At some point in our lives, we enjoyed the services of Airbnb. This rental company has made it a lot easier for any individual to get temporary accommodation no matter where they find themselves around the world. With the exceptional qualities on offer, why would anyone look for an Airbnb alternative?
Over the past few years, most people have found this peer-to-peer accommodation site expensive or just want to try something new or, better still, have a new experience. In this article, we shall discuss some useful tips for choosing the right Airbnb alternative. In addition, we would also look at some of the best Airbnb alternatives out there.
So, if you are curious and would want to know the best Airbnb alternatives out there, then you must read this article.
5 Useful Tips To Choose The Right Airbnb Alternative
Thinking of trying out a new Airbnb Alternative? Well, if that’s the case, here are some things to help you get the perfect Airbnb alternative.
- Look for reviews/comments from previous guests: When trying to choose a particular Airbnb alternative, it is important that you do not ignore comments and reviews. There are some alternative Airbnb that customers would not be keen to recommend. If a particular Airbnb alternative has too many red flags or negative comments, then you need to check out other Airbnb alternatives.
- Don’t Ignore cancellation policies & other fees: One thing to note when trying to choose a particular Airbnb alternative is that there is every tendency that the user might have to pay some fees or there might be a cancellation policy in place. For instance, there are Airbnb alternatives that allow full or rather complete refunds if the guest has had a change of mind and he or she hasn’t checked in yet. A good Airbnb alternative should have a policy that would favour the guest, especially if they haven’t used the accommodation provided.
- Avoid negotiations outside the Airbnb Alternative: Many guests have fallen victim to such scams. The guests tend to use a different channel or in some cases are lured by the owners to negotiate outside the Airbnb alternative. If an Airbnb alternative allows host and guest to negotiate, then there’s a high chance that that site is not genuine and should be ignored. This is not encouraged as at the end of the guest might be scammed and not given the accommodation to use.
- Avoid the last-minute rush: Sometimes, as guests, we tend to rely heavily on an Airbnb alternative to come through at the last minute. While a handful of these alternatives would come through for its users at the last minute, others would fail in looking for accommodation as they prefer things done a lot earlier. Notwithstanding, it is advisable to book or avoid making reservations at the last minute to avoid being left stranded.
- Filter your options: For someone who wants to get the best possible services, it is important to avoid choosing an Airbnb alternative you just come across. Always ensure to filter your options and carry out some level of research. For instance, it is important to know how long this rental company has been in play. In addition, it is also recommended that you check for discount codes if there are any or if the accommodation site has other incentives as well before making a decision.
So, having looked extensively at some useful tips, our next line of focus is on the best Airbnb alternatives. What, then are these Alternatives out there?
Top 20 Best Airbnb Alternatives You Need to Know
1. Booking.com
If you are considering other options, now would be the right time to look at this Airbnb alternative. Booking is available in over 200 countries and has over 2.5 million properties spread across those countries. This rental company offers some of the best services out there and would give Airbnb a run for its money. Some of the services provided here are stays, car rentals, flights, airport taxis, as well as attractions.
This accommodation site offers free cancellation, and guests book now and complete the payment at the property. It would interest you to know that exciting deals and discounts are in place. Their customer representatives are always available to guide you through any challenges you might be experiencing.
2. Homestay.com
Another interesting Airbnb alternative to check is Homestay. The site is pretty much easy to negotiate and you can be assured of staying in a host home. This alternative to Airbnb offers discounts, and the rooms are of the highest quality. Plus, the prices are wallet-friendly as guests do not need to break the bank before getting accommodation here.
Some of the things you can expect here are real connections, real homes, and affordability (long and short stays). If you are sceptical, why not have a look at their customer reviews? This store has lots of positive feedback from verified users who are satisfied with their services and would certainly want to recommend their services on any given day.
3. Vrbo
This happens to be one of the best Airbnb alternatives out there and one that is certainly worth the try. Even though Vrbo isn’t as popular as Airbnb, it is still highly patronised as it has over a million properties. Vrbo has been functioning effectively for just under three decades now. In terms of model, Vrbo is entirely different from Airbnb.
What they focus on is vacation properties. Meaning if you are searching for a homestay then you might want to look elsewhere. Vrbo is suited for those on family trips who just want to have a great time on the beach. Also, if you are willing to download the app, you can experience awesome features and quick navigation around. One thing you can expect to experience when you patronise this Airbnb Alternative is peace of mind, privacy with lots of space and diversity.
4. Homes & Villas by Marriott International
This is an awesome Airbnb Alternative and one you need to check out. Homes & Villas by Marriott International focuses on delivering luxury and premium homes to its esteemed customers. This Airbnb alternative is available in over 100 destinations. This is one Airbnb Alternative that has created that feeling of staying in a hotel and also a private home all in one.
The good thing about this Homes & Villas by Marriott International is that the homes are of the highest quality, and there are lots of exciting amenities such as children’s playrooms, a private pool and other indoor gaming activities. There are lots of positive reviews backing this Airbnb Alternative as most individuals who have tried their services are impressed. In addition, they take their customers seriously, so you can expect to be well attended to.
5. Plum Guide
This is a new peer-to-peer accommodation site that is relatively new. Plum Guide started operations in 2016 and has grown over the years as the company now has properties worldwide in strategic places.
There are quality rentals available, and the site is easy to navigate. Plum Guide isn’t one of those expensive sites, rather the company has affordable options that should match any individual’s budget. In addition, even though the prices are cheaper, you can still expect to get luxury apartments in return. It would interest you to know that Plum Guide does a test for the user to get a good property. Also, signing up is easy and it’s just a few clicks.
6. Blueground
One Alternative to Airbnb to check is Blueground. This rental has corporate apartments and furnished apartments available to guests. The apartments are expertly designed, and each is selected by private landlords and property management establishments. This Airbnb alternative offers excellent services such as steady maintenance and housekeeping.
There is no timeframe for guests to stay as this rental company can allow guests to remain in their property for a year if they choose to. If you are a digital nomad, then you certainly will appreciate the accommodations offered. Also, Blueground has lots of positive feedback from customers who have used their apartments in the past. Many of these users have something nice to say regarding their services and the apartments on offer.
7. Sonder
This is a nice Airbnb alternative that gives users that feeling of being in a hotel and an apartment. Sonder focuses on giving customers value for money and quality apartments. This rental company is available in 27 cities with over 8500 options to choose from. The thing that makes Sonder a bit better than Airbnb is that their properties are well-managed. Unlike Airbnb which relies on hosts to have the property managed by themselves.
One benefit of using their apartments is that guests can get quality coffee, WiFi and other amenities. Plus, this rental company gives customers or guests the option to choose either short-term stays or long-term stays. This Airbnb alternative has a high online rating and many reviews to back them up.
8. Trusted Housesitters
If you are a pet lover, then this Airbnb alternative is for you. Trusted Housesitters take good care of the guests’ fur babies. When you sign up for their annual membership plan you get to enjoy a year of unlimited house-sitting. It would interest you to know that this site is available in over 140 countries. In addition, this site has helped guests save almost 2 billion dollars in pet care costs as well as accommodation.
This Airbnb alternative has an app which can help facilitate the booking or navigation process a lot quicker. For individuals who are sceptical about trying this site, why not have a look at their customer reviews? There are lot of positive feedback from customers and most of these customers would highly recommend it.
9. Simply Owners
This is one of the best Airbnb alternatives out there. Simply owners have some of the best services around. It has available over 6000 rentals and guests can choose between villas cottages and luxury apartments. The homes are comfortable and luxurious. Besides, this alternative to Airbnb wouldn’t charge you a booking fee. Instead, the guest and homeowners get to interact directly and come to a conclusion.
Besides, the apartments are affordable and available so, guests can expect to get value for whatever apartment they choose to stay in. With the interactive maps available, guests can get a sense of local attractions to make their stay a bit more exciting. Also, they have responsive customer care representatives. If you are a health care or social worker, you can expect to get preferential treatment as this took effect since the start of the pandemic.
10. Agoda
This happens to be an excellent choice for those who are interested in trying an Airbnb alternative. Agoda has been functioning for over 16 years now and the company has grown from strength and kept on expanding. Currently, this company has over 2.9 million accommodation facilities. This company gives users the option to choose between homes, apartments and hotels.
One interesting thing about the site is that they have provided the right information for customers who would want to compare flight trips from different travel sites. Some of the services Agoda excels in are payment for flights and VIP offers. There are also some free perks when you patronise this Airbnb Alternative. In addition, guests or clients can get up to 25% discounts on bookings and also be given customer support if the need arises.
11. TripAdvisor
The thing about this site is that it carefully guides travellers each month on the right path to follow. Some of the advice would be what to eat, where to stay (accommodation) or even the kind of activities to embark on during the trip. Users can count on TripAdvisor especially as it has over a billion reviews. This booking platform can assist you in finding cheaper listings.
This booking platform has over 800000 properties provided on their site. The site is easy to navigate especially when it comes to booking, as there are lots of available options. TripAdvisor edges Airbnb as you do not need the app to book flights or utilise other services.
12. Expedia
This site has luxury hotels, airport hostels, vacation rentals, and boutique hotels, with an estimated three million properties available for rent. Expedia is one alternative that people would enjoy especially as there are various options to utilise. For instance, you can earn points each time you book through the app which will invariably allow you to get discounts on your next trip.
Once you are confirmed as a member, you can get up to a 10% discount on every booking. In addition, this Airbnb alternative has excellent customer support. There is lots of positive feedback regarding this Airbnb Alternative.
13. GlampingHub
If you are looking for an Airbnb alternative that has unique accommodations, then why not check GlampingHub? This is an excellent choice that focuses on tourism and gives its users a wonderful experience. There are lots of options when it comes to rentals. Some of these options are cabins, yurts, tents, cottages, safari tents, treehouses, pet-friendly places, and lots more.
GlampingHub has affordable accommodations and expensive rentals spread all over the world. This alternative to Airbnb has 507 accommodations in Africa, 2400 in Europe, 2500 in Oceania, and over 400 accommodations in South America. Interestingly, this site or rental company has a cancellation policy in place so you can expect to be fully refunded as long as you cancel on time and haven’t checked in.
14. Hipcamp
Another possible option to check out is Hipcamp. This is one of the top-rated Airbnb alternatives out there. If you are looking for a business retreat, a family camping experience, or a romantic glamping gateway then look no further than Hipcamp. With Hitcamp, you can get RV parks, tent camping, treehouses and all other exciting accommodations to rent.
Their services are available mostly in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. On their sites you can access private parks as well as lands as they are very much available. Hipcamp connects you with the right people, especially those with a passion for nature. If you have a pet there’s no need to panic as their are pet friendly places available as well.
15. Kid & Coe
If you have a family then Kid & Coe is a wonderful option for you. This Airbnb alternative offers quality hotels, vacation rentals, family homes and other accommodation apartments. Kid & Coe has various toys for your kids to enjoy. As a guest, you can expect to get baby equipment, itineraries and other exciting things that would benefit the user and their kids.
When it comes to comfort, this Airbnb Alternative doesn’t negotiate with it. The rental company ensures that the family is well taken care of as their accommodation are comfortable. There are many positive reviews regarding this rental site as previous customers are satisfied with their services and accommodation.
16. Onefinestay
This site has some of the best Villas and finest homes. Onefinestay has been around for quite a while now and this accommodation or rather rental company has kept on expanding on its services over the years. The thing about this site is that they match guest with the intention getting the best homes. As a guest, you can expect to get the best support as their team of experts are readily available to tender to your request.
Also, travellers can decide to cut cost by splitting the Villas with friends. That way, they do not have to complete full payment. Guests can decide to book on their website or use their app and follow the prompts to initiate a booking.
17. Flipkey
This is a subsidiary of TripAdvisor and a vacation marketplace. Flipkey has been around for quite some time now and it has over 800,000 properties spread in 190 countries. There are lots of rental services to choose from such as single rooms, beach houses, mountain view houses, and lots more. This is a transparent site that would tell the guest the number of individuals that has used the facility in the past.
Flipkey has lots of positive reviews and it is a site that is growing and expanding as the years pass by. There are not too many complaints as a lot of users are satisfied with their services as well as the rooms or accommodations on offer.
18. Wimdu
When it comes to having the largest selection of rentals around the world, then Wimdu is regarded as the best. This Airbnb alternative has over 350,000 home rentals for guests to choose from.
Even though the listing can’t be compared to Airbnb, it is still a great choice for individuals who are looking to try something a bit different. Wimdu has kept increasing its outreach over the years as there are lots of popular cities or holiday destinations to choose from. The prices of their accommodation or rooms are affordable and of top quality. Plus, it is a highly rated rental company.
19. Third hom
This is an excellent choice for individuals who are tired of staying in cheap motels and substandard hotels. Third home is the best Airbnb alternative when it comes to luxury rentals. Before even thinking of listing, your home should be worth at least half a million dollars.
They are strict when it comes to listing and wouldn’t settle for anything less. Which is why guests can expect to be treated to mansions, luxury villas with luxury furnishings as well. The prices are reasonable especially when you consider what you stand to benefit in return.
20. 9flats
If you are a private person and wouldn’t want to be disturbed, then why not check out 9flats? Rather than getting a single room in a person’s apartment, this rental company ensures you get the whole place to yourself. This website functions in almost all the continents and their services are topnotch. In addition, there are not too many complaints regarding their services or the accommodations on offer.
The guest can follow them on any of their social media channels to gather more information so as to leave no stone unturned. If you are sceptical about patronising them, why not have a look at their customer feedback? It would interest you to know that there is lots of positive feedback from verified users. Plus, when it comes to making payment, there are different currencies available to guests to choose from.
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Final Thoughts On Best Airbnb Alternatives
To sum it up, getting a different experience is something to try out once in a while. Trying out new ways to enjoy a vacation or get a rental home should be encouraged. While there can be no denying that Airbnb is supreme, these alternatives would give you a run for your money.
So, over the course of this article, we have succeeded in giving the breakdown of the best Airbnb alternatives out there. It can now be assumed that when an individual or a family wants to try something new, there are lots of options provided in this article to help them have a wonderful experience.