India is a nation that believes in Atithi Devo Bhava [The Guest is God]. Also, travel and tourism contributes significantly to India's economy. From luxury resorts to cozy homestays, the travel and stays are springing in with time. So, to find them digitally, travelers depend on several platforms.
However, over time, there has been a shift in this sector, just like other sectors. Once, companies such as Airbnb introduced a new level of convenience that promised a fresh and flexible alternative to traditional hotels. Now, travelers are exploring Airbnb alternative for better prices and better experiences. So what changed? Let's find out in the blog.
5 Reasons Why Airbnb is Lagging Behind in India
Let us first discuss why Airbnb is lagging in Indian cities even after becoming popular in its early days.
1. Hidden costs & high prices:
Airbnb was expected to be a better alternative to homestays and a cheaper alternative to hotels. However, many users now complain about skyrocketing prices. Service fees, cleaning charges, and high taxes often make a stay more expensive than a hotel. For a budget-conscious Indian traveler, this becomes a deal-breaker.
2. Poor Customer Support:
Airbnb’s customer service in India has been a major letdown for many. Whether refunds, disputes, or cancellations, users often face long wait times and unhelpful responses.
3. Unreliable hosts and last-minute cancellations:
Many users in India have faced frustrating situations. For example, hosts cancel just before arrival or deny check-ins.
4. Compromization in Quality:
Not all Airbnb property is the same. While one listing may be perfect, another might lack basic amenities.
5. Growing Trust in Indian Alternatives:
Homegrown Airbnb alternatives in India are winning over travelers by offering verified listings, better customer service, and local experiences. They understand Indian travelers better and cater to cultural preferences, safety concerns, and pricing expectations.
Which are the top 5 Airbnb alternatives in India?
The top 5 Airbnb Alternatives in India are letWizard, Booking.com, Vrbo, Make My Trip and OYO Rooms. These platforms offer curated stays, better pricing, and unique experiences. You can find listings that match your schedule and budget.
What is the best Airbnb alternative in India for affordable stays?
A fast-rising favorite among Indians, letWizard has been dubbed the perfect and best Airbnb alternative in India Aimed at Indian travelers, letWizard offers verified accommodations listings ranging from solo stays to rooms suitable for groups, all easy on the pocket.
Transparency has always been the void that letWizard tries to fill: no hidden charges or surprise fees at checkout.
Listings provide upfront pricing, authentic images, and honest accounts, making bookings easy to trust.
The difference lies in the diversity of customers they serve. While places like Zostel are oriented toward backpackers and youth travelers, letWizard strikes the middle ground, offering accommodation to solo, family travelers, business guests, and every type of traveler, giving them the choice of hostels or budget homes.
Unlike Airbnb, letWizard offers one thing that's been sorely missing in the Indian context- real-time customer support and remedial measures for resolving complaints post-haste.
If you are thinking about how letWizard compares to Airbnb for short-term rentals in India, then let us tell you that you can even book stays for one day and for one year at letWizard. Yes. You read that right: letWizard allows you to book a one-day rental.
How Easy is Finding a Rent in letWizard?
To begin your journey with letWizard, start by creating an account through a simple sign-up process. Once registered, complete the mandatory KYC verification to ensure secure and trustworthy transactions. After successful verification, navigate to the “Rent” section on the platform.
Here, you’ll find a variety of user-friendly filters, such as location, frequency, occupancy, and duration of stay. Apply these filters based on your preferences to narrow down the most suitable options.
Once the filters are set, browse the available listings and choose a property that meets your needs. Review the details, confirm the rental terms, and proceed to book your stay seamlessly. LetWizard makes the rental process simple, secure, and tailored for hassle-free travel across India.
New way of staying in India
The Indian travel landscape has been constantly changing. So do the sources travelers rely on. While Airbnb may have pioneered flexible stays, it no longer holds the monopoly. Airbnb alternatives in India like letWizard are redefining convenience, trust, and value for money by focusing on what really matters to Indian travelers: transparency, safety, real-time support, and experiences aligned with their culture.
Whether you are a solo traveler, a pet owner, a digital nomad, or someone who enjoys family time, there is one Indian alternative to Airbnb that fits your requirements.
Best real estate platform in India, letWizard, helps you find the perfect stay - whether for a few days or a longer duration. Never settle when it comes to comfort. Visit letWizard and choose a stay that truly feels like home. It’s a platform that understands India—and understands you.
