The 5 best alternatives to Airbnb for vacation rentals in 2021

As a writer who travels the world for a living, I have stayed in all types of accommodations from five star resorts to cheap rental apartments and everything in between. When I want to immerse myself in the neighborhood or with a large group, I prefer to book a holiday home. However, after reading reports of (albeit unusual) hidden cameras in Airbnbs and other situations, I wanted to explore my options and started looking for other rental companies. Fortunately, there are many excellent rental options available on Airbnb at comparable prices that are much better value for money.

Vacation rental is an increasing trend among group travelers looking for accommodations that offer the warmth of home with the convenience of a hotel. Netflix even has a new show called “The World’s Most Amazing Vacation Rentals” which highlights unique properties from all over the world for different budgets. “A lot of the amenities we experienced on our trip were things we didn’t even know we needed, like a llama yoga studio outside our tree house in a bamboo forest ten minutes outside of metropolitan Atlanta,” said Jo Franco, the host of the show.

SKIP Alternatives to Airbnb apartment rental

Many newcomers to the home rental get additional perks and perks, including access to a 24/7 concierge service, the ability to earn and redeem points through a loyalty program, and even a private chef.

“What we learned during the trip was that you definitely don’t just book a bed,” said Franco. “It’s all you get for the accommodation. Travelers today are looking for amenities that will become catalysts for the memories they make on their travels. It can be as small as a welcome basket or as big as a helicopter ride. “

Apartment rental alternatives to Airbnb

I’ve booked a stay on a few other home rental websites and these are some of my favorite businesses based on value, price, and amenities. If you’re planning a trip, here are my top tips for Airbnb alternatives. Prices displayed may change based on the type of home or unit and availability.

This luxury home rental platform was launched in 2019 as Marriott’s solution to the growing demand for vacation rentals. The platform now has more than 30,000 luxury real estate listings in over 250 popular travel destinations around the world. High quality, spacious homes and villas are handpicked and professionally managed by local property management partners such as Vacasa, LaCure, TurnKey Vacation Rentals and Reserva Conchal.

I booked a stay in a beautiful Malibu home with Homes & Villas by Marriott International and enjoyed contactless check-in and 24/7 support. But the main reason I recommend Homes & Villas by Marriott International is because it’s the only apartment rental platform that allows guests to earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points. Guests will earn five points for every Eligible Dollar spent plus Elite Point Bonuses as per the Loyalty Program Terms and Conditions. Marriott Bonvoy credit card members receive 10 times the total number of points per eligible dollar spent (expires December 31, 2021).

There is a three night minimum requirement to make a reservation, which can be a disadvantage if you’re looking to book a short weekend getaway. Prices may vary depending on the destination, but you get a better choice of homes and higher value. For example, Palm Springs homes range from $ 52 per night for a 1 bedroom to $ 5,112 per night for a stay at the famous Invisible House in Joshua Tree.

Sonder is a great option for long-term business or short-term stays as they have fully equipped and well-appointed apartments in over 35 markets including Amsterdam, Barcelona, ​​Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York City and San Francisco. Reservations can be made and managed directly through the special app, which I found convenient and user-friendly. What impressed me most was the chic interior design. They are carefully designed and are inspired by the neighborhood and the city – and therefore no two units are alike. Sonder rents and operates individual residential units or entire floors of existing upscale residential buildings that can already offer luxurious amenities such as a fitness center, pool, and a secure building.

This TripAdvisor business is a vacation rental marketplace with over 830,000 listings in 190 countries. Since FlipKey is part of TripAdvisor, the home listings show user ratings and reviews, which can be helpful. There are two fees associated with every reservation: a non-refundable booking fee and an owner fee. The booking fee ensures a secure transaction and includes 24/7 customer service, while the owner fee includes things like cleaning costs. The offers range from apartments and condominiums to larger houses.

AvantStay offers more than 400 private short-term vacation rentals in the United States, and the company recently announced plans to expand into seven new markets, including Mexico, its first international market. The hospitality brand has a consumer app that gives you easy access to your bookings and all relevant information about your reservation, including checking in and out using the contactless smart lock, house rules and helpful neighborhood details. I love that AvantStay offers 24/7 support and flexible check-in times, which can be handy after a red-eye flight. The homes are very family friendly and come with Echo Dot, Netflix, games, and outdoor amenities like heated pools and / or fire pits.

One of the disadvantages of AvantStay is the fees. Aside from a cleaning and service fee that is higher than most other real estate providers, homes in select cities like Santa Rosa and Palm Springs also have a Temporary Occupancy Tax (TOT) and sometimes even a Tourism Tax. In some cases, the total charges are half the cost of the reservation itself.

Designed for long-term weekly or monthly stays with a minimum of seven nights, AKA offers well-appointed hotel residences that are perfect for business or international travelers and families looking for cozy accommodation with a little more seclusion. Furnished luxury apartments are located in large metropolitan areas such as Los Angeles, New York, Washington, DC and London. AKA works much like a hotel with luxury amenities like a 24-hour front desk, business center, on-site Tesla, fitness center, bike rental, and private screening room. The prices are relatively cheap given the accommodations and services you get. The additional fees vary by city but may include a municipal surcharge and a temporary occupancy tax.

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