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Believe it or not, we’re in prime vacation season—for booking, that is. Per data and analytics company YouGov, almost half of American travelers make their summer plans one to three months in advance of their trip, meaning that now is the time to act if you haven’t already.
Fortunately, between hotels and home rental companies like Vrbo and Airbnb, you have more options available than ever. The drawback, though, is that narrowing them down can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down the key pros and cons of each to help you make a more informed decision.
Hotels
The longtime champion of this industry, hotels (plus motels, inns, and the like) still thrive today. According to a March 2025 survey by Deloitte, 80 percent of road warriors intended to stay in a hotel at least once during their summer travels—over three times more than those planning to rent a place.
Positives
Familiarity
The saying “home away from home” epitomizes the hotel experience in a sense. Regardless of the city you’re visiting, you can be relatively certain of what your room, lobby, and even bedding will be like, especially if you frequent one chain.
Location
With this option, you’re usually staying in the heart of the action: in town and on or near a main thoroughfare. This makes it easy to see the sights and, if you’re flying to your destination, secure transportation. You’ll likely have multiple hotels to choose from in the area as well.
Freebies
Hotels draw you in with complimentary perks, primarily free breakfasts and pool access. In addition, many offer rewards programs, allowing you to accumulate points for free nights and more.
Negatives
Noise
Nothing is as frustrating on a getaway as neighbors thumping on your ceiling, loudly blaring the TV in the room next to you, or running down the hallway outside your door. Other hotel noise nuisances include being situated near the elevator or ice machine or close to a highway.
Upward mobility
Speaking of elevators, rooms on higher floors provide perks like great views, but the main downside is the length of the ride up and down. This is only amplified if you’re lugging, well, luggage.
Space
Even in the most luxurious of stays, you’re likely sharing a hotel room with your entourage, which can get a bit cramped. You may also feel crowded in frequently used areas like elevators, the main lobby, etc.
Rentals
Home rentals have become an increasingly popular option for vacationers over the years. Though Airbnb stands out as the leader of the pack for many, it certainly isn’t alone, with Vrbo and even local brokers offering equally enticing accommodations.
Positives
Space
While hotels may flounder when it comes to space, rentals thrive. You’re usually getting an entire home or apartment with the latter, which equates to much more room (potentially even individual bedrooms and a yard), independence, quiet, and privacy. Another perk: a guaranteed parking spot near the front door.
Cost
Rentals were originally created as a cheaper option to hotels, and that’s often still the case. They can be especially cost-effective for large groups and longer stays (but less so for solo travelers and couples).
Comfort
Staying in a rental can almost feel like vacationing at home. For instance, you can cook your own meals and sleep in without room service knocking or neighbors waking you. And since these places are frequently embedded within local communities, you can enjoy a nice neighborly vibe. They also tend to be more pet friendly.
Negatives
Availability
With rentals, you typically must book well in advance, and if you need to cancel, you may be required to do so weeks or months before your trip or risk losing significant money. Additionally, unlike hotels and their renowned responsiveness, rental owners may not be available at all hours if you need something.
Extra costs
The final bill may end up being much higher than the nightly rate due to cleaning fees and taxes, and you may be dinged for any damage. Plus, there’s a different type of associated cost: your own labor. After all, you need to clean up after you cook, make your own bed during your stay, and tidy up to the owner’s satisfaction before leaving.
Risk
One final downside about rentals is that there’s always a chance a listing’s photos are edited, leading to disappointment. In the same vein, a place off the beaten path may feature unwanted guests (bugs), while one in the woods could mean sharing your yard with wildlife. Always make sure to read reviews and ask the owner any questions before committing.
It’s been said that home is where the heart is, and that’s often true on a trip as well—a homey feeling can make all the difference to how much you enjoy the experience. By carefully considering the pros and cons of your options and doing thorough research, you can make the perfect decision to ensure that you enjoy your getaway to the fullest.
