Why We Choose Short-Term Rentals Over Hotels – And a Peek at Our Recent Trip to Ohio
When it comes to traveling as a family, where you stay can make or break your entire trip. Over the years, we’ve stayed in both hotels and vacation rentals. Some trips have been great, others…not so much. Over time, one thing became clear—short-term rentals are our go-to.
This post is all about why we choose short-term rentals over hotels, especially when traveling with kids (we have four!). From more space, better sleep and rest, to fewer headaches, they make sense for our family. When it comes to vacation rentals for families, we’ve found they’re more flexible and affordable than you’d expect.
A Real-Life Example: Our Ohio Trip
We were reminded why we choose short-term rentals on a recent trip. We traveled to Dayton, Ohio, for a family funeral a few weeks ago. It was a quick, emotional trip—just the two of us and our younger kids (ages 10 and 8). Our older two were finishing up their college semester and couldn’t come.
We found a two-bedroom short-term rental in a fairly central location. The rental was simple and small, but it was all we needed—and it was significantly cheaper than nearby hotel options. This was a great reminder of how short-term rentals vs. hotels stack up when you’re traveling on a budget with kids.
The Airbnb was newly renovated, which was really nice. Everything felt new and clean. It was a small bungalow-style house with two bedrooms and one full bathroom. The neighborhood was a bit rough-looking, but it was quiet and felt safe.
Even though the reason for the trip was difficult, we made space for connection. We had a huge family dinner at a famous local spot—Marion’s Pizza. This is a big deal if you’re from Dayton! Dayton-style pizza is super thin, with toppings spread all the way to the edges. They don’t make pizza like this in our home state!!
After the funeral, we visited the Spaghetti Warehouse in downtown Dayton. This building is filled with character, tons of history, and charm that makes you feel like you’re eating in a time capsule. The decor pays homage to local heroes, the Wright Brothers, Norman Rockwell, and various famous artists. The food was so good; our favorite part was the sourdough bread and garlic butter.
The other side of my family also had a small breakfast get-together at Bob Evans. Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits, pancakes…Need I say more? It was wonderful, and spending time connecting with family was great.
Of course, we couldn’t leave Ohio without getting Skyline Chili—a Cincinnati classic. Honestly, it might just be my favorite food on the planet.
Each of these meals became a little moment of normalcy in the middle of a heavy trip. And coming “home” to a quiet, peaceful, and private rental each night made all the difference.
8 Reasons We Choose Short-Term Rentals Over Hotels
Whether we’re traveling for something exciting or something unexpected, here’s why we usually skip the hotel and go for a rental:
1. Separate Bedrooms = Better Sleep
When traveling with kids, having everyone’s own space is a game-changer. I don’t want to go to bed at the same time as our kids. If we stay at a hotel, it’s lights out for everyone at our elementary-age girls’ bedtime. I don’t want to tiptoe around a hotel room in the dark.
We also have six in our family: two college students and two younger kids. Six people in one hotel room? It just doesn’t work. At all. We have tried, and it was miserable. A short-term rental gives us space to unwind after bedtime routines are over.
2. Feels More Like Home
There’s something comforting about staying in a real home. There’s a couch to curl up on, a table to eat around, and a kitchen to make coffee in the morning without standing under fluorescent lights. Sure, the breakfast is complimentary—but I’d rather eat without being surrounded by 41 strangers in their pajamas.
Short-term rentals are a competitive market. So we see hosts doing and offering more to make their rentals feel like homes. “Home” on the road beats a hotel in my book.
3. A Full Kitchen Saves Money
Having a full-size fridge for snacks and drinks is a must. With six of us, a hotel fridge can’t hold all our cold items. A vacation rental kitchen is one of the best benefits of short-term rentals—just making breakfast or lunch in helps keep costs down (and keeps kids happy).
Eating out three meals a day with a big family adds up fast.
4. It’s Often Cheaper
Hotel rates were surprisingly high for our Ohio trip near the funeral location. The rental we found was not only more comfortable but also significantly cheaper. That kind of savings makes a real difference.
Also, vacation rentals for big families are often more budget-friendly than booking multiple hotel rooms. The value is hard to beat, especially if you’re looking for a family-friendly Airbnb.
Our trip was last-minute, so our options were semi-limited, but the available rentals were prime for a discount.
Travel Pro Tip: Message the host and ask for a discount (especially if it is a last-minute booking)!!
5. No Noisy Neighbors
You don’t share walls or ceilings with strangers in a vacation rental. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve stayed in a hotel and heard stomping, talking, or loud TV or music through the walls. Ever have the kids running around above you in a hotel at 5 am? What about the party down the hall? In a short-term rental, there’s no need to worry about paper-thin walls or noisy hallways at 11 p.m.
6. Space to Spread Out
It makes such a difference to have a little elbow room. Hotel rooms can feel cramped fast, especially if you’re stuck inside due to weather or need a minute to breathe. Even if it is just Kasey and me, the room seems to get smaller after a while. And if we want to watch TV, we have to sit on the bed. There is no couch or multiple chairs in every room. The bottom line is that a hotel room is not really an option for all six of us. We can squeeze, but I fear for all of our sanity if we try.
7. Laundry Access
Many short-term rentals include washers and dryers. For longer trips (or spills and surprises), that’s a huge perk. Also, I am crazy about keeping the dirty clothes pile as small as possible. With a big family, you have to stay on top of the dirty laundry, or you will get overwhelmed. This is why I always look for rentals with laundry access.
8. You Feel Like a Local
One of our favorite things about staying in short-term rentals is the chance to feel like locals. Whether in a small town or a big city, an Airbnb with kids lets you explore local spots at your own pace—no crowded lobbies or set breakfast hours.
Staying in a residential area instead of a commercial district lets you experience a city differently. You get to see and experience parts of the city you never would at a hotel by the interstate. It’s quieter, more personal, and often puts you close to hidden local gems, like Marion’s Pizza or Spaghetti Warehouse.
Final Thoughts
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be chaotic. Choosing a short-term rental gives us the freedom and comfort we need to focus on what matters most—our time together. Whether it’s a fun vacation or a meaningful family gathering, the little things (like separate bedrooms, a quiet space, and homemade coffee) help us feel grounded.
Whether it’s an Airbnb or another vacation rental, finding the right family-friendly stay can make a big difference. From kitchens to extra space to better sleep for everyone, short-term rentals are the best option for traveling families. We’ve learned that these are truly some of the best places to stay with family when traveling, especially if you want comfort, quiet, and a little room to breathe.
What about you? Do you prefer hotels or rentals when you travel with your family?
Check out our other travel posts:
Why Destin is the Perfect Family Vacation
Romantic Getaway to Hiwassee River Retreat
Selah Ridge Resort – Our favorite romantic short-term rental!!
