6 Factors to Consider When Booking a Vacation Rental for Your Team Retreat

Booking a vacation rental for a team retreat can offer many advantages over traditional hotels or resorts. A vacation rental provides more space, privacy, and often a more cost-effective option for smaller groups (10-15 people). However, before booking a vacation rental for your team retreat, there are several things to consider to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience.

1. Space

Vacation rentals generally offer more space than hotels or resorts, which is beneficial for team retreats. Consider the number of team members attending the retreat and ensure the rental has enough bedrooms, bathrooms, and communal areas to accommodate everyone comfortably.

Stay away from hide-a-beds in public spaces or window sill sleeping made for children. Each person should have their own grown-up bed (ideally bedroom) and their own private bathroom.

2. Privacy

Privacy is another benefit of vacation rentals. Unlike hotels or resorts, you can have the entire rental to yourselves. This allows for a more intimate and personalized experience that can promote team bonding and stronger relationships.

3. Cost

Vacation rentals can be more cost-effective than hotels or resorts, particularly for smaller groups. Make sure to compare the costs of various rental options before making a final decision to ensure it fits within your budget.

DON’T FORGET - to factor in things like hiring a cleaning service for communal spaces OR finding a local chef to prepare meals (especially for any dietary restrictions).

4. Amenities

Vacation rentals can come with a variety of amenities, such as a private pool, hot tub, outdoor space, a fully equipped kitchen, and a washer and dryer. Consider the amenities you need to make your team retreat successful and choose a rental that offers those amenities.

5. Location

Vacation rentals are often located in residential areas or neighborhoods, which can provide a different experience compared to staying in a hotel or resort. Consider the location of the rental and ensure it is convenient for your team to access the activities or attractions you have planned for the retreat.

FOR EXAMPLE -

• Do you need to rent cars for the team to do offsite activities, or is everything walkable?

• Are there nearby restaurants that are able to accommodate your group size?

• If your rental doesn’t have a large enough community space is there local meeting space available?

6. Logistics

When booking a vacation rental, you will likely need to take care of logistics such as transportation, food, and cleaning. Make sure you have a plan in place for these logistics before the retreat to ensure everything runs smoothly.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT - If you choose a vacation rental vs. a hotel - the more prepared you are the better. The more people are aware of any expectations they must do like cleaning or meal prepping or grocery shopping etc. the happier your team will be with the decision.

In conclusion, booking a vacation rental for your team retreat can provide a unique and personalized experience that traditional hotels or resorts cannot match. However, it's important to consider several factors such as space, privacy, cost, amenities, location, and logistics to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience for your team. With careful planning and consideration, booking a vacation rental can be an excellent choice for your small team retreat.