Exploring Accommodation Options in Branson
Branson, Missouri has many options for your home away from home, and finding the best fit for you and your fellow travelers can have a huge impact on your vacation experience. Hotels have long been the standard choice for many travelers, but vacation rentals have gained recognition for their potentially superior value proposition. Offering more than just a place to sleep, these rentals enhance your travel by providing the comforts and conveniences of home.
Value: It's About More Than Just Money
As you consider whether a vacation rental or hotel is the best fit for your vacation, it’s important to keep the overall value proposition in mind. For example, even if you could save a few bucks for your weeklong vacation by staying in a hotel but feel cramped and in need of greater privacy every day, you might not feel like you’ve gotten good value for your money.
Comparable Nightly Rates: Vacation rentals are usually competitively priced with hotels in the area. Most vacation rentals add a cleaning fee, so if you’re staying only one or two nights, the overall cost could be more for a vacation rental. Including the cleaning fee, the overall cost could still be less for a rental, but it's crucial to also consider the added value provided by rentals. That added value typically comes in the form of more space, home-like amenities, more personalized attention as a guest, and community amenities.
Dining Economically: Vacation rentals with well-equipped kitchens allow you to save significantly by cooking meals, so long as you plan to do so. An approach my family and I like to use is to have breakfast and dinner in the rental while eating lunch out. We’re usually out anyway during the day, and lunches are often cheaper to eat out than dinners. Sure, some hotels might offer free breakfast, but if you plan on having dinner, you’re probably going to need to eat out when staying in a hotel. And even if you want to eat out nearly every meal, not all hotels have fridges and microwaves to help with saving/eating leftovers.
***Tip: Select vacation rentals that showcase comprehensive kitchen items through detailed photos and descriptions in their listings. In the many rentals we have stayed in, we often find barely enough flatware for the maximum occupancy, and we rarely find more extensive items like a blender, crockpot, casserole dishes, full-size coffee pot, or quality knives and a cutting board. It’s also nice to have storage containers for leftovers!
An example of abundant kitchen items at one of Highland Homes' vacation rentals.
Essential Needs: Privacy & Comfort
Be sure you don’t just consider the bottom line; think about other benefits that come with quality vacation rentals. It’s your vacation, and you should be able to enjoy peace and quiet, privacy, and plenty of space to spread out and unwind.
Solitude: Unlike the often bustling corridors of hotels, vacation rentals offer the tranquility of a private home, where the only footsteps you’ll hear are those of your family and friends. Even though it’s possible to find noise from neighbors when staying in a condo, it’s less likely vs. a hotel since many rentals are in communities where folks live fulltime. It's also easier to find space at the rental to relax vs. a more crowded hotel room.
Multiple Bathrooms: When you gotta go, you… well, you know. Especially for groups or families, having multiple bathrooms is a game changer. It means less waiting and getting ready quicker in the mornings. Plus, the hot water heater is usually separate for your unit vs. a hotel that might run out of hot water if the other guestrooms are drawing from it before you.
Space to Spread Out: The additional space in vacation rentals is not just about comfort—it's about functionality, providing separate areas for sleeping, living, and dining.
***Tip: Don't forget about evening chill time! Most attractions close by 9PM or earlier, so you'll probably be at your sleeping destination for a few hours in the evening before bed. For example, some of your fellow travelers might prefer watching different things on TV. This is why it’s nice to have multiple screens. Try finding a rental with a TV in each bedroom, and if you can find a place with multiple relaxation places, it can really transform your vacation experience!
The relaxing screened-in patio at one of our vacation rentals - complete with mood lighting!
Considering the Community: Amenities & Experiences
If you’re like most folks looking for a place to stay, you aren’t just looking at the beds. The fun factor can increase significantly if activities are available at your vacation rental and if it has the character that fits your style. Both rentals and hotels can be themed in various ways, but vacation rentals tend to have a more personal touch since most are owned by individuals and not large businesses. A word of caution though: many large investment-oriented businesses now own vacation rentals. Be sure to look for a smaller operation for that personal touch.
Convenient Parking: Many vacation rentals offer the convenience of parking just steps away from your door—no more hauling luggage through hotel lobbies or across vast parking lots. But be sure to consider stairs: if you’ve got allot of luggage, how many flights of stairs will you need to carry it up/down? Vacation rentals are less likely to have elevators.
Community Features: Many hotels offer pools, and so do rentals. Be sure to consider what other amenities are meaningful to you. A playground for the kids? Golf? A spa with massages? And consider that some of these items might be available in nearby businesses as well.
***Tip: Some folks like to get a little work done while on vacay so it doesn’t pile up for their return. Consider finding a rental that provides a work desk where you can store your laptop and keep your work separate from the rest of your vacation.
Comprehensive Comparison
So why choose a vacation rental in Branson? Vacation rentals often cost about what hotels do but surpass them in value, convenience, and experience. With the added benefits of kitchen facilities, multiple bathrooms, convenient parking, ample space, comparable or better amenities, and that personal touch, choosing a vacation rental is a savvy choice for travelers seeking the best value for their money. Just keep in mind that not all vacation rentals are equal. Some hosts run very large enterprises with multiple investors and might not provide a very personalized experience. Others might be devoting as little time as possible to their rentals while leaving guests feeling neglected. Be sure to read the reviews and don't hesitate to contact the host before booking. Hosts should respond quickly!
Ready to experience Branson like never before? Book your vacation rental today and prepare for a stay that offers everything you need and more!