Frustrated Airbnb Hosts Are Looking at These 5 Alternatives. Should You?

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Airbnb isn’t right for everybody. Here are some other options. 

Airbnb has transformed the way we rent properties, whether you’re a host or a guest. At heart, since its launch in 2007, it has made it much easier and safer for individuals to safely rent out rooms or properties. But it isn’t perfect. Hosts complain of poor communication, being blocked from the site for no reason, issues with difficult guests, and damage to their property, among other things. There’s even a website called AirbnbHell.com where people can rant about their experiences.

Some hosts have had enough of what they see as overly guest-focused policies and are looking for other options. If you’re one of them, here are five worth checking out.

1. Vrbo

Owned by travel giant Expedia, Vrbo — which stands for Vacation Rental by Owner — is one of the biggest competitors to Airbnb. It boasts 2 million rentals on its website, compared with Airbnb’s claim of 6.6 million listings worldwide, and is now the main face for several big names in property rentals, including HomeAway.

Size aside, the biggest difference between Airbnb and Vrbo is that Vrbo only lists whole homes, so guests don’t have to share the property with anyone else. If you have a property and want to attract families or larger groups, it may make sense to use Vrbo. Vrbo hosts can choose between five different cancellation options. The strictest gives no refunds at all while the most relaxed lets guests cancel 14 days before the start of their stay and still get a full refund.

2. RedAwning

RedAwning says it’s a “powerful marketing engine for vacation rental listings” with a mission to help property owners maximize revenue. Essentially, a listing on RedAwning could translate into listings on hundreds of different sites, including Airbnb, Vrbo, TripAdvisor, and Booking.com.

RedAwning won’t charge you any setup costs, but it will take a percentage of 10% or more from your earnings. That charge goes towards promotion, as well as things like help with high quality photos, advice on setting up and managing your rental, and coverage of up to $3,000 for accidental damage. This is important because most homeowners insurance policies don’t cover rentals.

READ MORE: What Airbnb Hosts Need to Know About Renters & Homeowners Insurance

3. OneFineStay

OneFineStay is all about luxury and what it calls the “wow factor.” It promises to bring the benefits of a five-star hotel, including a concierge service and full housekeeping, to your vacation rental. It lists around 5,000 homes, chalets, and villas on its site. Every listing is carefully vetted and OneFineStay staff will greet guests in person.

For hosts, the benefits are that the company says it will screen guests, give them 24-hour care, and take a hefty security deposit in case of damage. However, it also asks for exclusivity so you can’t list your property elsewhere. Plus, according to a Forbes article, it could take a cut of as much as 50% from the rental fee.

4. FlipKey

Owned by Tripadvisor Rentals, FlipKey says it lists over 800,000 properties in 190 countries. As a host, the big advantage is that Tripadvisor is a big name in travel and has built a community of millions of users. It’s free to list your property and you’ll pay a 3% processing fee. Tripadvisor Rentals has a host hub page with lots of information to help owners manage their rentals.

5. Plum Guide

As the name suggests, Plum Guide is looking for the best of the best. Think of it as a Michelin Guide to holiday rentals. It’s an exclusive site that doesn’t accept many homes — indeed, according to its website, only the top 3% of properties make the cut. It’s looking for luxury properties that will meet the needs of what it calls “discerning travelers.” To that end, both the property and host are carefully vetted as part of its listing process.

Unlike OneFineStay, the Plum Guide doesn’t require exclusivity and will actually help you sync calendars across multiple platforms. According to its website, it charges a 3% service fee as well as a one-time joining fee of 300 pounds (around $360) per listing when your first guest books. That fee covers assistance with photos and text, and potentially also a home visit.

Bottom line

If you own a property and are looking for an extra source of income, renting out your space can be a good way to boost your bank account balance. But it may not be as easy as it sounds. It’s a good idea to research what platforms might suit your hosting style, so you can reduce the hassle and maximize your profits.

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