What is a vacation rental?

This guide looks at different types of vacation rentals, including vacation rentals, villas, apartments and cabins. Discover what they are and how they can work for your needs.

A vacation rental allows you to rent a home or apartment from a private owner for the purposes of a vacation stay. Unlike hotels, vacation rentals are intended to offer a more homely experience, allowing guests more space to relax and cook their own meals. Sometimes, the appeal of a vacation rental is its unique features, whether that’s a private pool, heated tub, prime location, or scenic views.

Vacation rentals

Vacation rentals can vary from location to location – no two vacation rentals are the same. Each offers different features, facilities and special features. For a warm vacation rental, consider a home in Yosemite National Park, an ideal spot for exploring some of the U.S.'s best outdoor landscapes.

Villas

Villas are often larger than standard vacation rentals and can work well for families or bigger groups. To immerse yourself in one of Italy’s most historic regions, why not book a stay at Rinidia Bio – a traditional Italian villa in Tuscany, featuring an outdoor pool and located within driving distance of Florence Airport.

Bed & breakfasts (B&Bs)

If you’re looking for some affordable accommodation, bed & breakfasts (B&Bs) could just be the option for you. B&Bs are found around the world and usually include a place to stay plus breakfast in the morning. While staying at a B&B, you’ll also share communal areas like kitchens and lounges with other guests. B&Bs are quite common in the UK, particularly in seaside towns like Brighton and Blackpool.

Apartments

Apartments are perhaps the closest property type to a hotel. These apartments are often located in hotel-style premises, featuring a reception, concierge, and housekeeping services. They offer all the facilities of an apartment and may also be referred to as condo hotels. If you’re looking for an apartment in London, consider Marlin Canary Wharf.

Apartments

Apartments are perhaps the most common form of vacation rental and are often rented from private owners. If you’re looking to explore the historical city of Edinburgh, check out Eden Locke, a one-bedroom open-plan apartment within walking distance of the city’s most famous landmarks.  

Cabins

If you’re thinking about booking a woodland getaway in a traditional log cabin,  North Wales Eco Lodges in North Wales features a heated tub and is located within driving distance of Anglesey, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Before booking a vacation rental, it's worth having an idea of what you’re looking for. Vacation rentals offer a lot more flexibility compared to standard hotels.

Vacation rental vs. hotel

A vacation rental and a hotel offer two different types of stay. Vacation rentals generally offer more space, privacy, and comfort than a hotel for a not too dissimilar price. Vacation rentals often include a private bathroom, a living area, and a fully equipped kitchen, so you can prepare your own meals if you want to. Vacation rentals can also often be more affordable than hotels, especially when longer stays are involved, and offer greater flexibility in terms of check-in and check-out.