Now that the spring getaways are largely behind us, all eyes are on the summer months ahead for what’s expected to be a busy travel season. As travelers plan their summer vacations, one question will undoubtedly arise: can I book a hotel or rental property like an Airbnb?
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Of course, the answer depends on various factors. Availability and prices at your destination are usually the most important considerations. But your preference on the type of stay you are looking for, as well as loyalty and points related factors and other considerations.
It’s hard to beat staying at a resort, where you enjoy the luxury of on-site pools, restaurants, housekeeping, not to mention easy beach access and the financial advantage of use your points for a free stay or earn points and elite night credits. .
I’ve also had many family Airbnb stays that have been equally memorable. Sometimes a rental property like an Airbnb gives you the opportunity to enjoy your temporary space more like you would a home, and in some cases, to immerse yourself more fully in the everyday culture of the place you’re visiting.
It should also be noted, there are ways your points can help you with your Airbnb reservation, although you will not earn free nights by staying in a rental property.
Colocations have gained some notoriety in recent years for fees added on top of your nightly ratebut the fees you pay at resorts – including when redeeming points in some cases – can be equally repulsive among guests.
Related: Everything you need to know about Airbnb
What is the best haircut for you this summer? We thought we’d compare hotel and Airbnb options in several popular summer destinations.
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We looked at bookings for a peak summer vacation week of July 16-23 (Saturday-Saturday) for this report.
East Coast Beach Trip: Hilton Head Island, South Carolina
Hilton head is a popular beach destination in the southeast every summer. In addition to affordably staying at beachfront properties, it doubles as a popular golf destination with extensive shopping and dining options.
Hotel Pick: Marriott Hilton Head Resort & Spa
This beachfront resort includes easy access to the beach, with a swimming pool located right next to the beach. The $469 per night rate results in a bill of $3,286 for the seven-night stay. If you have Marriott Bonvoy points to redeem, that’s a total of 352,000 points for the stay.
Since you get a fifth night free, the other six nights average 58,666 points per night. According to TPG ratings, it’s worth $469 per night – the same as the nightly cash rate.
My Airbnb pick is a beachfront condo with a perfectly nice pool that’s perfect for a dip in after spending the day on the beach. With fees on top of the $250 per night rate, the week comes to $2,140 for the one-bedroom condo.
European trip: Rome
We can expect a very busy summer of American travelers heading to Europe. Rome is still among the most popular destinations for tourists who want to enjoy the city’s culture and countless historical sites, from the Pantheon and the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Hotel Pick: The Tribune, Rome
This Hyatt property puts you in a beautiful central location in Rome, with key sights easily accessible by carpool or on foot if you feel like it. For a quality hotel, the $249 per night rate is a bargain compared to many other options in the area, with the weekly bill coming in at $1,862.
At 18,000 World of Hyatt points per night, the reward rate isn’t a great deal, but isn’t so outrageous that you should avoid spending points in hopes of saving money on the accommodation part of your trip.
I’m a big fan of the Airbnb choice in Rome. The property I found is a tenth of a mile walk from the Pantheon, which puts you within walking distance of many of the city’s key tourist attractions. The property has a modern feel, and while it’s a little higher than the cost of the hotel — $1,958 for the week once you add the fees — the location and cost make it the winner.
Caribbean vacation: Costa Rica
Costa Rica allows visitors to enjoy a combination of beach (or poolside) relaxation with a bit of adventure. From wildlife to mountains and volcanoes, you can spend half the trip sitting or swimming, and the other half exploring.
When booking accommodation in Costa Rica, be sure to check how close your property is to the airport – and specify how you will be getting around! Unlike some Caribbean destinations where the airport is a short drive from many resorts, you can be on the road for a good hour or two here.
Related: Go to Costa Rica and back for less than $200
Hotel Pick: Marriott Vacation Club in Los Suenos
This is a new Marriott property that has availability to book the week we reviewed in mid July. With multiple pools and dining options on the property, you can stay at a relatively good price considering the size of villa you get. With a rate of $212 per night, the stay comes to $1,490.
You really can’t go wrong with the Airbnb we found with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. For the week’s stay, you can save a few hundred dollars compared to booking the hotel – $1,672 is the total after you add in the fees.
Related: Best times to visit Costa Rica
Wine country: Napa, California
My wife and I made our first visit to Napa in 2019 and found the quality of wine, view, and food to be exactly what we expected. One of the factors that comes into play when considering a hotel or Airbnb in Napa is the type of accommodation you are looking for.
Hotels are often within walking distance of many restaurants, wine bars and shops. We stayed in town during our visit and were able to walk to dinner each evening. The downside to this: You probably have to take an Uber or Lyft to get to the wineries, which can add up since each leg of the trip can take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes or more.
Related: 8 mistakes to avoid when visiting Napa Valley
Meanwhile, you can also find spectacular, more secluded rental properties, including some located on estates with vineyards.
Hotel Pick: Embassy Suites by Hilton Napa Valley
It was one of the best hotel choices for a July stay, priced at $395 a night or $3,189 for the seven-night stay.
I kept my search closer to downtown on Airbnb (although you can definitely venture further north to get closer to the vineyards). I found a two-bedroom cabin near downtown for $283 a night or $1,984 a week.
New England Trip and National Park: Bar Harbor, Maine
While many New England residents travel south during the colder winter months, as a southern resident I have always enjoyed visiting Maine in the summer when I need a break. away from heat and humidity. Bar Harbor is a popular destination among visitors to Maine because it offers you a combination of a beautiful city on the water and easy access to Acadia National Park.
In fact, you may want to consider options other than the big hotel chains and Airbnb when traveling to this part of the country, as New England is well known for its bed and breakfasts and independent hotels.
Hotel Pick: Hampton Inn, Bar Harbor
The property is priced at $474 a night or $3,618 for the stay in July. Another Hampton Inn a little further out of town is about half the price, so consider whether you need to be in the center of things and the higher cost of that privilege.
I found a townhouse in Bar Harbor on Airbnb for a pretty cheap $160 per night, or $1,278 for the seven-night stay. It’s a small property though, and depending on the size of your party and the quality of property you’re looking for, you may have to pay triple or even quadruple that rate per night if you want more space or luxury.
At the end of the line
Hotels and Airbnb properties each have their pros and cons. I enjoy both, and let the destination and my goals for the trip (as well as the price of course) dictate the direction I take when booking.
When planning your summer vacation, it’s always a good idea to consider all avenues to ensure your trip goes exactly as you hope.
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