AirBnB alternatives

[Yannick189]

Hi all,

With AirBnB becoming a nuisance to use lately with all their security checks, verification codes, phone number validations, ... I'm looking for alternative platforms that are more user friendly.

Which are the best AirBnB alternatives you could recommend me?

Best regards,

Yannick

[Anonymous]

@Yannick189   It really depends on where you're going and what kind of property you want to stay in. Big global platforms are not always the best fit.

But if security checks and verifications are a "nuisance" to you, please consider for a moment that Airbnb hosts are absorbing all the risk that comes with giving the keys to their homes to a total stranger. If you're not willing to honor their need for some semblance of security there, you'll probably find that hotels are better suited to your needs.

[Alexandra316]

@Yannick189 All accommodations generally ask for ID: if you stay in a hotel, you generally need to provide your driver's license and/or passport. If the issue is providing the info online, yes, maybe a hotel is a better fit, as @Anonymous suggests, or going direct to hosts who have their own websites for their properties.

[Linda108]

Pretty cheeky to come on the Air BNB platform to ask for alternatives to Air BNB.  😄  Still you have been a valued guest for several years and have made good use of the platform.  I think what both hosts and guests are experiencing is an increase in system and customer service failures on this platform.  Perhaps you are not so against security since you have used Air BNB a number of times, but all of us are dealing with governmental regulation changes and confusion.  As others have suggested, hotels might be a better bet for you at this time.

[Yannick189]

@Anonymous @Alexandra316 Some of the original appeal of AirBnB to me was that it was merely a platform where guests and hosts could find each other, and work out an agreement informally. But when I tried to make another booking earlier, I was required to upload photographs of national ID card, take mug shots with my webcam, add personal information, and so on for the purpose of "ID verification". That is very, very far away from that original appeal in my opinion. What's left of the charms of a bed & breakfast if this platform makes the booking experience resemble that of a work visa or ESTA application? As you mentioned yourself already, if the procedure is that cumbersome and annoying, I can just as well book a room in a chain hotel where I'm also just a number.

At first I really enjoyed the concept of AirBnB, but lately I find myself booking hotels more often just because of the convenience of it. AirBnB makes it such a nuisance lately that making a booking feels like a chore. That can't be the way arranging holiday accommodations is supposed to be like.

@Linda108 That's exactly right, though still a very euphemistic way to phrase the situation. I made numerous bookings in the past all over Europe, so I would dare to say I'm not a "newbie" to the concept, indeed. I also have a track record of positive feedback from hosts. Keeping that in mind, here is my "experience" with AirBnB this morning:

* Tried to log in with email address and correct password, which was no longer recognized. Used the single sign-on link that AirBnB sent to my email address, but that didn't work either. Also sent some verification codes to a phone number somewhere in the process.

* So tried to reset the password then. Used password reset link in the email, but still wouldn't let me log in. So filed customer service ticket.

* After half an hour or so (to their credit, they responded really fast), I got a mail back from customer support to let me know they "reviewed" my account and unlocked it. Why was it locked in the first place??

* Then tried to make a booking but was required to upload copies of my national ID card for ID verification, then take mugshots with my webcam. Wouldn't let me finish the booking without this "ID verification".  Received the message that "ID verification is in progress".

* Half an hour ago received another email that the photos are apparently not good enough for ID verification and I need to add a "new" photo of myself. However following the link gets me back to the screen that says "ID verification is in progress" so can't add any more photos nor change them.

That's the current situation: wasted 2 hours on this, and the booking is still "pending" until whenever it decides the "ID verification" is complete. At this point I have no idea what's going on, what I'm supposed to do, let alone if the booking is going to be confirmed in time or not.

If there were hotels in the vicinity of where I want to travel, I'd have booked a hotel room long ago already...

So yes @Linda108 , the "increase in system and customer service failures on this platform" is quite an understatement if you'd ask me. I couldn't agree more with your point of view. It's just a shame that AirBnB is now so big/popular that it can afford to provide a sh itty customer service and get away with it. Which is why I asked for alternative platforms.

[Cathi4]

They were **bleep**ty to us too and that is why I am also searching for alternatives.  Not finding any though.  Our rooms are in our home so can't use VRBO....