How to Pick Amazing Accommodations for Your Beach Vacation

A week spent at the beach is absolute paradise for this Midwestern gal! But I know that a beach vacation doesn’t just happen without some thoughtful planning.

One of the most important decisions to make when planning a beach vacation is where you and your family will stay. The accommodations can make or break your family vacation. So choose wisely!

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Before the Search

First, determine exactly who will be traveling with you to the beach. Whether you are planning a romantic getaway for two, a family vacation, or a trip with multiple families, there are beach accommodations to satisfy any group.

Next, narrow down which beach you would like to visit. Consider distance and travel time. Will you fly or drive? Choose the gulf side of Florida or Alabama for calmer waters and laid back beach time. Opt for stronger waves along the Atlantic Ocean in the Carolinas or Florida. Or maybe the Pacific Ocean is calling you.

Finally, determine the dates for your beach vacay and your travel budget. Both will have a big impact on which accommodations are within reach. During peak travel times (summer and spring break), you will do best to book your accommodations at least 6 months in advance, especially for large groups. This will also be the most expensive time to travel. If you can travel in late spring, the fall, or even winter you will get better value for your lodging expenses. But be prepared for cooler temps in and out of the water.

With the ample number of beach accommodations to choose from, these initial decisions will help you eliminate many options that aren’t right for you. And it may keep you from going down the rabbit hole of multi-million dollar beachfront mansions if that is not within your grasp. Although that rabbit hole can be pretty fun!

Key Factors to Consider

Now that you have put a few parameters on your trip to the shore, you will want to consider what you want most out of your home away from home. Keep in mind which factors are deal-breakers for your crew and which would simply be nice to have.

Location, Location, Location

It’s true in real estate and it’s true in beach vacations. Location matters. A lot!

Do you want to step right out onto the sand? Would you like an excellent view of the sun setting over the ocean? Are you willing to make a short walk or drive to the beach to get a larger house or more amenities? Contemplate beachfront vs. beach view vs. beach access. Weigh the pros and cons of each property’s access to the shoreline before settling on the right beach accommodations.

Personally, I prefer being right on the beach, but my budget doesn’t always match my desires!

Beds and Baths

Determine the number of beds and bathrooms needed to satisfy all your travelers. Consider the ages, genders, and bedtimes for everyone in your party to ensure appropriate bed space is available.

Will kids and parents bunk together in the same room or do they need their own space? Will those sleeping on pullout couches get the privacy and comfort they need? Are there enough bathrooms to accommodate primping teens and ensure everyone has access to the facilities when needed?

When we travel with other families, we prefer at least 1 bathroom for each couple and one that all the teen girls can take over. Most places will be able to provide a floorplan so you can ensure there is ample space and even determine room assignments before you arrive.

Amenities

Once you are clear on your desired proximity to the beach and the number of beds and baths, you can get down to the finer details of amenities.

Do your travelers want access to a pool or hot tub? Are you willing to share the pool with other travelers for access to deluxe aquatic facilities or do you require a private pool just for your gang?

Will you be cooking many of your meals or dining out? If you plan to do most meals in, select a place that has ample seating and fridge space for the size of your gang, and inquire ahead of time about any must-have kitchen gadgets. A coffee maker for morning java or a blender for frozen concoctions are necessities for some beachgoers!

If you want to hang up your apron while on vacation, then choose accommodations with an on-site restaurant, room service, or lodging within walking distance of eateries and bars.

Other amenities that might be on your wish list: an outdoor deck or patio, access to beach chairs and toys, a BBQ grill, TVs, wifi, and more. Add your own must-haves to the list.

Keep in mind you may not get everything you want within your budget, so be ready to make a few reasonable sacrifices to make your trip to the beach a reality.

Types of Accommodations

By this point, you may already be leaning towards one type of accommodation over another. These are the 3 main types of beach accommodations and the pros and cons of each.

Private House

You will have tons of privacy if you choose a beach house and may have access to all the amenities of home, including a fully stocked kitchen and laundry room. A private pool could also be part of the package, and you will likely have plenty of indoor and outdoor space to spread out and relax when not lounging on the sand. The downsides could be a much higher price tag or a further distance to the shoreline.

Hotel

A full-service hotel may provide access to a concierge, room service, housekeeping, on-site dining options, spa services, fitness center, and a variety of pools. Hotels with fewer amenities may be within reach of the more price-conscious travelers. Some of the cons could include less living space, no kitchen, and less privacy.

Condo

Depending on the size of the condo it may share some of the same pros and cons of hotels or beach houses. Smaller condos provide a bit more privacy than a hotel, but won’t have the full range of amenities. Highrise condos generally include lots of bells and whistles, but you may find yourself waiting for elevator access and with limited privacy. Both beach houses and condos generally include kitchens stocked with dishware and basic cooking utensils, but you can likely find a condo at a lower price tag.

The bottom line is there are several types of accommodations to choose from and with some careful consideration, it is possible to find just the right one for an awesome beach getaway.

And soon your toes will be in the sand!

Options for Booking Your Accommodations

But where can you find these amazing beach accommodations? There are several ways to search for accommodations, and I encourage utilizing several of them to ensure you see all the viable options and get the best value.

Direct Website

A simple google search will help you explore many lodging options. If you have a preferred hotel chain or are part of a rewards program, go straight to the parent website and look for options in your preferred beach town. Don’t forget to inquire about discounts for AAA members, seniors, military members, or other possible offers that apply to your group.

Discount Booking Sites

Use Expedia, Kayak, Orbitz, or another one of your favorite discount booking websites to see what accommodations are available and in your price range. Before booking, be sure to also check the direct website for your chosen beach lodging to compare prices. If you will be flying to your beach destination consider bundling your flight and accommodations for added savings.

Rental Websites

If a beach house or condo is right for your stay, then you will definitely want to search popular vacation rental websites. Some of my go-to websites include VRBO, AirBnB, and HomeAway. This is my favorite way to search for unique beach accommodations, and I’ll admit I’ve spent numerous hours drooling over fantasy beach houses far out of my price range!

But I’ve also found some amazing accommodations through these websites that served as the foundation for our most memorable beach getaways, including a romantic trip to New Smyrna Beach and our recent trip to Florida’s panhandle.

While you are contemplating where you will stay on your next beach vacation, check out this awesome beach house we rented recently in Inlet Beach Florida!

I think it’s about time to slather on the sunscreen and head to your home away from home at the beach!

Have your own tips for selecting lodging for a beach getaway? Feel free to leave a comment below!

Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya

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