For a long time, hotels and bed and breakfasts reigned supreme over the hospitality industry. They were the more pleasant options while on vacation, and we allowed ourselves to be content with them.
When it emerged, Airbnb was one of the most popular vacation rental sites online. It was a fresh and exciting take on vacation, and everyone was rushing to try it out. It was an affordable alternative to hotels, and it allowed families to fully enjoy their vacations while also saving a few bucks.
Best Alternatives to Airbnb
Why choose an option other than Airbnb? Though Airbnb was once a popular option, its standards aren’t as high as other alternatives, which is why we’ve outlined the best alternatives to Airbnb.
Sonder
Sonder offers apartments in over 35 markets that are fully furnished and well stocked. This makes the Airbnb alternative an ideal option for long-term travelers and even short stays. The company has an app, which is where reservations can be made and managed. No two apartments on Sonder are the same; they are all uniquely designed. Some of the apartments Sonder rents even offer amenities like a pool and a fitness center.
Everything can be managed through the Sonder app, even late checkouts, and fresh towels.
Home Exchange
If you’ve ever seen “The Holiday,” you’ll understand the premise of Home Exchange. The platform gives users the opportunity to swap homes with other travelers for a set amount of time. The platform requires a paid membership to both join and use the service, but it contains more than 450,000 properties in many different countries.
Home Exchange also gives users the option to host guests, and by doing so, the user earns points that they can use to travel.
FlipKey
A company part of TripAdvisor rentals, FlipKey has more than 830,000 properties in over a hundred different countries. No matter what you’re looking for, whether it be a ski chalet, beach house, or private island, FlipKey has every option you need.
Each rental has ratings and reviews, and each reservation has two fees; an owner fee and a non-refundable booking fee. Listings can range from condos to larger homes.
Booking.com
Booking.com is not only for hotel stays and flights; it’s now for vacation rentals too. The site offers more than 6.2 million homes, apartments, and other places to stay and has 24/7 customer support. It’s one easy place to book a flight, taxi, restaurant, and vacation rental.
AKA
AKA is made for longer stays; the company has a seven-night minimum and offers apartments that operate similarly to a hotel. Each of the rentals is fully furnished, with high-end appliances and all of the accessories and necessities you need.
AKA offers a business center, 24-hour front desk staff, a fitness center, a private screening room, and bike rentals in its amenities. The company has apartment rentals available in major cities like Washington DC, London, and New York.
Homes & Villas
Owned by Marriott International, the company that runs Marriott Hotels, Homes & Villas was launched in 2019. Its launch was in response to the rising popularity of vacation rentals. The site has over 30,000 listings in more than 250 places, with options that have pools, a patio, are pet-friendly, and even on the waterfront! Homes & Villas offers 24/7 support, and some of the properties have the option for contactless check-in.
With a three-night minimum requirement, Homes & Villas is more intended for longer getaways.
AvantStay
This U.S.-based short-term rental service has more than 400 private short-term vacation rentals; the company has plans to expand to different markets, including Mexico. With a convenient app, AvantStay allows you to access information about your reservation, house rules, neighborhood details, and how to check in and out. Each of the properties has CDC compliance cleaning and high-speed connectivity, and many of the properties have beautiful backyards with heated pools and outdoor fire pits. All of the properties are high-end, professionally managed, and hand-picked by property management.
From the app, travelers have access to grocery delivery, private chefs, and spa treatments. Many of the homes are pet friendly, so even your furry friend can join you on your trip.
VRBO
Short for a Vacation Rental by Owner, VRBO is part of the home away family. The company was born in 1995 and has grown to have a large selection of over 2 million homes in over 150 countries. Different types of rental properties are available on the site, from condos, cabins, beach houses, and even lake rentals. Rental homes are available for individuals traveling alone or in groups, and there are comfortable, spacious options to fit any budget.
The Plum Guide
The Plum Guide is fairly selective, accepting less than 5% of the properties that apply. The site personally vets every single property against a wide range of called The Plum test, from the quality of the linen to shower pressure. The quality of each property is top-notch, and there are properties available from destinations around the world.
With the various vacation rental sites online, every traveler is sure to find one that works for them.