Hotels have been the default choice for vacations for decades. You book a room, drop off your bags, and head out to explore. It works, especially if you're spending most of your time away from where you're staying.
But more travelers are starting to look at RV resorts differently. They're not just places to park an RV anymore. Many have pools, waterparks, activities, cabins, restaurants, and enough space that you don't feel like you're sharing your vacation with the people in the room next door.
So which one is actually worth it? The answer depends on the kind of trip you're planning.
Space Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think
One of the first things people notice when they switch from a hotel to an RV resort is how much more room they have.
A hotel room usually gives you a bed, a bathroom, and maybe a small sitting area. That's fine for sleeping, but after a day or two it can start to feel cramped, especially if you're traveling with kids.
At an RV resort, the vacation doesn't end when you get back to your site or cabin. You have outdoor space to spread out, eat dinner, relax by a fire, or simply enjoy being outside. Kids have room to play instead of being told to stop jumping on the beds.
It changes the pace of the trip in a good way.
You're Paying for More Than a Place to Sleep
Hotels are built around the room.
RV resorts are built around the experience.
That becomes obvious once you look at what's included. Depending on the resort, you might spend the day at a waterpark, rent a golf cart, fish by the lake, join a themed event, play mini golf, or let the kids disappear onto the playground while you finally get a chance to relax.
You don't have to plan every hour because there's already plenty to do where you're staying.
For families, that's often the biggest advantage.
Meals Are Easier and Usually Cheaper
Eating every meal at restaurants sounds fun until the bill arrives.
One of the biggest benefits of staying at an RV resort or in a cabin is having access to your own kitchen or outdoor grill. Maybe breakfast is pancakes before heading to the pool. Lunch is sandwiches back at the campsite. Dinner is burgers on the grill while everyone sits outside.
You can still enjoy local restaurants when you want to, but you're not relying on them for every single meal.
Over the course of a week, that can make a noticeable difference. A vacation cost comparison study conducted for the RV Industry Association found that a family of four traveling by RV spends anywhere from 22% to 60% less per day than they would on a comparable air and hotel trip, and food is a big part of that gap.
Hotels Still Make Sense Sometimes
None of this means hotels are the wrong choice.
If you're visiting a city for one night, attending a business meeting, or spending nearly all of your time sightseeing, a hotel is often the most convenient option. Check in, get some sleep, and head back out the next morning.
That's exactly what hotels are designed for.
The question is whether that's the kind of vacation you're planning.
When an RV Resort Is the Better Fit
If your goal is to slow down, spend time outdoors, and have activities close by, an RV resort offers a different experience.
Families don't have to leave the property every day to keep everyone entertained. Couples can enjoy quiet mornings with coffee outside instead of listening to hallway traffic. Groups have places to gather that don't involve squeezing into one hotel room.
Many resorts also offer different ways to stay. You can bring your own RV, book a cabin, or choose another accommodation depending on your travel style. That flexibility makes RV resorts appealing even if you don't own an RV.
So, Which Vacation Is Worth It?
There's no universal winner.
Hotels are great for short stays, city trips, and vacations where the room is simply a place to sleep.
RV resorts are a better fit when the destination itself is part of the vacation. You have more space, more activities, and more freedom to spend your days however you like without feeling confined to four walls.
If you're planning your next family getaway, weekend escape, or road trip, it might be worth trying something different. Browse our locations to find the Great Escapes resort closest to where you're headed, or get in touch if you want help picking the right one. You may find that the best part of the vacation isn't just where you go, it's where you stay.