Some vacations are meant to create memories while others simply remind you why skipping the trip might have been the better option. Vacation Hotel Hell attempts to recapture the charm of the familiar National Lampoon’s Vacation comedy franchise, but this short reunion feels more like a promotional detour than a worthwhile return.

The biggest positive is seeing Chevy Chase and Beverly D’Angelo reprise their roles as Clark and Ellen Griswold after 13 years. Watching these familiar characters interact in recognizable situations does provide a small dose of nostalgia, and fans may enjoy the novelty of seeing them back in action. The brief runtime is also a mercy — at only 14 minutes, even viewers who find little to enjoy will not have to endure the experience for long.

While Rusty Griswold also makes an appearance, there is an obvious absence of Audrey Griswold, leaving the family reunion feel incomplete. While some jokes do land, others play out like scenarios that feel more like recycled ideas than fresh comedy. A short format can work well for sketches, but the traditional vacation formula depends on buildup, escalating chaos, and a satisfying payoff — elements that are almost impossible to achieve in a short 14 minute format.

The production itself raises plenty of questions, especially considering the short had a reported $2.5 million budget. The obvious green-screen on the beach, and lack of visual polish make it difficult to see where the money went. Instead of feeling like a memorable mini-movie, the project often resembles its true purpose: an extended commercial for private vacation rentals over traditional hotels.

Ultimately, Vacation Hotel Hell is less a genuine continuation and more a thinly disguised advertisement. While the cast reunion provides a brief spark of nostalgia, there is little reason for anyone beyond absolutely dedicated fans of the National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise to seek it out. It is a vacation that ends before it begins, and that may be its greatest saving grace.