Best Airbnb Alternatives
If you're planning a trip and looking for a place to stay, Airbnb isn't your only option. There are many other great platforms where you can find unique and affordable accommodations. Whether you're looking for a cozy home, a luxury villa, or even an RV, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the best alternatives to Airbnb that you should consider for your next vacation.
Key Takeaways
- Vrbo offers a wide range of vacation homes and has a loyalty program.
- Booking.com provides various types of accommodations, including hotels and homes.
- The Plum Guide is known for its high-quality and carefully vetted listings.
- Agoda Homes is great for finding affordable stays, especially in Asia.
- Homestay allows you to stay with local hosts and experience the culture firsthand.
Vrbo
Vrbo is the original alternative to Airbnb, offering sophisticated apartment rentals long before Airbnb became popular. With over two million properties, you're sure to find something you like. Vrbo’s rich array of unique properties and straightforward pricing make it a top choice for many seeking a home-away-from-home experience. Owned by HomeAway and part of the Expedia group, Vrbo stands out with its wide range of listings and powerful “total price” search option, letting travelers see the full cost upfront. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo only rents out vacation properties, making it ideal for families or groups looking for a longer stay. Although originally Vrbo didn’t charge guests a booking fee, they added one in 2016.
Booking.com
Booking.com has been a major player in the travel industry since 1996. Originally known for booking flights and hotels, it now offers short-term housing and apartment rentals. This makes it a strong competitor to sites like Airbnb. With offices in over 70 countries and more than 28 million listings, Booking.com provides a wide range of options, including hotel rooms and vacation rentals.
One of the standout features of Booking.com is its streamlined hotel-style check-in process. This is especially appealing to international travelers looking for hassle-free accommodations. Many properties on Booking.com are managed professionally, ensuring a smooth booking and check-in experience. However, it's worth noting that Booking.com charges a higher booking fee of 15%, compared to Airbnb's 3%. Renters often end up paying these fees through higher prices.
Despite the higher fees, Booking.com remains a popular choice for those seeking a variety of accommodation options with minimal host interaction. If you're planning an international trip and want a reliable and straightforward booking experience, Booking.com is a great option.
The Plum Guide
Plum Guide stands out in the crowded vacation rental market by offering a tightly curated selection of the best vacation homes worldwide. Unlike other platforms, Plum Guide focuses on quality over quantity, listing only the top 3% of rentals in any given location. This makes it an excellent choice for those who value exclusivity and high standards.
The platform rigorously tests properties against 150 criteria, including water pressure, to ensure they meet the highest standards. This thorough vetting process is what sets Plum Guide apart from other booking sites. While it may not be the cheapest option, it is certainly one of the most luxurious.
Plum Guide has received positive reviews on Trustpilot, with many users praising its high-quality listings and exceptional customer service. If you're looking for a premium vacation rental experience, Plum Guide is a top contender.
Agoda Homes
Agoda is widely known for hotel bookings, but it also offers apartment rentals through Agoda Homes. This platform lists nearly a million properties, including apartments, vacation rentals, private villas, and bungalows. You'll have plenty of options to choose from. Agoda is especially popular in tourist destinations across Asia, though it operates globally. The platform provides a hotel-like experience with a variety of accommodations.
Agoda Homes is a great choice for budget travelers, offering daily deals and discounts for solo travelers. The website and app are available in 38 languages, with customer service in 16. If you're a property owner, listing your property on Agoda is free, making it easy to reach a wide audience. For those looking for an alternative to Airbnb, Agoda Homes is a solid option.
Homestay
Homestay offers a unique experience by allowing travelers to stay with local hosts. This setup is perfect for those who value cultural immersion above all else. Unlike other vacation rental sites, Homestay focuses on providing a more wholesome experience. While the choices are more limited compared to Airbnb, the prices are generally more affordable, especially when you consider the not uncommon complimentary breakfast.
One downside is that there are no private homes to rent; you will always be staying with the host or property owners. This makes it similar to Couchsurfing but with a bit more structure. Homestay operates in 129 countries and offers a user-friendly matching tool to help guests and hosts find the perfect fit. It's an affordable alternative to hotels and a step up from typical hostels, making it appealing to both backpackers and students for short- and long-term rentals.
Sonder
Sonder is a unique alternative to Airbnb, offering properties in 27 cities worldwide with over 8,500 options. They lease or own every property they list, ensuring high standards and consistent quality. This means you get the cleanliness and convenience of a hotel stay with the flexibility of an apartment rental. Sonder provides both short-term and long-term rentals, making it a versatile choice for various needs.
Sonder bridges the gap between full-service hotels and rental platforms by offering hotel amenities without the formality. They focus on delivering a mobile-first service, allowing seamless check-in and check-out, dinner recommendations, and towel requests right from your phone. Staying at a Sonder rental feels more like a hotel experience, which is great for those new to this type of accommodation or those who prefer a minimalist apartment with resort-level perks.
Blueground
Blueground is a great choice for digital nomads and anyone needing a place for a month or more. They offer fully furnished apartments in over 30 cities, ensuring a consistent level of quality. Blueground doesn't own the properties but takes care of the interior design, so you can expect a well-designed rental. Each apartment comes with smart home entertainment, kitchenware, toiletries, and a workspace. This makes it perfect for those working in a city for an extended period, needing temporary housing for a summer internship, or in between homes. Do you agree with Blueground's 4-star rating? Check out what 993 people have written so far, and share your own experience.
House Sitting
House sitting is a fantastic way to get free accommodation while helping someone out. It's a win-win situation because homeowners get someone to look after their house and pets, and sitters get a place to stay. TrustedHousesitters is one of the biggest and most popular communities for house sitting. There is a fee to join, but once you’re in, you’ll have a world of choice when it comes to free accommodation around the world! Pretty cool. You can find house or pet sitting arrangements in many places, and it's a great deal if you don’t mind being responsible for people’s belongings. TrustedHousesitters is the largest network of house sitters and pet carers in the world. Pet-sitting opportunities are available in 50 countries around the world through TrustedHousesitters. You can look through the available listings at your leisure, apply for those that catch your eye, and set up interviews with the homeowners themselves to discuss. And the bonus is that you get an Airbnb alternative (or better) that’s 100% free. Stay in a nice place, with the company of pets.
Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Marriott, a well-known international hotel brand, has ventured into the vacation rental market with its Homes and Villas platform. This service allows guests to enjoy the high standards Marriott is famous for while staying in private properties across more than 45 countries. A major perk is the ability to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, making it an attractive option for loyal Marriott customers.
Launched in 2019, the platform has quietly gained popularity among frequent travelers. Each property is part of a highly-curated offering, ensuring premium and luxury private home inventory. This means that every home is evaluated to meet Marriott's high standards, providing guests with a reliable and comfortable stay.
For those with a stash of Marriott points, this service is a great way to use them. However, the portfolio is somewhat limited, and the point value for redemptions can be low. Despite these drawbacks, the ability to earn and redeem points adds significant value for Marriott loyalists.
RV Sharing Sites
Have you ever thought about renting an RV instead of booking a regular apartment? This option gives you the freedom to sleep in different places, cook your own meals, and enjoy a flexible travel experience. RVShare is a popular choice for this kind of rental. It's a peer-to-peer rental service, meaning you rent directly from RV owners. It's like the Airbnb of RV rentals! Other similar services include RVEzy, GoBoony, and Outdoorsy. Each of these platforms covers different regions and offers a variety of RVs, so they're all worth checking out.
If you prefer a more traditional camper rental, Motorhome Republic is a great option. They compare prices from various rental companies worldwide to find you the best deal. For RV owners, listing your vehicle on these platforms can be a great way to earn some extra money when you're not using it. You can list your RV for free on RVShare, RVEzy, GoBoony, and Outdoorsy.
Conclusion
Exploring alternatives to Airbnb can open up a world of new possibilities for your travel experiences. Whether you're looking for budget-friendly options, unique stays, or specialized services, there's something out there for everyone. From the luxury of Vrbo and the extensive listings on Booking.com to the unique offerings of The Plum Guide and the community feel of Homestay, each platform brings something special to the table. Don't be afraid to try something new on your next trip. You might just find a new favorite way to travel!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good alternatives to Airbnb?
Some great alternatives to Airbnb include Vrbo, Booking.com, The Plum Guide, Agoda Homes, Homestay, Sonder, Blueground, House Sitting, Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, and RV sharing sites.
Are these Airbnb alternatives cheaper?
Yes, many of these alternatives can be cheaper than Airbnb, especially if you are looking to avoid extra fees. It's always a good idea to compare prices.
Do these alternatives offer unique experiences?
Absolutely! Many of these platforms offer unique experiences that you might not find on Airbnb. For example, Hipcamp offers glamping options, and The Plum Guide focuses on luxury rentals.
Can I find long-term stays on these platforms?
Yes, platforms like Blueground and Sonder specialize in long-term stays, making them great options if you need a place for an extended period.
Are there loyalty programs available with these alternatives?
Yes, some of these alternatives have loyalty programs. For instance, Vrbo has a loyalty program called One Key.
Is it easy to cancel bookings on these platforms?
Cancellation policies vary by platform. It's important to read the specific cancellation terms for each booking to understand the rules and any potential fees.