If you’re putting together an Orlando vacation package, you should consider that in addition to the hundreds of hotels in the area, there are literally thousands of Orlando holiday villas that may be a better fit for your family or group. Let’s take a look at the choice between hotels and villas so you can make an informed decision.

First of all, review the cost and convenience of staying in one of Disney World’s resort hotels. Look for vacation packages that offer theme park tickets as part of the deal. Think about the extended hours and free transportation generally available from Disney. And consider how much time you will spend in the parks, because if it’s a high proportion of your vacation time, this may be the best option for you. Then compare prices with hotels outside Disney World – even though they may not include theme park tickets in their room rates, many offer free transportation to the parks.

Staying in a hotel with free theme park transportation can reduce the cost of your vacation as there is no need to hire a car if you have flown into Orlando. Even for those visitors who drive down, once here they can leave their car in the parking lot and not have to pay money for parking and gas.

Also take into account the entertainment value of hotel facilities. Pool tables, video games machines and ping pong tables can provide essential diversions to head off family arguments and tensions that inevitably arise between children when they are tired and confined together for days at a time. Other children of their age staying at the hotel can be very welcome additional friends and companions.

Finally on the question of hotels, give some weight to the issue of quality. With major hotels chains, their brand image requires consistency in the standard of rooms and facilities offered. For example, stay at a Marriott or a Courtyard Marriott and you can usually predict what you will get. You can also make a reservation and pay by credit card, with all of the protection that offers.

How does this compare with an Orlando holiday villa?

One big advantage in using an Orlando holiday villa is the cost benefit if your family or group is large. The majority of vacation home owners or management companies price their homes independently of the party size. So a 5 bedroom 4 bathroom home that sleeps up to 12 people could be far more economical than the equivalent number of hotel rooms. In addition, children sleep in their own bedrooms, leaving parents to get a good night’s sleep in private just as they do in their own home.

The flexibility a vacation home offers, especially not having to eat all your meals in a restaurant, is something many people find appealing. All vacation homes in Orlando have a fully equipped kitchen so you can have a snack or a drink any time you want without getting ready and going to the nearest restaurant or fast food place.

Orlando holiday villas also offer more in the way of laid-back relaxation. When you want a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the theme parks, your own private screened pool is a great way to chill out, complete with towels and pool toys on hand when required. Tire the family out by encouraging them to use the games room that enthusiastic vacation rental home owners have built – pool and foosball tables, ping pong and darts are just some of what’s available. And keep them entertained when they’re ready to watch the multiple TVs and DVD players many homes now include.

So when you are booking a vacation, choose the option that best meets your accommodation needs, a hotel or Orlando holiday villas.