Are vacation rentals really cheaper?

Often yes for families of 4+, but always factor in the cleaning fee. If you are only staying for 2 nights, the cleaning fee might make a hotel cheaper overall.

Do I have to clean the rental?

Most require you to take out the trash and start the dishwasher before you leave. If you don't, you may be charged an extra cleaning fee.

Choosing Between Vacation Rentals and Hotels for Family Trips

Choose a hotel if you want convenience, daily housekeeping, and zero chores during your trip. Choose a vacation rental if your family needs multiple rooms, a kitchen to cook meals, and a common area to hang out together after the kids go to sleep.

Audit your sleep requirements. Count the number of bedrooms required. If your kids need a separate room from you, hotels often require booking two expensive connecting rooms, whereas a 2-bedroom rental provides privacy for a flat fee.
Calculate the 'kitchen value'. Determine how many meals you plan to eat at home. If you are feeding three kids breakfast and dinner daily, a rental kitchen saves roughly $100–$150 per day compared to restaurant prices.
Assess your tolerance for chores. Consider if you want to deal with dishes, trash removal, and stripping beds upon checkout. If you want a zero-chore vacation, skip the rental and book a hotel.
Check the location versus convenience ratio. Hotels are almost always located in high-traffic, central tourist zones. Vacation rentals often require a 15-minute walk or a bus ride to reach those same spots, but offer a more 'local' neighborhood experience.

Are vacation rentals really cheaper?: Often yes for families of 4+, but always factor in the cleaning fee. If you are only staying for 2 nights, the cleaning fee might make a hotel cheaper overall.
Do I have to clean the rental?: Most require you to take out the trash and start the dishwasher before you leave. If you don't, you may be charged an extra cleaning fee.