Roadside motels were once the most popular way for Americans to travel across the country. But with the rise of the internet came new ways for vacationers to find hotels and resorts. It also brought along the rise of vacation rentals. 

While rentals have always been around, they usually were only provided through rental agencies, because they require plenty of advertising to get rented. Now, anyone can post their own home, spare bedroom, cabin, second home, or even backyard space online and rent it out to travelers.

In fact, vacation rentals now win out over hotels for many travelers as their favorite way to stay.

Study Shows That Vacation Rentals are More Popular Than Hotels for Most Travelers

One vacation rental agency conducted a study of their own to see just how many travelers favor vacation rentals over hotels. They asked 1,000 American travelers who had stayed in a vacation rental at least once which type of property they prefer staying at while they’re away. While 23 percent had no preference, and instead choose where to stay based on the location and options, 54 percent preferred vacation rentals every time.

The study also revealed some interesting statistics about vacationers who stay in rentals rather than hotels or resorts. The majority of these travelers are vacationing with their partner or family. They usually are going between 4 and 6 hours from their home, either by car or plane. Most are vacationing in July, with May, June, and August following close behind.

Of the 1,000 travelers who had booked a vacation rental in the past, 32 percent take at least 2 trips a year, while 22 percent take 3. 

Vacation rental lovers tend to book 2 to 3 months ahead of their vacation. This detail might show their knowledge of vacation rentals. Unlike hotels that have dozens or even hundreds of rooms, booking that unique vacation rental as early as possible is a must to ensure you get your chosen dates.

Benefits of Choosing a Vacation Rental

Ask any one of the 1,000 travelers included in the poll, and each will likely tell you several of the same reasons why a vacation rental was the right choice for their vacation.

While you may be giving up maid service and a front desk ready to answer questions, you’ll enjoy tons of other perks to enhance your next vacation. One big one is more space for your family and friends. Most hotel rooms sleep between 2 and 6 people. A vacation rental may allow you to sleep many more than that, especially if it has pull-out couches or room for an air mattress.

Need more than one bathroom? You can easily find a vacation rental that offers that. A kitchen so that you can save cash by cooking a few meals at home? Nearly every rental offers a full kitchen, and many come with appliances, utensils, and everything else you need to cook full meals or tasty snacks. Even if a hotel room has a kitchen or efficiency, it is unlikely to have a dining table, something you’ll find in many rentals. A washer and dryer is another common rental perk that can help you pack less or maybe go home with a suitcase of clean clothes.

Not All Vacation Rentals are Created Equal

Of course, booking a vacation rental is far from a one-size-fits-all solution, and rentals are far from created equal.

While sites like VRBO and Airbnb have made it possible for anyone to list a property, these can be hit or miss. You might save money, get a cool location, or enjoy a quirky stay, you’re also sleeping in someone else’s home, which can be weird for some travelers. Renting out a single room? You’ll essentially be living with the family during your stay. If you have an issue during your stay, it’ll be you versus the homeowner to get things resolved.

Opting for a dedicated vacation rental can solve many of these issues. You’ll get what is essentially a large hotel room, just with more space and extra amenities like a kitchen or living room. Often times, these properties have a keyless entry system, so you won’t be stuck waiting around to meet with the landlord. You also won’t have to deal with someone’s belongings filling the space. From empty closets to resort-style decor, it’ll feel more like vacation and less like sleeping over at a relative’s home.

Before you book any vacation rental, look for photos and reviews of the property. 

Planning Your Getaway in a Springdale Vacation Rental

Now that you know why vacation rentals are a great way to travel and a few things to look for when choosing the right one, it’s time to find a rental for your next Springdale vacation.

Watchman Villas is Zion’s most luxurious vacation rental option. With 5 villas to choose from, you’ll get plenty of living space, a full kitchen, and plenty of other amenities. The spacious Aspen Villa is over 1,300 square feet, with an additional 1,500 square feet of outdoor living space. 

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway with your spouse or a full week’s vacation with your entire extended family, we have a villa that offers everything you need to relax, kick-back, and enjoy your visit to Springdale.