Hotels Versus RVs: Which is Cheaper? [7 Cost-Saving Examples]

Fed up with the rising costs of hotels and rental cars?

We feel you.

Since the pandemic, the prices of hotel rooms and rental cars have increased significantly and show no signs of dropping any time soon.

Thankfully, there is an alternative way to save money.

Renting an RV can provide a cheaper vacation option — while offering a new and exciting experience in the outdoors.

Here's how.

With RVezy, RV hosts determine their own nightly rates and optional add-ons. Many hosts offer perks such as airport pickup, RV delivery, and setup, all for a reasonable price.

Seven times when an RV rental is cheaper than a hotel

1. When you're staying in a prime location

If you've ever tried to book a hotel room during a major sporting event, concert, or expo, you know that finding a reasonably-priced hotel room can be a challenge. Unfortunately, accommodations in prime locations come with premium price tags.

Instead of booking a budget hotel at exorbitant rates, opt for something different, and rent an RV. Nightly rental rates stay fairly consistent and don't double or triple in cost when local demand soars. Depending on where you stay, the cost of the RV plus your overnight parking will often be cheaper, closer, and more convenient than a hotel.

2. When you can stay at your event site

Speaking of convenience, nothing is more convenient than having your RV rental delivered to the heart of your event. Not only are you saving yourself money by forgoing the hotel, rental car, and public transportation, but you are also gaining something even more precious — time. Plus, staying on-site cuts out commute time, so you can enjoy more time with the people that matter the most, your family and friends.

Did you know that many stock show grounds, festival venues, county and state fairgrounds, event arenas, race tracks, and trade show grounds have low-priced RV campgrounds where you can have an RV rental delivered and set up?

3. When you're staying longer than a few days

If you decide to have an RV delivered, consider how many days you need to stay to get the most out of your delivery fee. Longer trips reduce the relative delivery cost because the fixed price is spread out over multiple days.

Pro tip: Many campgrounds offer discounted rates for staying a week or more. The longer you stay, the better your nightly rate becomes.

4. When you have a large family or group of friends

Depending on the type of RV you rent, motorhomes and trailers can sleep anywhere from 2 to 10 people at a time. Large families and groups of friends can all stay under the same roof in an RV rental, whereas in a hotel, you'll be spread out across several rooms, often nowhere near one another. The cost of booking multiple hotel rooms can add up quickly because hotels charge for the room, extra beds, and extra people.

5. When you don't rent a car

Renting a drivable RV, like a campervan, gives you a rental car and a hotel room in one. Even if you don't want to drive back and forth from the campground to your event site, you'll have the option should you choose it. Plus, if you're staying in a prime location or near a major attraction, you might be within walking distance or have complimentary campground transportation to get you where you want to go. Two-for-one pricing? Now that's a deal.

6. When you don't want to eat out for every meal

Eating out can get expensive — fast, especially when you're feeding a family. Most RVs have fully equipped kitchens with a stove, refrigerator, and microwave, and hosts often include dishes, cooking utensils, and cutlery as part of their nightly rate. Eating at least one meal per day at the RV could potentially save you hundreds of dollars!

Like to grill? Most hosts provide BBQs as a free or premium add-on. Just check the RV listing or ask your host.

7. When you travel a lot

If you travel a lot, the cost of short-term vacation rentals can add up. In this case, buying an RV might make more sense than spending your money on temporary accommodations.

Why?

When you own an RV, you can put the money you'd otherwise spend on accommodations back into your pocket. Plus, you can rent out your RV when you're not using it and turn your purchase into a money-making investment. Offsetting ownership costs plus traveling comfortably for less? Sounds like a win-win!

RVs are just like hotels on wheels

Renting an RV can provide a cheaper vacation option because you can have an RV delivered and set up practically anywhere. Saving money and time is easy. All you have to do is think outside of the hotel box.

Ready to get started?

Learn more about the perks of  RV delivery or view deliverable RVs near you.