Feeling overwhelmed by the mountain of holiday options out there? Can’t decide between breakfast in bed or an omelet from the buffet, the total freedom of a holiday rental or the full-service comforts of a hotel? And then there’s the question of pricing: which choice gives you better value for your money? Our list of pros & cons will bring you some welcome clarity.
Hotel or Vacation Rental: Which Is Better?
Let’s be honest right from the outset: no one can make this decision for you – it all comes down to
- your personal needs and preferences
- the number of people traveling with you
- the type of trip you are planning
- the length of your vacation
- your destination.
How do you want to spend your vacation, and what kind of accommodation suits you best? We’ve gathered the pros and cons of self-catering rentals versus hotel stays for you:
What are the arguments in favor of a vacation rental?
A stay in a holiday apartment or holiday home means maximum privacy, lots of space, and a home-away-from-home feeling. Typical features of vacation rentals include:
- one or more bedrooms and bathrooms
- a fully equipped kitchen to cook for yourself
- a garden, terrace, or balcony
- a living/dining area with plenty of space to eat around a large table or enjoy a game night together
- many holiday apartments and holiday homes are pet-friendly – perfectly suited for a holiday with your dog
- you are responsible for keeping your holiday apartment clean during your stay.
Don’t want to miss out on a sauna or pool during your trip either? In that case, look for holiday apartments or holiday homes with a (private) wellness area, sauna, or pool.
Vacation rentals are ideal – and more affordable – for longer stays or larger groups, for family vacations or getaways with friends. You pay per unit, and not per person.
When Is a Hotel the Better Choice?
“I don’t want to have to worry about a single thing when I am on vacation.” If that sounds like you, a hotel is probably the right pick. Breakfast is ready and waiting, many hotels offer wellness areas, and the front desk is able to handle all your needs and any questions regarding the surrounding area.
Other perks and typical features of hotels include:
- daily maid service,
- fresh towels on request,
- your bed is made for you,
- minibar instead of a kitchen
- common areas like the lobby, bar, and restaurant give you a chance to meet fellow guests.
Your meals are served in the hotel restaurant, or you can enjoy the variety of the buffet – and you won’t have to give the dirty dishes a second thought. Instead, you can unwind over a drink at the hotel bar. Now that’s a vacation! Some hotels even include supervised children’s programs, organized activities, or guided excursions.
What Is an Apartment Hotel?
An apartment hotel, often referred to in this part of the world as an aparthotel, is a blend of hotel and vacation rental – essentially giving you the best of both worlds. You stay in your own apartment with a kitchen or kitchenette, living area, and often multiple rooms, offering you the space and freedom of a vacation rental. At the same time, you enjoy hotel perks like breakfast, front desk service, housekeeping, and often access to wellness facilities or an in-house restaurant. You can cook if you want – but you don’t have to. A vacation in an apartment hotel is perfect if you want flexibility and don’t want to miss out on the comfort and convenience of a hotel stay.
Price Comparison: Which Is More Affordable – a Vacation Rental or Hotel?
A vacation rental is usually the more budget-friendly option for
- families
- groups
- and longer stays.
You can split the cost of the rental with your travel companions - whereas in a hotel, you typically pay per person. You’ll also save on food if you cook for yourself instead of eating out at restaurants or mountain huts every day. Another benefit of a vacation rental: you only pay for what you actually use.
In contrast, the nightly rate at a hotel typically includes everything: meals, entertainment, daily room cleaning, and use of the wellness area or hotel facilities. Hotel costs are predictable – with few major additional expenses (like food) cropping up. That makes hotels a particularly attractive option for
- short stays
- wellness weekends and pampering getaways
- solo travelers and couples
- and city tourism.
Pros & Cons at a Glance
|
Hotel |
Holiday Apartment/Holiday Home | |
|
Less space in a hotel room, though common areas to mingle with fellow guests | More living space, often with fully equipped kitchen, multiple bedrooms & bathrooms |
|
Set meal times and procedures | Eat, sleep, schedule your day as you please |
|
Less contact with other guests | Maximum privacy |
|
Breakfast, cleaning, room service, wellness, reception | Self-catering, more personal responsibility |
|
Often higher-priced per person, though very predictable | Often more affordable for families, friends, groups |
|
Playrooms, childcare and activity programs often provided | Space to play within your own 4 walls, no set meal times, children have the freedom to move around more |
|
Frequently not permitted | Often dog-friendly, gardens possible |
|
Short trips, city travel, wellness weekends, personal pampering | Family vacations, active holidays, longer stays |
|
Arrive and let the hotel take care of your every need | Arrive and do what you want |
As Flexible as You Are: Vacations at ALPS RESORTS
Whether you want to be pampered from head to toe or plan every detail of your vacation yourself: At ALPS RESORTS, you’ll find the perfect accommodations. So, what will it be? A modern hotel with an inviting wellness area and restaurant, an apartment hotel right by the ski slopes or golf course, a holiday home with private pool, or a fully equipped apartment with sauna? At ALPS RESORTS, you spend your vacation the way you want to – true to our motto: “My Way of Holiday.” We look forward to seeing you here!
Verena J.
E-Commerce Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
Would you like to learn more about ALPS RESORTS? Feel free to use our contact form or submit a non-binding inquiry.