Youth sports teams choosing to stay in vacation homes versus hotels

Youth sports tournaments are popular in most major US cities. On-the-go sports teams now include everything from soccer to softball to volleyball to cheerleading. Team leaders and organizers are often challenged with where to house their team. Unless reservations are made well in advance, hotels and motels are almost always booked out. They also lack the youth accommodations these events need to make children and teens feel at home. All the more reason why youth sports organizers are increasingly choosing vacation homes for their teams to stay for away from home activities, competitions and tournaments.

Close proximity to tournament venues

Vacation homes are often just as conveniently located near sports and tournament venues as hotels and motels. For kids, teens, and event leaders/organizers, being just a few minutes from where events are taking place can be a key factor. Not only are these homes close to stadiums, ballparks, and convention centers, but they’re also often just minutes from major entertainment attractions that allow kids, teens, and their protégés to unwind.

There is no place like home

Tournament organizers and team managers are finding that vacation homes can be very useful for youth sports teams. Many of these houses have children’s/bunk rooms, two or three bunk beds and two trundles, which offer the added convenience of allowing many children to share the same room. Some four-bedroom vacation homes can sleep up to 16. And most have a sofa bed in the living room that sleeps two more.

Entertainment for children, teenagers and their charges

Many vacation homes are designed to keep children, teens and their companions entertained, something they need after a physically and mentally challenging day of competition. These homes typically have smart TVs, action-packed gaming systems like X-Box, DVD players, foosball, Netflix, and Wi-Fi access for smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Such connectivity options also help keep everyone up to date on local tournament activities and sporting events around the world.

Pools, spas and barbecues

After a busy day of tests and difficult challenges, children, teenagers and their wards need to relax. Vacation homes allow guests to do something they normally can’t do at a hotel or motel: grill hotdogs, hamburgers or steaks in the privacy of their own backyard. Don’t wait for barbecues to be available or share garden space with strange hotel/motel guests. Each house usually includes a large outdoor dining table and chairs, as well as a comfortable seating area. Most homes also have a private enclosed in-ground pool and relaxing spa or hot tub. Here, adults can de-stress with their peers while young swimmers can practice their techniques, again in the privacy of people they know.

three square meals

Staying in a vacation home allows guests to enjoy healthy, affordable meals for kids and teens, three times a day. Unlike hotels and motels, which offer inflexible menus, most vacation homes allow guests to prepare unique meals that fit the health and taste preferences of their teams. Each home features fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances (dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, and double oven), granite countertops, and large breakfast bars. Kitchens also come with pots, pans, bakeware, cookware, plates, cutlery, even kitchen towels and paper towels, just like home.

Cheap cleaning services

Youth sports teams can be tough on clothing and uniforms. Hotel/motel laundry services can be very expensive for an entire team. Most vacation homes include a washer and dryer for affordable home comfort. Cleaning up after children and teens can also be a chore, which is why most homes also have cleaning services available.