Why More and More Travelers are Choosing Vacation Rental Homes Instead

Most of us are accustomed to staying in hotels while on vacation. However, more and more people are deciding that vacation homes make much more sense. Currently, one out of every eight people prefers vacation rental homes vs hotels. But by the year 2025, one out of every five people will be choosing vacation rentals instead of hotels! If you haven’t made the switch yet, you might be unsure about what to expect. Continue reading for an easy-to-understand guide comparing booking a vacation rental vs hotel.

10 Reasons Why Interest in Vacation Homes Is Surging

1. It’s easy. Booking a vacation rental is very similar to booking a hotel room.

First and foremost, it’s just plain easy! Many guests choose to book homes through third party platforms like VRBO and Airbnb. This is just like people using hotels.com to find a hotel in their chosen destination. VRBO and Airbnb are popular because each user establishes a profile to verify their identity.

At the end of each stay, hosts (homeowners or property management companies) rate the guests on factors such as how well they adhered to the house guidelines. Likewise, guests review the property and the hosts on things like cleanliness and ease of check-in. Obviously, reviews are a fantastic way to learn about a vacation property before investing in it. The downside is that platforms like Airbnb and VRBO often charge their own fees, so you as a guest end up paying more than if you had booked directly through a property management company. This is why many guests choose to book their vacation directly through a management company rather than a third party platform. Often, management companies will have reviews on their own website, so you can get a good idea of what to expect ahead of time.

No matter how you do it, the bottom line is the same: it’s just plain easy to book a vacation home, and you can do it all online.

2. There’s more space in rental homes vs hotels.

Another benefit of a vacation rental vs hotel booking is the extra living space. Rather than having a small hotel room with just the basics, you can enjoy an entire home with multiple living and family rooms. According to Hotel Tech Report, the average hotel room has 325 square feet while the average vacation home has over 1,300 square feet.

3. You’ll have far more privacy in a vacation rental vs hotel.

In addition to extra space, you can often find vacation rental homes surrounded by acres of private land.

Many are set on a private acreage, so you can opt for a truly secluded retreat. Even homes with little or no exterior space do provide more distance from neighbors than what you would get in a hotel, when your room literally shares a wall with other guests.

If you choose a home with a hot tub or swimming pool, the privacy gains a whole new meaning! You can enjoy these amenities with the people in your close circle without having to compete for space with other guests.

Many vacation homes have multiple bedrooms. This makes having your own room much more budget-friendly!

BluSprings is the perfect example of a secluded vacation rental home with endless amenities. Click here to view the full listing.

4. Vacation rental homes offer exclusive amenities.

Extra touches such as grills, beach chairs, cookware, your own kitchen, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and swimming pools offer a heightened guest experience. Simply put, vacation rental homes have far more wiggle room to add those special extras.

5. Kitchens make everyone happier!

Since vacation rental homes typically have kitchens, guests have the space and equipment necessary to stock up on their favorite food and drink. Having food and libations on hand often keeps everyone in the party happy, since each individual can access food whenever they want. This convenience factor prevents the headache of trying to coordinate large dinner reservations every day. As an added bonus, a well-stocked kitchen helps prevent “hangry” friends and family!

6. Vacation homes can be cheaper than hotels.

Cooking your own meals is also a great way to save money; kitchens definitely help you trim down your budget! Since cooking is much cheaper than buying each meal from a restaurant, this is one of the best ways to cut down costs. You can also save money by sharing a rental home with multiple families and splitting the total cost; this is typically more affordable than booking separate hotel rooms for each couple or individual.

7. Vacation rental homes are more comfortable than hotels.

Thoughtfully designed interior design and comfortable furniture provides a naturally homey atmosphere. In contrast, even the best hotels can feel impersonal and sterile. Guests also enjoy being able to lounge on couches and easy chairs rather than just a single bed, such as you’ll find in standard hotel rooms.

8. There are often more kid-friendly amenities onsite.

Many vacation homes have indoor playrooms and outdoor playground equipment and toys. One of ours even has a built-in slide!

Grand Chateau is a luxury vacation rental on Lake Michigan with private beach access. There’s a playroom full of toys and art supplies for the kids. View the full listing here.

9. You might even be able to bring your dog!

Typically, you can’t bring Fido along with you to a hotel. However, some vacation rental homes are pet-friendly and permit cats and dogs.

If you’re looking for a pet friendly vacation rental in Michigan, here’s a list of amazing options in West Michigan:

Check out Modern Mini, a pet-friendly bungalow with Lake Michigan access.

Another great option is The Green House. This two bedroom home is located in the heart of Holland.

Brucker Beach Bungalow is another great pet friendly option. You will love the view of Lake Michigan.

Yet another fabulous option is Trillium Ridge. Nestled along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, the home is serenely surrounded by trees. Even better, it’s a short walk from Lake Michigan beach access!

10. In stark contrast to hotels, vacation rental homes promote closeness and community within your group.

In a hotel, it can be hard for a large party to be in the same place at once. Especially if it’s a large group! You likely spread out between 5-10 different hotel rooms. This prevents everyone from being able to mingle together in the same general space at one time.

In contrast, vacation rental homes provide one unified area for gatherings of old friends, extended families, and group retreats.

Book a Vacation Rental Today

Are you ready to make the leap? View our listings to start dreaming up your next vacation and book directly today.

You can trust BVW Unsalted Vacations to walk you through the short term rental process. We’ll be here to recommend vacation rentals, advise you on check-in and check out procedures, and answer any questions you may have. We’ll be here to recommend vacation homes, advise you on check-in and check out procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Email hello@unsaltedvacations.com or call/text 616-383-LAKE (5253).

Readers who enjoyed this comparison of booking a vacation rental vs hotel also read 6 Amazing Benefits of Staying at a BVW Unsalted Vacations Rental and Why Working Vacations Are Here to Stay (And Why All Remote Workers Should Take One!)

 Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan!

With SO MANY vacation rentals to choose from, how do you know you’re getting the best deal with the best service? Not to toot our own horn too loudly, but we think the following six reasons are outstanding reasons to book a vacation rental through BVW Unsalted Vacations Property Management.

1. Worry Free Check-In

First, you’ll receive a  detailed guest portal with access codes, parking instructions, and everything else you need to locate and access your vacation rental. Our team also offers a highly individualized customer service touch, with someone making contact with you a week before check-in to answer any last minute questions and share helpful details with you. There’s no need to call anyone or notify us; simply arrive at 4pm, let yourself in, and then… R.E.L.A.X.

A previous guest says it best in this review: “The whole experience with Unsalted Vacations was great. Easy to book and clear, precise information regarding check in and check out procedures. We will definitely use your company again.”

2. Starter Supply of Professionally Laundered Linens & Cleaning Products

Many items are provided for you, so don’t worry about having enough space in your car. We provide professionally laundered comforters, linens, bath, and beach towels for guests. Kitchen towels and cleaning towels are also provided. Additionally, you’ll find a starter supply of paper towels, cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and toiletries. Many of our vacation rentals offer additional amenities such as kayaks, beach chairs, and children’s equipment like high chairs and pack & plays. So much fun!

3. Fully Equipped Kitchens

Our kitchens are fully equipped with cookware, coffee makers, utensils, microwaves, dishes, and pots and pans. All you need to pack are your favorite ingredients! With spacious storage, such as full-sized fridges, freezers, and kitchen cabinets, you’ll have plenty of space to keep your favorite food and snacks on hand – and space for when you buy more after your kids ate everything.

4. Free 48 Hour Cancellation Policy

We get it – sometimes you change your mind! At BVW Unsalted Vacations, you can make a reservation with the peace of mind that free cancellations are available if you cancel within 48 hours of booking. (Some exclusions apply; please contact us for more details.)

5. Access to Unbeatable Pure Michigan Beauty

Bellavita offers private beach access in Manistee, Michigan.

Many of our properties are lakefront homes offering private Lake Michigan beach access. Some of them are located on private inland Goshorn Lake – 26 acres of water perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. The rustic cabins at Cannon River Ranch offer access to the Pere Marquette river. But all of our properties are within driving distance of Michigan’s beaches and scenic hiking trails!

6. Round-the-Clock Customer Care Team

Our highly trained maintenance technicians and super-friendly guest services team members are available seven days a week to assist with the unexpected. On-call maintenance technicians are available for after hour emergencies. Looking for the best restaurant or boat rental nearby? Our guest services team is here to help. Best of all, we’re easy to get in touch with! You can call, chat, text, or email with questions or concerns… whatever your preferred method of communication is, there’s someone on our team at the other end to lend a hand.

Book a Vacation Rental Today

Michigan Vacations with BVW Unsalted Vacations Inspiration:

• Lake Michigan Summer: 5 Ways to Spend Time on the Water
• 7 Southwest Michigan Wineries Near Holland, Michigan
• The 13 Best Lake Michigan Beaches in Southwest Michigan: Looking Ahead to an Unforgettable Summer Getaway
• 38+ Amazing Lakefront Vacation Rentals in Michigan

Are you ready to make the leap? View our listings to start dreaming up your next vacation and book directly today.

You can trust BVW Unsalted Vacations to walk you through the short term rental process. We’ll be here to recommend vacation properties, advise you on check-in and check out procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Email hello@unsaltedvacations.com or call/text 616-383-LAKE (5253).

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan!

Where to Find the Best Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals in West Michigan

Find dog-friendly vacation rental properties in Saugatuck, Holland, Fennville, West Olive, Muskegon, and Grand Haven.

Are you planning a pet-friendly vacation? You’re not alone! As West Michigan’s premier vacation rental management company, we’re often asked, “Can we bring our four-legged family members, too?” With nearly 70% of American households lovingly accommodating at least one pet, it’s clear that our cherished companions are as integral to our vacations as sunscreen and good vibes. In response to your requests, we’ve compiled a list of Michigan’s most welcoming pet-friendly vacation rentals in Michigan. You may want to keep this page bookmarked and check back periodically, since we freshen up our dog-friendly vacation rental offerings often. So, get ready to explore – your perfect pet-friendly Michigan getaway is just a click away!

New Listing! Pet Friendly Vacation Rental in Fennville, Michigan at Four Corners Farmhouse

Escape to the stunning Four Corners Farmhouse in southwest Michigan. This vacation home is conveniently nestled between the charming towns of South Haven and Saugatuck in Fennville, Michigan. The idyllic location offers a perfect mix of lakeshore beauty and countryside charm, and the rolling countryside surrounding the farmhouse provides a tranquil backdrop for your vacation. A quick five-minute drive will take you to the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, offering endless opportunities for relaxation and adventure.

Why wait? Book The Four Corners Farmhouse today and make the most of your pet-friendly vacation experience in this charming retreat.

Newly Listed James Street Beach Cottage in Holland, Michigan

Enjoy a stay at this three-bedroom cottage located within walking distance to James Street Beach on the shores of Lake Michigan. This vacation rental offers a perfect home base for your Lake Michigan vacation plans, with nearby access to miles of bike trails along Lakeshore Drive and easy beach access. Downtown Holland, featuring many family-friendly attractions, reputable breweries, and a variety of restaurants, is a brief drive from the cottage. Best of all, up to two pets are welcome! Please visit the listing for more details.

Embrace the convenient location of James Street Beach Cottage, offering miles of nearby bike trails and easy Lake Michigan beach access.

Lake Mac Boat House in Holland, Michigan: New Pet Friendly Listing for Summer 2024

Consider Lake Mac Boat House in Holland, if you’re seeking a quiet retreat. This newly listed cottage is centrally located near Holland State Park and Lake Macatawa on a quiet corner lot. The main floor provides easy access to three bedrooms, one and a half baths, a cozy living area, and fully equipped kitchen. Step outside to the patio with a gas grill and picnic table. Best of all, dogs are welcome!

Brucker Beach Bungalow in Grand Haven, Michigan (Pets Considered)

This dog-friendly bungalow is located in one of Michigan’s most beloved beach towns: Grand Haven. A gorgeous Lake Michigan beach access point, Brucker Beach, is just a short walk away. Spend the day swimming, walking up and down the shoreline, and soaking in the sun. Finish your evening on the deck, watching the sunset and enjoying the gas grill to prepare your dinner. This four-bedroom vacation rental home is the perfect setting for a family beach vacation! Pets are considered. Please contact us to request approval.

This four-bedroom home is just a short walk from Brucker Beach. Click here to view the full listing.

Modern Mini in Holland, Michigan

This dog-friendly Lake Michigan cabin rental features two bedrooms and sleeping accommodations for up to six guests. If you’re looking for dog friendly vacation rentals in Michigan and also desire Lake Michigan beach access, this is the getaway home for you! An artfully designed interior maximizes the functionality of this charming home, with a vaulted ceiling, vintage bar top, and screened-in porch. The main attraction of this property – private Lake Michigan beach access – is just a short walk down the street. Dog-friendly Kirk Park is nearby as well. You’ll find plenty to do in downtown Holland, which is just a short drive away.

Good things come in small packages and this is as good as it gets! View the full listing for Modern Mini here.

The Green House In Holland, Michigan

Another great option in Holland is The Green House. It is among the most thoughtfully appointed, beloved pet friendly vacation rentals in Michigan. This dog-friendly vacation rental is located in the heart of Holland, right around the corner from Washington Square and just a short drive or walk from Downtown Holland.  There are two bedrooms with beds for up to four guests. As an added bonus,  the screened-in front porch is perfect for quiet mornings of sipping coffee and preparing for the day. A fenced-in back yard, quiet neighborhood, and thoughtful amenities make this the perfect place for you and your beloved family pet.

Stay in this classic, pet-friendly bungalow right in the heart of Holland! Click here to view the full listing.

Boltwood Dunes in Muskegon, Michigan

Step inside this creative and inspiring home located in the much sought after sand dunes on the shores of Lake Michigan and Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon. This cottage is just a five minute walk to the city beach, minutes from the Muskegon Lake boat launch and two miles from Muskegon Country Club and Lake Bluff Grill.This modern mid century home has been updated throughout and is ideal for groups of eight interested in being close to the beach, Lake Michigan, and everything else Muskegon offers. Four bedrooms, two full baths, two hang-out areas, and an outdoor living space make it a wonderful choice for your West Michigan escape.

View the full listing here.

Park Point in Saugatuck, Michigan (Pets Considered)

Located about a mile away from Saugatuck’s award-winning Oval Beach, this fully renovated five-bedroom cottage is the perfect retreat for your next vacation. When you are not swimming at one of the top ten beaches in the United States, enjoy plenty of sleeping options for twelve guests, spacious and comfortable main living areas, and beautiful outdoor accommodations so you can make the most of Michigan summers. Pets are considered for an additional $65/night. Please contact our guest services team by calling or texting 616-383-5253 for more information.

There is still time to book your perfect getaway! Pets are considered at Park Point in Saugatuck – please contact us for more details. View the full listing here.

Trillium Ridge in West Olive, Michigan

Are you looking for a pet-friendly vacation rental home with spectacular views? Look no further than Trillium Shores, nestled along the shoreline of Lake Michigan and Pigeon Lake. Surrounded by trees, this location offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. With only a short 5-minute walk to stairs providing lake and beach access, you can enjoy the best of both worlds. The living area also offers seasonal Lake Michigan views both inside and out.

And the best part about Trillium Shores? Dogs are welcome! View the full listing here.

Montello Shores in West Olive, Michigan (Pets Considered)

Consider Montello Shores, a stunning waterfront vacation rental located just south of the Pigeon Lake Channel in West Olive. This beautiful Lake Michigan home offers over 3000 sq. feet of beachfront luxury, providing ample space for relaxation and gathering together. The main floor features a spacious layout with a fully equipped kitchen, stainless appliances, and an island. This setup is perfect for preparing meals and enjoying family dinners. Additionally, the connected living space offers panoramic views, a flat screen TV, and a cozy built-in window seat.  French doors open to a wrap-around screened porch with a gas grill. This allows guests to savor the sandy beach and breathtaking Lake Michigan views. Best of all, pets are considered for an additional fee.

Consider Montello Shores for your next vacation getaway! Your family will cherish the memories you create together.

Lakewood Cottage in Holland, Michigan Featuring Private Hot Tub

Take a look at our brand new listing, Lakewood Cottage in Holland. This expertly designed house is dog-friendly and promotes peace and relaxation. With easy access to convenient bike paths leading to Tunnel Park, it’s the perfect home base for exploring the coast. Enjoy the spacious fenced yard with hot tub, fire pit, Solo stove, deck, and flat top grill, and plenty of room for yard games. Both nearby Tunnel Park and Holland State Park provide direct access to the sandy shores of Lake Michigan with public beaches and connecting bike trails. Take a hike at Riley Trails with 300 acres of rolling terrain and miles of marked trails.

An amazing vacation awaits you at Lakewood Cottage in Holland, Michigan!

Now That You’ve Searched Dog-Friendly Vacation Rentals in Michigan, Hopefully You’re Ready for an Amazing Michigan Vacation!

After viewing our selection of pet friendly accommodations, the vacation planning can commence!  BVW Unsalted Vacations is your trusted partner in finding the best getaway spot in Michigan for your group. Additionally, years of experience ensure that you can rely on our expert support during your stay, allowing you to truly relax and create meaningful memories. Browse our listings now to begin orchestrating your unforgettable family summer gathering. If you have any questions, please feel free to chat with an agent via the chat box in the corner of the screen.

 Readers who enjoyed this list of vacation rentals also read Dog Friendly Beaches in Michigan: The Ultimate Guide. Amazing, dog-friendly vacations await!

We are always looking for more pet friendly vacation rentals in Michigan to add to our portfolio! Since try to add more options whenever possible, we suggest following us on our socials for updates. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Celebrating Vacation Rental Week: March 6-10, 2023

BVW Unsalted Vacations is thrilled to participate in the fourth annual Vacation Rental Management Week! Professionally–managed vacation rentals provide value and benefits for guests and property owners alike. This celebration of Vacation Rental Week is our chance to highlight these benefits. We also want to encourage you to book a stay or entrust your vacation property to a professional vacation rental property manager.

How do vacation rentals benefit guests?

As a guest, vacation rentals are a great alternative to hotels in every aspect. This is because they offer far more than a hotel. The additional benefits include extra living space, privacy, convenience, and amenities. Vacation rentals also present you with a unique opportunity to create a more personalized, memorable vacation experience.

You’ll have the practical comfort of an actual residence, the ability to explore the neighborhood, and the opportunity to discover aspects of your destination you might not encounter when staying
at a hotel. If you’re vacationing with family, vacation rentals are an excellent option, since they typically offer multiple bedrooms, kitchens, laundry rooms, and easy access to local entertainment.

How does vacation rental management benefit property owners?

Safely renting your space as a property owner through a professional manager can be an easy and reliable revenue source, transforming it into an asset that offers a significant return on your
investment. You’ll also be able to use the property when you choose, spending your own vacations there with family, while renting it to guests the rest of the year. A professional vacation rental manager will handle all the logistics. A vacation rental manager will also secure responsible guests, and maximize your return through an expert understanding of the industry. The in–depth knowledge of the local community is also a huge plus. Vacation rental managers also handle cleaning the property to the highest standards, advertise, inquiries, collecting deposits and balances, generating agreements, and following up post–rental. In other words, you can sit back and simply enjoy the experience while we take care of the rest.

Click here to read more reviews

BVW Unsalted Vacations is one of Michigan’s largest vacation rental management companies. You can see our online brochure here. Our footprint stretches along the lakeshore from South Haven all the way to Manistee. Additionally, we provide many unique benefits for property owners, including marketing, staging, reservations, cleaning services, interior design, maintenance, and more.

We provide many unique benefits for property owners:

• Unlike some seasonal companies, our full-time staff is present twelve months a year.
• Additionally, BVW Unsalted Vacations offers a full-time maintenance staff of over 20 skilled technicians.
• Our guest call center is open 9am until midnight, seven days a week during peak season.
• All guests are required to purchase a damage waiver that covers up to $5,000 in damages.
• Best of all, the start-up costs to you are minimal. We cover marketing costs and provide hotel-grade sheets, a starter supply of toiletries and cleaning products, bath towels and beach towels for every guest. 

How You Can Connect

Finding a vacation rental to book or a professional manager to represent your property is fast and easy. Our friends at the Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA) provide a free search tool  to locate property managers and their available properties worldwide. For property management in Michigan, please contact BVW Unsalted Vacations via our website form, or email us at hello@unsaltedvacations.com.

Find a vacation rental manager for your property and get started in this exciting industry today!

Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Twitter for regular updates on available vacation rentals in Michigan!