Hotels or Vacation Rentals?

Staying in either a hotel or vacation rental will hopefully give you a wonderful vacation, but which should you choose? Here are the pros and cons to help you decide what option is best for you.

Hotel Pros - Staying at a hotel automatically gives you a feeling of luxury. Someone else is going to make your bed every day, clean up after you and look after your needs. Plus the amenities give the option of spending the entire day without leaving the hotel grounds. You can eat, sleep and party all in one place as many of the larger hotels have bars, restaurants and nightclubs on the property. The vast majority of hotels in Miami are right next to the beach or very close by, and many have a swimming pool. So if you are coming to work on your tan, it is easy to do so as you relax by the water and servers bring you drinks. You will meet other people also on vacation, and there is always someone nearby to help with anything you may need.

Hotel Cons - As we have mentioned in other articles, making sure the reviews of your hotel are not fake plays a big part in choosing the right one. A major negative of staying at a hotel when you have not done your research is arriving to find it not up to your standards and being stuck there for a week. Sometimes a good night’s sleep can be elusive if your room is above a noisy alleyway or street, and in many hotels, the walls are thin enough to hear next door. Check if your hotel has a resort fee and how much parking is; each of these charges can be an additional $25 to $35 per day, adding a hefty amount onto your check-out bill.

Vacation Rental Pros - Vacation rental apartments are usually found in normal apartment buildings in South Beach, but there are a few connected to hotels. Renting an apartment gives you more space than a hotel room, and are quieter with more privacy. Many also allow pets. You can usually negotiate a good rate, and by booking a vacation rental, you are helping support a ‘Mom and Pop’ organization, rather than a big hotel chain. A rental can be a relaxing way to visit Miami, staying in your own quiet space with no one disturbing you in your apartment.

Vacation Rental Cons - As most vacation rentals are in the quieter residential streets of South Beach, they can feel far away from the action, and will not have the same ‘vacation’ feel as a hotel. You may not get the same hotel amenities, such as a gym, pool or spa. You have to pay a security fee for your stay, and it may be difficult to get it back. Also, choosing the right rental and avoiding the scams can be challenging. Always use an approved website such as vrbo.com to find a good listing.

Whether you decide on a vacation rental or hotel room, you know what will suit you best for your trip. Keep the pros and cons in mind, and have an enjoyable time in Miami!

About the Author: A SoBe resident for 5 years, Jess’s writing focuses on healthy living in South Beach with a dose of British humor and a cheerful outlook on life in Miami. She can be found moderating the forum Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Jess.

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