Huatulco Accommodations: Villas vs Hotels

Why Staying At A Villa Wins Out Every Time

Typically when people think about a tropical vacation, they picture themselves in a resort-style setting – simply because it’s what they’re used to. This post will open your eyes to the possibility of living like a millionaire for the same price as the average resort.

Your Arrival

Resort

One of the main things people like about resorts is the peace of mind that’s said to come with it. For instance, knowing someone’s there to usher you to your destination when you land in a foreign place. This is a standard feature offered by resorts as a way of ensuring that guests make it to their accommodations.

Sounds great right? Yes – in theory – however there are some serious downfalls. For one, the bus doesn’t leave until everyone is on, which is great – if you’re the last one. If not, you’re stuck on a crowded – noisy – bus for as long as it takes to round everyone up. Once everyone has been accounted for it’s not like you go straight to your resort. Typically the bus has a series of resorts on route that it needs to stop at, adding another obstacle to getting settled after a long flight.

Private Condo or Villa

A representative of the company – My Huatulco Vacation – will meet you at baggage holding a sign with your name on it.

At which point you will grab your bags and proceed to a private suburban which will take you directly to your accommodation. Period. No lines, no waiting, no stress.

Once you get to your Accommodation

Resort

When you arrive at your destination, you will be required to stand in a line for up to 30 or 40 minutes to retrieve your bracelets as well as listen to a run down of what they have to offer. You then have to go through your room check-in, where you may or may not be satisfied with the actual room location/type you end up with. Afterall, it’s not like you’re getting the room from the resort brochure picture. After all that, you are most likely starving and looking for something to eat. If you arrive later in the evening, this typically leaves you scanning the buffet line.

Private Condo or Villa

A company representative will again be there to greet you and answer any questions you may have; in addition to giving you your keys and a quick tour of the property. In the case of your villa or condo, you do get the room on the brochure – so there are no surprises upon check-in.

As far as food goes, you can arrange to have the fridge pre-stocked with all the foods and beverages you desire. Meaning you can walk in, crack open a cold beer and start your Huatulco vacation at your private pool.

You can also arrange to have a private cook during your time in Huatulco, using the all inclusive villa plan. This plan allows you to schedule as many or as few meals as you desire. You pick the time of day and menu in advance giving you the freedom to do other things. For example, you schedule lunch during breakfast and dinner during lunch etc. If lunches at your villa are not part of that day’s plan, your cook can prepare a picnic for you to take on the road. Whatever works for you. It’s YOUR custom vacation so you will be making the choices that fit your vacation preferences.

Living Space and Amenities

Resort

One of the main appeals of resorts are all the amenities they have to offer. From pools to activities, most resorts are said to have it all. However anyone who has stayed at a resort knows the trials and tribulations associated with the poolside loungers.

It turns into an all out war as guests wake-up at the crack of dawn to snag a lounger in a prime location. If you are lucky enough to get one in an ideal location, you have only won the battle, not the war, as you have to go through the same thing every day thereafter.

As far as living space is concerned, resorts offer limited private space – i.e only your standard size hotel room. With the idea being that you will be spending the majority of your time trolling the grounds. For your $2000/person investment, you can enjoy your 400 square feet of privacy.

Private Condo or Villa

When you choose to stay at a private accommodation there is no one to fight you for the best lounger, no crowded pools, just you and whoever is lucky enough to be spending the vacation with you.

One area where villas have resorts beat for sure is on privacy. Where resorts have a standard size hotel room, villas and condos give you expansive living space for you and your traveling mates to roam around in. Most of the condos and villas in the area range from 2,500 to 6,500 square feet and offer private pools.

You also enjoy the maid service and property caretaking service enjoyed at resorts. Maid service can range from once a week to full-time daily service and pools are typically cleaned daily.

Not to mention- if you’d like – most resorts offer day passes so you can enjoy the resort experience for the day. This is really the way you find the best of both worlds, a resort feel without having to give up the perks of private accommodations.

Price

Prices as off June 2011 for a December trip of the same year. This pricing is based on a trip from Calgary, Alberta, Canada to Huatulco on the direct charter airline.

Resorts

Rates for most resorts, based on two people per room, for all inclusive 7 night packages come in at $2205 USD per person. It should be noted that often oceanfront rooms don’t allow more than 2 adults per room. Meaning if you are three or more people you are required to book a second room, thereby doubling your cost.

Private Condo or Villa

For a comparable property we have chosen villa #1013, however there are several other options to choose from. This gorgeous villa can accommodate 7 people and offers everything you could want in a vacation spot. Below are full-priced rates as of June 2011 for a 7 night, all-inclusive stay at this property. (All Inclusive includes 21 custom meals prepared by your own private chef at your villa as well as airport transfers. Luxury all-inclusive packages are available, which include alcohol and a day at sea in a 42′ cabin cruiser yacht for an additional $200/person).

One of the best things about a villa verses resort is that with private accommodations, the more people that come the more affordable it gets proportionately.

The main thing to realize is that you are actually getting more for your money when you choose private accommodations. With advanced booking discounts on everything from the property itself to exciting tours, you are definitely not missing out when you choose to ditch the resorts!

People default to resorts simply because it’s what they know, not necessarily because it’s the best option. Hopefully the next time you book a vacation you will give serious consideration to booking a private accommodation. There are very few travelers who choose to switch back to the resort-style vacation after experiencing the private endulgent luxury of a private oceanfront villa!