The Best Airbnb Alternatives: 6 Luxury Vacation Rental Websites

While I am a big fan of Airbnb, especially Airbnb Experiences (read my favorites), I want people to realize that there are so many incredible choices out there in terms of vacation rental websites. While other vacation rental companies might not have as many worldwide listings as Airbnb, I have found a few special companies that truly focus on quality over quantity. When it comes to booking luxury apartments and homes around the world for your next five-star getaway, I would certainly recommend any of these websites as Airbnb alternatives…

#1 One Fine Stay 

Destinations: Worldwide (Villas and city apartments in Europe, USA, UK, Australia, Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and Asia) 

One Fine Stay offers some of the finest homes (and service!) around the world to rent for your next holiday. You can expect all of their properties to be in the most desirable destinations thanks to an expertly curated portfolio. One Fine Stay focuses on luxury city apartments and villas – all have been handpicked for space, character, and comfort. The entire One Fine Stay booking experience is professionally managed to ensure the highest quality stay and they’re available for 24/7 support. Out of all of my favorite vacation rental websites listed below, One Fine Stay has the most properties worldwide!

#2 Sonder

Destinations: Worldwide (35 cities in the USA, Canada, Mexico, UK, Ireland, Italy, Spain and UAE)

Sonder offers the most modern city apartment rentals around the world for your next trip. They make sure each Sonder apartment offers more space than hotel rooms, contemporary design, contact-free service, professional cleaning, fast wifi, ultra amenities like artisan coffee, in-suite laundry, 24/7 support and more! And with the current state of the world, you can book with space of mind with Sonder thanks to their flexible cancellation policies. While Sonder apartments are high-end, you certainly get bang for your buck with the average nightly rate being $189.

#3 Plum Guide 

Destinations: 9 countries (Hundreds across Europe, USA, UK, and Israel) 

With a motto like “Book a stay in one of the world’s best home. We don’t list a lot of homes, just the right ones,” you better believe that Plum Guide focuses on quality over quantity. Plum Guide knows there is an incredible amount of vacation properties available to book online, so they’ve done the hard work for you. They review every single vacation home available in each of their destinations, and then select the top 3% in each price bracket. Their vetting process is one of the most rigorous so you can expect high quality properties, along with an expert concierge team that is only a phone call away – 7 days a week. And you’ll never pay more with Plum Guide as they match prices daily! Their price checking algorithm makes sure that you won’t find the homes listed on Plum Guide cheaper on another platform for the same dates.

#4 Natural Retreats 

Destinations: United States (12 states – California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, New Hampshire, New Mexico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Virginia) 

Natural Retreats is the perfect vacation rental website for those who enjoy the outdoors, but still want to stay in a unique and luxurious property! They operate in some of America’s most iconic and stunning destinations – from Palm Springs and Park City to the coastal Carolina barrier islands. Natural Retreat’s not only offers well-appointed vacation homes, but they elevate the travel experience in order for you to feel at home and have unforgettable experiences. Along with a national team, Natural Retreat’s also has local managers who provide personalized care, and tips on how best to enjoy your vacation destination. Honestly, the gorgeous properties in the Natural Retreats’ portfolio speak for themselves!

#5 Avantstay – Referral code for $250 in travel credit!

Destinations: United States (8 states – Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah)

Avantstay is another fantastic vacation rental website with luxury properties throughout the United States that are perfect for large groups, families, and corporate retreats. Their beautifully designed homes range from 3 to 10+ bedrooms featuring spacious rooms, fully equipped kitchens, CDC-compliant cleaning, high-end amenities (echo dots!), decked out backyards and so much more. I particularly love how Avantstay go out of their way to create memorable travel experiences for you with their team who goes above and beyond. For example, they can help you arrange spa services, bucket-list worthy excursions like hot air ballooning, or even a private chef. Avantstay wants to set the new standard for short term rental experiences and they certainly do!

#6 Paris Perfect

Destinations: Paris, obviously! (Also throughout France, Italy properties with Italy Perfect, London apartments with London Perfect, and villas in Bali with Bali Perfect)  

Paris Perfect offer dreamy apartments in the City of Love that are impeccably designed for your comfort. Not to mention – they are rather Instagram-worthy, especially their apartments with views of the Eiffel Tower! While Paris Perfect apartments are perfect for a romantic retreat, they also have spacious apartments that are ideal for family vacations, business travel, monthly rentals and more. Every Paris Perfect apartment is in a central city location that is ideal for sightseeing. Their team is always on hand to help you with anything, including giving you their favorite Paris insider tips to help you enjoy your stay, whether that be recommending excellent tour guides, cooking classes, or the best restaurants and pastry shops to visit. Thankfully, Paris Perfect have expanded and also offer equally beautiful properties in Italy, London, and even Bali.