The #1 Mistake People Make When Planning a Group Getaway
Before you book multiple hotel rooms for your next group trip, read this. Discover the cost-saving benefits of choosing one large vacation rental instead.
Planning a group getaway? Whether it’s a family reunion, milestone birthday, church retreat, or corporate escape, there’s one mistake we see people make over and over again—and it’s quietly draining their budget.
What is it?
Booking a bunch of hotel rooms instead of one big vacation rental.
It sounds simple, but this one decision can make or break your group’s experience and your wallet. Here's why booking a large vacation rental—like The River Haven on the Guadalupe River in Seguin, Texas—makes way more sense financially (and logistically) for group travel.
1. Hotel Costs Add Up Fast—Even When You 'Split It'
Booking 6–10 hotel rooms adds up quickly. And even when you’re dividing the cost between group members, you’re still paying premium rates per room, often with hidden fees added on top.
Example:
10 rooms at $200/night = $2,000/night
vs.
One vacation rental at $1,200/night split between 24 guests = $50/person per night
The savings speak for themselves.
2. A Full Kitchen = Serious Meal Budget Relief
Hotels don’t give you room to cook—and eating out with a big group can add up quickly. A vacation rental with a full kitchen gives you the freedom to prep meals together, snack anytime, and even host themed dinner nights without the massive bill.
At The River Haven, our kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need—cutlery, dinnerware, pots, pans, baking dishes, and much more. Many guests even prepare full Thanksgiving-sized meals during their stay.
3. Entertainment Is Built In (So You Spend Less Out There)
Vacation rentals often come loaded with amenities hotels just can’t match. Think private grounds for large events, fire pits, kayak rentals, grills, plenty of room for yard games, and more. Instead of dropping money on tickets and outings every day, your group can have fun right on-site. We’ve heard from many guests that they had all sorts of outings planned but once they arrived they saw no reason to leave. The River Haven provided everything they needed and more.
The River Haven features a private 70 foot pier great for the fisherman in your group, a huge shaded yard, 150 feet of private water front property, tetherball and unforgettable sunset views—all included in your stay. A nearby kayak and paddle board rental service guests have used for years is also available with easy drop off and pick up at the home.
4. Say Goodbye to Parking Fees and Resort Charges
Hotels love to sneak in extra costs—daily parking, pet fees, resort fees, and Wi-Fi charges just to name a few. Vacation rentals are typically all-inclusive. You pay one flat rate, and everything is yours to enjoy.
The River Haven offers free on-site parking for ~12 vehicles, an over flow parking area for even more, high-speed Wi-Fi, no pet fees and zero hidden fees.
5. One Roof = Less Stress, More Connection
When your group is split across multiple hotel rooms (and sometimes even different floors), it’s harder to stay connected. Coordinating meals, departure times, or just spending quality time on site becomes a logistical nightmare.
At The River Haven, your group has the run of the place—whether you're gathered around the main kitchen communal areas, lounging on the deck overlooking the massive yard and river, or roasting s’mores by the fire pit.
6. You Can Host Your Event Without Booking a Venue
One of the biggest hidden costs in group travel? Renting an event space. But when you book a vacation rental designed to host events, that cost disappears.
The River Haven has hosted small intimate weddings, vow renewals, birthday celebrations, church and business retreats—all under one roof for over 20 years. No extra venue rental needed and at no additional cost. We also provide a complete list of event furniture and dance floor rentals that deliver and pick up at the home, florist, photographer, bakeries and caterers.
7. Privacy That Lets You Celebrate Freely
Whether you’re hosting a family reunion, a wedding, or a church retreat, you’ll appreciate the freedom to enjoy music, laughter, and conversation at a comfortable volume—without worrying about disturbing neighbors. Unlike hotels with thin walls or busy resort properties, The River Haven offers unmatched privacy with no live-in neighbors, no houses across the river, and only two smaller homes on the entire street. Our expansive layout and peaceful surroundings ensure your group can fully enjoy the beautiful outdoor spaces—from the deck to the dock—without interruptions. From sunrise coffee by the water to late-night stories around the fire, the space is all yours.
8. You Get More Value—And More Memories
Ultimately, a large vacation rental offers something no hotel ever could: a home base where everyone’s together, sharing meals, swapping stories, and making lifelong memories. And when you break down the cost per person, it’s usually less than a hotel stay.
Final Thoughts: Save Big and Stay Together
If you're planning a group getaway, don’t fall into the usual hotel trap. Choosing a large vacation rental isn’t just more fun—it’s more affordable, more comfortable, and more memorable.
Ready to start planning your group escape?
Take a look at everything The River Haven has to offer and see why our lakefront rental is one of Texas’s best-kept group travel secrets.
Your guide to the perfect vacation
Don’t let your dates get away from you!
Planning that special day? We’ve got you covered.
Have a question? We’d love to help anyway we can!