The Best Airbnb Alternative for Hosts

Airbnb has revolutionized the hospitality industry, allowing individuals to rent out their homes and spaces to travelers all over the world. However, it's not without its drawbacks. Hosts often face issues such as high booking fees, strict rules and regulations, and limited communication with guests. Additionally, there are a lot of Airbnbs with owners renting their properties illegally for a short period (32 days and less). This is why many hosts are now seeking alternative platforms that offer a better experience for both themselves and their guests.

If you're an Airbnb host looking for a better alternative, you're in luck. There are now several platforms available that cater specifically to hosts, providing them with more control, better communication, and ultimately a more satisfying hosting experience. In this article, we explore some of these Airbnb alternatives and explain why they may be the perfect fit for you.

Key Takeaways

• Acces International offers a rental package that prioritizes hosts. This is perfect if you're seeking a professional service to handle your rentals. 
• There are important things to consider when renting a property such as the site you use, your listing price and your marketing campaign.

What Are The Downsides of Hosting on Airbnb?

Although Airbnb has long been a popular platform for vacation and short-term rentals, they often fail to provide a reliable service which is why hosts have been looking for alternate sites to list homes. Here are some of the key downfalls of Airbnb:

• Commission Rates: Airbnb charges hosts a commission fee on each booking, which can eat into earnings.
• Cancellation Policy: Airbnb's flexible cancellation policy may result in last-minute cancellations, leaving hosts with vacancies and revenue loss.
• Competition from Alternate Accommodations: High competition from other vacation rental properties, private homes, and alternate accommodations can make it challenging to attract guests.
• Fake Reviews: The platform occasionally faces issues with fake or misleading reviews, which can damage a host's reputation.
• Customer Service: Airbnb's customer service can be inconsistent and slow to respond to host inquiries and issues, leading to frustration.

The Best Alternatives To Airbnb

In this section, we explore outstanding alternatives to Airbnb that offer unique accommodations and travel experiences. While Airbnb has revolutionized the way we book stays, these alternatives prioritize property owners. If you own a property that you'd like to convert into a short-term rental but are unsure about the vacation rental marketplace, below is a list of the best vacation rental sites for hosts.

1. Acces International: The Rental Service That Prioritizes Hosts

If you are looking for a rental service that holds hosts at the center of all they do, look no further than Acces International. A rental agency specializing in high-end homes in Montreal, they offer a service unlike any other rental platform on the market. Where most vacation rental websites simply provide a platform for property listings, Acces International works alongside hosts to make the experience as seamless as possible.

To avoid the potential legal consequences associated with short-term illegal Airbnbs, owners can rent their furnished unit for a longer period (6 months to 1 year). Acces International’s rental management packages include consultations with specialists, professional photography services, and flawless marketing. They even send your property to their exclusive network to increase your exposure. If you are looking for a company that prioritizes hosts and can handle your rental from start to finish, look no further than Acces International. 

2. Booking.com: A User-Friendly Company With Millions of Listings

Booking.com offers a user-friendly interface and boasts millions of listings in over 227 countries. As one of the leading vacation rental platforms, it provides hosts with a wide range of options to showcase their properties to a global audience. With its advanced search and filtering system, hosts can easily attract potential guests who are looking for specific amenities or locations.

Additionally, Booking.com charges a 15% host fee on completed bookings, allowing hosts to earn income from their vacation rentals. The platform offers flexible cancellation options, giving hosts and guests peace of mind. Overall, Booking.com is a reliable and popular choice for hosts who want to maximize their property exposure and attract a diverse range of guests from around the world.

3. Expedia: A Platform Loved By Travelers

Expedia, often overlooked by hosts, offers a versatile platform that allows users to book flights, car rentals, and accommodations all in one place. While it may not be the first platform that comes to mind for vacation rentals, Expedia should not be underestimated. With its extensive network and multiple travel sites, listings on Expedia gain exposure to a wide range of potential guests.

Hosts can take advantage of last-minute bookings, attracting spontaneous travelers. Expedia charges a 15% commission per booking, which is in line with industry standards. The platform's user-friendly interface makes it easy for hosts to manage their listings and communicate with guests. 

4. Homestay: A Unique Focus on Vacation Rentals With Host Presence

Homestay, a platform that focuses on vacation rentals where the host is present, offers a range of options including private rooms, shared rooms, and beds. It is a unique platform that caters to individuals who prefer a more immersive and personal experience during their travels. Homestay is particularly popular among students and younger people who are seeking a more authentic and local stay.

Unlike other vacation rental platforms, Homestay offers a small host service fee, making it an attractive choice for new hosts looking to enter the rental market. The platform provides a great opportunity for hosts to connect with guests on a personal level and offer a more personalized and tailored experience. Homestay's emphasis on host presence adds an extra layer of security and comfort for guests, making it a desirable choice for those seeking a home away from home.

Factors To Consider When Renting Your Home

When putting up properties for short-term rent, several important factors should be considered to ensure a successful and smooth experience for both you and your guests. Here are some key considerations:

Rental Companies

Considering rental companies is crucial for all property types. Rental companies act as competitors to popular booking engines for vacation rentals by offering direct booking options and a streamlined booking process. They typically have a vast network of accommodation options and employ experienced property managers who can ensure the highest standards of upkeep and guest satisfaction. By partnering with a rental company, your property gains exposure through its extensive search engine, attracting a broader audience of potential guests. 

Home Appraisals and Listing Price

When renting your property, whether for long-term rentals or as part of a vacation rental business, obtaining appraisals and setting an appropriate listing price is paramount. Accurate appraisals and competitive listing prices are crucial for attracting potential guests. Vacation rental listings that offer affordable accommodations while maintaining fair pricing tend to outshine their competitors. Payment policies, such as instant booking options, are also more likely to attract guests looking for hassle-free experiences, presenting your home as the perfect vacation rental. 

Marketing Your House

Whether your target audience is budget travelers or business travelers, marketing all types of accommodation is key. In a competitive landscape where the hotel industry is often the biggest competitor, effective marketing strategies set your rental space apart. Highlighting your rental options through active listings on popular platforms allows you to reach a broader audience. Tailored marketing efforts can showcase the unique features and amenities that make your private rental property stand out, attracting both leisure and corporate guests.

Short-term Rental vs Long-Term Rental 

Short-term apartment rental and long-term apartment rental both have their own advantages, but from the perspective of property owners, long-term rental arrangements typically offer several benefits that make them a more favorable choice:

• Stable Income and Cash Flow: Long-term rentals provide property owners with a predictable and consistent monthly rental income. This steady cash flow is beneficial for budgeting and financial planning, offering a sense of stability and reliability.
• Less Turnover and Vacancy Costs: Long-term tenants generally stay in the property for an extended period, reducing turnover and vacancy costs. Finding new tenants, advertising the property, and preparing it for new occupants can be time-consuming and costly. With long-term rentals, property owners can minimize these expenses.
• Reduced Management Effort: Long-term rentals require less day-to-day management compared to short-term rentals. Property owners don't have to deal with frequent guest turnover, cleaning and maintenance after each stay, or coordinating check-ins and check-outs. This saves time and effort.
• Lower Maintenance and Wear-and-Tear: Long-term tenants tend to treat the property more like their own home, resulting in less wear-and-tear compared to short-term renters. There is a lower frequency of intensive cleanings and maintenance tasks associated with short-term rentals.
• Lower Marketing and Administrative Costs: The marketing and administrative costs associated with long-term rentals are typically lower. With a stable tenant in place, there's less need for ongoing advertising and administrative efforts to attract new renters.
• Easier Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Long-term rentals often have more straightforward legal and regulatory compliance requirements compared to short-term rentals, which can involve navigating a complex web of local laws, permits, and restrictions.
• Building Community and Stability: Long-term tenants can contribute to a sense of community within a building or neighborhood. Stable, long-term residents often form relationships with neighbors and become invested in the community.

In summary, long-term rentals provide property owners with a more stable and predictable stream of income, reduce turnover and associated costs, require less day-to-day management, and tend to be associated with less wear-and-tear on the property. These factors make long-term rentals a preferable choice for many property owners seeking a more hassle-free and financially stable investment.

Rent Your Property

With so many booking sites available, it can be difficult to know where to list your rental property. Thankfully, if you own a luxury property in Montreal and are looking for a seamless solution to your rental difficulties, Acces International is here for you.

Submitting your property with us gives you access to a wide range of benefits including specialized consultations, professional photographs of your home and access to our exclusive network. Our comprehensive management package takes care of everything from listing your property to managing tenants.