Homes & Villas

Follow Those in the Know and Explore 7 Top Trends in Vacation Home Rentals

by Laura Beausire

Photograph by Laura Beausire

vacation home in mexico

The latest trends in vacation home rentals will leave you wanting more time to spend on holiday. (Photo: Marriott International)

The top trends in vacation home rentals reflect what matters most to today’s travelers. Beachfront paradise or slope-side chalet? Golf retreat or family reunion? Whatever your travel style, there’s a vacation home that’s a perfect fit. Discover what’s trending in staying and playing — paired with suggestions for fabulous vacation rentals to match.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

1. Bigger Is (Trending) Better

The trend toward large gatherings of family or friends has sparked the popularity of spacious homes with multiple bedrooms and plenty of space — both indoors and out — for joint activities.

Set Up a Smoky Mountain Summer Camp

vacation home in pigeon forge
(Photo: Marriott International)

This country-comfortable, twelve-bedroom, mountaintop cabin near Pigeon Forge and Dollywood in Tennessee is a perfect rustic playhouse complete with an indoor pool, billiard and game room, and home theater.

Live Large in London

vacation home in notting hill
(Photo: Marriott International)

There’s room for everyone at this art-filled, five-story, seven-bedroom Notting Hill home. After touring Kensington Palace and perusing Portobello Market, relax with a cup of tea in the elegant private garden.

2. Pet-Friendly Properties to Welcome Your Furry Sidekick

Traveling with pets is a booming trend, and animal-friendly properties are popular choices for longer stays.

Harmonize in Music City

vacation home in nashville
(Photo: Marriott International)

No need to leave your furry pals behind when you book a stay at this two-unit, six-bedroom East Nashville charmer with a clean, modern vibe and a retro-style record player.

Laze in the Tuscan Sun

vacation home in sienna italy with pool
(Photo: Marriott International)

Rolling hills and vineyards surround this nine-bedroom Italian villa near Siena. Unwind with a glass of wine on the terrace or bliss out in the pool, hot tub or sauna.

3. Vacation Homes with Epic Pools and Hot Tubs

Travelers are looking for epic pools and hot tubs, making a splash in the trend toward rental homes with amazing water amenities.

Play in the Florida Sunshine

vacation home in orlando on golf course
(Photo: Marriott International)

With princess- and galactic-themed rooms and a home arcade, this seven-bedroom Reunion Resort residence near Walt Disney World lets you enjoy a little theme park magic. But the real star is the home’s beautiful private pool overlooking the 18th hole of a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course.

Soak in Two Private Pools in Mexico

vacation home in mexico with pool
(Photo: Marriott International)

Dream the day away in this swoonworthy, three-bedroom, oceanfront villa with two private pools in Huatulco’s Montecito Beach Village. Relax under the shade of the palapa or take a dip in one of the home’s infinity pools as you gaze out over the Pacific.

4. Rentals with Fireplaces to Keep You Cozy

It’s a hot trend to stay in cozy rentals with fireplaces.

Snuggle Up in Park City

vacation home in park city with fireplace
(Photo: Marriott International)

Gather around the stone fireplace in the great room of this four-bedroom, rustic-luxe Utah ski lodge. The ski-in/ski-out mountain retreat has an outdoor hot tub for stargazing soaks and a plush theater room for movie nights.

Savor Hot Cocoa in Switzerland

vacation home in switzerland with fireplace
(Photo: Marriott International)

For a modern twist on a traditional Swiss chalet, this four-bedroom home near Gstaad mixes exposed beams and a stone hearth fireplace with skylights and sleek furniture. After an active mountain day, hit the hot tub in the fireplace-warmed master suite.

5. Rental Homes with Golf Access

Golf travel is evergreen, and vacation homes with great golf course access are trending.

Putter Around Florida

vacation home in reunion florida with golf
(Photo: Marriott International)

Choose between courses designed by Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson at this five-bedroom, Bear’s Den Resort Orlando residence with a soft, contemporary style and a private pool beside the fairway.

Stroll the Spanish Greens

vacation home in andalucia near golf course
(Photo: Marriott International)

This freshly renovated, three-level, six-bedroom, Costa del Sol golf villa overlooks the first two holes of the Mijas Golf Course. When you’re not playing, belly-flop into your own private infinity pool or loll on a sunbed.

6. Beachfront Rentals for Catching Waves

The trend favoring beachfront homes is at high tide, powering a wave of barefoot-casual vacation rentals.

Build a Sandcastle in Panama City Beach

vacation home in panama city beach
(Photo: Marriott International)

Tiptoe right onto the sand from this bright and airy, five-bedroom, Rosemary Beach home decked out with a balcony for sunset cocktails and outdoor dining. The rental also includes four bikes for coastal coasting.

Learn to Surf in Costa Rica

vacation home in tamarindo
(Photo: Marriott International)

You might be serenaded by howler monkeys at this five-bedroom Playa Flamingo beachfront stunner set on the edge of a tropical forest in Tamarindo. The area is a surfing mecca, and lessons are available, or you can float wave-free in the villa’s gorgeous infinity pool.

7. Ski-In/Ski-Out Spots Let You Schuss Out the Door

Ski-in/ski-out vacation rentals are a high-ranking trend, with rustic lodges and cool contemporary homes offering an easy, car-free stay on the slopes.

Discover Utah’s Awesome Snow

vacation home in park city with pool
(Photo: Marriott International)

You’ll enjoy direct access to Park City Mountain Resort when you rent this six-bedroom, mountain-modern estate. With knockout views, a hot tub, a fire pit and a game room, there’s plenty of space to play and après.

Elevate Your Vacation in the French Alps

vacation home in france with snow
(Photo: Marriott International)

Glide right out onto the piste from this charming, four-bedroom, luxury chalet in La Clusaz. Warm up in the sauna or catch some rays on the chalet’s mountain-view sundeck.