Resort vs Vacation Rental: Which One Fits Your Vacation Style?

We all want our precious vacation time to be everything we hoped for—whether that’s fun-filled days with family or a peaceful retreat. With so many accommodation options out there—resorts, vacation rentals, hotels—how do you choose the best fit for your needs?

🏨 Resorts vs. Vacation Rentals: The Key Differences

I’ve stayed at resorts, vacation rentals, and everything in between all over the world. From a charming vacation rental in Honduras to a luxury beach resort in Thailand, each experience was unique. And some of them were…not great. I know what it feels like to stay in the “wrong” place.

I also own a both a boutique resort on a stunning northern Minnesota lake, and two vacation rentals. That’s why I’m offering this comparison to help you avoid disappointment—whether you’re looking for a Minnesota lakeside resort or a cozy vacation rental.

🛏️ Amenities: Which Has More to Offer?

If you’re looking for lots of amenities right on-site, resorts typically offer more. Resorts often have:

• Full kitchens in your unit

• Swimming areas (beach, pool, or both)

• Boat rentals

• Spas, playgrounds, and organized activities

In contrast, vacation rentals usually provide very few amenities. For example, during a stay at a rental in Honduras, there was a kayak and snorkeling gear available. But the rental lacked a proper kitchen, only offering a hot plate and mini-fridge. Because it was far from restaurants or grocery stores, it made meal prep challenging.

I’m not just talking the big amenities like pools, kitchens, boats, etc. either. We once stayed in an apartment vacation rental in Seoul, Korea where we had to use rugs, towels, and a yoga mat just to get comfortable enough to sleep on the rock-hard mattress. The resort we stayed at in the same part of the world, however, had a wonderful bed. 

Resort stays often give you everything you need for your entire vacation—right on the property. If you don’t want to leave, everything is available: dining options, entertainment, relaxation, and outdoor activities. But if your plan is to spend most of your day outside the property, vacation rentals might be more cost-effective.

🏡 Community and Social Experience

One of the key aspects of a resort is the community experience. At a boutique resort like Campfire Bay, guests often arrive and depart on the same schedule, and the resort may organize communal events, like bonfires or group activities. Guests get to know each other, and children form friendships with other kids, freeing up parents for relaxation.

In contrast, vacation rentals generally lack a community vibe. There’s no central meeting place, and you rarely interact with your neighbors or rental owners. If you prefer anonymity and don’t want to mingle with others, vacation rentals are the better choice. However, if you enjoy the energy of a shared space with new faces, a resort provides that social interaction.

🛎️ Customer Service: A Resort’s Personal Touch

While staying at a luxury resort in Thailand, I tripped and injured my toe. A staff member quickly rushed over with a first aid kit, and the kindness she showed was a highlight of my entire stay. Unfortunately, many vacation rentals lack this level of service. If something goes wrong, you’re likely to deal with an impersonal, often slow process through the booking platform.

Great customer service takes time and money. In addition to making sure everything works and is as it’s advertised, going above and beyond that to help people and accommodate out of the norm requests takes a lot more time, effort, and money than most people realize.

At Campfire Bay Resort, we pride ourselves on providing quick, personalized service because we want your experience to be as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. Whether it’s fixing a flat tire, assisting with a fishing trip, or helping guests with other issues, we go the extra mile to help.

Resorts are usually your best bet vs. vacation rentals when it comes to attentive, speedy customer service.

📞 Communication: Resort vs. Vacation Rental

Communication can be a major deciding factor. While vacation rental owners may only respond via the booking platform, resorts like Campfire Bay pride themselves on personal, accessible communication. We answer phone calls, emails, and text messages quickly, and we’re available on-site 24/7. Guests have our cell numbers and can reach us for anything, from activity suggestions to maintenance requests.

Sadly, we have not experienced this with any vacation rentals. I once booked a vacation rental in Madrid, and when a problem arose with the sofa bed, the host didn’t respond until the next day—and even then, they charged us extra for a situation they could have easily addressed earlier.

If you’re someone who values immediate assistance and a personal connection, a resort is likely your best option.

🎉 Activities: More Options at a Resort

When you go on vacation, do you prefer to stay active, trying out new activities? Or would you rather unwind and relax? Everyone has their own levels of tolerance for activity and boredom. There is nothing more frustrating than cutting out an activity that the majority of the group wants to do because one of the members is “done”.

Resorts like Campfire Bay provide a wide range of on-site activities for all ages. From boating and hiking to organized games and kids’ treasure hunts, there’s always something fun to do. If you want a mix of relaxation and adventure, you don’t have to leave the property to find it. If your kids are only up for an hour-long activity and then need some downtime, no problem! One member of your party is feeling under the weather? You can still participate in a resort activity without leaving them far away.

In comparison, vacation rentals often don’t have scheduled activities or amenities to entertain the whole family. You’ll have to arrange activities on your own, which can be time-consuming and, at times, stressful.

At Campfire Bay, parents can participate in activities with their kids or relax while their children explore with new friends. Our resort’s flexible schedule allows everyone to enjoy the vacation in their own way.

If you want to get out and see it all and spend less on where you lay your head at night, then vacation rentals are for you. But, if you want the option to get out OR never leave the property and still have tons to do, then a resort is your best choice.

💲 Cost: Value vs. Price

A valuable lesson I’ve learned over the years is: “In the absence of value, price is an issue.” If we think something offers great value, we’re willing to pay more for it. A vacation rental may save you money upfront, but if the value doesn’t match your expectations (such as lack of amenities or service), it can lead to frustration.

At Campfire Bay Resort, we aim to offer the best value by balancing cost with exceptional service, amenities, and a prime location by the lake. When you book a resort, you’re not just paying for a place to sleep; you’re paying for convenience, community, and peace of mind.

After getting burned one too many times, we now choose accommodations based on value and not cost. Even if we are only staying somewhere for a few hours before an early flight the next morning, we choose our hotel by balancing cost with the value of an airport shuttle that has flexibility, and great customer ratings. We want to actually get a good few hours of rest and not worry about loud noises, bad smell, or bugs. All of these issues have robbed us of a decent stay when we only looked at cost.

📝 Summary: Team Resort or Team Vacation Rental?

So, which team are you on?

• Team Vacation Rental: You prefer more anonymity and are willing to trade amenities, activities, and service for lower costs.

• Team Resort: You want more activities, amenities, and service, and don’t mind spending a little more for a complete vacation experience.

No matter your choice, Campfire Bay Resort is here to help you create a memorable getaway. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a vacation rental or the full resort experience, we wish you the best vacation possible. Check Availability or Contact Us today!