Hi Reader!

I hope your week is off to a great start! ☀️

Last week, I shared my first tip for choosing family-friendly accommodations: Prioritize What Matters Most for Your Family. We talked about figuring out what’s most important—whether it’s extra space for the kids, having a pool, or being close to attractions.

This week, let’s chat about the pros and cons of different types of accommodations—specifically hotels/resorts versus vacation rentals—and how to decide what’s right for your family.

Hotels and Resorts

We’ve stayed in plenty of hotels over the years, and they’re such a great option for short trips or when you just want everything to be easy. Our kids LOVE staying in hotels. I think it’s the elevators. 😉 They also love that there are other people around—it feels like an adventure to them! Usually, we stay at hotels that serve complimentary breakfasts, so they’re big fans of “going down” to eat breakfast. 🧇

What I love about hotels:​
➡️ The perks like pools, breakfast buffets, and daily housekeeping.
➡️ They’re usually super close to attractions, which means less time in the car with restless kiddos.
➡️ Sometimes they offer more luxurious amenities, such as on-site dining, spas, or even a kid’s club.

What’s not so great:​
➡️ Hotels can feel cramped, especially for our family of six.
➡️ Cost can add up fast if we need extra space, like a suite or two rooms.

Vacation Rentals

Vacation rentals can be such a lifesaver when we need more space and flexibility—especially for longer trips.

Why I love them:​
➡️ More room for the boys to spread out and unwind after a busy day.
➡️ Kitchens! Being able to cook a quick breakfast or dinner saves money and sanity.
➡️ It feels like home, and the kids seem to settle in easier.
➡️ Some rentals are in unique or scenic locations, often with stunning decks or patio views.

(Picture this: A vacation rental with three decks with unobstructed views of the Great Smoky Mountains) 💕

➡️ Many rentals come stocked with extra supplies like beach gear, high chairs, and pack ‘n plays, which can save you from lugging extra gear along!

What to watch out for:​
➡️ Not all rentals are created equal. I always read reviews carefully to avoid surprises (like uncomfortable beds or no AC!).
➡️ Sometimes I miss the convenience of housekeeping or having someone else make my coffee in the morning.

And the Not So Fun Part to Think About- The Budget

Budget plays a big role in our decision. Hotels can be a splurge for shorter trips, while vacation rentals often save money when we’re staying longer or traveling with our large family. It’s all about finding a balance in regards to what works for your trip and your wallet!

What’s your go-to: hotels or vacation rentals?

Mine totally depends on a number of factors- the specific destination, costs, and what is available. Honestly, the answer isn't always so clear. Sometimes I prefer a resort or hotel and other times a vacation rental is best!

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Stay tuned for next week’s Travel Tuesday newsletter, where I’ll share our favorite hotel chains!

May you LOVE your adventure!

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