The Pros and Cons of Popular Types of Travel Accommodations

Traveling comes with a big decision: where to sleep at night. While you might be used to staying in hotels, there are other options that might create a better experience. 

Here are the top five types of accommodations to help you make the right choice for your next trip.

1. Vacation rentals (the luxurious choice)

Vacation rentals have revolutionized travel accommodations by offering private homes to travelers. They typically come with all the amenities you’d find in any house, like a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and a large living space, making them perfect for groups and families. Some vacation rentals – like many of the Legacy Beach Homes in Florida – have been specifically built as vacation homes to create an outstanding guest experience.

When you choose a vacation rental, you get comfort and privacy, and an ideal location to access the community and local attractions. That’s because vacation rentals tend to be in the middle of local neighborhoods rather than tucked away in a tourist location.

You’ll pay more for a vacation rental, but when you travel with a group, the cost per person drops significantly. It’s a small price to pay for total privacy, freedom, and beautiful accommodations.

2. Hotels (the classic choice)

Hotels have traditionally been the only option for travel accommodations outside of cheap motels and staying with friends. However, even though there are more options today, there are still benefits to renting a hotel. For example, hotels offer private rooms with full bathrooms, daily housekeeping, and a front desk for assistance. Some offer rooms with a kitchen and even free breakfast. When you rent a hotel room from a chain, you get a certain level of predictability that can make unfamiliar destinations more comfortable.

The downside is that even “affordable” hotels are priced pretty high. Even so-called budget hotels can cost more than $100 per night. Still, hotels aren’t a bad choice, especially if you value front desk support and having your room cleaned daily.

3. Hostels (the low-budget choice)

Hostels offer a unique accommodation experience with lower nightly rates than other options, but the environment is designed to be a communal living experience. With some exceptions, the sleeping quarters are typically large dorm-style rooms shared with other guests and there is no real privacy. Hostels are designed to encourage social interaction and many host social events, like walking tours and pub crawls. This type of accommodation is best suited for people who want to meet other travelers and make friends. Most people who choose the hostel experience are single, young travelers who are on long trips across the country.

If you don’t want to be social or dislike having your sleep disrupted, hostels aren’t for you. Between late arrivals, early departures, and that one person who won’t stop snoring, it won’t work if you’re attached to getting a full night’s sleep.

4. Bed & Breakfast (B&B)

A traditional Bed & Breakfast offers a more personal experience than you’d get in a regular hotel. Typically, a B&B is located in a private residence or historic home with a limited number of guest rooms. They’re usually family-run or owner-operated and offer a highly personalized and warm atmosphere. The hallmark of a B&B stay is a homemade breakfast served in a communal dining area where you can interact with other guests.

The staff in a B&B are a wealth of knowledge and can provide insider tips on local attractions, dining recommendations, and cultural nuances. Compared to the transactional nature of hotel staff interactions, this personal touch elevates the entire experience.

The downside to renting a B&B is having to follow strict rules. For example, there’s usually a rigid schedule for checking in and out, and you might need to return to your room before a certain time at night.

5. Airbnb (the casual choice)

Airbnb has changed the world of travel accommodations by allowing anyone to rent a room or their whole home to guests. Since many travelers prefer a more localized experience, it’s been a popular option for many years.

The cons? There’s always a chance that something could go wrong. For example, many people have been unable to get into their rental, others have dealt with misleading listings, and there’s no guarantee the place you rent will be clean. On top of the unknown risks, fees can be pretty high. 

For example, a listing that costs $149 per night might end up costing around $1,000 for three nights after all the fees are applied. However, sometimes being in a specific location is worth more than saving a few bucks.

Optimize your travel experience

If you love to travel, do a little research before trying a new style of accommodations. By weighing all of your options ahead of time, you’ll find a spot that meets your needs and enhances your experience.