Booking rental accommodation gives travellers a unique and personalized alternative to traditional hotels. These platforms connect travellers with hosts who rent out their homes, apartments, or vacation properties, providing a diverse range of options for every style of traveller. 

Booking an apartment or villa is something we like to prioritise on our trips now and we would always look to do this now if we can rather than staying in hotels. We mainly use Airbnb and Vrbo as they are big companies which give you a bit more piece of mind and security when booking.

What are the advantages of choosing to book a holiday rental Property?

Unique Properties: Places like Airbnb offer a diverse range of lodging options, including apartments, houses, villas, treehouses, and even unique stays like yurts and castles. This can provide you with a more local authentic experience compared to traditional hotels.

Cost-Effective:

• Potential Savings: Often, Airbnb rentals can be more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays or larger groups.
• Cooking Facilities: We love that many Airbnb properties come with kitchens, allowing guests to save money by cooking their own meals, not only that but eating out every night can get a little boring so this gives you the best option to do both which is especially good on longer trips.
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Flexibility:

• • Flexible Check-in/Check-out: Hosts may offer more flexible check-in and check-out times compared to hotels.
  • Personalized Stays: Guests can find accommodations that matches their specific needs, whether it’s a pet-friendly place, a home with a pool, or a property in a particular neighbourhood.

Space and Amenities:

• • More Space: Airbnbs often provide more space than a typical hotel room, which can be beneficial for families or groups that may want their own space.
  • Home-Like Amenities: Properties often come with amenities like laundry facilities, living rooms, and outdoor spaces. This is a big advantage for me, having laundry facilities is great, meaning we do not have to pack as many clothes for the holiday and also not having to think about that mountain of washing when you get home as you can do some of it  before you leave and just iron it at home!

Local Insights:

• • Host Recommendations: Many hosts provide valuable local tips and recommendations, enhancing the travel experience.

 What are the Disadvantages?

Quality and Consistency:

• • Varied Quality: The quality of Airbnb properties can vary widely since each property is individually owned and managed so make sure you check out all of the reviews and especially the recent ones.
  • Inconsistent Standards: Unlike hotels, there are no standardized services or amenities, which can lead to inconsistencies.

Service and Support:

• • Limited Professional Support: If issues arise during the stay, the level of support from the host or Airbnb customer service may not be as prompt or comprehensive as a hotel’s 24/7 service.
  • Host Cancellations: Occasionally, hosts may cancel reservations, sometimes on short notice, causing inconvenience.

Fees and Pricing:

• • Hidden Fees: Airbnb listings can have additional fees such as cleaning fees, service fees, and extra guest charges, which can add up so always make sure you check the costs in detail and compare them to local hotels.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Prices can fluctuate based on demand, making it sometimes difficult to find consistent pricing.

Legal and Safety Concerns:

• • Regulation Compliance: Some cities have strict regulations regarding short-term rentals, which can lead to legal issues or unexpected cancellations.
  • Safety and Security: Unlike hotels, Airbnb properties may not have the same level of security measures in place, such as front desk staff or secure access points.

Luggage: Hotels often have luggage storage facilities if you arrive early before your room is ready or you have a late flight home on your last day. Staying in a rental facility this may not be possible, check with your host to see if they have this facility available.

• When booking any trip always make sure your provider is ATOL protected.  
• Always use a credit card to book your flights as you have better protection should anything go wrong .
• Always remember to book your Travel insurance as soon as you book anything.