Vacation Rental or Resort? Which is best for you?

When planning your vacation, one of the many choices you have is deciding on the type of property you will be staying at. Two of the more popular variations are Resorts and Vacation Rental Properties, and within those two categories are additional variations. The difference’s between these two main categories however, are distinct while having some similarities, and you should consider them before making a final decision.

The differences really fall into two main categories: Size and Cost, and Facilities and Services. Let’s dig a little deeper into each of these…

Size and Cost -

Generally, you can expect to get about twice as much floor space for your dollar at a Vacation Rental property than you would get staying at a 5-Star Resort Hotel with the equivalent quality of interior furnishings. So basically, compared with a Vacation Rental, about half of the money you are paying for a room at a luxury 5 star resort goes toward values and benefits that are not related to the size or quality of the room. No big surprise there! So basically Vacation Rentals offer much more space at much less cost than comparable hotel rooms. Now you do need to be careful when shopping for a Vacation Rental property because, just as with Resorts there are good and bad properties and you can just as easily get “burned” by a Rental Property as you can with a Resort that has over-promised with out-dated photos, reviews, etc. So make sure to do your due diligence when shopping for your Vacation Rental Property.

Facilities and Services -

When talking services resorts are typically going to always win out over a vacation rental. Resorts are there to cater to your every whim. If you want it, they can usually provide it, even if for a fee. They have swimming pools, spas, shops, restaurants, concierge, travel desks, business centers, phone operators to assist you with calls, and the list goes on. Some even have nannies and dance instructors on staff. Remember these are just some of the things you are paying for in the price rather than getting the space of a Rental property. Now, some rental properties will have swimming pools, and may also offer outside services that may add a little extra to your bill, but allow you to keep aspects of a full service resort. For example, they might provide you with a chef to cook your evening meals or a maid to tidy up for you. Some may even offer a driver.

Deciding upon your vacation accommodations is a critical piece to the puzzle, but it is also a decidedly personal preference as well.

Vacation Rentals are going to take you away from the crowd, and have a more “home-like” feel. These properties are individually owned and can be anything from a full house, a condo, to an apartment. They will be much more affordable if you are looking for space to sprawl out, or you are looking at going with a few friends or family members. You will have the freedom to cook your own meals and even throw a little “party” of you so choose. You don’t think have to necessarily give up the “beach-front room” either. If you do your research and book early you can find some very nice properties right on the beach where the waves and gentle winds can put you to sleep at night. You can find Vacation Rentals in almost every vacation destination on earth, now.

If you are looking for luxury and having someone else take care of all those little things you hate to do at home, then a Resort vacation is probably more in line for you. You can also find “all-inclusive” resorts or package deals where you pay one fee that includes everything from your resort stay, airfare, transportation to the resort from the airport, and activities at the resort. This can be nice because you pay once, and then never have to worry about taking out your wallet or purse from that point on, unless you want to “go-out on town” for some reason. You can spend a busy day taking in all the resort activities, or just relaxing by the pool or at the beach. Resorts will also normally have additional luxury services such as spa’s to pamper and relax your tensions away, concierges on duty to help you find places to visit and tell you things you can do while in town, fitness centers, and day care centers. You will get top of the line service and never ending fun at a resort.

So really it comes down to personal choice and what you are looking for. Also location can greatly dictate your choice as well, so be sure to do your research. If you want privacy, the comforts of home, or maybe accommodations for a group, then look into Vacation Rentals . If on the other hand you are looking to be pampered and enjoy lots of activities then check into a Resort .