Why rent a vacation home rather than stay in a hotel?

So why would you rent a vacation home rather than stay in a hotel?

For me, the main reason is the private pool and spa - not having to wait until other people vacate the spa so that I can have my turn - you know how some groups just take over hotel spas. No having to rush out at 6am to put my towel on a lounger so I'll have somewhere to relax by the pool later on. In a vacation home, the pool, spa and deck are yours - to relax, to swim, to bbq, to read - whatever you want - always available, never crowded with strangers.

Another good reason for me is the space. We've done plenty of hotel room holidays and how awful is it when the kids have gone to bed and you have to tiptoe around the room watching the TV on low volume. In a vacation home, the kids can go to their own bedrooms and you still have all the facilities available to you. Enjoy a glass of wine or beer outside by the pool, a quiet meal for two or a bbq with the other adults in your group - just watch a film and put your feet up - or a quiet dip in the pool to unwind.

And, as a mother of teenagers I really appreciate having more than one bathroom and access to the full-size laundry facilities. We really travel light when we stay in a vacation home because let's face it we all have our favourites clothes to wear and it's so easy to just pop a load in the washer at night.

The boys like the games room and appreciate being able to watch a different channel on the TV in every room - no more fights over what's on TV. They like the fact that they have easy access to the golf course and community facilties too for tennis, basketball and the large communal pool for laps. Also the community is so friendly - Esprit is part residential, part vacation rental - and there are plenty of friendly locals (children and adults) who'll pass time chatting or give directions or suggestions.

Sometimes I hear people say that staying in a house rather than a hotel wouldn't be like a holiday! Those who think staying in a vacation home means lots of cooking and cleaning couldn't be more wrong. The home will be clean and ready for your arrival and it's so easy to keep that way - tiled floors mean no vacuuming. There is no need to cook if you don't want to as there are plenty of restaurants and take-aways within easy reach. If you don't want to cook, use the vacation home as a giant hotel room - order in or go out for meals.

But for those who do want to cook you have all the facilities you need - you can do anything in our fully-equipped kitchen from reheating last night's pizza to cooking a full Christmas Dinner - I know I've done it. This is the beauty of a vacation rental holiday - the choice is all yours.

Finally, I just have to mention value for money. You can stay in our 4 bedroom villa from £600 per week - that's a fully inclusive price which includes tax, cleaning fees and complimentary pool and spa heating - so nothing else to pay. With 8 people sharing that's only £75 per person per night - where can you get 4 hotel rooms with a large living area, full kitchen, games room and own spa bath for anything like that? - Let alone your own private pool! Even a value hotel would cost more than that - That's real value for money!

If I've persuaded you, check out http://www.floridaorlandovilla.com/ for details about my 4 bedroom villa.