What are hosts doing as alternatives to Airbnb?

Adam1290 · 12-09-2025, 11:14 PM

Hi all, I have been an Airbnb and VRBO host for 3 years. I recently paused my VRBO listing because of their onerous cancellation fees, technical glitches allowing people to stay past our stipulated minimums, etc. etc. VRBO has not been the same since they were bought by Expedia. Airbnb has also become unfriendly to hosts, so I feel like I definitely need some better alternatives.
I assume I will need to build a direct booking website - any other hosts on this forum have suggestions or familiar with this?

ChrisFromTheOC · 12-10-2025, 11:14 PM

You could try looking for a local property management company. Most of them will allow direct bookings at a cheaper rate. I was considering using one when Airbnb gets rid of my strict cancellation policy.

fanatic · 12-11-2025, 12:15 AM

Have you considered medium term rantals? I am also an airbnb host but fill most of my nights through Furnished Finder. Typically if you are getting nurses they have been thoroughly background checked by their hospitals otherwise they couldn’t have a license but you can ask for their job assignment paperwork to make sure they have a job and the license is up to date. They have a background check program on there that the guests can pay for as well. FF is basically just a platform you list on. They’re totally hands off on what you decide to do or what guests you agree to unlike airbnb.