HouseTrip to remove private rooms

HouseTrip has confirmed that it is axing all listings of private rooms from its rental database.

The company has informed affected hosts of the change as a new focus on couples and families it would mean “removing all private bedrooms from our website”. Subsequently only allow entire properties will now be listed.

“During this time we will be taking away search functionality for private bedrooms in shared accommodation, and removing them from our search results so they can no longer be found by prospective guests.”

All existing bookings will be honoured and not be affected by the HouseTrip change.

“We want to be known for providing the best range of complete properties available for short-term rent. And we feel that this clarification of our offering is the best way to do it.” said an official.

With a ratio of 95%-5% in favour of entire properties to shared spaces, the company feels its product will become clearer as the latter was found to have “muddied the waters”.

“The feedback we have received from many travellers is ‘yes, I want to get tips and advice from an owner. yes, I want the personal touch. Yes, I may even want to feel like a local. But when the info is given and the key swapped, I want the apartment to become my space and I don’t necessarily want to become best friends or swap Facebook details with the landlord’.”

Leaving the likes of Airbnb to focus on the ‘shared space’ (and any regulatory complications which may arise over the coming few years), HouseTrip’s move may be the beginning of several leading booking portals allying themselves in favour of entire properties and providing an experience akin to a hotel reservation.