There are so many decisions to make when planning a vacation. Usually my biggest decision is where we will stay. That can change depending on the type of vacation we are taking. Is it just me and my husband? Will children come? Is this a large group vacation? Do you tend to stick to one type of accommodation for each vacation or do you fluctuate like most people?
Hotels are attractive because they typically don’t have a minimum rental time like condominiums and rental houses, which typically require a rental of a week or more. If you’re on vacation for a long weekend, then a hotel might be right for you. Plus, with so many online options like Hotels.com, Travelocity, and Expedia, you’ll likely be able to find a very competitive rate depending on when you travel. Hotel accommodations also earn you rewards points if you’re a frequent traveler and a member of a rewards program like Marriott Rewards. Keep in mind that most hotels offer a number of extra services that rental houses and condos cannot offer, such as laundry services, an indoor pool, linens and towels, business services, etc. If you need to be taken care of while on vacation, then a hotel might be right for you.
Our family generally prefers to vacation in a rental house. There are a number of online services that you can use to purchase and reserve a home for rent. I love the flexibility of being able to do all my research on my own from home. I love being able to look at photos and find the house that best suits our family’s needs, especially if we are on vacation with other family members. Rental houses come in all shapes and sizes. They are still different from condo rentals because they usually provide more space and sometimes a private pool. Having young children, I love having a rental house to ourselves instead of a condo. When we have stayed in a condo, I worry that our next door neighbors will be disturbed by the noise of four small children.
However, there are several similarities between rental houses and condominiums. Dollar for dollar, condos and rental houses far outnumber hotel rooms. Condos and rental houses will always have a full kitchen. Eating in is much cheaper than eating out for every meal on vacation. You’ll save money by shopping for groceries earlier in the week and cooking at least two meals a day. That still allows you to eat out every night for dinner if you want. Always be sure to ask the landlord or booking company to tell you exactly what’s in the kitchen, right down to cookware and cutlery, and what supplies you’ll need to bring, like bed linens, beach towels, etc. Don’t forget that condos aren’t just for families. Even if you’re traveling alone or as a couple, condos make a lot of sense. You get two to three times more space than a hotel room.
Condominiums and rental houses offer a little more flexibility in negotiating, especially if you are traveling in the off-season. It doesn’t hurt to ask for a better price. With the current economy, fewer people are vacationing and there are plenty of empty condos and houses for rent. Landlords would rather have some rental income than none. So don’t be shy. Make an offer. If that owner turns you down, there are plenty of other condos to turn to.