Tomichi Cabins

The Cost Of A Cabin Rental: What You Can Expect

The cost of a cabin rental is going to depend on a few different factors, such as location, size, and amenities. There are cabins for rent on the water, near popular tourist destinations, and in lesser-known areas and the prices can and do vary.

When looking into the average cost of a cabin that sleeps 4 to 6 guests, I found that it is about $175 a night plus added fees for cleaning. Still, that is the average, and there are more economical choices as well as more luxury destinations.

5 Factors Determining the Cost of a Cabin Rental

1. Luxury

Luxury is a more significant factor than size or location when it comes to rental cabins. A cabin that stands out as unique or fancier than others is going to be more expensive, regardless of how big it is or where it happens to be located.

In Canada, a two-bedroom cabin that is made of glass rents for 500 dollars on a normal weeknight and much more on holidays and weekends.

If you have a strict budget, think about whether luxury or destination matters most. If destination matters more than luxury, you can find some good deals on a less luxurious cabin rental in a location that makes up for any lack of extra luxury.

2. The Number of Guests

The majority of cabins are rented according to the number of guests rather than the number of rooms. There is usually a set rate for a couple and then extra charges for any more than that. You will probably find a flat rate cabin with additional fees of anywhere from $15 to $50 for each extra guest.

The flat rate with extra for more than two is actually the norm for larger cabins. Some very large cabins set a flat rate for up to 5 but then add more for all above that number.

It is standard protocol to list the flat rate and extra costs from the beginning so you should not be taken by surprise, but if you will have a large group with you, it is a good idea to ask questions before you reserve.

3. The Location

Of course, the location of your cabin will be a determining factor of the cost, but it may not be as much of a difference as you might think. For example, renting cabins at Lake Tahoe will be about $60 more a night than staying in a comparable place in a more remote area, but that is not much more when you do consider the prime location. Luxury will cost more.

The difference in price for location comes from the main attraction. If a lake is the main attraction, the cost of a cabin with a dock on the lock is obviously going to cost more than a cabin rental a couple of miles away. If a ski resort is the main attraction, you can expect to pay more for a winter rental on the mountain than you would if you rented a cabin that required some travel.

4. The Size of the Cabin

This is common sense. Of course, a cabin that holds more and has more bedrooms is going to cost more than a cabin with closer sleeping quarters. A three-bedroom that sleeps 4 or 5 will cost more than a two-bedroom that sleeps the same.

5. The Time of Week or Year

The typical cabin in the woods is not going to cost much more in the summer than it would in the fall, but that is different when it comes to those near popular lakes or ocean sides. A cabin in the woods near a mountain will cost less than a cabin on the mountain, no matter what time of year.

When a cabin is near the water, it will be in higher demand during the summer months, and you can expect to pay a bit more for a summer vacation on the lake. The prices tend to drop in the fall and winter for lack of ability to swim, boat, or otherwise play on the water.

Seasonal prices count for mountain cabins, of course. The winter prices for places near ski resorts or even close to good sledding areas are higher in the winter than in the summer.

Holidays are almost always a more expensive time for renting cabins. If you want to rent a cabin at Christmas time, you will be looking at paying double or more for the privilege.

Cabin rental rates do tend to be higher on the weekends than during the week. This is because weekends are the most obvious vacation times for the average family and so prices go up accordingly. There are some exceptions, though, and you may find a cabin with rates that are the same throughout the week.

Tips for Saving Money on a Cabin Rental

Give up on the idea of luxury. The typical cabin rentals BC interior will be much cheaper than any cabin advertised as “luxury.”

If you are trying to save money, try planning your vacation at a different time than most other vacationers. Reserving slightly off-season can bring down the price.

Rather than staying in a cabin at the ski resort, rent a cabin a couple of miles away and drive to the mountain. Instead of staying on the lake, stay at a cabin rental a few blocks from the water and use a public boat ramp.

Rather than renting a cabin during the week of Christmas, spend less on a cabin rental during January and spend a little more on presents.

If you don’t care which lake you stay on, a lesser-known lake can be just as much fun during the summer as one that draws in more crowds.

Always inquire about flat rates and costs per person. You may be able to find a great deal on a bigger cabin, or you may even find that bunking up can save a bundle.

If you are looking for something different, and you have never looked at cabins, a cabin rental maybe just the idea you need for your next family vacation.

Finding A Cabin For The Best Vacation

It can be hard to find a cottage or cabin to rent. It might be harder deciding on what to bring because cabins tend to be remote, and the rental might not be fully furnished with toiletries and other essential goods. Some things are better to have extra than be without. The manager might be able to give a family some ideas; other items should be brought anyway. Follow this checklist to know the bare minimum of what to bring.

1) Rent manager contact information

Make sure to have all the local contact numbers. The landlord is essential because they can answer questions and respond to problems. Other numbers might be the local police and pharmacy in case health supplies are needed in a pinch. Make sure that you have the receipt from fully paying your rental. This way, there can be no confusion.

2) Bring your ID

Legal documents are unavoidable. Even in a remote area, everyone should have an ID also if they do not plan on leaving the park or campground. Accidents happen in remote areas, and authorities need to be able to identify a person if they come across an unconscious body. Have passports ready if you are across or near the border.

3) Multiple forms of payment

It is good to have both cash and a credit card. A bank card links to a checking account but still runs through a major card carrier such as Visa or Mastercard. Remote stores might only be able to take one type, so it might pay to have more than one type of card. Always have cash on hands. Some people used to keep traveler’s checks, but personal checks and debit cards make these mostly unnecessary.

4) Have chargers for all your electronics

A cell phone is essential in a remote area. It might be the only way to get help. Do not forget a charger, and a battery extension might come in handy when on the trail or road. Cameras might have chargers, but being able to reuse removable batteries is even more convenient. Other countries might use 240 volts, in which case converters might be necessary.

5) Basic comforts and toiletries

Bring your own pillows because the ones at the cabin might be too hard or soft. Having an extra few can make for better sleep in a new bed. Extra sheets can be put to many uses, and travelers never seem to have enough extra paper towels. Always have extra toilet paper, toothpaste, skin, and hair products. They are small and do not hurt if left unused.

6) Extra fuel if grilling is allowed

Many campsites let you have a log fire or else grill outdoors. In this case, it becomes necessary to pack in a bag of charcoal briquettes. A regularly used area might not have a lot of extra firewood available aside from small twigs. Pack in your own split wood if none is provided. Know how to light a fire.

7) Bring extra kitchen supplies

Unless all meals are packaged or else there is a restaurant nearby, come prepared to cook foods. There are many products that only need to be dropped in hot water, but cooking from scratch means having seasoning and condiments. A thick frying and saucepan can be used to cook many different things. Store all the loose spices in ziplock bags in case they spill out of the original containers.

8) Extra drinks appropriate for a campsite

The tap water in a remote area might taste different, so consider bringing a powdered sports drink or else tea and coffee packs. Sugar and salts are essential for both food and drink, so bring those. If the family likes coffee, then bring different types of creamer. Coke and sports drinks in containers are convenient but take a lot of space to pack in.

9) Frequently used personal items

Most outdoorsmen will insist that everyone have an extra change of clothes and shoes. Trash bags are essential because everyone produces waste, and plastic can be toxic to burn. Pets need both kibble and canned food in order to keep them happy. Also, bring soap and powdered laundry detergent. A shirt might get so dirty that it is smart to throw it in a bucket full of detergent immediately in order to save it.