Hotel Chain Vacation Rentals: A New Horizon for Group Travel
In an evolving travel landscape, the demand for unique, community-oriented accommodation has never been more significant. While home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo have long been favored by large groups and families seeking spacious lodgings, traditional hotel giants are beginning to pivot. Major brands like Hilton, Hyatt, and Marriott are now offering vacation rental properties, presenting a fresh array of options for group travel.
The Stalwarts of Vacation Rentals
For years, travelers turned to platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo to secure multi-bedroom rentals, especially when journeying with family or friends. These options provided not only comfort and space but also cost savings compared to booking multiple hotel rooms. However, these peer-to-peer rental services have drawn criticism over high fees and unreliable hosts, leading potential guests to reconsider their choices.
Despite these concerns, interest in short-term rentals is robust. According to a 2024 report from AirDNA, demand for such avenues surged by 7% year-over-year and is projected to increase by an additional 4.9% in 2025. This persistence in rental demand has caught the attention of established hotel brands eager to tap into this lucrative market.
Hilton and Evermore Orlando Resort
In a notable partnership, Hilton Hotels & Resorts recently aligned with Evermore Orlando Resort, announced on January 8, 2025. Located in a sprawling 1,100-acre luxury vacation rental complex, Evermore offers a striking array of accommodations including 69 houses, 206 flats, and 41 villas. These range from two-bedroom apartments to expansive 11-bedroom homes, catering perfectly to large group stays.
Christopher Kelsey, the developer of Evermore, stated, “We designed homes perfect for a weeklong vacation.” This innovative design includes identical primary bedrooms in each unit, ensuring no squabbles over room assignments—a common concern in group travel. Families will particularly appreciate amenities such as bunk rooms and even indoor slides, while the onsite staff provides an added layer of assistance that individual rentals often lack.
Price Considerations
While the services and amenities offered at Evermore are enticing, cost considerations come into play. The nightly rates for the largest property, a striking 11-bedroom residence that accommodates up to 32 guests, start at around $3,000. However, when divided among a full house, this can often be more economical than booking multiple hotel rooms—particularly when considering the luxury and amenities included.
As of early 2025, Hilton Honors members can use points to book stays at Evermore, providing flexibility and potential savings for frequent travelers. Families interested in combining leisure with brand loyalty will find added value in this option.
Other Major Hotel Brands Embrace Vacation Rentals
Hilton’s venture into the vacation rental sphere isn’t an isolated case. Marriott International launched its Homes & Villas collection in 2019, featuring a staggering 140,000 vacation rentals worldwide, where Marriott Bonvoy members can earn and redeem points for their stays. These properties, while standalone like traditional vacation rentals, are managed by vetted companies, ensuring a certain quality of service that contributes to guest peace of mind.
In contrast, Hyatt Hotels Corp. introduced Homes & Hideaways in 2023, which includes similarly vetted standalone properties, solidifying their presence in this emerging market. For those who explore Hyatt Vacation Club, a different concept involving timeshares, there is the added layer of ownership benefits and flexibility, as well as Hyatt points to book stays at select locations.
Expansive Amenities and Family-Focused Experiences
Families traveling with children will find that these new offerings from major hotel brands often emphasize spaciousness and family-centric features. For instance, Hyatt Vacation Club’s locations frequently include amenities such as lazy rivers, playgrounds, and interactive classes, enhancing the family vacation experience.
Meanwhile, Marriott’s portfolio includes luxury offerings with exclusive amenities, such as private chefs and infinity pools, juxtaposed with budget-friendly properties that still cater to larger groups.
Rising Expectations and Competitive Pricing
Despite the recent explosion of vacation rentals from hotel brands, travelers are encouraged to conduct thorough comparisons. New hotel-affiliated rentals may provide superior amenities, services, and loyalty perks compared to standard home-sharing options.
With growing competition in the vacation rental space, customers can also expect lower prices and more attractive offers as brands vie for market share. Innovations in pricing and options may lead to a more favorable landscape for all travelers, especially those booking for families or larger parties.
Travelers are undeniably in a better position as the accommodations landscape widens. As they consider past favorites and new possibilities, major brands are reshaping the expectations for group travel—one vacation rental at a time.