When a vacation rental is a better choice than a hotel

Organizing a family getaway can be quite a task, especially with a growing family, traveling alongside multiple families, or including elderly relatives. After deciding whether to embark on a road trip nearby or explore an international destination, choosing your accommodation can feel daunting.

A vacation rental designed for families is the perfect answer: It can host larger groups, offers amenities tailored for families, and provides ample space for everyone.

Continue reading for insights on why families should opt for vacation rentals and essential tips for booking one for your crew.

Advantages of choosing a vacation rental

Ample space

In most U.S. hotels, a typical room accommodates two adults and two children, but many hotels in regions like Europe, Latin America, and Asia often restrict rooms to two or three guests total. Whether you’re using points or cash, these limitations are usually strict due to fire safety regulations or because hotel rooms are generally smaller in other countries.

If booking two rooms isn't feasible due to budget constraints or concerns about leaving young kids alone, a vacation rental is the ideal solution. You can find a house or apartment that suits your family’s needs, whether that means kids sleeping on a sofa bed or having individual bedrooms. Vacation rentals typically feature spacious living areas, kitchens, and outdoor spaces, providing plenty of room for everyone to relax, work, and have fun together.

Even with a hotel suite upgrade, you may still find it lacks the generous space of a vacation rental.

Items suitable for kids

I often find myself calling hotels to ensure they provide cribs, as not every hotel does. Frequently, I arrive late to discover the crib still isn't set up in the room.

Whenever I choose a vacation rental that claims to be family-friendly, I always find that all the necessary baby and kid supplies are prepared for my arrival.

It's quite simple to refine home rental searches on popular platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to locate listings that come with essentials like cribs and high chairs. Vrbo even features a filter labeled 'Families' to help you discover properties highly recommended for families by previous guests.

Moreover, many rentals provide additional items such as beach toys, children's toys and books, bottle warmers, sterilizers, and child-safe cutlery. These items may be readily available in the home or can be requested as needed.

There are platforms dedicated to family-oriented rentals, such as Kid&Coe, featuring properties specifically designed for family travelers.

They include kitchens

The majority of vacation rentals come equipped with kitchens. Although dining out may be high on your list during a trip, it can be challenging with infants, multiple children, or picky eaters in your group. A kitchen provides the flexibility to prepare meals, reheat leftovers, boil water, brew coffee, pack picnic lunches, keep drinks chilled, or anything else your family might prefer when dining at 'home.'

They're suitable for groups

Traveling with family often involves more than just you and your children. Family trips can include grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins, and sometimes even other families. Renting a spacious beach villa or mountain cabin that accommodates everyone can be incredibly enjoyable, practical, and cost-effective. It also provides a space for relaxation when not everyone wants to engage in the same activities.

Unique benefits

I've had the pleasure of staying in some remarkable rental properties that came with fantastic benefits, such as private rooftop terraces, tailored recommendations from hosts, gourmet food baskets featuring treats like Champagne or wine, and even staff services.

Once, a host in Spain baked me a cake during my stay at her guest house. On another occasion, while vacationing in Thailand with a group, our host offered us the chance to pay an extra $100 per night for a chef to prepare authentic Thai dinners for our group of nine, which we enjoyed multiple times. Additionally, I've had hosts provide on-site yoga classes and access to high-quality gyms and pools. While hotels often have perks, especially for elite guests, vacation rentals can offer similar advantages—often with a more personalized touch.

Some rentals welcome pets

If your furry friends, Fido and Kitty, are part of your family, there's no need to stress. Numerous vacation rentals are pet-friendly, allowing you to include all family members, both two-legged and four-legged. Websites like Bring Fido focus solely on providing lodging that welcomes pets.

Laundry is a breeze

Traveling with little ones or infants makes having a washer and dryer incredibly useful. Whether it's dealing with diaper mishaps, sandy swimsuits, or simply wanting to pack lighter, access to laundry facilities is essential for family trips. Be sure to filter your search results to find rentals that include a washer if this feature is a priority for you.

It's generally more budget-friendly

Unless you have a significant amount of points saved up, choosing a vacation rental typically provides greater comfort and more space at a lower cost. With features like a washer, kitchen, extra bedrooms, and perks such as a yard or balcony, you can often save money by opting for a home rental instead of booking multiple hotel rooms.

Things to consider when booking

When reserving a vacation rental, there are several important factors to keep in mind to avoid any surprises upon arrival. Ensure you clarify the following details before making your booking and prior to your stay:

Check-in and check-out times

Check-in and check-out times may not be as straightforward as they are with hotels. Be sure to take note of these times and inquire with the host about any flexibility. Many hosts are accommodating and may allow you to store your luggage or check out later if there are no subsequent bookings. However, it's crucial to understand the policies beforehand, especially if your flight plans require an early arrival or late departure.

Parking arrangements

Many vacation rentals can provide a private garage or designated parking space, unlike hotels. In some situations, you may need to navigate street parking instead. Be sure to ask the host about parking options if you plan to have a car during your stay.

Ensure your rental site is categorized as travel

Well-known rental platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo typically classify as travel. However, if you're using a different site, verify with your credit card provider whether that merchant qualifies as travel to earn double or triple points with cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the Chase Sapphire Reserve.

Ensure the space is safe for young children

I’ve passed on some really appealing vacation rentals because the balcony railing wasn’t high enough for my toddler or the stairs were too steep for my baby just learning to walk or crawl. I've also avoided higher-floor vacation apartments without elevators to escape the hassle of carrying my stroller up the steps. Consider your children's developmental stages during your trip and choose accommodations accordingly.

Look for Amex offers and discounts to maximize savings

Review your credit card offers to see if there are any statement credits or discounts for booking rentals on popular sites like Airbnb and Vrbo. Some airlines, such as British Airways and Delta, even have their own Airbnb portals where you can earn SkyMiles or Avios with any booking, regardless of the credit card you use. Purchasing Airbnb gift cards at places like grocery stores or gas stations with credit cards that offer bonus points for those purchases can also be a smart way to save.

If you haven't registered on a platform like Airbnb before, be sure to ask a friend for their referral code, which will provide you both with a discount on your booking. Remember, sites like Booking.com and Hotels.com also offer vacation rental options.

Be aware of extra fees

While choosing a vacation rental can often save you money, it's crucial to be aware of any additional fees that the booking platform or host may impose. When making your reservation, check for cleaning and service charges included in the total price. Then, revisit the listing details and terms, as many hosts charge extra for things like additional guests, cleaning, utility usage, air conditioning, or late-night check-ins.

Sometimes, a property may require a deposit upon arrival (this is common for larger rentals catering to bigger groups), so it’s essential to keep these factors in mind ahead of time. It might be wise to avoid properties where the host imposes numerous extra fees—it could be a scam or simply more hassle than it’s worth.

Final thoughts

Staying in a nice hotel is always a pleasure, and I've had some fantastic experiences with my child at various hotels. However, I've also enjoyed amazing rentals with my family that were often more budget-friendly and, in many cases, more comfortable—especially for extended stays. In summary, don’t overlook vacation rentals for your next family getaway. They can provide inviting, affordable, and cozy spaces where you and your entire family can build cherished vacation memories.