarta where we have our vacation rentals, there isn't a hotel room to be had for less then about $100 or so, per person per night.  Ok, so you might get away with climbing over a couple of roll aways for the kids, which is pretty good exercise, but that's not necessarily the way you want to spend your relaxing vacation.  Then there are the hidden costs in a hotel, such as eating out every single night of your vacation, for every meal. Even a budget conscience family of four is going to be hit with lines and big bills, and don't forget a decent tip for your server. That $12 mac and cheese plate for the kiddies really adds up over time.   And of course, you're a wise consumer and are going to use the mini-bar refrigerator to store one bottle of soda since that is all it will hold. 
    
    Contrast this cost with the cost of a vacation home rental home where the costs per person per night is usually much lower then $100.  Many three bedroom two/three bath homes sleep 6 to 8 guests and run between $400 and $500 a night in high season.   And there is the added plus of a private swimming pool.  Of course, with fully equipped kitchens and refrigerators; snacks, beverages and unhurried poolside meals are an option.

  So clearly it's a personal decision.  For some business travelers on a short trip  the convenience of a hotel might but the best option.  But for others on extended assignments, a vacation rental home or apartment might be more economical and more convenient in being able to have some of your meals at home.

  For the family on vacation the vacation rental home is usually more economical, as all 8 of your can fit in one home rather than several hotel rooms. For other families who want to be on the go all the time and in the middle of the action, a hotel might be the best match.

  If you have never tried a vacation rental, then maybe you should consider it for your next vacation. You might just find it's a great new option for you.

Guests at one of our homes in Mexico