February 19, 2010, Newsletter Issue #205: Where to Stay in The Islands

Tip of the Week

There are four primary types of lodging in the Hawaiian Islands. First, there is a limited number of bed and breakfasts found in the islands that run the gamut from simple to lavish. Major hotel brands offer budget priced to upscale properties on one or more islands with the largest hotel presence in Honolulu. Most large resorts are found on Oahu and Maui and rooms at resorts tend to cost more than hotels. (Note: Although travel agencies promote all-inclusive resort packages to Hawaii, these are not the same all-your-food-and-drinks all-inclusive deals popular in the Caribbean. These all-inclusive offers usually refer to a room, rental car and sometimes rounds of golf.)

Hawaiian vacation home and condominium rentals are rapidly becoming the most popular choice for Hawaiian holidays. Here are a few reasons why:

Space: Why stay in a single cramped hotel room when you can have the run of an entire villa or condominium?Privacy: Togetherness is great, but too much togetherness adds stress and strain to any vacation. Why share beds and baths when everyone can have their own space?Affordability: On average Hawaiian vacation rentals cost 30% less than resort accommodations. When family and friends travel together and share the cost, a vacation rental offers ultimate luxury for less.
Flexibility: Staying in a home, villa or condo provides the freedom to stay and play on your own schedule. Want a midnight snack? Raid the kitchen. Prepare your own meals or a picnic to enjoy by the pool or in a tropical garden setting. No waiting for restaurant reservations.
Luxury: Not everyone can afford a luxury second home on a tropical island. Vacation rentals offer the chance to sample the rewards of luxury living without the risks of ownership.Live like the rich and famous in a Hawaii vacation rental estate perched above the blue Pacific on the Big Island. Every room offers panoramic views. A large solar-heated pool Jacuzzi, stone BBQ pit and expansive lanai offer plenty of space for entertaining, relaxing, sunning and star gazing. The main house features three bedrooms and baths and a detached, fully equipped apartment offers additional space. This estate easily tops $1 million dollars, but can “belong” to you and 5 or 6 guests for $440 per night (three-night minimum) or $2660 for a full week. Do the math. A comparable resort hotel room at $300 per night is $2100 per week. Three couples would spend over $6300 for a week in hotel rooms. Savings on accommodations alone: $4200.

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