Any traveling experts here? Any better alternatives to AirBnB?

What’s wrong with hotels?

jafo said:

Are there better alternatives to AirBnB?

I think many stay at hotels nowadays. But there are reasons not to. Budget may be one of them. Touch and feel anohter one. Some like to have a chat with the renters on a more personal manner. And others like to meet with the other guests. Or it can even be that you are visiting a sanctioned area that is not available on big hotel pages.

jafo said:

I'm fond of serviced apartments, but I am NOT sure if there is an equivalent of AirBnBs for serviced apartments.

There also is vrbo and booking. Youth hostels are another alternative.

Many times, there are local classified ad pages where you can find people willing to rent out. Or even google may help you find a valuable accomodation.

jafo said:

What do you use when you travel?

PS. Once or twice a year, I am planning to travel for +31 days ( ;) ) out of China and go to places like Thailand, the Philippines, Dagestan, Rio de Janeiro, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, etc etc, so I am looking for the best options to rent for at least one month. Any "directions" will be welcomed.

Wow, Dagestan. When are you going? Can we join you? @jafo, please PM me if possible.

check out Travala - you can pay with bitcoin (including lightning) and plenty of shitcoins as well

void said:

check out Travala - you can pay with bitcoin (including lightning) and plenty of shitcoins as well

It remains more convenient to sell crypto for fiat and book via Amex, you get more bang for your buck - including upgrades, points etc

Every country is different, I think good hotel is better but check speak with locals they can offer you something special, don't trust anybody in the street.
When you visite Indonesia I can ask a friend she is nice and helpful.

JohnnyDoe said:

It remains more convenient to sell crypto for fiat and book via Amex, you get more bang for your buck - including upgrades, points etc

it's more of a fun fact than a reason to use the site...

I traveled the world for a while and made hundreds of bookings via Airbnb and hotels. So I’m adding my two cents.

I have few complaints about Airbnb’s customer service, which is actually very good (exceptions aside). However the truth is: apartment owners come in all shapes and sizes.

When I take stock, you are better off with a hotel. At a certain point I started getting too annoyed. Internet that doesn't work, having to clean up too much before you leave your place. Owners complaining about small things. There are some good ones out there but if you have trouble, it takes up a lot of time and causes a lot of irritation.

And I don't think there really is an alternative to Airbnb. I tried them and they were disappointing. I advise against Booking.com due to the lack of customer service.

With hotel chains like Marriott, you can also just stay in long-stay apartments (Residence Inn or Marriott Apartments). And the price shouldn't be a deterrent either.

Have you considered a villas club membership such as https://exclusiveresorts.com/ ?

@jafo likes cheap or expensive? Cheap maybe sublet.com?

jafo said:

I cook my own breakfast, steak and eggs with ghee, and I make my own coffee from special beans.
Also, at night I cook my own dinner, which is usually steak, fish, crustaceans, sashimi, veal, lamb, etc with ghee (only two of them at the time). Nothing else.
Hotels, even Ritz Carlton, has a major problem with my requests and when they do it, I can rent an apartment for an extra month with what they charge. 😭

Good hotels (Ritz Carlton is not amongst them) are happy to accommodate all such requests, especially if made in advance. Or you can arrange a private chef to cook for you.

@jafo not sure how good your Chinese is. But as a general rule, if you follow the Chinese you normally get pretty good service for pretty low prices. If you know any Chinese in the area you want to visit, ask them. You can check on 小红书 or ask friends. Chinese are normally quite open and well connected. If you ask them for advice, they normally know where to get what you need as well.

JohnnyDoe said:

Have you considered a villas club membership such as https://exclusiveresorts.com/ ?

Also consider Invest In Together - Equity Estates if you want to invest
Or the luxury version of Airbnb: Luxury Vacation Rentals, Luxury Villa & Home Rentals | onefinestay

Marty McFly said:

Also consider Invest In Together - Equity Estates if you want to invest

Executive Summary: Price
Sounds good.

My favorite is: Luxury Villas & Vacation Rentals Worldwide | Rental Escapes
Especially if you want to rent a large villa as a big group, this is our go to, just for 100k you can rent nice ones for a month.
But this site is mostly focused on the Caribbean, for Asia I think Airbnb is unbeatable, just set the per night min price to 500 $ and you will find better apartments.

jafo said:

Dagestan

That is an interesting choice, what is there to see?