If you’re relying solely on Airbnb, you’re leaving money on the table. While it remains the biggest name in short-term rentals, hosts who branch out often find higher occupancy, fewer restrictions, and better guest quality. But choosing where to list isn’t just about more bookings—it’s about control, profitability, and long-term sustainability.
So, which platforms are actually worth your time?
Direct Booking: The Power Move That Hosts Underestimate
Everyone talks about direct bookings, but most hosts don’t take them seriously until they’re burned by platform fees, sudden policy changes, or a guest dispute that goes sideways. The truth is, the biggest competitors to Airbnb aren’t other OTAs (Online Travel Agencies)—they’re the hosts who cut out the middleman.
A strong direct booking strategy reduces your dependence on any single platform. With a well-built website, a proper booking engine (think Lodgify, Hostaway, or OwnerRez), and a way to screen guests effectively (like Autohost), you can create a business that isn’t at the mercy of an algorithm. Many successful operators now drive over 50% of their bookings through their own site, leveraging SEO, paid ads, and repeat guests.
If you’re serious about long-term profitability, direct bookings should be part of your plan.
Vrbo: The Best for Longer Stays and Family Travel
Vrbo (Vacation Rental by Owner) existed before Airbnb and has stayed true to its roots. Unlike Airbnb, it focuses on whole-home rentals, attracting families, professionals, and groups who tend to stay longer and cause fewer problems.
One of Vrbo’s biggest advantages is that guests are used to paying a higher price. The platform doesn’t push discount culture the way Airbnb does, meaning hosts can maintain higher nightly rates. Additionally, Vrbo’s guest demographic generally has a lower tolerance for issues, meaning they’re less likely to leave unwarranted bad reviews.
The catch? Vrbo’s audience is smaller than Airbnb’s, so depending on your market, you may not see as many bookings. But for hosts who cater to family-friendly, high-end, or extended stays, it can be a perfect complement to Airbnb.
Booking.com: More Bookings, But More Risk
If you want sheer volume, Booking.com delivers. With millions of daily users, it provides unmatched exposure—especially for urban rentals. Unlike Airbnb and Vrbo, it operates more like a traditional hotel booking site, meaning it attracts travelers who may not even be aware of short-term rentals.
However, Booking.com is notorious for two things: strict cancellation policies that favor guests and a lack of host control over who books. Many hosts complain about last-minute cancellations, no-shows, and even fraudulent bookings. Without proper screening measures in place, it can be a risky platform for inexperienced operators.
That said, seasoned hosts who use a solid screening process and require prepayments often find that Booking.com brings in high occupancy and a different type of traveler—business professionals, Europeans, and older guests who are used to booking hotels rather than Airbnbs.
Furnished Finder: The Goldmine for Mid-Term Stays
If you’re in a city with a strong healthcare presence, Furnished Finder is an underrated gem. It specializes in 30+ day stays, primarily serving traveling nurses and corporate professionals. The platform doesn’t charge commissions, just an annual fee, and guests are pre-verified before they can inquire.
Mid-term rentals (30-90 days) are becoming a major strategy for hosts who want predictable income without the regulatory headaches of short-term stays. Furnished Finder guests typically book for work, meaning they’re low-maintenance and less likely to throw parties or cause property damage.
While you won’t get the same booking volume as Airbnb, each stay is longer, reducing turnover costs. Many hosts who use Furnished Finder see it as a way to stabilize income between shorter bookings.
Hopper Homes: The Rising Star with Serious Potential
Hopper, the travel app known for predicting flight prices, has expanded into short-term rentals with Hopper Homes. Unlike other OTAs, it uses data-driven pricing and AI to match travelers with properties at competitive rates.
Hopper Homes is still growing, but early adopters report high occupancy rates and a younger, tech-savvy guest demographic. The platform offers incentives like “Price Freeze,” allowing guests to lock in a rate before booking, which reduces last-minute cancellations.
For hosts looking to diversify, Hopper Homes is worth testing, especially in major cities where tech-savvy travelers use Hopper for flights and hotels.
Marriott Homes & Villas: Luxury-Level Guests Without the Hassle
If your property meets high-end standards, Marriott Homes & Villas can be a game-changer. This platform is Marriott’s answer to Airbnb, offering professionally managed vacation rentals that align with its hotel branding.
Marriott’s loyalty program brings in high-quality guests—business travelers, affluent families, and corporate clients who expect premium service. Because every listing must be professionally managed, the guest experience is closer to a luxury hotel than a typical short-term rental.
The downside? It’s not for casual hosts. Your property must meet strict quality standards, and you need to work with a professional management company to list. But if you have a high-end home, this can be a way to tap into a premium audience that’s willing to pay more.
Niche Platforms: Where the Hidden Profits Are
Beyond the big names, there are platforms built for specific types of guests:
Blueground
Corporate housing for extended stays in major cities
Plum Guide
Luxury short-term rentals with a strict vetting process
Golightly
A women-only booking platform focused on safety
Misterb&b
LGBTQ-friendly stays catering to an inclusive travel market
Evolve
A managed booking service that lists properties across multiple platforms
Many hosts overlook niche platforms because they assume the audience is too small. But these sites often attract highly targeted guests who are willing to pay a premium for a specialized experience.
The Smartest Hosts Aren’t Tied to One Platform
The most profitable short-term rental operators aren’t dependent on any single platform. They leverage multiple OTAs, build a direct booking presence, and use strategic pricing to optimize revenue.
Success in short-term rentals is about control—over your pricing, your guest quality, and your long-term sustainability. Airbnb might be the biggest player, but it shouldn’t be your only one. The hosts who understand this are the ones who thrive.