Vacation rental homes are accommodations that you can rent directly from owners. How do you choose and how we can help?

Our first piece of advice is to plan accordingly and intentionally. Be specific about your needs. We all work hard for our vacations, make sure your accommodations work for you.

Next, book your vacation direct. Booking directly from a property owner rather than through an online booking site will probably save you a substantial amount of money. In the last couple of years, the big online travel agencies have instituted higher commissions from the rental managers and also started charging the travellers. Also when you work directly with the owner it makes for a far more personal experience. Once you have secured your booking with the property owner there are no hidden charges, you will know exactly what your cost will be with no surprise fees later.

Lastly, vacation rental owners will work with your budget, family size, preferences and your personal needs to make your decision to rent a vacation home easier.

Here are a few comparisons between vacation home rentals and hotels —

AMENITIES — You will find conveniences and amenities at hotels and vacation rental homes. But, vacation homes are homes not just rooms. They include things you expect to find at home. For anyone that loves to cook a kitchen is first and foremost. Some guests enjoy eating out, but want the option to cook some meals in. A vacation rental property provides the convenience of cooking and is cost effective for families on a budget. When children are involved, nothing beats a kitchen. Kids always seem to be hungry and having a spot to make an early morning breakfast or a bedtime snack is crucial for everyone’s vacation happiness. Then there are the times the kids are tired and crabby. Or, us adults are tired and crabby. Sometimes we want to save a few dollars and a kitchen comes in handy. For some a kitchen is a necessity and to do without is not an option. With a hotel stay, dining out and not having to food shop or clean up can be convenient, but it comes at a cost. Full sized appliances, washer and dryer are usually available and included in the cost at rental homes and allow families the luxury of not having to take home a week or more of dirty clothes. Any hotels we have stayed in charge for any laundering services. Parking and Wi-Fi can cost extra at a hotel, but are standard with most vacation rentals. Rental homes often feature gourmet kitchens, luxury linens, big screen televisions with hundreds of channels, pools, outdoor grill with kitchens and more. All these amenities make for a much more comfortable vacation.

PRICE — For anyone looking to book a vacation, price is usually a major consideration. If you are a solo traveler and are looking for a short simple, inexpensive stay, a hotel is an option. Another option is a vacation rental studio apartment which is typically cheaper than a hotel with the added convenience of a kitchenette. For those budget minded this option provides the advantage of cooking some or all of your meals in which can be a huge savings.

For families, the vacation rental option is almost always less in price then what you would pay at a hotel. The longer the stay at a vacation house rental, the nightly cost could average out to be less than the average hotel night’s stay. Cost savings can also be found in a vacation rental with a kitchen that allows guests to cook meals rather than eating at restaurants. For those travelling with your parents, other extended family members and friends you would be looking at two or more hotel rooms verses one rental. Between the expense of eating out and having to book two (or more) rooms to accommodate everyone, you can blow most of your budget. A home rental is almost always more cost effective.

SIZE & SPACE — How much space will your party need? Your answer will determine your family needs and will be a key decider as to whether a vacation rental or hotel room is what you want. It is worth noting that an average hotel room is 325 square feet while an average vacation home gives you more than 1100 square feet. A long-term stay in a hotel room when your party is larger than two people doesn’t usually make for a happy stay. When it comes to square footage, vacation rentals are usually your best bet. A hotel room generally offers a king/queen or two double beds and one bathroom.  If you’re lucky, you will get a dorm-room fridge and a tiny coffee maker. Often the fridge is stocked by the hotel so there is not room for your personal drinks or food. Vacation rentals vary widely, but for a similar price to a single hotel room you’ll generally get two bedroom, two bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen. All of our units have laundry facilities and are fully stocked. The kitchen comes with all the dishes, silverware, pots and pans that you will need to prepare and serve meals.  This is huge for most travellers. Many hotels do offer 2- and 3-bedroom options with small kitchenettes, however they tend to be quite pricey. For a family of three or four a one or two bedroom condo rental will give you the space you need. For large groups a multi-bedroom house with a full kitchen, multiple bathrooms and a living space is a great option. Families could save money by vacationing with a large group in a rental house, which allows the cost to be split. Consider too, the benefits of shared space when traveling with friends or extended family. Would you choose to crowd into someone’s hotel room and play a board game on someone’s bed or would you rather spend time as a group in a living room, dining area or kitchen?

PRIVACY — Vacation home offers more privacy than a hotel. For people who like having their own space, hotel rooms are not very inviting. Housekeeping coming and going, thin walls, elevator and HVAC noise, crowded pools. With a vacation rental you set the schedule. Sleep when you like, eat when you like and no worrying about the housekeeping schedule. If you want some quality family bonding time and don’t want the intrusion of tourists then you should rent a vacation home. Even with a vacation home rental your children have plenty of opportunity to meet and make new friends at the beach or at any public attractions.

LOCAL LIFE — Another positive aspect of using vacation rentals is the opportunity to enjoy a more authentic experience instead of being isolated behind the doors of a hotel.  When you go the vacation rental route, you act less like a tourist and more like a resident.  You won’t be dependent on restaurants, will be more likely to grocery shop and cook. When you shop with the locals, you have the opportunity to talk to the locals. A vacation rental property is homey. When you walk out of your front door, you might pass neighbours and engage in conversation. These are regular folks heading to work or maybe like you heading to the beach. These people are a good source for information and will probably be happy to answer any questions you might have about the community. Choosing vacation rentals allows you an inside view into the local lifestyle, culture and architecture that you might otherwise miss. A hotel? You’re surrounded only by other tourists and hotel staff.

When staying with Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals-601 Gulf Dr. N. Anna Maria Island, Florida 34217 our focus and concern is you, our guest, and ensuring a comfortable stay and awesome experience. If you have any questions about one of our vacation rentals in Anna Maria Island, about what to see and do, or how best to enjoy the accommodation and its amenities we promise to provide you with all kinds of helpful information, and from our first-hand experience, too.

When planning your next family vacation please contact us at — annamariaislandcondorentals.com

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Note: The above comparisons/information are based on the personal opinion(s) of Anna Maria Island Condo Rentals.