The 10 Benefits of Choosing a Holiday Rental over a Hotel

There’s no comparison really when it comes to the benefits of choosing a short-term holiday property over a traditional hotel – especially in the Coffs Harbour region. For a start, you can count the number of hotels in Coffs Harbour on one hand. There are a few motels around, but then you have a small studio room with kitchenette, no courtyard or views of your own, and furnishings usually from last century. So, just in case you want to spread the word, here are the ten benefits I have chosen (in no particular order) that stand out when it comes to booking holiday accommodation.

1. Covid Safety

Whether it’s Covid or any other transmittable virus or disease, the guest usually has to deal either with counter staff or pass other patrons in the hallway, through the entrance or in the restaurant area. With a private holiday rental, the guest doesn’t have to encounter or second guess other people.

2. Variety

It’s the spice of life – so they say. We have stayed on a Barge in Bruges, a 19^th century Stable Boys cottage in England, and lived life as a local in a Spanish Villa in the heart of Barcelona. According to statistics (www.stratosjets.com/blog/airbnb-statistics/), there are 14,000 new hosts or properties joining Airbnb each month in 2021. Simply mind-boggling!

3. Privacy

Everyone loves their privacy, and that’s exactly what guests can enjoy (and want) when getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. They don’t want to be stuck in a cramped hotel full of guests breathing all over an open breakfast buffet or sharing a packed swimming pool.

4. Unique Furnishings & All the Amenities

Holiday rentals contain all the comforts of home including useful appliances for clothes washing and cooking – something hotels don’t include. Each holiday rental is unlike any other with personal décor throughout.

5. Live Like a Local

It’s amazing just how close you can get to the beach, entertainment venues, or to whatever it is you want from your journey, while living (albeit temporarily) in a house, villa, yurt, houseboat, or apartment. Holiday rentals often have a ‘Welcome Book’ that highlights the places locals like to eat, shop, or go when exploring off the beaten track.

6. Space

A hotel has limited space to move about compared to a whole house or villa, especially for families who need plenty of space to chill out and relax without being on top of each other. A stand-alone house will have some outdoor space and even decking, and perhaps a yard to sit and read a book.

7. Support the Economy

Guests take pride when staying in someone’s home – whether it’s a holiday home or not. Most holiday homes are privately owned thus giving back to locals rather than foreign corporations. Guests also bring tourist dollars into the area, and with more holiday rental options than traditional hotels, more and more holiday-makers are taking advantage of this.

8. Off the Beaten Track

If guests are looking for something tucked away in a forest or bush setting, or privately owned beach for example, then holiday rentals easily accommodate for this. 

9. Pets Allowed in Some Properties

Not all properties allow pets, but there are options out there that welcome a well-behaved dog, rabbit or guinea pig for example. 

10. The Personal Touch

There’s nothing like the personal touch and attention to detail when staying in a holiday rental. ‘Welcome Books’ often offer far more than the traditional hotel guide, and recommendations are suggested from personal experience. ‘Welcome Baskets’ are also a nice touch, and we have experienced and surprised guests with a mixed range of locally sourced goodies and traditional favourites.

Overall it comes down to the guest experience – and I’ve highlighted the ten most preferred benefits why guests choose a holiday rental over a hotel. Share the glorious beaches, tropical flora and fauna, local attractions and experiences with others by choosing us to let out your property as a short-term holiday rental.