Category Archives: Villa or Hotel?

Renting a Villa – The Costs

10 Sunday Feb 2013

Posted by in 1. Early Planning Stage, 4. While at your villa, Picking a Villa, The Costs, Villa or Hotel?

≈ Leave a comment

LaCappelladell'Alfina

Even if you have rented a villa in the past, you probably have questions about costs and how they might compare to a hotel stay. Here are some points to consider:

Price Ranges

One of the many things that sets villa rentals apart from hotels stays is the savings for groups. The more people staying in a property, the greater the savings per person. Average mid-level price ranges for small rentals (2 people/1 bedroom) are $1,000-$2500 per week. A medium-size rental (4-6 people/2-3 bedrooms) is $2500-$4000 per week. A large rental (8+ people/4+ bedrooms) is $4,000-$8000 per week, depending on the quality of the property and the season.

Seasons

The weekly rental price of a countryside villa varies according to season.  However, the rental prices of city apartments may not fluctuate as much.  Although the price/season breakdowns vary according to property, here is a general guide:

  • High season is generally July and August (although, June and September are sometimes included), the three Christmas weeks, and the two Easter weeks. During these periods, prices are highest and crowds are largest.
  • Mid-season, or shoulder season, is generally June and September. This is a good time to travel because the weather is warm, but not yet hot.
  • Low-mid-season, or low-shoulder season, is generally late April through May, and again in late September to late October. This is a good time to travel, thanks to milder weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
  • Low season is generally January to the end of April (except during Easter), and late October to Christmas. Prices are at their lowest during this period, though conversely, due to cold weather, heating costs (which are usually extra) must be factored in. See below for more details on heating.

What’s Included

With very few exceptions, all linens and bath towels are included in the rental price. In some cases, utilities (such as gas and electricity, but excluding air-conditioning and heating) are included in the price.

What’s NOT Included

With some exceptions, air-conditioning, heating, gas, and electricity are metered according to consumption and are not included in the rental price. This is because energy costs in Europe are much higher than in the United States. In particular, the laws governing the use of heating are restrictive in the interest of energy conservation. For example, in Italy heating is generally only allowed from the 1st of November until the 1st of April, although this can vary. If your property has a working fireplace, it will be stated in the description whether you need to request and pay for firewood.

Most of our properties are privately owned, so the provisions in the house will vary according to owner. Some villas are well-stocked with basics such as salt & pepper, dish soap, bath soap, paper towels, and toilet paper, while others provide the bare minimum. It’s always a good idea to pack a few small spices, and then plan to stop at a grocery store en route to your villa on Saturday (since smaller stores are usually closed on Sunday).

A Final Cleaning fee applies to most of our villas. This amount covers the cost of cleaning following your departure. Usually, this amount, in addition to any stated extra charges not included in the rental rate, is deducted from the security deposit (paid in Euros upon arrival), which is returned to you upon departure. The total amount of both the security deposit and the final cleaning fee will be specified at the time of booking.

What Savings Can I Expect?

Unlike hotel rooms, all properties are equipped with a furnished kitchen and amenities such as a stove and/or oven and refrigerator. This makes it possible to store groceries and prepare meals both simple and elaborate, therefore eliminating the added expense and hassle of eating out for three meals a day! Calculate that this also includes incidentals, like snacks and drinks. Imagine the pleasure of enjoying a good bottle of wine and local meats and cheeses on your private terrace at the end of a long day of sightseeing! While of course a similar experience could be had at a local bar or café, you’d pay twice the amount (even three times in a touristy locale), and there would be no gorgeous vista or sunset to admire—let alone privacy and space.

If you’re traveling with children, the convenience factor of a villa is extremely appealing. Not only do you have the ease of a kitchen for quick, inexpensive meal preparation and snack storage, but you have the added bonus of ample room for young ones to run around and expend some of that boundless kid energy. Villa rentals provide a degree of flexibility that hotel rooms do not! In this case you may not save a calculable amount, but you certainly gain peace of mind and sanity–which, as only a parent knows, are priceless.

Is Renting a Villa Right for Me?

07 Friday Nov 2008

Posted by in 1. Early Planning Stage, Villa or Hotel?

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

,

Renting a villa allows you to experience a culture from the inside out, but it’s not for everyone. As you weigh the villa vs. hotel option, here are some things to keep in mind:

1. Busy vs. Relaxed

When you travel, do you try to visit as many places as possible and see everything you can? Or do you prefer to travel at a more leisurely pace, taking in the countryside, absorbing the culture, and reserving time for R&R?

Villas are a good fit for people who subscribe to the “slow travel” philosophy– where the objective is to “live” versus “stay” in a location. Most properties rent on a weekly basis, which means your villa will act as the base for your explorations– a familiar place to return to each afternoon. Many villas have pools and gardens where you can relax and wind down. You’ll be able to shop locally and prepare meals at home. This doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t see all the major attractions, too, but it does likely mean that they will be a little lower on your priority list. Instead of spending a week in a central Florence hotel, you may, for example, take the train in for just one or two days.

2. Group vs. Couple

Villa renting is a fantastic option for a group of any size. Rather than being boxed into individual hotel rooms, a villa gives a group room to congregate as well as find personal space for downtime. In a hotel you might have to gather in one room, or meet in the lobby– whereas in a villa you’ll have a furnished living room. The kids can run around outside, and if you want a sit-down family meal you can do that, too. Another plus: The bigger the group, the lower the cost per person!

A villa or apartment can also be a good choice for a couple. If you’re traveling alone or with one other person, the price for a one-bedroom rental is probably going to be comparable to a hotel. However, unless it’s a studio, rental apartments will still have a living room and a kitchen, giving you more space and flexibility.

3. Cultural Experience vs. Convenience

Part of the attraction of renting a villa (or an apartment) is the cultural experience it offers. If your villa is located, for example, in the Tuscan countryside, you’ll find yourself happening upon wineries and hill towns that you may not find in any guidebook. You’ll also be able to shop local markets for fresh fruit and vegetables; not only is this fun to do, it saves you money! It’s definitely not an experience you can get while staying in a hotel. Do remember, however, that you’ll be interacting with locals rather than businesses that cater to tourists, so be prepared to pull out your English-Italian dictionary or put your pantomime skills to the test!

Villa renting requires an independent spirit. While sometimes you’ll find a book of restaurant and activity suggestions provided by the owner, it’s really up to you to plan your itinerary and orient yourself. If you’re the type of traveler who prefers a tour guide, or wants someone else to worry about the details, then a hotel might likely be a better fit.

Hotels do have one major convenience that villas don’t: a front desk. At RentVillas.com, you’ll be paired with an expert Travel Advisor, and you’ll be met by a keyholder or owner at the property– but in most cases nobody will be on call 24/7. If the washing machine stops working at 10 PM, you’ll have to wait until morning to call someone. And if it’s broken, it might be a day or so before it’s fixed. Most of the time these things don’t happen, but occasionally, they do!

But think about this: How many hotel rooms have a washing machine? Or a kitchen? Or a garden? And how many amazing cultural experiences happen because you got lost or because you had to ask the neighbor for help? Yes, having a concierge to answer every question and fix every problem is convenient, but it also eliminates an element of surprise and exploration!

As you can see, making the villa vs. hotel choice depends a lot on your personality and what kind of travel you prefer. In general, villa renters tend to be open-minded, adventurous people with an appreciation for good food, good wine, and good company. Are you among them?