Hotel vs. Condo

[ggh]

How do they differ?

How are they the same?

If you usually stay in a hotel, what can you expect when you stay a week at a condo, that is going to be different?

[JoLaLaLa]

Our family prefers condos, but we also already have timeshare, so we don't have to rent a room by the night, so its cheaper than a hotel for us. Hotels are nice for a night or two, but even if we were paying, if staying for a longer length of time, I would still use a condo if it were me. (for a few reasons)

1. because it costs so much money to go on a vacation in the first place and we can save on food because you have your own kitchen and can either take a few quick fix groceries with you or buy some at the store when you get there and its still cheaper than eating out every single meal.

2. after cooking in the kitchen you can actually sit at a real sized table & have a real fmaily meal instead of on the beds or at one of those mini tables that our family does not fit around anyway

3. your very own washer & dryer! I HATE coming home with huge loads of dirty clothes and I don't want to spend half my vacation down at the laundry mat, so I can wash clothes while we are doign other things, come back and dry them and come home with clothes ready to be put away instead of all being dirty and overwhelming

4. The bedroom is seperate from the living room, so if someone wants to watch TV and the other wants to go to bed, its not all in one room keeping the 2nd person awake with the noise and flashing screen

5. It's more like "home" in my opinion. You seem to have more room and its like coming back home to an apartment when you are done for the day instead of to a hotel.

One downfall to a condo is that you usually have checkout procedures that make you do some actual "chores" like taking out the trash, running the dishwasher, stripping the beds and putting all your dirty linens in one location, etc. but to me its worth a tiny bit of cleanup in the end to have a place thats more comfy.

Thats all just off the top of my head. If I think of anything else that might help, I'll let you know or if you have any questions- feel free to ask away Hope this helps a little!

[bgroman]

Originally Posted by JoLaLaLa

Hotels are nice for a night or two, but even if we were paying, if staying for a longer length of time, I would still use a condo if it were me. (for a few reasons)

I agree with your list. I'll just add a couple of my observations about condos.

You can't always be sure about the washer/dryer in the unit, although those that didn't usually had a laundry room(s) on the facility.

At many (most?) daily maid service/towel exchange is more of a do-it-yourself thing or at extra cost.

Not only is the bedroom seperate, but you can get them with 2, 3, or even 4 bedrooms (maybe more). The ones I've stayed in have had kitchen, dining area, and living room area.

And (at least the ones I've been to) they've all been furnished much nicer than average hotel rooms.

basil

[labpup89]

JoLaLaLa's list is very accurate. Here are some of my additions for staying in the condo.

1. Eating in - we usually eat breakfast in the condo - at whatever time we want to. You're not bound to the clock to get breakfast before the continental breakfast closes, or the restaurants close the breakfast buffets. Also, leftovers from restaurants can be easily stored in the refrigerator and reheated easily in the microwave. We used our dinner left overs for lunch a couple of days, and that helped save a few bucks in our vacation budget. You also have dishes, glasses, and silverware available for your convenience - no having to pick up extra plasticware, cups, and paper plates.

2. Washer/Dryer. I love being able to take only 4 or 5 changes of clothes instead of a week's worth. I do a load of laundry every night before going to bed when we stay in the condo. I will also throw in the towels from the condo instead of exchanging them - just a bit more of a convenience for me. I can also go home with clean clothes, instead of having a pile of clothes to wash when I get home.

3. Closets & Dressers! There is lots more storage space for your clothing, shoes, luggage, shopping bags, etc. We usually get a two-bedroom condo, so there is plenty of storage for everyone's stuff for the week, and it's out of the way. At a hotel we usually end up piling the luggage and shopping bags in a corner, or the small "cove" or closet area that some motels/hotels offer in their rooms.

4. With two small kids in our family (and one on the way), it is nice to be able to put them in one room to nap or sleep, and hubby and I can still watch TV or play on the laptop computer in the living room. It's nice to have the doors to close to separate living and sleeping areas.

5. Bathrooms are larger! With the two-bedroom condos at Mtn. Vista, there were three vanity areas, one jet tub, one regular tub w/ shower head, one large shower (that me and 2 kids had plenty of room in!), and two stools. With all of the hair equipment that I take (blow dryer, straigtener, curling iron, and products) there is plenty of room to leave it on one vanity instead of having to pack it away after each use. For me, that's a plus! If it's raining outside and the kids want to swim, I can fill up the jet tub and let them "swim" in warm water until they are ready to get out. Hey, it makes them happy.

5. Security of Belongings. I like that you can leave your things in your condo, lock it up on your way out the door, and know that nobody is going to enter your room to clean or change sheets. Although I have never had anything stolen from me at a hotel, I know people who have. At the condo nobody disturbs your room unless you report that something needs to be fixed. You can also leave your condo a wreck if you're in a hurry to get out the door (to get to SDC!), and not have to worry about someone seeing that you vacation like a slob (ha, ha, ha).

Our only major problem with the condo has been having a floor above you, but you can have that problem at a hotel too. Our last visit to Mtn. Vista we had the "cattle family" above us. I think they had at least 4 kids with them, and we heard every footstep of those kids, until at least 1 a.m. every night. I TRY to keep my kids from making loud noises or running thru the condo, just because I always think it might be disturbing some one else.

I also prefer the "at home" feeling the condo provides for our family. We are just so much more comfortable in the condo. Our vacations are more laid back when we stay in a condo. Although some people try to cram a lot of activities in their vacations, we have learned to take it more slowly and enjoy what we are doing. Last August when we visited Branson, it was so hot. Most of the days were 95+ degrees, and couple of 100 degree days. We took one day and just rested in the condo. I think we slept in until Noon, ate lunch in the condo, got ready, and then headed out the door at like 4:00 to go to Celebration City. I don't think we would have done that had we stayed in a hotel. But with two little kids in tow, it was a lot nicer to have them rested and refreshed for a whole evening of fun, rather than have them crabby thru the whole day.

I don't mind the cleaning duties we have to do on check-out morning. We usually try to get a jump on it the night before.

I have been able to rent condos thru some vacation rental agencies for good prices. The prices are usually $30-$50 less than the resort's advertised price per night. I have also used the Entertainment coupon book to reserve a condo at Thousand Hills, and the cost was very reasonable (our first trip with staying in a condo, and we were hooked with staying in condos!). Last year I learned about Allen thru this message board, and I will definitely contact him when we are ready for our next trip to Branson. For my family, it's worth the extra $$ to stay in the condo. Compared to the summer prices of some of the hotels in Branson, it's really not that big of a difference.

[teacherkim]

Our choice is usually a cabin vs. a motel. One factor for us is being able to bring our dog; I prefer to take him with us rather than leaving him at a kennel. We like being in our own space, without someone next to and on top of us. I like having a living room area and a porch for reading and relaxing.

As for cooking and doing laundry, I don't like to do either when I'm on vacation. I like having a refrigerator, but I can get that at either a motel (for a fee) or a cabin. I don't do laundry unless absolutely necessary. I cook dinner at home 90% of the time and do all the family's laundry. If I do it on vacation, then it's not really a vacation for me.

My husband is more slowly becoming a fan of cabins. Things he likes about motels -- maid service, free breakfast, indoor pools, closer to shows/entertainment. If we're going for a short stay, we'll do a motel, but if we're staying a week or more, it's a cabin for us.

[PatiCake101]

I can't really add to all of the reasons that have already been posted. We just feel "at home" in a condo. You have room to spread out..you have room to relax without having to listen to the TV if you want peace and quiet. We love the separate spaces! We don't eat alot in the condo, occasionally breakfast, if we want to sleep late. We also like the laundry aspect, and also wash our towels everyday...even though most times, we have plenty without having to. The only thing Fairfield asks you to do now is take up the garbage, and load the dishwasher, and that doesn't take 10 minutes, so we don't mind that at all, especially since we have all the conviences of home, and more, at the condo. We also like the fact that there is an indoor pool, and more than one outdoor pool, plus playgrounds for the kids.

The only negative for us is the people who could be above you...they do make alot of noise sometimes. I'll never understand why some people allow their children to be running around like little wild Indians at 1:00 a.m., but we've had plenty like that above us before. However, even with that, condos are our favorites.

[ggh]

Motels/Hotels often offer breakfast in the mornings, and/or cobble and ice cream in the evenings -at a condo you won't find either.

Motels have maids who come into the room daily, make the beds, sometimes change the sheets, replace the towels, and 'spiff up the place' - in a condo no one will do that for you - you are responsible for your condo until you're ready to leave. If the trash is full at the condo, you get to carry it to the trash bin - BUT they do supply you with trash bags.

Motels/hotels supply you with a fresh bar of soap and shampoo daily - some condo's provide those - all condos will have dishwasher soap & laundry soap, in the condo, and if you run out, you can get more at the front desk - usually free.

Motels usually have a phone and TV in the room - if you want movies/cable... you pay for it as you go. In the condo, there is usually a tv in the LR, and a tv in each bedroom - cable is included, and usually you've got a DVD with each TV, and you can bring your own movies.

You often have guest above or below you, and to either side, regardless whether it's a hotel or condo.

I like the fact that I can cook a meal at the condo, that I can do my laundry, usually in the room, I enjoy having enough space to relax, being able to sit on a couch, or a recliner, in a hotel you are usually limited to sitting on the edge of the bed, or in a straight back chair. In a condo I do unpack - in the hotels we usually just line the dresser with our suitcases.

I enjoy having someone else make the bed, and take care of the trash, and replace the towels when we're in a hotel.

It's easy to get a hotel for a one night stay - it's unusual for a condo to rent or only a day - usually they rent for 2 or more nights at a time.

[stillwaters]

I concur with most everything said so far. I can add a few thoughts from the business side of the aisle.

1) There is also not only a hotel vs condo basic differences but some resorts also have hotel rooms (designated as lock-off units) as well as condos that have the same limitations (no daily maid service, limited toiletries, etc) as the condos. Technically, you have hotel hotel rooms and resort hotel rooms. I know we run into this all the time working with the big travel sites and we have to let people know in advance what they are booking into. It is definitely a challenge to us.

2) Many of our guests I have spoken to choose the resort condos because they are generally away from the hustle and bustle of the strip. Peace and quiet, privacy and a place to stretch their legs are big reasons. Eating and cooking in the unit are nice particularly for big families and for some people parking right in front of your unit is reason enough.


3) Amenities tend to be constant at most hotels -- you have a pool, an exercise room, continental breakfast, internet. Resorts tend to have more amenities but many resorts have amenities that are seasonal in nature. Not all have Playgrounds and indoor pools though. We do not have an indoor pool but we have 2 outdoor pools (another under construction) and a park. I also believe there are a few resorts without any amenities at all to speak of except a pool.

4) Mr. Groman touched on this point -- never assume anything at a resort. Ask questions. Not all resorts have washers and dryers, televisions in every room, dvd players, etc. At Still Waters, we have 18 different unit types and not all of them are the same. Some units have gas fireplaces, some wall beds, some screen-in porches, some big tubs, some walk-in showers, etc. I am sure you get the point -- you have a variety of choices at resorts. If something is important, ask about it so you can get what you need.

5) A few rules of thumb. The bigger the family traveling, the more likely you will choose a resort. The louder the kids are in the car and need to be ran, the more likely you will choose a resort. The smaller the kids are, the more likely you will choose a resort with a room on the upper floor away from the family with the loud kids.

Alan

[Kristin McPhers]

This has been a helpful thread. My dad wants to meet my sister (with her DH, 6 yr old, 4 yr old, & 8 mo old) and me (38 wks pg with DH, 4 yr old, & 2 yr old) in Branson. I was thinking a cabin or condo would be the way to go for us (what's the difference in those 2, by the way). Alan, you have any suggestions for us? We are definitely looking for something kid friendly and conducive to relaxation.

[stillwaters]

"Cabin" is an opened ended definition at least on the lake. Some places (like Big Cedar) have luxury cabins that will just amaze you, others have cabins that are just nice, others that are plain and simple for folks who are here to fish and still others have cabins that would be more apt to be described as cottages/lake houses/modulars/etc with varying types between the resorts. I think I reiturated this earlier in this thread -- ask questions about what you are renting and where you are renting. There are a lot of resorts in Branson/Lakes area with a lot of options with varying degrees of price.

The biggest difference between a luxury cabin and condo is that the cabin is not attached to anything else. I have said this before as well -- a lot of vacation choices come down to where do you want to be -- on the lake or on the Strip or near it. This choice would be similar -- do you want a cabin in the woods or a condo on the lake? Price is always an issue as well -- Big Cedar is just that, Big Cedar. You will get a beautiful cabin but you'll pay for it. Still Waters is not as expensive but we are not cheap either.

We are kid-friendly by just about every definition of the word. From the flume slide to the park to the paddleboats/bikes/fishing poles to the lake most of our guests stop by Walmart on the way in and never leave for the week. If you want to run up to the SDC, then it is just a mile and a half and you can zip up there and not fight any traffic. It is not a bad thing -- take this from the father of 3 young and very active boys. Sitting in SDC traffic is not fun.

If you were coming here, I'd look at a 3BR condo with a good a/c and/or ceiling fans for you. That would be a top floor unit (there is an elevator) and you could have a seperate room for the baby to sleep and for you to rest while the rest of the kids spend their energy in the park or at the pool(s).

This late in the year -- availability will always be a concern. Good luck and I hope this helps. Alan

Originally Posted by Kristin McPhers

This has been a helpful thread. My dad wants to meet my sister (with her DH, 6 yr old, 4 yr old, & 8 mo old) and me (38 wks pg with DH, 4 yr old, & 2 yr old) in Branson. I was thinking a cabin or condo would be the way to go for us (what's the difference in those 2, by the way). Alan, you have any suggestions for us? We are definitely looking for something kid friendly and conducive to relaxation.

[maryinecho]

To us a vacation is something you can't do at home. We like staying in a motel because you do get a free breakfast and you waste too much of your vacation time if you have to cook yourself. Also, we only sleep there at night. We usually don't get in until 11:00 and we are up and gone by 7:30am. My kids think a motel is so neat. I like seeing there happy little faces when they see what our room looks like.

[can'tcatchup]

Maryinecho, that's exactly how I feel about vacations. I want to do stuff that I can't do or see at home. I rarely stay around the place we choose for accomodations for anything more than sleeping ... which, of course I can do at home too. (G)

[ggh]

Originally Posted by maryinecho

To us a vacation is something you can't do at home. We like staying in a motel because you do get a free breakfast and you waste too much of your vacation time if you have to cook yourself. Also, we only sleep there at night. We usually don't get in until 11:00 and we are up and gone by 7:30am. My kids think a motel is so neat. I like seeing there happy little faces when they see what our room looks like.

LOL! Going to bed at 11 and being gone from home by 6am IS what I do at HOME - that's why when I go on vacation, I want to find somewhere comfortable, to kick my feet up and RELAX. I like to be able to heat up leftovers, watch the tv in my jammies, and not worry that the maid is going to come knocking on the door to clean my room while I'm still not showered and dressed. - even when we are in Branson, our agenda is a 'non-agenda', we stay flexible, don't usually have any show on the schedule, if we do, it's ONE show planned, everything/anything else is spontaneous.

I don't usually do much cooking in the condo, and when I do cook, dh is always helping or cooking - I am often just he dish washer, which is OK with me! When we do cook it's always something simple, maybe some mac & cheese for the grand - or some slice and bake cookies and milk for a late night snack - but we enjoy knowing it's an option ESPECIALLY if we're staying for several nights. I enjoy eating out occasionally, but I don't do sneeze buffets very well, and would rather mix up some pasta salad, and have it with a store bought rotisseri chicken, or something similar than eat out 3 meals a day several days in a row.

[loves2fish]

I enjoyed reading this thread too. Have always wondered how people would answer this. Just sitting here wondering if all these new CONDOTELS that are soon being built all over Branson will be a good crossover? Will be interesting to see.

[Blaze2]

Our preference is a Condo, just so we can
spread out and relax better when we are there!

If we stay in a motel the first thing we do is put the
DO NOT DISTURB Sign on the door. We exchange towels
with the Maid when needed. If we stayed a week, that
would be a different story. I'm talking 3 or 4 days!
.....but then it's just the two of us, not a big family!