Let’s be real, when you’re booking a trip, one of the first things you think about is where you’re going to stay. Let’s look at short-term rentals vs hotels.
If you’ve only ever stayed in hotels, you might not realise what you’re missing. Short-term rentals (think Airbnb, Vrbo, or even direct bookings with hosts) offer a home-away-from-home experience that hotels just can’t compete with. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a work trip, a family vacation, or a staycation, here’s why short-term rentals are totally worth it.
Way More Space = Way More Comfort
Ever tried squeezing into a tiny hotel room with your suitcase, partner, kids, or even a pet? It’s not fun.
With short-term rentals, you can book an entire home, apartment, or cottage, so you actually have space to breathe. That means:
✔A separate living area – because sitting on the edge of your bed isn’t ideal.
✔Extra bedrooms – perfect for families, groups, or anyone who needs their own space.
✔Outdoor areas – hello, private garden, balcony, or even a hot tub!
It’s like staying at home instead of just a room.
You Get a Kitchen (AKA No More Overpriced Room Service)
One of the best perks – A fully equipped kitchen.
Let’s be honest, eating out for every single meal gets expensive (and sometimes, you just want a midnight snack in your pyjamas). With a kitchen, you can:
✔ Save money by cooking a few meals instead of dining out 24/7.
✔ Eat what you want – great for food allergies, dietary needs, or picky eaters.
✔ Have a lazy breakfast in bed without paying hotel breakfast prices.
While hotels often impose steep charges for mini-bar snacks and late-night dining, short-term rentals offer the convenience of a fully equipped kitchen and stocked essentials. This allows guests to enjoy their favorite treats and meals in the comfort of their own space without the added expense.
More Value for Your Money
Think hotels are always cheaper? Think again.
Short-term rentals often offer better value, allowing you to enjoy an entire home, apartment, or cottage. With multiple rooms and amenities, you’ll enjoy more space at a comparable or lower cost than a hotel.
✔ No surprise resort fees or overpriced add-ons.
✔ Weekly & monthly discounts – perfect for long stays.
✔ Free Wi-Fi & parking (unlike some hotels that charge extra).
If you’re travelling as a group or family, splitting a rental can be way more affordable than booking multiple hotel rooms.
Stay Somewhere With Personality (Not Just a Generic Room)
Let’s be real, most hotels look exactly the same no matter where you go. Same beds, same dull décor, same tiny shampoo bottles.
Short-term rentals, though? Each one is unique.
✔Stylish apartments, cosy cottages, luxury villas, whatever vibe you love, you’ll find it.
✔ Local hosts who give personal recommendations, no more guessing where to eat or what to do.
✔ A homier, more inviting atmosphere, because let’s face it, hotels can feel kinda sterile.
Staying somewhere unique makes your trip feel special, not just another night in another hotel.
Better Locations & More Privacy
Hotels are usually in busy tourist areas, which can come with several drawbacks. Noisy hallways can disrupt your peace. Expensive restaurants nearby force you to spend more on meals. Crowded receptions can lead to long waits. Slow lifts add to the frustration of getting around the hotel.
Short-term rentals give you more choice in location. Want to stay in a peaceful neighbourhood instead of the middle of a noisy city? Done. Want to be right by the beach instead of miles away? No problem.
Plus, they’re way more private. No more:
✔ Housekeeping knocking at 8 AM
✔ Paper-thin walls and noisy neighbours
✔ Overcrowded pools or gyms
Pet-Friendly Stays = No More Kennel Guilt
Got a furry friend? Many short-term rentals welcome pets, unlike hotels that charge sky-high pet fees (or don’t allow pets at all).
✔ More space for your pet to roam (instead of being cooped up in a tiny room).
✔ Private gardens or nearby parks for walks.
✔ Less stress for your pet – because they’ll be in a home, not a strange hotel.
The Bottom Line – Short-Term Rentals Just Make Sense
Hotels have their perks, sure. But if you want more space, more comfort, and a a more enriching and personalised experience overall short-term rentals are the way to go.
More space, privacy, and comfort
Better value for your money
A unique, homely feel instead of a generic hotel room
A kitchen, free Wi-Fi, and no surprise fees
Pet-friendly & family-friendly options
Next time you’re booking a trip, consider choosing a short-term rental over a hotel. It offers unique experiences and amenities. You’ll likely wonder why you didn’t switch sooner.
Key Retreats – You’re welcome, no worries. Managing marvellous properties in lovely locations is what we do!
Get in touch – info@keyretreats.co.uk call us on 0333 880 4319
or visit https://bookings.keyretreats.co.uk/ to book your stay