Exploring Vacation Home Rental Sites: Airbnb, Vrbo, and More

Even the most ardent hotel enthusiast will find moments when renting a short-term home or villa is the better option, whether for location, privacy, amenities, or group size. With numerous sites offering home rentals, it's essential to understand the differences among the four largest, with prices ranging from an average of $31 to $2,000 per night, and services varying from concierge assistance to shared bathrooms, helping you choose the right site for your next reservation.

Airbnb

Every night, two million guests check into an Airbnb, meaning you've likely stayed at a property listed on this rental giant.

Airbnb has launched sub-brands to showcase its six million listings. For instance, you'll come across Airbnb Plus (verified listings), Airbnb Luxe (premium listings averaging $2,000 per night), and various differentiators like the Superhost program. What began as airbed rentals has evolved to include shared and hosted accommodations.

Travel writer Jarvis Marcos, known for his preference for luxury hotels, also endorses Airbnb. "While I adore hotels, some of my most memorable experiences have happened in private rental properties," Marcos shared with TPG. "If you're looking to explore hidden gems, appreciate the extra privacy of your own villa, or seek unbiased local tips, Airbnb truly shines."

One drawback of using Airbnb is that you can't always predict what you'll receive. There may be safety concerns, and fees are incurred by both guests and hosts, with guest fees climbing as high as 20% on top of the nightly charge.

The benefits of booking an Airbnb include managing everything through the app. You can search, reserve, pay, receive check-in details, communicate with the host, and leave feedback—all from your smartphone.

Vrbo

Vrbo, which stands for Vacation Rentals by Owner, specializes in renting entire properties. Established in 1995, it typically requires weekly bookings and charges guests a booking fee ranging from 5% to 15%.

"I've encountered numerous issues with Airbnb," Clare Keimig from The Traveling Empty Nester told TPG. "Listings often don't provide the full story, leading to unpleasant surprises upon arrival and last-minute cancellations. With Vrbo, I’ve never faced such problems. We’ve rented around 15 homes through them, and each one has matched the online description perfectly."

Vrbo excels with its extensive filtering options. Unlike Airbnb, you can specify a wide range of property requirements before viewing your search results.

Payments for VRBOs are not always processed through the platform, and sometimes they necessitate a contract and a physical check mailed to the property owner.

Onefinestay

Founded in May 2010 with just six homes in London, Onefinestay is now a part of AccorHotels, making it the only homesharing platform affiliated with a hotel chain that allows you to earn hotel points. With 10,000 premium and luxury homes around the globe, from resort hotspots to urban centers, Onefinestay places a strong emphasis on hospitality and concierge services. The platform proudly claims to be the only short-term rental site that has personally visited and vetted each property.

Since April 2018, members of Accor's LeClub loyalty program have been able to earn and redeem points for stays at Onefinestay properties. Later this year, Accor will introduce a new loyalty program called ALL (Accor Live Limitless), which will also feature Onefinestay accommodations.

Homestay

Although Airbnb began as a platform for hosted home exchanges, it has evolved into a marketplace primarily for professionally managed properties. The site Homestay, established in 2013, aims to revive that original experience with its 55,000 available rooms. With an average global room rate of $31 per night, it offers an affordable alternative.

"Homestay is similar to Airbnb but emphasizes the option for a genuine homestay experience, allowing for regular interaction with a host or even a host family," Gabby Packs Light explained to TPG. "Unlike many other short-term rentals, Homestay prioritizes engagement and connection just as much as providing accommodation. Whether for short or long-term stays, it’s ideal for students studying abroad, professionals on business trips, or anyone seeking a more communal vibe while enjoying greater privacy and tranquility than a hostel offers."

Specialty Sites

According to Nadine Jolie Courtney, a luxury family travel consultant at Elite Travel International, don’t overlook specialty home rental platforms, particularly in major urban areas.

"In cities like Paris, where immersing yourself as a local is part of the experience, I prefer to use specialty rental sites like Paris Perfect, which are dedicated solely to that location. This often results in a more personalized experience compared to platforms like Airbnb, frequently including hotel-like amenities, and the apartments are spectacular—imagine having Eiffel Tower views from expansive balconies."

There are also curated home rental sites focused on families, such as Kid & Coe, along with destination-specific options like FeelFree rentals in San Sebastian, Spain, or Parrish Collection for vacation rentals on the island of Kauai, Hawaii.