Nowadays, lots of people who go on trips rent apartments, houses, or villas instead of staying in hotels. This is because finding a cheap place to stay temporarily is really important for people who are new to the UK and need time to settle down. Most of these rentals are booked through a website called Airbnb, which is well-known and trusted by many. However, if you’ve heard or had bad experiences with Airbnb, or if you’re just looking for other options for your next trip, there are some alternatives you might want to consider. Some of these websites offer unique experiences that might suit you better than Airbnb. In this article, we would be showing you where to get affordable temporal housing in the UK as an immigrant, aside Airbnb.
Top Affordable Temporal Housing in the UK aside Airbnb
- TripAdvisor
Looking for a vacation rental like Airbnb? Look no further than TripAdvisor! TripAdvisor Rentals features over 800,000 properties worldwide, from private rooms to castles and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for a cozy cottage or a luxurious villa, you’ll find it here. It is a well-known online travel platform that provides information and booking services for travellers worldwide. It offers a comprehensive database of user-generated reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, attractions, and vacation rentals. The platform is widely used for its trusted reviews and easy booking process, making it a go-to resource for many travellers when planning their trips.
Furthermore, listing your property on TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals is easy and free. Simply sign up and pay a small commission of 3% per booking. Your listing will appear not only on TripAdvisor but also on other sites like Holiday Lettings and FlipKey. So, if you’re a property owner looking to reach a wide audience of travellers, consider listing your UK property on TripAdvisor Vacation Rentals. It’s a great way to showcase your space and attract guests from around the globe.
Pros of TripAdvisor
1. Reviews from real people: TripAdvisor has lots of reviews from travellers worldwide who share their honest experiences about hotels and places they’ve visited.
2. Real photos: Travellers can upload their own photos, so you can see what a place actually looks like before booking. This helps avoid surprises when you arrive.
3. Lots of information: TripAdvisor provides details about accommodations and cities, plus travel guides to help plan your trip. You can research thoroughly before making a decision.
4. Booking options: TripAdvisor offers booking services for accommodations, flights, and other travel activities.
5. Community forums: Users can ask questions and get advice from fellow travellers on forums.
Cons of TripAdvisor
1. Uncertainty about contributors: Since anyone with internet access can leave a review, it’s hard to know if they’re truthful. Some property owners might even write positive reviews for their own places.
2. Limited booking features: While you can book on TripAdvisor, it’s not as comprehensive as other booking sites. For the best deals, you might want to use a different website.
3. Advertisements: The site may have sponsored content or ads that could influence your choices.
4. Limited customer support: Some users report challenges in getting help from TripAdvisor’s customer service team.
Vrbo, short for Vacation Rentals by Owner, is a vacation rental platform like Airbnb but with a few differences. It’s been around since 1996 and has over a million properties listed, making it a solid choice for finding a place to stay. Vrbo specializes in renting out whole vacation properties, like houses and apartments, rather than just rooms. This makes it particularly good for families or groups as it offers properties all over the UK, including popular destinations like Whitby, St Ives, London, and Tenby. You can save properties you like to a Trip Board until you’re ready to book, and there’s 24/7 support available.
In the past, Vrbo didn’t charge guests booking fees, but they changed that in 2016. Now they do charge a booking fee, similar to Airbnb. The website is pretty similar to Airbnb, but some people find Airbnb easier to use. Still, if you can’t find what you’re looking for on Airbnb, it’s worth giving Vrbo a try. If you’re a property owner, you can choose between paying an annual fee or paying per booking to list your property on Vrbo. One cool thing about Vrbo is its loyalty program called One Key, which lets you earn rewards for bookings that you can use on future trips.
It’s a good idea to check Vrbo when looking for a rental home, especially during busy travel times when options might be limited. Vrbo sometimes has listings that are cheaper than Airbnb, and their search function lets you compare the total cost of a rental, including fees.
Pros of Vrbo
1. Wide range of properties: Vrbo offers a diverse selection of vacation rental properties, including houses, apartments, cottages, cabins, villas, and chalets.
2. Ideal for families and groups: Vrbo specializes in renting out entire properties, making it suitable for families or groups traveling together who prefer privacy and space.
3. Realistic expectations: Guests can view real photos uploaded by previous travellers, providing a more accurate representation of the property compared to staged photos on other platforms.
4. Loyalty program: Vrbo offers a loyalty program called One Key, allowing guests to earn rewards for bookings that can be used for future trips.
5. Direct communication with hosts: Guests can communicate directly with property owners, facilitating personalized interactions and addressing any concerns more efficiently.
Cons of Vrbo
1. Booking fees: Vrbo charges guests a booking fee, which can increase the overall cost of the rental.
2. Limited booking options: Unlike some other platforms, Vrbo primarily focuses on vacation rentals and may not offer as many booking options for other types of accommodations.
3. Confusing cancellation policies: Vrbo’s cancellation policies can be complex and vary depending on the property, leading to confusion for some guests.
4. Lack of shared spaces: Vrbo only allows property owners to list entire properties, so travellers looking for shared accommodations or individual rooms may need to consider alternative platforms.
5. Customer support: Some users report challenges in accessing reliable customer support from Vrbo, particularly during emergencies or urgent situations.
- Booking.com
With over 29 million listings, Booking.com is a great place to find hotel deals worldwide. It has been found to be one of the top choices for hotel bookings. They have a wide selection, an easy-to-use website, and competitive prices. But did you know they also list homes and apartments? If you already like using Booking.com for hotels, you can use it for apartments too! Booking.com has been used to book apartments all over the world and many appreciate the simple search filters and helpful reviews from people who stayed there. Booking.com has a huge selection of rentals, from log cabins with hot tubs to remote spots for seeing the Northern Lights. You can find apartments, cabins, cottages, boats, and even other options. Plus, many properties offer free cancellation and have user ratings to help you choose.
For property owners, it’s free to list on Booking.com, and they take a fee per booking. Hosts pay a commission fee based on the total booking value, which can range from 10% to 25%. Booking.com is good for hassle-free accommodation, especially when travelling internationally.
Pros of Booking.com
1. Wide selection: Booking.com offers a vast array of accommodations, including hotels, homes, apartments, cabins, villas, and more, with over 29 million listings worldwide.
2. User-friendly interface: The website is easy to navigate, with simple search filters and comprehensive information about each property.
3. Competitive prices: Booking.com often provides competitive prices for accommodations, making it a good option for budget-conscious travellers.
4. Free cancellation: Many properties on Booking.com offer free cancellation, providing flexibility for travellers in case plans change.
5. Professional management: Some properties on Booking.com are professionally managed, which can lead to a smoother booking and check-in process.
Cons of Booking.com
1. Commission fees: Hosts on Booking.com pay commission fees based on the total booking value, which can range from 10% to 25%, potentially cutting into profits.
2. Lack of charm: Compared to platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com’s accommodations may lack the unique charm and personality often found in alternative listings.
3. Limited portfolio: While Booking.com has a wide selection of accommodations, it may have fewer options for unique or niche properties compared to other platforms.
4. Potential for high fees: While free cancellation is a benefit, some properties may have higher fees or stricter cancellation policies, so travellers should check before booking.
5. International focus: Booking.com is known internationally and is great for finding accommodations when traveling abroad, but it may have fewer options in some domestic markets compared to local competitors.
- Homestay
Looking for a place to stay where you’ll be living with the host? Homestay is the perfect alternative to Airbnb. Staying with a local host has its perks, like getting insider tips on the best places to eat and how to get around town. With Homestay, you’ll feel right at home! It’s like stepping into someone’s daily life, with hosts offering everything from home-cooked meals to language lessons. Some hosts are more hands-on than others, so you can tailor your stay to your preferences.
So, Homestay connects travellers with local hosts who offer affordable rooms in their homes, just like Airbnb did when it first started. It’s a great option if you want to rent out your spare room to tourists, students, or professionals who want a taste of local life. With over 63,000 rooms available in 176 countries, Homestay offers plenty of options for travellers. Listing your room on Homestay is free, but remember, it’s a hosted experience, so you’ll be actively involved in welcoming guests into your home and helping them explore the local area. While Homestay might not have the flashy Instagram appeal of some other platforms, it offers great prices and a chance to live like a local. Just be sure to read the reviews before booking!
Keep in mind that Homestay might not have as many options as Airbnb, especially during busy times like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. If you’re interested in hosting, it’s free to list your property on Homestay. Just remember that it’s a hosted experience, so you’ll need to be more hands-on with your guests. If that sounds like your cup of tea, you can sign up as a Homestay host.
Pros of Homestay
1. Local experience: Homestay offers a chance to live with a local host, providing an authentic experience of the destination.
2. Insider tips: Hosts can offer valuable advice on local attractions, dining spots, and transportation, enhancing the traveller’s experience.
3. Affordable accommodations: Homestay often provides budget-friendly options for travellers compared to traditional hotels.
4. Free breakfast: Many Homestay properties include breakfast, adding extra value for guests.
5. Personalized experience: Guests can choose hosts based on their preferences for social interaction, ranging from hands-on hosts to more independent stays.
Cons of Homestay
1. Limited availability: Homestay may have fewer options compared to larger platforms like Airbnb, especially in popular tourist destinations or during peak travel times.
2. Hosted experience: Some travellers may prefer more privacy and independence, which may not be fully available with a hosted experience.
3. Less variety: Homestay properties may lack the variety and charm found on other platforms, particularly for travellers seeking unique or boutique accommodations.
4. Hands-on hosting: Hosting on Homestay requires active involvement in welcoming guests and ensuring their comfort, which may not be suitable for everyone.
5. Fewer reviews: With fewer properties listed, Homestay may have fewer reviews available for guests to assess the quality of accommodations and hosts.
- Sonder
Sonder stands out from Airbnb because they don’t just connect you with property owners – they lease or own every place they list and manage them directly. This means they can guarantee certain standards for every apartment, like WiFi, towels, and quality coffee. They even offer contactless check-in to make your stay easier. Whether you need a short-term rental or something longer, Sonder has you covered with over 8,500 options in 27 cities worldwide. From mid-range to luxury, their properties offer hotel-like cleanliness with the freedom of an apartment.
For property owners, Sonder offers a hands-off option where they lease your property and handle everything from bookings to cleaning. It’s great for a steady income without the hassle. Their listings are grouped by neighborhood, making it easy to live like a local, at least for a little while. Plus, if you stay longer, you can get discounts after seven, 14, and 30 nights. Sonder aims to blend the best parts of a hotel stay with the comforts of home.
Pros of Sonder
1. Consistent standards: Sonder owns or leases every property they list, allowing them to maintain consistent standards across all accommodations.
2. Guaranteed amenities: Sonder ensures that each property meets certain standards and provides amenities like WiFi, towels, and quality coffee.
3. Flexibility: Sonder offers both short-term rentals and longer-term stays, providing flexibility for different travel needs.
4. Wide selection: With over 8,500 options in 27 cities worldwide, Sonder offers a wide range of properties, from mid-range to luxury.
5. Hands-off option for property owners: Sonder accepts applications from property owners who want a hands-off approach to renting their property, handling everything from bookings to cleaning.
Cons of Sonder
1. Limited availability: While Sonder has properties in many cities worldwide, they may not be available in all destinations, limiting options for travellers.
2. Higher prices: Due to their consistent standards and guaranteed amenities, Sonder properties may come with higher prices compared to other accommodations.
3. Limited service options: Some Sonder locations may offer housekeeping services, while others may operate as self-check-in apartments only, limiting service options for guests.
4. Less local charm: While Sonder properties offer hotel-like cleanliness, they may lack the unique charm and personality of traditional Airbnb stays.
5. Limited international presence: While Sonder operates in several countries, their presence may be limited compared to other global accommodation platforms, restricting options for international travellers.
- The Plum Guide
If you’re interested in Airbnb but worry about the quality among so many choices, then you should check out the Plum Guide. The Plum Guide is picky about the properties they accept, choosing less than 5% of those that apply. They personally inspect each one against over 150 standards, from the shower pressure to the bedding quality, ensuring top-notch quality. This means there’s a smaller selection, but they still offer plenty of homes worldwide, catering to different budgets.
The only downside is they don’t have guest reviews, so if you prefer reading about others’ experiences, this might not be the best option for you. For property owners, it’s free to apply to list your property on The Plum Guide. However, they have a rigorous vetting process. Once approved, there’s a one-time membership fee on your first booking, covering the vetting cost, and a small commission on bookings. If you think your property meets their standards, you can sign up here.
Pros of the Plum Guide
1. High-quality standards: Plum Guide accepts less than 5% of properties, personally vetting each one against over 150 criteria, ensuring top-notch quality.
2. Reliable selection: With a smaller selection of properties, Plum Guide offers peace of mind that you’re only viewing the very best rentals in a location.
3. Detailed vetting process: Properties are inspected by a Plum Guide representative who stays at each one, providing accurate information about the listing.
4. Unique property names: Plum Guide uses fun, tongue-in-cheek names for homes, adding character to the listings.
5. Global availability: Plum Guide offers homes in destinations around the world, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Cons of the Plum Guide
1. Limited choice: Due to their stringent selection process, Plum Guide has a smaller selection of properties compared to other platforms like Airbnb.
2. Lack of guest reviews: Plum Guide doesn’t have guest reviews, which may make it harder for travellers to gauge the quality of a property based on past experiences.
3. Rigorous vetting process for property owners: While it’s free to apply to list a property on Plum Guide, the vetting process is strict, and there’s a one-time membership fee and commission on bookings if approved.
4. Limited information: While Plum Guide provides detailed descriptions, there may be fewer photos and less information available compared to other platforms.
5. Higher prices: The high-quality standards of Plum Guide properties may come with higher prices compared to other accommodations.
Conclusion
Airbnb is well-known in Britain for offering beach cottages, cozy countryside retreats in the Cotswolds, unique treehouses, and properties with hot tubs. However, if you’re seeking alternatives for your dream holiday rental in the UK, whether it’s by the sea, nestled in the countryside, or right in the heart of a city, you’ve come to the right place. We hope this article has been of tremendous help to you.
