Futons

• Easier to clean than a sofa sleeper. You can see where the crumbs are.
• As a rule, more comfortable to sleep on than sofa beds.
• Typically less expensive than sofa sleepers. Less expensive when changing out your décor or theme. Futon covers are inexpensive and come in an array of colors.

Cons

• Your renters will have to make the bed each night.
• Less durable than sofa sleepers.
• Renters can damage the wall, furniture, etc. when pulling out the futon to sleep.
• Typically a full size.
• If a child wets the bed at night, the futon will be out of commission for the rest of their trip.

• Your housekeeper can make the bed before the renters arrive.
• Typically a queen size.
• More comfortable for sitting than a futon.
• You can leave vinyl/plastic mattress covers on the sofa mattress to keep it safe from bedwetters.

Cons

• Uncomfortable to sleep on.
• More difficult to keep clean.
• Heavier, and therefore, more difficult to move.

Do you have futons or sofa sleepers at your vacation rental?

"Sofa Sleeper by American Leather and or American Upholstery... The most comfortable sofa sleeper available with no metal bar in your back! -Lance, Taos, NM

"We had enough of sleeper sofa mechanisms being broken (we never ask HOW they did it) so we're only using futons now for additional sleeping. I added a 2" memory foam mattress under the cover and it's a lot more comfy for both sitting and sleeping." -Kathy, Tennessee (Homeaway #137476, VRBO #42220)

"I have a sofa sleeper with an air bed mattress.  It isn't a hassle to put together or and it sleeps really well." -Mark T., Wear Valley, TN. 

"Our cottage is two floors and so we have room for both. There is a sleeper sofa in the living room and a futon in the sitting area downstairs. If the futon is going to be your only large seating in the living room I would suggest a sleeper sofa instead.  On a side note as a renter we rented a home with a futon and were very uncomfortable when we tried to sit and relax after a day of sightseeing. Since then when we are looking for a place to rent for vacation we automatically pass by properties with futons only." -Kathy (HomeAway, VRBO)