[ Guest Post ] I handpick my holiday - says Melissa

---

[Guest Post ] About the Author: Melissa Foy

---

Melissa represents WhereInRio, a luxury real estate and rental agency based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. [view blog] She can be reached at melissa@matterofform.com.

---

The Great Rental Debate

When I’m booking a holiday, I tend to leave the hotel booking to anyone else to choose and organize. This lack of conviction on my part has led me to find myself staying in 5 star hotels, cosy B&B’s, student hostels, homestays and tents (exotic in Northern India, but cold and miserable in West Wales..)

Whilst I enjoy a lavish hotel as much as the next girl, the comfort of a holiday rental villa or apartment always keeps me coming back for more. I agree that staying in a 5 star hotel may feel like the ultimate luxury, but the inclusion of staff, receptionists and caretakers can intrude on the sense of indulgence. By choosing a vacation rental during your holiday, you are treated – not only to the same amazing views you can get in a hotel – but also to privacy, comfort and a sense of individuality that cannot be beaten.

Another reason I love staying in a rental is the opportunity to basically customize the size and décor of my accommodation to my mood. Unless you’re forking out for a penthouse suite, chances are your hotel room provides enough space to sleep and relax, but little else. So why would I chose to stay in the same surroundings as everyone else in the building,? Especially when I can handpick my holiday rental property based on my exact needs, taste and personality.

For the price of a room in a 5 star hotel, you are able to secure a vacation rental property of your choice, and often for less than you would pay for the equivalent length of stay in a hotel. Also included in the price of your rental accommodation is your sole use of available amenities on site – so no more rushing to the pool in the morning to secure a sunlounger – the whole area is yours. There’s no need to huddle around the fireplace in a hotel lobby – the one in the living room is all yours!

Whilst upmarket hotels are often located in the most well connected parts of town, with the best views and nearest access to attractions, holiday rentals are usually embedded within communities, giving you the chance to feel like a local, wherever you choose to stay. Whether you are staying in a private or agency rental, the owner’s local expertise will prove indispensible as you explore your surroundings during your stay. Blending into the local crowd is my number one reason to keep coming back to rentals. Tourist? Moi?!

---

Do you blog about travel? Want to write for us? Fancy contributing guest posts and sharing your travel experiences and hotel stays abroad? Comment about your pitch and application below! 
I'll endeavour to get in touch! Leave your contact details or blogger ID at your own discretion. We do not have a guest posting policy setup on Get A Hotel Room as yet - FYI - we prefer the personal touch, the  top 5 type list format is not ideal unless it offers immense resources or practical guide information.