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 / Startups

STARTUP STAGE: StretchBill enables STR managers to offer layaway-style payment option

By Mitra Sorrells | May 16, 2024

Founded in 2023, StretchBill creates a pay-over-time option for short-term rentals, including an option that lets individuals traveling together each take responsibility for specific payments. Read More

News / Online

Holidu snaps up Clubrural in latest acquisition

By Linda Fox | May 15, 2024

Madrid, Spain-based Clubrural, which was founded in 1997, has a portfolio of 28,000 homes and apartments. It said its website attracts 15 million visitors annually. Read More

News / Online

HomeToGo booking revenue hits "all-time high" in Q1

By Linda Fox | May 14, 2024

The company said growth in Q1 was partly related to the consolidation of HomeToGo’s recent acquisitions of short-break specialists KMW Reisen and Super Urlaub. Read More

News / Distribution

Vacasa announces layoffs to 13% of workforce

By D.J. Catron | May 9, 2024

The vacation rental management company laid off 13% of its workforce as it seeks to reorganize operations following a Q1 that saw gross booking value drop 18% year over year. Read More

News / Online

Airbnb's Chesky says homes will be just one of “many categories” in its future “solar system”

By Mitra Sorrells | May 8, 2024

Along with details about longer term growth plans, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky shared details of the company's Q1 growth, including a 60% increase year over year in app downloads in the United States. Read More

News / Startups

Australian-based Hometime raises $6.6M to bolster STR growth

By Morgan Hines | May 8, 2024

The new funding is meant to bolster Hometime’s goal to professionalize the STR industry, to grow its brand and to enter new markets. Read More

News / Startups

Naya Homes nabs $3M for vacation rental expansion in Mexico

By Linda Fox | May 8, 2024

Naya has raised $9.2 million to date, and these latest funds will go toward expanding the company into 10 new markets in Mexico. Read More

News / Online

Airbnb’s “Icons” launch prompts mixed reaction from industry voices

By Morgan Hines | May 6, 2024

Some industry leaders are in favor of Airbnb's new limited-access, unconventional experiences that tie into pop culture while others are feeling underwhelmed Read More

News / Distribution

Guesty acquires Rentals United

By Morgan Hines | May 2, 2024

STR property management platform Guesty has acquired cloud-based distribution platform Rentals United to create new revenue opportunities and expand offerings. Read More

News / Online

Airbnb puts new spin on experiences with “Icons” launch

By Mitra Sorrells | May 1, 2024

Aligned with its strategy to move beyond its core short-term rental business, Airbnb is launching new experiences created in partnership with "the world's greatest icons." Read More

News / Online

Hostaway launches financial services for STRs

By D.J. Catron | April 25, 2024

Hostaway Capital, in partnership with Parafin, will offer financing options for vacation rental property management. Read More

News / Startups

Short-term rental experts talk funding climate, acquisition and valuations

By Linda Fox | April 25, 2024

Vacation rental executives from Awaze, HomeToGo, Hostaway, CVC Capital and Forge Holiday Group discuss industry growth and challenges. Read More

News / Online

RedAwning acquires STR property management startup Awning

By Mitra Sorrells | April 24, 2024

Awning helps property owners and investors purchase and manage short-term rentals, providing services such site selection, assistance with renovation and furnishings and ongoing management and guest... Read More

News / Technology

Maturing STR sector challenged to balance host security and guest privacy

By D.J. Catron | April 24, 2024

Airbnb’s new policy banning indoor security cameras takes effect April 30, underscoring just how critical the sector’s concern for balancing security and privacy has become. Read More