Looking for an Airbnb Alternative? Here Are 6 You’ll Actually Want to Use

Airbnb has gotten weird. Not completely terrible, but definitely not the easy, affordable option it once was. As a result, many customers are looking for an Airbnb alternative. Some have noted issues like “cleaning fees stacked on top of service fees,” “hosts asking guests to mow the lawn,” and “check out by 10 a.m. and strip the beds”—all while paying hotel-level prices.

It’s no wonder people are quietly looking for other places to stay, instead of Airbnb. Luckily, there are a few good ones. Some are better for cities, some for weekend escapes. Some are just… simpler.

Here are six solid Airbnb alternatives in the UK that won’t make you want to cancel your holiday halfway through booking.

UK’s Top 6 Airbnb Alternatives

Vrbo – For When You Just Want A Normal House

Not interested in a yurt, a pod, or someone’s garage turned “loft”? Fair.

Vrbo (which stands for “Vacation Rental By Owner”) has been around longer than Airbnb, and it’s better for full homes — especially if you’re travelling with mates, your family, or both.

It’s ideal for holidays in Cornwall, Devon, and the Lakes. Places where you want a base, not an experience. The listings are more straightforward: fewer gimmicks, more practical stuff like working kitchens and space to breathe.

You won’t find a tonne of quirks, but you’ll probably sleep better.

CoolStays – For Something A Bit Nicer (But Still Chill)

CoolStays is like Airbnb’s cousin who’s figured their life out.

The places are interesting — treehouses, barns, boathouses, designer cabins — but they’ve been vetted, and the quality’s just… better. You’re not scrolling past 300 identical listings to find one that doesn’t look like it might smell damp.

Great for mini-breaks, especially if you want something unusual without sacrificing hot water or basic cleanliness. A solid option for the Cotswolds, Yorkshire Dales, Wales, and even the Scottish Highlands.

Also? No long lists of rules taped to the fridge.

Kip Hideaways – Quiet, Small, Lovely

Kip is small on purpose. They list hand-picked, character-driven stays — a forest hut with a log burner, a studio on a remote cliff, and a glass cabin in a meadow.

If you’re into minimalist interiors, stone floors, local bread, and silence, this is the one. Think grown-up glamping but indoors.

It’s not for booking a stag do in Liverpool. It is for disappearing into the countryside with someone you like (or at least tolerate).

Heads-up: you need a membership (£19/year), but it pays for itself quickly if you travel even a little.

Booking.com – Don’t Laugh, It’s Not Bad

Yes, it’s where your uncle books his airport hotel. But this (Booking.com) platform is surprisingly good now for apartments and short lets in cities.

The interface is a bit clunky, and the reviews can be too kind — but you’ll often find fully serviced flats with proper customer support. And no “please water the plants” nonsense.

Also useful if you’re travelling last minute or need a short stay that isn’t £300 a night. It’s not exciting, but it works.

Think practicality over vibes.

TrustedHousesitters – Free If You Like Cats

This one’s odd but genius.

TrustedHousesitters connects travellers with homeowners who need someone to house-sit while they’re away. You look after the pets (usually a cat or dog), and in return, you stay in their home for free.

Yes, free. No nightly rate, just an annual membership.

Obviously, it’s not great if you don’t want to walk a dog in the rain. But if you like animals and your travel style’s a bit slower, it’s a smart way to stay in big houses in places like Bath, Oxford, or Brighton without spending a fortune.

Bonus: pet cuddles.

Canopy & Stars – Outdoorsy Without The Mud

Canopy & Stars is for people who want to be in nature but don’t want to be cold, hungry, or surrounded by 40 other people in a field.

They do glamping, but nicely. Shepherd’s huts with hot tubs. Treehouses with heating. Safari tents with actual beds. It’s curated, it’s UK-focused, and it’s honestly lovely.

They also don’t list anything they haven’t stayed in themselves. So you’re not booking based on one blurry photo and hoping for the best.

Perfect if you want to recharge and don’t mind hearing birds instead of traffic.

Things To Keep In Mind (No Matter Where You Book)

• Always check the cancellation terms. Every site is different.
• Look for recent reviews — last year’s “perfect stay” might be a bit dated.
• Photos matter, but ask a question or two before booking. A quick response tells you a lot.
• If a place has 30 rules, don’t ignore the red flag.

Final Words

Airbnb still has its place. But these days, it’s no longer the scrappy, cheap alternative to hotels. It’s… a bit messy. If you’re tired of guessing what’s behind the listing, trying something new is fair enough.

These Airbnb alternatives aren’t hype. They work. They’re often run by people who actually care whether or not you enjoy your stay. And that makes a big difference when you’re spending good money on a break.

You want your holiday to start when you arrive, not after you’ve changed the sheets and taken the bins out.