A hotel room cramped with appliances use to be the only lodging options individuals had to choose from when planning a vacation. But thanks to the advent of new digital platforms, a tiny cramped room is no longer the sole option.
More and more consumers are ditching hotels for vacation homes. Websites such as HomeAway, Inc. offers vacation rentals through an online marketplace. At the website, travelers have access to homeowners and property managers that can offer an extensive selection of vacation homes that can exceed the traditional accommodations of a standard hotel room. HomeAway, Inc. also operates a bed and breakfast site that provides travellers with an extra alternative to traditional hotel lodging.
Another popular lodging site that appeals to the new-aged generation is AirBnB.com. As stated on the company’s site, “Whether an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 34,000 cities and 190 countries.” AirBnB.com has accommodated more than 25,000,000 guests around the world allowing travelers the opportunity to get to know the hoisting individual’s in their respected city.
However, hotels are taking note and doing everything possible to be able to go up against its competitors. Hotels have added amenities to make an individual’s stay feel a little more like home.
In a Four Seasons hotel suite, travelers have access to a large living space that is set up for private meals with a residential feel. There is a fully equipped pantry, an oven, refrigerator, microwave and dishwasher. On the hotel chain’s site, under the suite sections, the residential-like room is advertised as “Your Home Away From Home.” In addition, on the website there is a “Residence” selection. Within that section, where the hotel offers private luxury real estate such as villas, townhomes and condominiums that provide a home away from home experience.
The Wyndham Hotel & Resorts has also developed home-like suites. For example, the Wyndham Skyline Towers nestled in Atlantic City, N.J. offers apartment-like lodging. Amenities not only include a private bedroom with a King or Queen bed, but also a full kitchen with coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, oven, dishwasher, stove, toaster, cookware and flatware.
As the battle for customers continues, vacation rental companies have also added more amenities to its lineup. HomeAway recently integrated Uber, Instacart and Gogobot into its app. The addition of these mobile-based apps will help travelers find a ride, purchase groceries and select restaurants.
(Photo via HomeAway, Inc.)
