Holidaylodger

10 reasons why renting a holiday home beats a hotel

It’s easy to book a package holiday without having to think very much about what type of holiday you are going to get at the end. But the experience can be mediocre, and not the amazing holiday experience you were hoping for. Here are 10 reasons why renting a holiday home or villa could turn your next holiday in to your dream get-away (and its easy once you know how!)

1. Live in a home that’s cared for – For private rentals of holiday homes and villas, people are relying on a good reputation for you to tell your friends, or for you to even come back yourself. They will want you to stay in a property you’ll enjoy having as your own for a week or two. Most holiday homes you will find are safe, well maintained and well loved - just the type of accommodation for the perfect holiday.

2. Get tips on the local area - If you are living in someone’s home they are going to make sure you enjoy your holiday more than a receptionist in a hotel. Ask about the area, find out all about the local must-sees and hotspots that aren’t always in the guidebook. The personal touch from a knowledgeable landlord can make an ordinary holiday in to an extraordinary experience.

3. Bigger choice of location – hotels are usually found in the popular areas and resorts, but what if you’re looking for something off the beaten track? By choosing a holiday home you get to decide if you want to be in the centre of the action or if you want to stay in a secluded and private hide-away. Stay in a tourist area or be as much of a native as you want to, it’s up to you.

4. Get the pool to yourself - Don’t fancy having to wake up at 6am to get the best spot by the pool? Whether you want a lazy morning, a midnight swim, or just to enjoy the peace and quiet all day, you can sit by your own pool in the knowledge that you can have what you want when you want and not be disturbed.

5. More space - Holiday homes differ greatly, but you can always choose how much space you and your fellow guests need. From studio apartments to 10 bedroom mansions.

6. Know where the kids are – Relax in the knowledge that your kids are always in your safe keeping and can’t go wandering off anywhere or go with anyone else. You can keep watch on them by the pool, and also they know exactly where you are in case they need you. You’ll be able to keep an eye on them at all times much more easily than in a large open complex or around a noisy crowded pool.

7. Lock your own front door – you know that your property and your family are safely behind your own front door. There aren’t any maids or other staff wandering around with access to your room whenever they feel like it – lock the front door of your holiday home and feel safe in the knowledge that all your stuff will be there when you get back from your trips out.

8. Buy your own groceries - sometimes it’s nice to have your meals prepared, but you can never be sure of how your food has been handled before it gets to your plate. You usually get the same bland things on offer every meal. And it’s even worse in an all-inclusive buffet – half the guests have handled it before it’s your turn! Take the opportunity to find some wonderful fresh local produce, try the local dishes, go out and meet the shopkeepers or brows the market stalls – maybe even practice a bit of the language! They’ll be able to recommend something to truly get those taste buds excited, and you’ll know exactly what you’re eating and how it’s been prepared. And if you fancy a night away from the washing up? Go out and discover where the locals like to eat. There are some amazing restaurants in fantastic locations cooking up fresh meals you’ll remember, rather than the same old mush from the hotel kitchen.

9. Find out the local pastimes– They are the ones who get to enjoy these places all year round, so find out the local haunts, go out in to the area, see the sites and get the local perspective, rather than staying in the complex of the hotel. There are festivals, museums, shops or just great places to chill out and pass the time of day, that you’ll never get to see from your hotel balcony. Plus the locals will know where all the best parties are! Go out and explore!

10. Take as many people as you like – If you fancy taking the whole family or going with all your friends, look for a holiday home with plenty of rooms. The more people who you take the cheaper it is, rather than everyone having to pay for their separate rooms. And you get to share all the holiday memories with the ones you love, without having to make them sit looking through your holiday snaps! Or if it’s a quiet escape you’re wanting, there are plenty of cosy retreats for couples and small families.