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.

New report shows short-term rentals gaining ground on hotels
News / Online
New report shows short-term rentals gaining ground on hotels
By Derek Catron | October 13, 2023
Hotels still account for 85% of the U.S. market, but short-term rentals' 15% share is nearly double the 8% it held in 2018, according to research from AirDNA and STR.   Read More
Airbnb shutters Plus program, promises other upgrades for hosts
News / Online
Airbnb shutters Plus program, promises other upgrades for hosts
By Linda Fox | October 11, 2023
Airbnb Plus was unveiled in early 2018 and enabled hosts to be part of a higher tier based on quality and comfort. Read More
Booking adds sustainability badge for short-term rentals vetted by Sustonica
News / Startups
Booking adds sustainability badge for short-term rentals vetted by Sustonica
By Mitra Sorrells | October 11, 2023
Properties that have received the Sustonica certification will now show a “Level 3+ Travel Sustainable” badge at the top of their listing on Booking.com.   Read More
AI Insights: Generative AI to enhance vacation rental software Lodgify
News / Online
AI Insights: Generative AI to enhance vacation rental software Lodgify
By PhocusWire | October 9, 2023
Lodgify's co-founder and CEO Dennis Klett answers our questions about how the company is working with generative AI. Read More
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups of 2019
News / Online
Where are they now? Checking in with our Hot 25 Startups of 2019
By Morgan Hines | October 9, 2023
Sanctifly, Stay22, Lumo, Beyond, TravelPerk and GuestReady update PhocusWire on what they’ve been up to since they were named part of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Travel Startups for 2019. Read More
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
News / Startups
Habyt lands $40M for co-living concept expansion
By Linda Fox | October 5, 2023
Investment in the Germany-based business was led by Korelya Capital and Deutsche Invest with Exor Ventures, Endeavor Catalyst and existing investors also participating. Read More
New tax laws, increased enforcement challenge online lodging marketplaces
From Our Partners / Online
New tax laws, increased enforcement challenge online lodging marketplaces
By Diane Merlino | October 3, 2023
Vacation rental owners, property management professionals and OTAs cannot afford to ignore the complicated mix of tax regulations and new demands on online marketplaces. Read More
Safely raises $8M for its short-term rental insurance and screening tools
News / Startups
Safely raises $8M for its short-term rental insurance and screening tools
By Mitra Sorrells | October 2, 2023
Since its founding, Safely has raised more than $20 million in a combination of funding and venture debt and has insured more than four million nights. Read More
Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC
News / Online
Airbnb turns attention to other cities but would reopen talks with NYC
By Morgan Hines | September 28, 2023
Airbnb's Brian Chesky said the new rules make New York more expensive for travelers, but the head of the city's DMO said he is not concerned about an impact on the city's economy. Read More
NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe
News / Startups
NUMA raises $59M to grow its hospitality brand across Europe
By Mitra Sorrells | September 28, 2023
NUMA has more than 4,500 rooms and apartments in 10 countries across 28 cities in Europe including Berlin, Rome, Milan and Barcelona, with a focus on “boutique studios for modern travelers.”   Read More
Bookings for vacation rentals in Asia are on the rise
News / Online
Bookings for vacation rentals in Asia are on the rise
By Morgan Hines | September 26, 2023
Trip101 reports that vacation rental bookings jumped 84% in Asia from 2022 to 2023 with stay length also increasing. Read More
Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe
News / Startups
Líbere Hospitality raises €6M internally for growth in Europe
By Linda Fox | September 22, 2023
The hospitality company currently has 37 properties with 1,200 units across 13 cities in Spain and southern Europe and plans to reach 1,300 units by the end of 2024. Read More
Airbnb announces new system to verify listings
News / Online
Airbnb announces new system to verify listings
By Derek Catron | September 21, 2023
Verified listings will be denoted by an icon starting in February for the U.S., Canada, Australia, the U.K. and France, with 30 more countries to be added next fall.   Read More
HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity
News / Online
HomeToGo creates chief investment role for further M&A activity
By Linda Fox | September 20, 2023
Bodo Thielmann has joined HomeToGo as chief investment director after previous stints at OYO Vacation Homes and Axel Springer Group. Read More
HotelRunner acquires point-of-sale system PayPad
News / Technology
HotelRunner acquires point-of-sale system PayPad
By Mitra Sorrells | September 19, 2023
Founded in 2011, this is HotelRunner’s third acquisition, and the company said it is a “significant milestone” as its first product for on-premises sales and payments for hotels. Read More
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