Best Airbnb Alternatives for Booking Better Vacation Rentals in 2026
Exploring the Best Airbnb Alternatives for Your Next Vacation Rental
While Airbnb remains the most recognized name in short-term rental bookings, it’s far from the only option available—especially here in Denver, a city known for its unique neighborhoods and thriving travel scene. As more visitors discover the Mile High City’s arts districts, mountain views, and vibrant local life, they’re seeking alternatives that offer tailored experiences and meaningful local connections. Let’s look at some vacation rental platforms and options that deliver real value, whether you’re a property owner interested in maximizing your investment or a traveler wanting a memorable stay.
1. Vrbo: Vacation Rentals with Rewards
Vrbo has carved out a solid reputation as a user-friendly competitor to Airbnb, often likened to how Lyft stands alongside Uber. While Vrbo’s property pool is smaller, it shines with its One Key loyalty program—which means guests earn 2% back in OneKeyCash with every qualifying stay, usable across Vrbo, Expedia, and Hotels.com. The platform’s powerful search filters simplify cost comparisons, and savvy guests use the “total price” feature to get a true sense of nightly expenses (no surprise fees at checkout). One thing to keep in mind: cancellation policies can be confusing, and compared to Airbnb, Vrbo sometimes lags when it comes to customer support.
Vrbo listings often reveal hidden gems—unique homes that can make your Denver getaway extra special—if you’re willing to do a little searching.
With Denver and other World Cup 2026 host cities expecting a spike in demand, booking early on platforms like Vrbo is a smart strategy to secure the best rates and availability.
2. Booking.com: Professional-Style Rentals for International and City Travel
If you’re a frequent traveler or looking abroad, Booking.com is a familiar name—most known for hotel and flight searches, but it also offers many vacation rental listings. These properties often come with a more professional touch thanks to larger property managers, particularly in major international destinations. The result? A smooth, predictable booking and check-in process. While Booking.com’s apartments may not always have the same quirky personality as other platforms, travelers benefit from consistently managed rentals and straightforward experiences. For Denver locals renting out their properties, it’s worth noting that travelers from overseas often trust Booking.com for both professional oversight and simplicity.
3. Vacasa: Professionally Managed Rentals With Local Flavor
Vacasa operates as a full-service vacation rental management company, handling everything from cleaning to pricing and guest communication. For guests, this translates to high standards: each property is regularly inspected, cleaned thoroughly, and backed by round-the-clock support. Unique partnerships allow some listings to be booked with points from brands like Marriott Bonvoy and Wyndham Rewards, which appeals to loyalty-focused travelers. With over 40,000 homes across the United States, Canada, Belize, Costa Rica, and Mexico, Vacasa offers not just variety—think mountain cabins, stylish condos, and beachfront homes—but also trust in consistently maintained properties.
- High cleaning and inspection standards
- Ability to redeem or earn reward points through certain partnerships
- Real-time support and streamlined check-in/out guided by Vacasa’s app
One thing to note: Vacasa’s reach is mainly in North America, and its overall property count still falls short compared to Airbnb’s global footprint. But in markets like Denver, where the local touch matters and regulations are complex, the combination of professional management and localized expertise is hard to beat.
4. Hipcamp: Rustic and Unique Outdoor Stays
If traditional vacation rentals aren’t what you’re after—and you’d prefer fresh air, stargazing, and maybe a yurt or Airstream—Hipcamp is a go-to platform. Specializing in both primitive campsites and glamping, Hipcamp appeals to outdoor lovers looking for affordable, off-the-beaten-path stays that hotels can’t offer. Just remember, the rustic charm also brings unpredictable amenities: some sites are cozy and quirky, others might be a bit too “bare bones” for city dwellers who crave structure.
5. Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy: A Way to Use Your Points
Marriott’s foray into vacation rentals comes in the form of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy. Launched in 2019, it quickly attracted attention from the brand’s loyalists. Guests can both earn and redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, offering an appealing option for travelers who have stacked up rewards through credit card bonuses or frequent stays. Properties undergo strict vetting to ensure quality, and the listings lean heavily toward the luxury and upscale side. If you’ve got a pile of Marriott points sitting idle, booking through Homes & Villas means you can splurge on a vacation rental without dipping into cash.
However, the program’s portfolio is very limited, and point redemptions sometimes yield less value than using cash. Still, if maximizing travel rewards matters to you, this pathway is worth checking each trip.
6. Local Vacation Rental Management Companies: Support Small Businesses
Local property management companies—like those in Denver’s vibrant neighborhoods or scenic foothill towns—can offer a personal touch and support the local economy. In places where regulations around short-term rentals are strict, using a local expert helps both you and your guests avoid headaches. For travelers, it often means a more genuine, on-the-ground experience. For owners, local managers handle paperwork, compliance, and property care—so you stay worry-free and focused on results. Sometimes, these companies even operate entire neighborhoods of rentals (think Seabrook, Washington, or destinations in the Rockies), further streamlining bookings and guest support.
7. Resorts with Private Cabins and Cottages: The Best of Both Worlds
Some travelers want both privacy and all the perks of a resort. That’s where all-in-one destinations with private cottages, cabins, or homes prove ideal. Take Big Cedar Lodge in Missouri or Evermore Orlando Resort in Florida—guests enjoy private lodging with traditional home features and full resort amenities like spas, restaurants, and activities right outside their door. In 2025, these types of resorts started partnering with major hotel brands, letting guests use points from programs such as Hilton Honors for bookings. In Denver, this could soon become a popular option, too, as more resorts introduce standalone rentals to attract families and groups wanting a retreat with resort-level convenience.
These hybrid stays offer the comfort of four walls—your own kitchen, plenty of space, outdoor access—plus hotel-grade services like 24-hour staff and on-site dining.
Apartment Collection by Hilton: What’s Next?
The vacation rental landscape is shifting in 2026 with Hilton’s introduction of its Apartment Collection. Designed for travelers who prefer the reliability of a hotel with the space of a fully furnished apartment, this new offering features a range of options from studios to four-bedroom layouts. All locations promise:
- Chef-ready kitchens (not just microwaves or mini-fridges)
- True living rooms, making it perfect for work trips or families
- In-unit laundry
- Urban settings close to top attractions
- Full Hilton Honors integration—points can be earned and redeemed, Wi-Fi is free for members, and bookings are simple through the Hilton site
Early launch cities include New York, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, with broader expansion underway thanks to partnerships with seasoned operators. While availability might be limited at first, this marks a significant step for loyalty program members looking to combine point redemptions with the flexibility of home-style stays.
Tips for Selecting the Right Platform
Every traveler—and every property owner—has different priorities. Some value ease, others crave high touch, local expertise, or loyalty rewards. If cost, usability, or safety make Airbnb less appealing for you, these alternatives each satisfy a unique niche. Here’s how to get the best results:
- Look closely at all-in costs—including taxes and cleaning or resort fees—before booking
- Pay attention to cancellation policies and guest support options
- Consider using a platform that matches your loyalty programs or travel habits
- For property owners, partner with managers who are local experts and understand regional regulations and guest expectations
Denver’s rental market continues to evolve—local expertise and thoughtful management can make all the difference for both guests and owners. Whether you’re booking a rustic cabin, urban apartment, or full-service resort suite, there are tailored solutions to meet your expectations and goals. In the end, a little research goes a long way towards a rewarding experience for everyone involved.