Recently, the sharing economy has completely changed how we travel, with Airbnb being one of the leaders of that change. Travelers now had access to truly unique accommodations around the world that often added a feel of authenticity to their travels. Fortunately, Airbnb isn’t the only company that can provide these services in the UK. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best Airbnb alternatives for UK travel for families.
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VRBO
VRBO is perhaps the most well-known alternative to Airbnb, with a lot of the same features. For this reason, it has been quite popular with travelers seeking more options with similar benefits.
With over two million properties across the globe, VRBO provides a diverse selection of vacation rentals. VRBO emphasizes family travel making it the perfect selection for families planning a getaway to the UK.
Many of their properties come with fully stocked kitchens, outdoor grills, and spacious living and sleeping areas.
This provides a lot of the comforts of home while on vacation. The extra space is ideal for families looking for an extended stay.
PLUM GUIDE
If you’re looking for luxury accommodations while in the UK, then This curated platform picks the nicest homes and apartments in the UK, ensuring that each accommodation measures up to their premium standards of quality and design.
The selections include everything from sophisticated townhomes in the best neighborhoods of London to charming countryside cottages ensuring a unique experience for your family.
To ensure that those high standards are met, Plum Guide abides by a strict vetting process which includes personally inspecting each property to make sure that it reaches their demanding criteria.
With a focus on quality, Plum Guide is the service to choose for families that appreciate a bit of luxury in their travel and high standards of hospitality.
SONDER
If you like the ease of use and convenience of a hotel with the space and options of a vacation rental, then Sonder is the service for your family.
This company offers a collection of fully furnished apartments in some of the best locations across the UK. This collection includes comfortable and stylish city accommodations that include city apartments and lofts.
These accommodations are geared toward the modern traveler with amenities such as high-speed wifi, smart TVs, and even an always-on-call concierge service.
With variable booking options and upfront pricing, Sonder is a great service for booking your next stay in the UK.
ONEFINESTAY
If your family is looking for a unique, luxury place to stay during your visit to the UK, then Onefinestay is a great service to choose from.
They boast a fine selection of luxury homes and villas in some of the best locations across the UK. Every place is selected for its quality and detail, ensuring that families enjoy a unique stay.
Onefinestay offers personalized service for your family vacation and attention to detail that makes it unique compared to other rental services.
This includes personalized check-in and concierge services. Overall, Onefinestay goes above and beyond to that your family’s experience is always exceptional.
BOOKING TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
When planning your UK family getaway, timing and thoughtful preparation can make all the difference. For popular destinations like London, Cornwall, or the Lake District, booking well in advance is essential during peak travel seasons such as summer or school holidays. For instance, for our trip to London, we booked a bit over 5 months in advance and found a great deal.
Off-peak travel (autumn or winter, excluding Christmas) often offers lower rates and more availability, especially for city stays. Be sure to consider properties tailored to families; platforms like Kid & Coe specialize in rentals with amenities such as cribs, high chairs, and play areas.
Understanding local rental regulations is crucial, particularly in cities like London or Edinburgh, where strict rules govern short-term rentals.
Look for hosts who provide official registration numbers to ensure compliance. When choosing a property, compare cancellation policies and additional fees like cleaning or deposits, which can vary widely across platforms.
Finally, read reviews carefully to ensure the property meets your family’s specific needs. Thoughtful planning guarantees a stress-free and memorable stay for the whole family.
ENJOY YOUR STAY IN THE UK
While Airbnb may remain the most popular home-sharing service, there are several great options to choose from when visiting the UK. Each of these services will provide different options depending on what you’re looking for. By checking out these options you’ll make a more informed decision which will contribute to an amazing visit to the UK. Now that you’ve selected which service to go for, start planning your trip to the UK with a visit to London and check out our money-saving tips on booking flights to London! Safe travels
