15 Best Airbnb Alternatives in India for Affordable Stays 2025
Looking for places to stay in India without Airbnb’s infamous service fees? It’s a familiar story for many of us who travel the subcontinent. You find the perfect spot, only to be hit with surprise charges at the last minute. The good news is there are plenty of alternatives offering better prices and local expertise.
This guide points to 15 tested platforms that deliver competitive rates, clear pricing, and quality stays across India. Whether you’re planning a budget trip or a luxury getaway, these Airbnb alternatives will help you save money while enjoying authentic Indian hospitality in 2025. If you’re searching for “Best Airbnb alternative India” or are curious about “Cheap Airbnb alternative India” threads on platforms like Reddit, this guide is for you.
Quick Overview: Top Airbnb Alternatives at a Glance
| Platform | Best For | Price Range | Geographic Coverage | Unique Feature |
| Hireavilla | Luxury Experiences | ₹15,000-₹60,000+ | 10 Premium Destinations | No Hidden Fees |
| MakeMyTrip Homestays | Bundle Deals | ₹1,500-₹20,000 | Nationwide | Travel Package Integration |
| Booking.com | Variety | ₹1,000-₹50,000+ | Extensive | Mix of Hotels & Homes |
| Vrbo | Families | ₹3,000-₹40,000 | Tourist Hotspots | Entire Properties Only |
| SaffronStays | Unique Experiences | ₹8,000-₹40,000 | Scenic Locations | Heritage Properties |
| StayVista | Group Travel | ₹10,000-₹50,000 | Hill Stations & Beaches | Villa-focused |
| ELO House | Peer-to-peer | ₹1,500-₹15,000 | Growing | Local Host Network |
| Agoda Homes | Asian Travel | ₹1,200-₹30,000 | Strong in Major Cities | Extensive Deals |
| cozycozy | Price Shopping | Varies | Nationwide | Multi-platform Comparison |
| HiChee | Deal Finding | Varies | Moderate | Side-by-side Price Check |
| TripAdvisor Rentals | Research | ₹2,000-₹30,000 | Tourist Areas | Verified Reviews |
| KAYAK | Deal Hunting | Varies | Urban Centers | Price Aggregation |
| Top Villas | Luxury Stays | ₹20,000-₹100,000+ | Limited | Concierge Services |
| Plum Guide | Premium Quality | ₹15,000-₹80,000 | Growing | Inspected Properties |
| OYO Homes | Budget Travel | ₹800-₹5,000 | Nationwide | Standardized Quality |
The 15 Best Airbnb Alternatives in India
1. Hireavilla – Best Overall Alternative
Hireavilla stands out as a leading Airbnb alternative in India for luxury travelers. Their selection of high-end villas comes with full transparency on pricing, no hidden fees or surprise charges at checkout. Unlike competitors, they provide property management with amenities like private chefs, concierge services, and well-kept pool areas.
Operating across 10 premium destinations including Goa, Lonavala, and Alibaug, Hireavilla properties typically range from ₹15,000 to ₹60,000+ per night. Property owners can enjoy higher returns compared to other platforms. Each villa undergoes strict quality and safety checks, ensuring consistent experiences that larger platforms cannot always guarantee.
Key Advantages:
- Zero hidden fees or service charges
- Personally vetted luxury properties
- Professional management and concierge
- Ideal for special occasions and group getaways
2. MakeMyTrip Homestays – Best for Bundle Deals
As India’s largest travel platform, MakeMyTrip offers an extensive selection of homestays and apartments across the country. Their main advantage is the ability to book complete travel packages, combining accommodation with flights, trains, or activities in a single reservation. I’ve found this useful for bundling a last-minute flight to Rajasthan with a haveli stay, saving both time and a few rupees.
- Fee Structure: Charges variable convenience fees shown before payment, with GST and local taxes either included or displayed separately. Cleaning fees are typically bundled into the property rate.
- Customer Support: 24/7 phone support across multiple numbers, plus email, chat, and physical retail offices in major cities. Response times range from immediate (phone/chat) to up to 30 days for escalated issues.
- Host Verification: Requires detailed property information, high-resolution images, and identity verification documents (Aadhaar card linked to mobile). Business managers contact hosts for additional verification, with final approval taking 24-72 hours. Physical inspections are discretionary and primarily for award programs.
This bundling capability often results in savings compared to booking separately. With properties ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury apartments, MakeMyTrip covers everything from metropolitan cities to remote hill stations.
3. Booking.com – Best for Variety and Flexibility
Booking.com is no longer just for hotels; it now offers a substantial inventory of vacation rentals, apartments, and homestays throughout India. Their platform excels with flexible cancellation policies and a mix of instant-book properties alongside unique stays.
- Search Filters: Consistently has detailed filters for family rooms, pet-friendly options, cribs, and wheelchair accessibility features. Filter depth surpasses most regional platforms.
- Host Verification: Hosts complete online registration providing amenity details, high-resolution photos, and ownership/identity documentation. There are no standard physical inspections in India; quality assurance relies on guest reviews and content completeness scores.
The “Genius” loyalty program provides regular travelers with additional discounts and perks. With extensive coverage in both urban centers and tourist destinations, Booking.com offers something for every budget and preference. Their verified review system helps ensure property quality and accuracy.
4. Vrbo – Best for Entire Home Rentals
Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) focuses exclusively on entire properties, no shared spaces or private rooms. This makes it ideal for families and groups who want privacy and space. While Vrbo’s India inventory is smaller than some competitors, they maintain strong coverage in key tourist destinations like Goa, Kerala, and Himachal Pradesh.
Fee Breakdown:
- Service Fee: 6-15% of booking subtotal (shown separately)
- Cleaning Fee: Set by hosts, disclosed upfront
- Taxes: Occupancy and local taxes (included or separate)
- Additional Charges: Property/resort fees, pet fees, damage protection (all itemized at checkout)
- Family Features: Superior filter capabilities for amenities like cribs, high chairs, pet policies, and wheelchair access.
Vrbo’s family-friendly filters make it easy to find properties with specific amenities like cribs, high chairs, or fenced yards. The platform specializes in vacation homes rather than urban apartments, making it perfect for holiday getaways.
5. SaffronStays – Best for Heritage Properties
If the sheer volume of the big platforms is overwhelming, some operators offer a more curated selection. SaffronStays has carved a niche with its premium homestays in scenic locations throughout India. They specialize in heritage properties, colonial bungalows, and traditional homes with modern amenities. Their portfolio includes estates in tea plantations, beachfront villas, and mountain retreats.
- User Experience: Clean, contemporary website and app with user-friendly navigation and featured collections. The payment gateway is reliable for Indian cards, though international cards may encounter verification issues.
- Pricing Transparency: Service charges are typically covered in the displayed price or shown as separate line items. GST and local taxes are included or shown at checkout. It aims for all-inclusive pricing with any security deposits or extra service charges disclosed before payment.
- Support Model: Phone support and online contact forms are available during business hours, with most queries answered within hours on working days. For property disputes, they investigate directly and may offer relocation, compensation, or refunds if issues are verified.
What sets SaffronStays apart is its focus on offbeat destinations and historically significant properties. Many listings come with caretakers and cooks offering authentic local cuisine.
6. StayVista – Best for Group Bookings
Formerly known as Vista Rooms, StayVista excels in private villas and bungalows ideal for large groups. Their properties feature spacious layouts, private pools, and outdoor areas perfect for gatherings. With strong coverage in hill stations like Lonavala, Kodaikanal, and Coonoor, they’re a go-to for mountain getaways.
- Search Capabilities: Provides filters for family-friendly and pet-friendly stays, though specialized filters like cribs or wheelchair access may not be as consistently available compared to global platforms.
- Fee Structure: Service/convenience fees may apply but are integrated into the total shown before payment. Some properties charge cleaning fees separately while others bundle them. GST and mandatory taxes are included or added as distinct line items.
- Customer Service: Support via phone, WhatsApp, email, and website forms during extended hours. Aims for same-day responses during business hours. For disputes, they investigate by contacting owners and may arrange relocation, refunds, or compensation with formal escalation channels available.
StayVista’s concierge can arrange everything from airport transfers to special celebration setups. Their properties typically accommodate 8-20 guests, making them ideal for family reunions, friend getaways, or small destination weddings.
7. ELO House – Best for Peer-to-Peer Bookings
This India-focused platform offers a direct alternative to Airbnb’s peer-to-peer model. ELO House emphasizes connecting travelers directly with local hosts, featuring free property listings and simplified host onboarding.
- Platform Experience: Simple website primarily targeting Indian travelers. It is less polished compared to international platforms, with basic navigation and limited advanced filters or map integration. The booking workflow shows limited accommodation options per search.
- Payment Support: Efficient support for Indian payment gateways, though international credit cards may encounter issues similar to other domestic platforms.
- Support Structure: Phone and email support during business hours with issues typically resolved within 24-48 hours. For property discrepancies, guests should contact ELO House with documentation, and the company mediates with property owners for resolution, including refunds or alternative arrangements.
Their growing inventory spans major cities and emerging tourist destinations, with a focus on authentic local experiences. As a homegrown Indian alternative, ELO House understands specific local market needs.
8. Agoda Homes – Best for Asian Travel
While Agoda began as a hotel booking site, its Homes section now offers extensive apartment, villa, and homestay options throughout India. Their platform is particularly strong in Asian destinations, making it ideal for multi-country trips.
- User Interface Excellence: Sleek, highly optimized website and app with powerful filters, integrated maps, detailed reviews, and comprehensive listings. Smooth, fast, and consistent navigation across both web and mobile platforms.
- Payment Reliability: Supports a wide variety of Indian and international cards through global payment gateways, resulting in rare payment issues, a significant advantage over regional platforms.
Agoda frequently offers flash deals and significant discounts, sometimes 20-30% below other platforms for the same properties. Their user-friendly mobile app makes on-the-go bookings seamless, while their reward points system provides additional value for frequent travelers.
9. cozycozy – Best for Price Comparison
Rather than maintaining their own inventory, cozycozy functions as a meta-search engine aggregating listings from multiple platforms including Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. This approach allows travelers to compare identical properties across different sites to find the best deal.
Their clean interface displays total prices including all fees upfront, eliminating surprise charges at checkout. While they don’t handle bookings directly, they redirect users to the platform offering the best rate, potentially saving travelers significant money.
10. HiChee – Best for Quick Comparisons
Similar to cozycozy, HiChee serves as a vacation rental comparison tool that collates listings from major booking platforms. Their streamlined interface allows for rapid price comparisons without multiple website visits.
HiChee provides direct links to booking pages and highlights price differences for identical properties across platforms. This transparency helps travelers avoid unnecessary fees and find the best value for their Indian accommodations.
11. TripAdvisor Rentals – Best for Reviews
TripAdvisor leverages its massive user review database to provide confidence in vacation rental bookings. Their rentals section includes apartments, villas, and homestays across India’s major destinations. The platform’s main advantage is the ability to cross-reference property reviews with restaurant and attraction recommendations in the same area.
Their “Rental Inbox” keeps all communication and payment securely within the platform, while their review verification system helps ensure authentic feedback from actual guests.
12. KAYAK – Best for Deal Hunting
Known primarily for flight comparisons, KAYAK also aggregates vacation rentals from multiple providers across India. Their powerful search filters allow travelers to sort by price, location, amenities, and more.
KAYAK excels at finding last-minute deals and special offers, often highlighting discounted properties that might be overlooked on other platforms. Their price alert feature notifies travelers when rates drop for saved properties.
13. Top Villas – Best for Luxury Stays
For travelers wanting high-end accommodations, Top Villas offers a curated selection of premium properties in select Indian destinations. Their concierge service arranges extras like private chefs, in-villa spa treatments, and exclusive experiences.
While their Indian inventory is more limited than some competitors, the quality is consistently exceptional. Their team personally inspects properties and provides detailed, accurate descriptions and photos of each villa.
14. Plum Guide – Best for Curated Quality
Plum Guide takes a highly selective approach, accepting only about 3% of properties that apply to be listed. Their thorough vetting process includes professional inspections and strict quality standards. Though their Indian presence is still growing, the available properties offer exceptional quality.
Each listing features detailed information about noise levels, light quality, and unique characteristics that most platforms overlook. Their home critics provide honest assessments of each property’s strengths and potential drawbacks.
15. OYO Homes – Best for Budget Stays
OYO has expanded from hotel aggregation to include apartments and homes across India’s urban and tourist areas. Their standardized approach ensures consistent quality even at budget price points. Properties typically range from ₹800 to ₹5,000 per night.
OYO’s strengths include wide geographic coverage, instantly bookable properties, and 24/7 customer support. Their mobile app makes last-minute bookings simple, while their loyalty program provides additional savings for frequent travelers.
Platform Fee Comparison Table
| Platform | Service Fee | Cleaning Fee | Tax Handling | Other Charges | Disclosure Timing |
| Vrbo | 6-15% of subtotal | Host-set (separate) | Separate or included | Property/pet/damage fees | All itemized at checkout |
| MakeMyTrip | Variable (shown) | Usually bundled | GST separate/included | Modification charges | Before payment |
| SaffronStays | In price/separate | Included or separate | GST at checkout | Security deposits | Before payment |
| StayVista | May apply (integrated) | Separate or bundled | GST as line item | Refundable deposits | Before payment |
Family & Pet Search Filter Comparison
| Platform | Family Filters | Pet Filters | Wheelchair Access | Crib/Child Amenities | Filter Quality |
| Vrbo | Very strong | Yes | Yes | Yes | Excellent |
| Booking.com | Strong | Yes | Yes | Yes | Excellent |
| StayVista | Yes | Yes | Occasional | Occasional | Good |
| MakeMyTrip | Moderate | Some | Some | Some | Moderate |
Customer Support Response Times
| Platform | Support Hours | Contact Methods | Typical Response | Dispute Resolution Steps |
| MakeMyTrip | 24/7 phone | Phone, chat, email, offices | Immediate (phone) | Report → escalate → grievance officer |
| SaffronStays | Business hours | Phone, contact form | Few hours (working days) | Report → investigate → resolve/compensate |
| StayVista | Extended hours | Phone, WhatsApp, email | Same-day (business hours) | Report → investigate → resolve/escalate |
| ELO House | Business hours | Phone, email | 24-48 hours | Contact with proof → mediation |
How to Choose the Right Platform for Your Needs
Selecting the ideal booking platform depends on several key factors:
- Budget considerations: For luxury experiences with transparent pricing, Hireavilla or Plum Guide excel. Budget travelers will find better options with OYO Homes, MakeMyTrip Homestays, or Booking.com’s filtered selections.
- Location preferences: Platforms like MakeMyTrip Homestays and Booking.com offer nationwide coverage, while specialized platforms like SaffronStays focus on scenic destinations and heritage properties.
- Group size needs: Traveling with family or friends? Vrbo and StayVista specialize in entire homes that comfortably accommodate larger groups with private amenities.
- Booking flexibility: Need cancellation options? Booking.com offers the most flexible policies, while meta-search engines like cozycozy let you compare cancellation terms across platforms.
- Service expectations: For concierge services and premium amenities, Hireavilla and Top Villas deliver consistent quality. Self-sufficient travelers might prefer the variety on MakeMyTrip Homestays or ELO House.
Money-Saving Tips When Using Airbnb Alternatives
- Compare across platforms: Use meta-search engines like cozycozy or HiChee to find identical properties at different price points
- Book during weekdays and off-season: Prices can drop 30-50% during monsoon season or weekdays in popular tourist destinations.
- Look for no-fee platforms: Hireavilla stands out with transparent pricing and no hidden service fees, saving up to 14% compared to platforms that add fees at checkout
- Consider longer stays: Many properties offer significant weekly (10-15%) or monthly (25-40%) discounts for extended bookings.
- Check for bundle deals: Platforms like MakeMyTrip Homestays often provide discounts when booking accommodation alongside transportation or activities.
- Sign up for loyalty programs: Booking.com’s Genius program and similar loyalty schemes provide 10-15% discounts and perks for repeat customers.
Red Flags to Avoid When Booking
Watch for these warning signs when booking your accommodations:
- Unclear pricing structures: Be wary of platforms that don’t show the total price upfront or add significant fees at checkout.
- Limited customer reviews: Properties with few or suspiciously similar reviews may not deliver as promised.
- Restrictive cancellation policies: Always check the cancellation terms, especially during uncertain travel times.
- Unverified property listings: Look for platforms that verify properties through inspections or host verification processes.
- Poor customer support: Research the platform’s reputation for handling issues that arise during stays.
- Inconsistent property information: Discrepancies in descriptions, amenities, or photos across different platforms may indicate inaccuracies.
Conclusion
In 2025, finding a great place to stay in India goes well beyond just using Airbnb. These 15 alternatives offer something for every traveler, from budget-conscious backpackers to luxury seekers. By exploring platforms like Hireavilla for premium experiences or MakeMyTrip Homestays for comprehensive travel packages, you will find better pricing, more authentic stays, and fewer hidden fees. With this guide, you can make smarter booking choices for your Indian travels, saving money while enjoying exceptional accommodations.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best alternative to Airbnb in India?
Hireavilla is an excellent overall Airbnb alternative in India for luxury travelers, offering transparent pricing with no hidden fees. For budget travelers, MakeMyTrip Homestays provides great nationwide coverage and bundle deals, while Booking.com offers the most variety and flexible cancellation policies.
2. What is a good alternative to Airbnb?
Several platforms serve as excellent Airbnb alternatives depending on your needs. Vrbo focuses exclusively on entire homes, making it perfect for families and groups. For price comparison across multiple platforms, cozycozy and HiChee help find the best deals. Budget travelers should consider OYO Homes, while those wanting luxury will appreciate Hireavilla or Plum Guide’s curated selections.
3. Is Vrbo used in India?
Yes, Vrbo operates in India but with more limited coverage than Airbnb. It focuses primarily on tourist hotspots like Goa, Kerala, Himachal Pradesh, and other popular vacation destinations. Vrbo specializes in entire home rentals rather than shared spaces, making it ideal for families and groups seeking privacy during their Indian travels.
4. What is the biggest competitor of Airbnb?
Booking.com has emerged as Airbnb’s biggest global competitor, including in India. With an extensive inventory ranging from hotels to homestays and apartments, Booking.com offers flexible cancellation policies and a loyalty program that appeals to frequent travelers. In India specifically, MakeMyTrip Homestays also competes strongly due to its ability to bundle accommodations with flights and activities.
