Accommodation costs are a substantial part of the tab for any international travel experience, and global travellers frequently turn to short-term apartment websites like AirBnB, HouseTrip or Sejourning. Now, a new international gay-focused website has launched for apartment/room and vacation rentals.
Misterbnb promises that gay travellers can feel secure and welcomed, without prejudice, by their future hosts.
“I quickly realized the limitations of apartment rental sites. I could sometimes notice how apartment owners felt uncomfortable with me staying with my boyfriend, and it made us feel uncomfortable, too,” says Matthieu Jost, co-founder of Misterbnb. “I had the idea to create an apartment rental website specifically tailored for the gay community, where anyone can be accommodated in the best conditions possible.”
Misterbnb facilitates rentals between gay travellers and hosts around the world, who register their spaces for free with Misterbnb. The service connects travellers who want unique experiences at lower costs with hosts willing to rent (fully or partially) their primary residences. Although the website is aimed mostly at the gay market, Misterbnb bills itself as open to all travellers and open-minded owners.
“Apartment owners listed on Misterbnb are the real ambassadors of local gay life. They are often willing to share the best addresses and insiders’ tips to travellers staying over for a short period,” Jost says.
Misterbnb has teamed up with EuropAssistance to offer multi-risk insurance to reassure users who might experience problems during their rental period, such as damage and breakage or fraud.
The website is currently available in English and French; a Spanish version will be launched soon.
For more information, visit Misterbnb.