Why the room rate isn't the real price
A hotel quote is per room, before tax. A group of eight usually needs two to four rooms, and every room adds tax, often parking for each car, and three meals a day eaten out because there's no kitchen.
A house is one price for everyone, with a kitchen, a dining table, laundry and a driveway. The calculator puts both on the same footing so you can compare per person.
What to enter
Use real quotes for your dates where you can. For the house, pick your dates on Airbnb and copy the total, which already includes cleaning and service fees. Ontario hotel bills add 13% HST, and many cities add a municipal accommodation tax on top.
Questions
Is a vacation rental cheaper than a hotel for a group?
Often, once you count every room, taxes, parking and meals. For a couple, a hotel can be cheaper. For two families or a group of six to eight, one house usually costs less per person and keeps everyone together.
How many hotel rooms does a group of 8 need?
Usually two rooms if each sleeps four, such as a family with young children, or four rooms for eight adults sharing two to a room.
Does the calculator include taxes?
Yes. Enter the hotel tax and fee percentage; Ontario's HST is 13%. The Airbnb total for the house already includes its fees and taxes.
