Thinking about your next getaway? Whether you’re a travel aficionado who has an itinerary planned down to the very last detail, or a digital nomad on the lookout for your next temporary residence, there is an ideal vacation rental website for everyone. With so many options when it comes to available accommodations and booking options, it can get a bit overwhelming—but no need to panic, we’ve got you covered.
This article highlights the 10 best vacation rental websites out there. Each one will be covered on what makes them different, essential things, and pointers for making the best out of your booking.
The Criteria for Selecting the Top 10 Vacation Rental Websites
To determine the best websites, we analyzed each platform through a set of criteria that includes:
- User Interface (UI): Website aesthetics and functionality; are they appealing?
- Booking Process: How easy is it to find and book a rental? Are there additional costs?
- Customer Service: What assistance can be availed in case you have problems?
- Unique Features: How does the site differ from competing ones in terms of pricing, exclusive offers, and customer benefits?
With these tips in mind, here are the 10 best vacation rental websites and why they are worth your attention.
Top Vacation Rental Websites
Airbnb
Airbnb has changed the landscape of vacation rentals with its expansive reach and unique stays. Find everything from cozy city flats to lavish tree houses.
Best features:
- Simple UI with like a million filters for pet-friendly, eco-friendly and other criteria.
- Pricing is transparent and past guests leave reviews open to the public.
- Users can book “Experiences” which are activities arranged by locals.
Drawbacks:
- They charge hefty service fees.
- Customer support is not that helpful in case something goes wrong.
Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner)
Vrbo concentrates on entire home rentals which makes this the go-to website for families and larger groups.
Best features:
- Huge inventory of entire properties available.
- Family friendly features are easily filtered, making for a user friendly website.
Drawbacks:
- Not meant for solo travelers or anyone wanting to share rooms.
- Prices for listings are greater than competitors.
Booking.com
Initially having set up as a hotel booker, it now has vacation rentals and short term home stays in their catalog.
Best features:
- No extra booking fees on any of the services offered.
- Complete flexibility, when it comes down to booking vacation rentals and hotels.
Drawbacks:
- Not as many interesting or unique accommodation options available.
- Website can feel quite cluttered due to hotel’s first layout.
Plum Guide
Plum Guide is tailor-made for discerning travelers. They are proud to offer only the top 3% of vacation rentals around the world.
Best features:
- Rigorously vetted listings holiday homes always delivers.
- Luxury is the main theme for many well-designed properties.
Cons:
- Accessibility for budget travelers is a concern due to premium pricing.
- Compared to bigger competitors, there is a smaller pool of properties available.
Homeaway
HomeAway is a sister site to Vrbo and offers slightly different listings and a different interface.
Pros:
- Easier to filter search terms within categories of vacation rentals.
- Robust customer support services in the case of disagreement with a host.
Cons:
- Can overlap too much with Vrbo for listings, and provide little differentiation.
Marriott Homes & Villas
For those who want the comfort of a known brand, these vacation rentals are managed by Marriott.
Pros:
- Premium properties offered by one of the most trusted hotel brands.
- Marriott Bonvoy points with your bookings.
Cons:
- High-end homes only, not the best for budget-friendly properties.
- Still smaller inventory than competitors such as airbnb.
FlipKey by Tripadvisor
FlipKey offers vacation rentals combined with the trusted review system of Tripadvisor.
Pros:
- Great assortment of user-driven content to aid in decision making.
- Good integration with Tripadvisor to get reviews for the vicinity’s attractions.
Cons:
- The UI isn’t as modern or sleek as the competitors’.
- Less available listing outside prime tourist areas.
Sonder
Sonder offers the comfort of hotels combined with the space of vacation rentals.
Pros:
- Hotel level services and management of the property.
- Frequently features hints of modernism with smart technology like keyless check-in.
Cons:
- Only available in select cities.
- Lacks distinct or strange features.
Outdoorsy
Adventurous travelers with a passion for hitting the open road can rent an RV with Outdoorsy and explore places on wheels.
Pros:
- Variety of RV sizes and classes is sure to accommodate everyone’s preferences.
- An innovative substitute to vacation rental homes.
Cons:
- Insurance coverage can be complicated as well as RV maintenance.
- Not appropriate for those seeking stationary accommodation.
Cottages.com
Ideal for getting away from the busy city life, Cottages.com specializes in rural stays in certain countries.
Pros:
- Diverse selection of rural properties created with peace and privacy in mind.
- Wonderful choices for pet lovers.
Cons:
- Not many urban properties.
- Limited to certain regions (e.g., the UK).
Insider Tips for Vacation Rental Websites
- Check Multiple Sites – Prices Differ:
When you like a property, research to see if it’s on more than one site. Price variances and extra charges can range dramatically.
- Don’t Go Overboard With Filters:
Utilize advanced filters such as “allows pets,” “ocean view,” or “does not require payment” to narrow your search results.
- Look Over Reviews Carefully:
Do so, but only for listings with several reviews. Notice frequent complaints as red flags.
- Keep An Eye Out For Additional Charges:
Watch out for additional charges like service fees, cleaning costs, or taxes that can make the total higher.
- For Busy Periods, Book Ahead:
For busy travel seasons like summer holidays, it’s best to secure your rental several months (or a year) in advance.
Crafting Your Next Getaway
Finding the ideal vacation rental should make your trips easier, not more complicated. With a variety to choose from, these 10 websites do the heavy-lifting so that you can put more of your focus into planning an unforgettable trip.
Want to schedule a stay you surely will not forget? Check into these websites and find a range of unique properties ready to host you!
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