Alternative Accommodation

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the alternative accommodation sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on home-sharing, short-term rentals, timeshare, homestays and other property types.

Interview / Online

In The Big Chair - Tarry Wang Liantao of Xiaozhu

By Linda Fox | February 1, 2019

Xiaozhu is a Beijing-based short-term rental and management platform. The company was launched in 2012 and recently established a second base in Chengdu. It has already expanded to Japan and South-east... Read More

News / Distribution

With new strategic investment, Recharge extends by-the-minute booking platform to vacant homes

By Jill Menze | January 29, 2019

In addition to hotels, users of Recharge's pay-by-the-minute platform can now book homes, as well. Read More

Opinion / Distribution

Why Airbnb must avoid the tech trap OTAs fell into for years

By Craig Stewart - Freetobook | January 29, 2019

Airbnb's much-lauded move into hotel distribution has been a welcome addition to the hotel ecosystem - but it should beware of age-old pitfalls. Read More

News / Online

Gaest acquired as Airbnb bolsters unit for meetings and company services

By Kevin May | January 28, 2019

Danish startup Gaest is a booking tool for interview rooms, teambuilding spaces, corporate events - an area that Airbnb has been concentrating on during 2018. Read More

News / Online

Niche vacation rental platform Cozystay adds first properties in China

By Mitra Sorrells | January 24, 2019

Vancouver, Canada-based Cozystay expands its vacation rental platform into China with its acquisition of Oak Properties. Read More

News / Distribution

Fragmentation continues to shape the competitive landscape for hoteliers

By Diane Merlino | January 23, 2019

This analysis examines how the hospitality industry, from accommodation options to distribution technology, is heating up as external and internal forces ignite change in the sector. Read More

News / Online

Airbnb and hotel distribution - (almost) one year in

By Jill Menze | January 23, 2019

As the Airbnb and SiteMinder deal nears its one-year anniversary, here's an update on how the platform's hotels business is faring. Read More

Interview / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: SBC Travel launches crypto-friendly hotel booking platform

By Mitra Sorrells | January 23, 2019

SBC Travel is a new online travel agency that accepts cryptocurrency. It is launching with an inventory of 175,000 hotels and accommodation providers in more than 185 countries, primarily powered by... Read More

News / Online

HomeExchange builds alternative model to take on rentals with Netflix-style subscription

By Linda Fox | January 18, 2019

A subscription service, rather than pay-per-stay, is at the heart of the recently merged rental service. Read More

News / Online

TripAdvisor talks "holistic" approach to vacation rentals, new integrations

By Jill Menze | January 18, 2019

A new partnership with software company Guesty is helping TripAdvisor refine its Rentals business. Read More

News / Online

Outdoorsy rides off with $50M to expand its RV rental marketplace

By Mitra Sorrells | January 17, 2019

Peer-to-peer RV rental platform Outdoorsy has raised $50 million in Series C funding that will be used toward continued international expansion. Read More

News / Distribution

OYO sees big growth in business travelers, eyes further expansion

By Linda Fox | January 10, 2019

OYO Hotels and Homes continues to build up its business travel segment with the recent addition of a booking service for corporates booking their own trips. Read More