The best Airbnb alternatives for hosts: where to list your property in 2024

Are you a property owner looking for alternatives to Airbnb to list your home or vacation rental? Whether you're searching for platforms with lower fees, more ethical business practices, or those catering to specific types of properties, you've come to the right place!

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the 14 best alternatives to Airbnb for hosts in 2024. We'll cover everything from budget-friendly options to luxury-focused platforms, diving into services that offer unique marketing opportunities, prioritise sustainability, and cater to specific types of properties. Whether you're managing a cosy apartment, a family-friendly house, or a luxury villa, you'll find an Airbnb alternative that suits your hosting needs.

In this guide, you'll find:

• The top 14 Airbnb alternatives for various property types and host preferences
• Pros and cons of each platform from a host's perspective
• Best options for different types of properties 
• Tips for maximising your success on these platforms

Top 14 Airbnb alternatives for hosts

When selecting these alternatives, we considered factors crucial for hosts such as:

• Hosting fees and commission structures
• Reach and target audience
• Property management tools and features
• Payment processing and payout schedules
• Host support and resources

Here's a quick overview of our top picks for hosts:

1. Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) - best for whole home rentals

Vrbo specialises in entire home rentals, making it ideal for hosts with standalone properties.

Tip for hosts: Vrbo's focus on whole homes can lead to longer average stays and higher total bookings.

Pros for hosts:

• Large, established user base
• Typically attracts families and groups, potentially leading to longer stays
• No listing fees, pay only when you get bookings
• Robust host protection insurance

Cons for hosts:

• Higher commission rates compared to some platforms
• Less suitable for hosts with shared spaces or single rooms
• Competitive market, especially in popular destinations

2. Booking.com - best for diverse property types

While known for hotel bookings, Booking.com has expanded into vacation rentals, offering hosts a diverse platform.

Tip for hosts: leverage Booking.com's large user base to increase visibility, especially if you're in a popular tourist destination.

Pros for hosts:

• Massive global reach
• Opportunity to list alongside hotels, potentially attracting a different clientele
• Flexible cancellation policies can be set by hosts
• Robust host dashboard with analytics

Cons for hosts:

• Can be more hands-off, with less direct communication with guests
• Higher commission rates compared to some peer-to-peer platforms
• May require more competitive pricing due to comparison with hotel rates

3. Expedia - best for package deal exposure

Expedia allows hosts to list their properties alongside flights and car rentals, potentially increasing visibility.

Tip for hosts: consider offering special rates for package deals to attract more bookings.

Pros for hosts:

• Exposure to travellers booking complete trip packages
• Potential for higher occupancy rates due to package deals
• Access to Expedia's large marketing reach
• Integration with other Expedia-owned platforms

Cons for hosts:

• Higher commission rates compared to some dedicated vacation rental sites
• Less control over pricing due to package deal structures
• May attract more short-term stays due to the travel package model

4. Plum Guide - best for high-end properties

Plum Guide focuses on luxury properties and has a strict vetting process, making it ideal for hosts with premium offerings.

Stat for hosts: only 3% of homes are accepted onto Plum Guide, ensuring your property is in an exclusive group.

Pros for hosts:

• Higher potential nightly rates due to luxury focus
• Rigorous vetting process can lead to more respectful guests
• Opportunity to showcase unique or design-forward properties
• Professional photography and listing creation services

Cons for hosts:

• Strict acceptance criteria may exclude some properties
• Lower booking volume due to niche market
• Higher expectations from guests can lead to more demanding stays

5. Homestay - best for hosts offering cultural experiences

Homestay caters to travellers looking for immersive, local experiences, making it ideal for hosts who enjoy cultural exchange.

Tip for hosts: highlight unique local experiences or skills you can share with guests to stand out on this platform.

Pros for hosts:

• Opportunity to meet people from around the world
• Often attracts longer-term stays (e.g., students, interns)
• Can be less work-intensive than full property management
• Platform encourages personal connections, potentially leading to repeat guests

Cons for hosts:

• Lower earning potential compared to whole-property rentals
• Requires more personal involvement and time commitment
• May not suit hosts who prefer minimal guest interaction

6. Hipcamp - best for rural and nature-based properties

Known as “the Airbnb of camping”, Hipcamp is ideal for hosts with outdoor-oriented properties, from campsites to cabins and treehouses.

Tip for hosts: emphasise unique natural features or outdoor activities available on or near your property.

Pros for hosts:

• Niche market with growing demand
• Opportunity to monetise undeveloped land
• Often requires less infrastructure than traditional vacation rentals
• Attracts environmentally-conscious guests

Cons for hosts:

• Seasonal demand fluctuations
• May require investment in outdoor amenities or structures
• Potential liability concerns with outdoor activities
• Weather-dependent bookings can lead to last-minute cancellations

7. Sonder - best for professional hosts with multiple properties

Sonder partners with property owners to create professionally managed, apartment-style accommodations in urban locations.

Stat for hosts: Sonder operates in over 35 cities worldwide, offering potential for multi-city property management.

Pros for hosts:

• Professional management takes care of day-to-day operations
• Consistent branding and high-quality guest experience
• Potential for steady, long-term income
• Handles marketing, customer service, and maintenance

Cons for hosts:

• Less control over property management decisions
• May require long-term commitment or exclusivity
• Higher barriers to entry compared to peer-to-peer platforms
• Limited to urban locations

8. Outdoorsy - best for RV and campervan owners

Outdoorsy is a peer-to-peer platform for RV and campervan rentals, perfect for hosts with motorhomes or campervans.

Tip for hosts: offer add-ons like camping gear or local guidebooks to increase your rental appeal and income.

Pros for hosts:

• Opportunity to monetise RVs or campervans when not in personal use
• Growing market with increasing interest in road trip travel
• Insurance coverage included for hosts
• Flexible rental options (e.g., stationary rentals, one-way trips)

Cons for hosts:

• Potential for wear and tear on vehicles
• May require significant time for guest briefings and vehicle walk-throughs
• Seasonal demand fluctuations
• Need for regular maintenance and cleaning between rentals

9. Onefinestay - best for luxury home owners

Onefinestay focuses on high-end, personally-vetted properties in select destinations, offering a white-glove service for luxury homeowners.

Stat for hosts: Onefinestay provides personal concierge services for all bookings, enhancing the luxury experience for guests.

Pros for hosts:

• Potential for premium rental rates
• Professional management and marketing of your property
• Attracts high-end clientele, potentially leading to more respectful guests
• Thorough vetting process for both properties and guests

Cons for hosts:

• Exclusive focus on luxury properties limits eligibility
• May require significant investment to meet standards
• Limited to select cities and destinations
• Potential for longer vacancies due to higher rates and niche market

10. Vacasa - best for comprehensive property management

Vacasa offers full-service vacation rental management, handling everything from marketing to maintenance.

Tip for hosts: Vacasa's local teams can provide valuable insights into market trends and pricing strategies.

Pros for hosts:

• Full-service management, including marketing, booking, and maintenance
• Local teams provide on-the-ground support and market expertise
• Dynamic pricing algorithms to maximise revenue
• Handles all guest communications and support

Cons for hosts:

• Higher management fees compared to self-hosting
• Less control over day-to-day management decisions
• May require exclusive listing agreement
• Not available in all markets

11. 9flats - best for hosts targeting European travellers

9flats is similar to Airbnb but with a stronger focus on European markets, making it ideal for hosts with properties in Europe.

Tip for hosts: highlight any European cultural elements or proximity to European landmarks to appeal to the platform's user base.

Pros for hosts:

• Strong presence in European cities
• Often attracts budget-conscious travellers, potentially leading to higher occupancy rates
• Option to receive payments in multiple currencies
• Less competition compared to larger platforms

Cons for hosts:

• Less name recognition than larger platforms, potentially leading to fewer bookings
• Limited customer support compared to some competitors
• Smaller user base outside of Europe
• May require competitive pricing to attract bookings

12. Homelike - best for hosts offering extended stays

Homelike specialises in longer-term rentals (30+ days), catering to business travellers and digital nomads.

Stat for hosts: Homelike operates in over 400 cities, offering a broad market for long-term rentals.

Pros for hosts:

• Longer stays mean less turnover and potentially more stable income
• Attracts professional clientele, often leading to more responsible guests
• Less daily management required compared to short-term rentals
• Potential for higher overall occupancy rates

Cons for hosts:

• May require furnishing and equipping properties for longer stays
• Less flexibility in changing rates or using the property yourself
• Limited to urban locations
• Potential for lower overall revenue compared to short-term rentals in high-demand areas

13. Glamping Hub - best for unique outdoor accommodations

Glamping Hub focuses on unique outdoor accommodations like treehouses, yurts, and luxury tents.

Tip for hosts: emphasise the uniqueness of your property and any special amenities that blend outdoor living with comfort.

Pros for hosts:

• Niche market with growing demand
• Opportunity to showcase unique or unusual properties
• Often attracts guests willing to pay premium for unique experiences
• Can lead to higher nightly rates compared to traditional camping

Cons for hosts:

• May require significant investment in unique structures or amenities
• Weather-dependent bookings can lead to seasonality issues
• Higher guest expectations for comfort despite outdoor settings
• Potential for more wear and tear due to outdoor elements

14. Kid & Coe - best for family-friendly property owners

Kid & Coe is a platform specifically for family-friendly vacation rentals, ideal for hosts with child-friendly properties.

Tip for hosts: highlight child-specific amenities like cots, high chairs, or play areas to appeal to family travellers.

Pros for hosts:

• Niche market with loyal user base
• Often leads to longer stays due to family travel patterns
• Can command premium rates for well-equipped, family-friendly properties
• Potential for repeat bookings as families return to favourite destinations

Cons for hosts:

• May require investment in child-safety features and family-oriented amenities
• Higher potential for wear and tear due to young guests
• Limited market compared to general vacation rental platforms
• Stricter requirements for child safety and suitability

Conclusion

The vacation rental market offers more opportunities than ever for property owners and hosts. Each platform caters to different types of properties and hosting styles, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your rental business. Remember, success in vacation rentals isn't just about where you list, but how well you cater to your target guests and manage your property.

Consider trying multiple platforms to diversify your reach and maximise occupancy. And don't forget to leverage tools like property management software and guest communication apps to streamline your hosting operations. For an even more exceptional guest experience, consider incorporating a Touch Stay digital guidebook. This innovative tool can provide clear information, enhance communication, and potentially increase bookings and positive reviews.

Happy hosting, and may your property become the next sought-after destination!