Vacation rentals are the new way to stay in Atenas, Costa Rica

Planning your next vacation? You might be used to staying in hotels and resorts, but maybe you should consider vacation rentals. More independent travelers are choosing to rent private homes and apartments these days instead of hotels, using websites like Airbnb and VRBO.

Vacation rentals are often the most economic travel option for families and groups of friends, giving more space and amenities at better value than a hotel room. Living like the locals also helps to give that authentic travel experience.

What is a vacation rental?

Vacation rentals are typically privately-owned apartments or homes that are rented by the day, week or month. They tend to be second homes for owners who live somewhere else and use the property for income and their own vacations. Most vacation rentals are fully stocked with towels, linens, all appliances, fully-equipped kitchens with the basics such as spices, cooking oil and coffee, once-weekly housekeeping, internet, cable TV, and a property manager who is on call 24/7. Other services often can be arranged at an extra cost, such as daily maid service, private cook, and transportation and area tours.

Why are vacation rentals so popular over hotels?

“In most cases, a vacation rental home is more economical. There is more space, a stocked kitchen, the ability to do laundry, more privacy, and the feeling of being ‘home’,” explained Florida native Dennis Easters, a world traveler living in Atenas, Costa Rica. “Also, a vacation rental allows you to live a bit more like the locals, even if for only a short time.

“For the past five years or so, our family has only stayed in vacation rentals because this mode of lodging best fits our lifestyle. I like to wake up early, have a cup of coffee, check e-mails and go for a walk, all before everyone else rolls out of bed. In a traditional hotel, this is a challenge without waking everyone up. Another advantage is that with a home or apartment, you have enough room to spread out and have a break from one another after a long day of sightseeing.”

Vacation rentals in Atenas, Costa Rica

Over the past seven years, vacation rentals have become very popular in Costa Rica, said Easters, who is co-owner of Pure Life Development of Atenas real estate. The charming mountain town of Atenas, Costa Rica, is a top place to retire and is popular for vacation rentals for the same reasons: location and climate. Less than an hour’s drive away are the capital city of San Jose to the east and some of the best Pacific Coast beaches to the west. The San Jose international airport is only 30 minutes away, and Atenas is known for having the “best climate in the world.”