Here at IDEAL we’re often asked to recommend a good hotel. And although this may seem straight forward, it’s a question fraught with difficulty. Everyone’s different, with a diversity in taste, price point and idea of what or what isn’t ‘essential’. Some prefer quirky and unique boutique hotels, others a luxury five star hotel with all the amenities to boot. However, while we adore most hotels, especially those that have cloud-like beds and spa-like bathrooms, sometimes staying at a hotel can be the wrong choice, especially if you like to have your own space and a bit more freedom. With this in mind, here are 5 IDEAL reasons to choose a holiday rental home over a hotel.
SAVE ON COSTS
With the average hotel room rate across the UK exceeding £100, one things for sure – hotels are expensive. However, one way to save on hotel costs is to book a rental house, which, when compared to booking a hotel can be amazingly cost effective. Indeed, if your sharing the cost of renting a holiday home, we’ve seen great deals for as little as £20 per person per night – you could barely get a hostel for that. Also, having a kitchen at your disposal can instantly cut your costs and add to the fun factor of a holiday. You can stock up on food, snacks and take as much wine and prosecco as you can carry. Even if you go out in the evening, you can make breakfast, lunch and midnight snacks, which will save some serious pennies. And the money you save can be used on other holiday activities such as taking a boat ride, going on a cooking class and so much more; in turn making your holiday more memorable.
A HOME FROM HOME
Renting a house offers you privacy and the amenities of a regular home, but still with that sense of adventure of being somewhere new. Moreover, sometimes the four walls of a hotel room can feel a little confined, whereas a holiday home gives you space to spread out. Yep, you can kick back, relax and treat it like your own home. Which brings us to our next point…
MAKE YOUR OWN SCHEDULE
You can create your own fun, in your own time. You don’t have to get up in time for the hotel breakfast if you want a lie in. Indeed, you can get as much sleep as you need (you’re on holiday after all) safe in the knowledge that breakfast will still be there after a late start. You don’t have to be disturbed by the hotel staff cleaning your room. If you fancy a midnight snack, you don’t have to order outrageously expensive room service or raid the mini-bar to stop your tummy from rumbling. If the bars shut, you can take the party home instead of going back to a hotel room and renting a movie that you didn’t want to see in the first place. Moreover, the hosts of holiday homes are often flexible with check-in and check-out times. Yep, with a holiday rental your free(er)to make your own schedule and do things in your own time.
THE CHOICE IS ENDLESS
Whether you want to embrace the countryside with luxury cottage rentals, breathe in the fresh sea air with a beachside villa, or stay in a highrise in the middle of a mega metropolis, there are a plethora of holiday rentals available to suit all tastes. Indeed, with holiday homes there’s something for everyone. Moreover, each property offers a stay that feels more unique and personalised; something that identikit hotel rooms can’t offer.
EMBRACE & COOK LOCAL PRODUCE
A stroll around a food market should be on every visitor’s holiday hit list. But what’s the point of looking if you’re not some cooking? However, book yourself a holiday rental with a kitchen you’ll be able to cook and experiment with the gorgeous local produce you see at the market. What’s more, you’ll be supporting the local economy instead of giving the money to rich hoteliers restaurants.