Choosing between a vacation rental and a hotel room can be a challenging decision. As experts with over 250+ short-term rentals in Oak Island, we at Margaret Rudd believe there are several advantages to choosing a rental over a hotel. From comfort and privacy to pet-friendly options and space enough for everyone, a vacation rental offers the luxury and amenities you deserve on your vacation. Read on as we highlight some of the top benefits of a vacation rental vs. a hotel.
Feel at Home on Your Vacation
Southport and Oak Island are primarily considered “drive-to” vacation destinations, meaning most visitors are within driving distance or opt to drive rather than fly. After a long day of travel, arriving at a vacation home where you can immediately relax feels far more welcoming than a generic hotel room. From cozy furniture and oceanfront views to spacious areas where you can unwind in peace, settling into “your” home for the week will elevate your vacation experience right from the start.
Peace & Privacy
For guests who are on the go, hotels can be a convenient option to satisfy the need for a place to rest and complimentary breakfasts. However, noisy rooms, rowdy guests running up and down the halls, and privacy concerns could ruin your stay. Vacation rentals, on the other hand, provide a peaceful and secure environment. Oak Island property managers like Margaret Rudd use technologies like keyless entry to enhance guests' safety and peace of mind, giving you the same level of privacy as your primary residence.
Fully Equipped Kitchens Perfect for Family Meals
Traveling with family, especially when it comes to children or pets, can get tricky. Tiny hotel refrigerators barely accommodate 3 water bottles, much less any refrigerated baby formula or medications. If you’re a budgeting traveler, you also know how expensive it can be to eat out for every meal during your stay – and forget trying to store leftovers!
Choosing a vacation rental provides travelers with full access to a complete kitchen and its storage areas, utensils, dishware, etc. What better way to make lasting memories than taking advantage of your vacation rental’s fully-equipped kitchen as you whip up delicious seafood dinners together?
Space for Everyone
Hotels are generally limited when it comes to space. If you're traveling with family or a group, you'll likely end up paying as much for a large hotel suite as you would for a spacious vacation rental. Rentals often come with open floor plans, multiple bedrooms, and outdoor areas, making them ideal for your next beach getaway!
Outdoor Amenities
Southport and Oak Island have limited hotel options near the beach. Vacation rentals, however, are abundant and offer a variety of locations, from oceanfront properties to homes just a short walk from the beach. Many rentals also offer desirable outdoor amenities like private pools, grilling areas, and more, allowing you to fully embrace the beach lifestyle while on vacation. And let’s face it, that’s what you came for, right? While reserving a hotel room with a balcony may provide beautiful sunrise/sunset views, having your own private outdoor area is unmatched.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Pet-friendly hotels, while gaining popularity, are still relatively rare, and those that do exist often lack additional pet amenities that can make your stay more convenient. At Margaret Rudd we manage over 60 pet-friendly Oak Island properties, with some offering the additional pet-friendly amenities of bowls, crates, fenced yards, and gates for the outdoor porch areas. When searching for your vacation accommodations, be sure to check out all of the pet-friendly options available, including pet-friendly vacation homes.
Family Trips Made Simple
Multi-family vacations are increasingly popular and can be more cost-effective. Booking multiple hotel rooms can be both expensive and logistically challenging, especially when the goal of a family vacation is to encourage togetherness. Vacation rentals, however, offer the space and facilities to make group vacations more enjoyable and economical. There’s nothing better than walking through your vacation rental and listening to all the cousins playing and laughing together or gathering around to play yard games while making s’mores - experiences you just cannot get from staying in a hotel.
Book Your Vacation Rental Directly
When planning your next Oak Island beach vacation, consider the range of accommodation options available. While hotels may be the go-to choice for some, the benefits of vacation rentals are hard to ignore. From the feeling of being at home to the added space, privacy, and amenities, vacation rentals offer a more personalized experience. If you're considering a vacation rental for your next trip to Southport-Oak Island, be sure to view our available rentals and book your stay directly with Margaret Rudd!
