Why Compare Lodging Options?

Travelers often debate whether a hotel or a vacation rental is the better value. Hotels typically offer daily housekeeping and amenities like pools or gyms, while rentals provide kitchens and extra space. Costs vary widely by destination, season, and fees. This calculator helps you tally the total price for each option so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

The Cost Equations

Let $N$ represent the number of nights. The total hotel cost $\mathrm{C\_h}$ combines nightly rate $\mathrm{R\_h}$ with nightly taxes and fees $\mathrm{T\_h}$:

$$\mathrm{C\_h}=N\times (\mathrm{R\_h}+\mathrm{T\_h})$$

The vacation rental cost $\mathrm{C\_v}$ includes nightly rate $\mathrm{R\_v}$ plus one-time cleaning $\mathrm{F\_c}$ and service fees $\mathrm{F\_s}$:

$$\mathrm{C\_v}=N\times \mathrm{R\_v}+\mathrm{F\_c}+\mathrm{F\_s}$$

The cheaper option depends on these totals. A rental might appear less expensive per night, but large cleaning and service fees could negate savings.

Sample Costs

Type	Rate/Night	Fees	Total (5 nights)
Hotel	$150	$25 per night	$875
Rental	$120	$130 one-time	$730

Consider Other Factors

A vacation rental often comes with a full kitchen. Cooking simple breakfasts may reduce food costs. Hotels, on the other hand, usually include daily housekeeping and front-desk service. Decide which amenities matter most to you beyond the nightly price.

If you're traveling with a large group, splitting a rental can be far cheaper than multiple hotel rooms. Conversely, short stays of one or two nights tend to favor hotels, since cleaning fees for rentals don't scale with stay length. Weigh the pros and cons and use this calculator whenever you plan your next getaway.

Peace of Mind

Understanding the full costs ahead of time helps you avoid surprise charges and stick to your travel budget. Whether you prefer a bustling hotel or a quiet home-away-from-home, calculating total expenses ensures you can relax and make the most of your trip.