Let’s be real—sticking with only Airbnb to list your rental is like only ordering Margherita pizza. Sure, it’s good, but there’s a whole menu of options that might make things even better! With the short-term rental market booming and guests’ travel habits diversifying, listing your property on multiple sites can open the door to new audiences, more bookings, and—yes—even more income. Here are the seven best Airbnb alternatives to expand your reach and bring in all kinds of new guests.
Why Bother with More Than One OTA?
If you’re wondering why you should venture beyond Airbnb, here’s the scoop: different platforms attract different types of guests. That’s why choosing Airbnb alternatives might be the best way to maximize your property’s potential. Some sites, like Vrbo, have long been favorites for family vacations, while others, like Homes & Villas by Marriott International, attract guests with loyalty rewards who are looking for a luxury experience. Broadening your reach gives you the chance to connect with more potential guests and keeps your property booked solid—even in slower seasons.
Listing on multiple sites also reduces the risk of putting all your eggs in one basket. If a platform changes its algorithm or policies, you’re covered elsewhere. With Hosteeva’s Channel Management, it’s easy to keep your listings consistent across platforms, saving you from the headache of double bookings or outdated availability.
The Top 7 Airbnb Alternatives for Short-Term Rental Hosts
So, what are the top Airbnb alternatives? Here’s our list of platforms that could help bring in the right guests for your property:
1. Vrbo
Best For: Family-friendly properties and whole-home rentals
Why It’s Great: Vrbo is a household name in family travel, ideal for whole-home rentals. If your place is designed for group getaways, Vrbo’s audience is already looking for something just like it. Plus, the platform’s family-oriented reputation gives it an extra trust factor with parents.
2. Booking.com
Best For: Urban properties and international travelers
Why It’s Great: Booking.com is like the trusty Swiss Army knife of travel platforms, with options for flights, car rentals, and hotels all in one place. If your property is in a high-traffic area, you can snag those international and business travelers who may not even have thought of a short-term rental until they see yours on Booking.com.
3. Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals
Best For: Properties in popular tourist destinations
Why It’s Great: People love Tripadvisor for its reviews, so if your property has earned glowing ratings, you’re in a great position here. Travelers who trust Tripadvisor’s recommendations will appreciate seeing your property featured alongside popular attractions and reviews.
4. Expedia
Best For: Properties in major travel destinations or near popular attractions
Why It’s Great: Expedia is another travel titan, and it’s perfect for capturing guests who like to book entire trips in one go. Your listing shows up right alongside flights, car rentals, and activities, which could mean big bookings for prime travel dates.
5. Homes & Villas by Marriott International
Best For: High-end properties and luxury stays
Why It’s Great: Marriott’s platform is all about luxurious, high-quality rentals, and it’s perfect if you’ve got a premium property with that wow factor. Homes & Villas attracts Marriott Bonvoy loyalty members, so you’re reaching a pool of travelers who are used to quality and willing to pay for it.
6. Plum Guide
Best For: Unique, luxury properties
Why It’s Great: Plum Guide offers a handpicked selection of the top 3% of properties in each market, so it’s a badge of honor to get listed here. This platform is ideal if your property offers something truly special—think amazing views, architectural charm, or top-tier amenities. Plum Guide’s guests are willing to pay a premium for properties that meet its high standards.
7. Google Vacation Rentals
Best For: High-visibility properties listed on major platforms
Why It’s Great: Google might not be the first thing that comes to mind for short-term rentals, but its Vacation Rentals feature is a powerhouse. It pulls listings from partner sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, so if you’re already listed on these platforms, you’re getting even more exposure through Google’s massive search engine. A well-optimized listing here means your property can reach guests who are just starting their search.
Pro Tips for Managing Multiple Platforms
Handling all these listings might seem overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are some tips to make things easier and maximize your rental’s reach:
Use a Channel Manager
Tools like Hosteeva’s Channel Management keep your listings synced across platforms. That means if you get a booking on Vrbo, your availability will automatically update on Airbnb, Expedia, and any other site you’re using—no more scrambling to update calendars!
Adjust Pricing Dynamically
With Hosteeva’s Smart Pricing, your rates will automatically adjust based on demand and competitor rates, so you’re always priced right for the season and the market. If you’d like more tips and insights, check out our article on dynamic pricing to see how it can lead to more bookings and help you stay competitive without constantly monitoring the market.
Tailor Listings to Each Audience
Different platforms attract different travelers, so tweak your descriptions and photos based on each platform’s typical guest. For example, highlight family-friendly amenities on Vrbo, and focus on luxury features for Homes & Villas by Marriott International.
Encourage Reviews
Platforms like Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals thrive on reviews. After a great stay, kindly ask guests to leave feedback—it’ll boost your listing’s appeal and give future guests the confidence to book with you.
Stay Consistent with Your Messaging
Each platform’s audience is slightly different, but consistency across your listings is key to building a trustworthy reputation. Maintain a cohesive brand voice and tone while tailoring specific details to fit each platform’s vibe.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been sticking to just one platform, consider this your invitation to explore the wider world of Airbnb alternatives! Listing on multiple platforms like Vrbo, Tripadvisor Vacation Rentals, and Homes & Villas by Marriott International can bring in a variety of guests and keep your calendar full all year long. And with tools like Hosteeva at your disposal, it’s easier than ever to manage multiple listings without extra stress.
Think of it this way: each new platform is like opening another door to guests who might not have found your property otherwise. So go ahead—open those doors, reach new audiences, and watch your bookings soar!
