Vacation Condo Vs. Hotel Room
- 29.05.2008
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Is it more economical to stay in a hotel or a condo when you travel? How to save money on places to stay on your next vacation.
Dollar for dollar, condos beat hotel rooms by a long shot. Why? Even if you spend 30 percent more staying in a beach-front condo, you’ll save more than that on food alone.
Why Condo Vacations Make Sense:
- Eating in is a lot cheaper than dining out. Take Miami for example. Standard hotel rooms on the beach run $99 and up per night. While a one-bedroom condo with a separate living, dining and kitchen area starts at $134 per night, you’ll save money by loading up on groceries and cooking at least two meals a day. When searching for condos, look for a full kitchen; one that has a regular size refrigerator, stove/oven and microwave. A kitchenette will suffice as long as the only thing that’s missing is the oven. A microwave and sink do not count as a kitchenette. If you’re not sure, ask the reservationist to tell you exactly what’s in the kitchen, down to cooking utensils and silverware.
- Book directly from the owner. Although travel web sites like hotels.com do offer condos and suites, you’ll get a better price if you deal directly with the proprietor. There are plenty of rent-by-owner web sites. But don’t agree to send a personal check. Even single unit landlords are able to take credit cards through Pay Pal. Find out whether there are any extra charges like cleaning fees or a security deposit. How do you pick up the key? Is there a lock box on the door or a rental agency that is open 24/7? Who do you call if the unit is not clean when you arrive or needs repairs? These are questions you should ask before you make a reservation.
- Count on a one week minimum. Many condominium communities operate under bylaws that require owners to rent for one week, two week or one month minimums. So if you are planning on just a weekend getaway, you might be better off staying in a hotel room.
- Condos aren’t just for families. Even if you are travelling by yourself or as a couple, condos make a lot of sense. You get two to three times more space than a hotel room, and eating out at every meal gets pricey and boring. Visit a local farmers’ market or a specialty grocery store and whip up a meal with some local flavor.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate. If you are travelling during the off season especially, ask for a better price. With the state of the real estate market there are a lot of empty condos out there. And if owners can’t sell, at least they can make some rental income. So don’t be shy. Make an offer. If that person turns you down, there are plenty of other condos on the beach.
By L. Marie Dubuque.
