Press Corner
Ryan Levitt
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Fact sheet
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Thousands of apartments
hundred of destinations
HouseTrip: the greatest alternative to hotels
HouseTrip is one of Europe’s largest holiday rental booking websites. The concept is simple: when taking a trip, anyone can book a private rental for the price of a hotel room. HouseTrip is easier and safer because guests book an apartment like they’d book a hotel, online and with a credit card. HouseTrip allows guests pay securely at the time of booking, only transferring payment to the host when the guests have started their stay. Holiday owners also benefit from free listings on HouseTrip.
HouseTrip.com was launched in January 2010 and has offices in Switzerland (Lausanne), Portugal (Lisbon) and the UK (London). HouseTrip already has more than 200,000 listings in over 15,000 destinations worldwide, with new accommodation being added every day. The company is financed by Index Ventures, Balderton Capital, Accel Partners and various business angels.
Luxury villas in Italy: 15 of the best
Bank Holiday Getaways: Top 10 long weekend break deals
A Local’s Guide to Marrakech
Getting Paris with Kids Right
Homes from home: Cornwall comes out on top in self-catering report
Travel Notes
“Feel at home abroad. A different way to book your holiday is through HouseTrip.com.”
“Prices can be much cheaper than a hotel, especially if there are a few of you, and you get a key to your own front door.” - Jane Lovatt, Prima
Travel: Housetrip, Berlin
Chancellor’s Help to Buy scheme ‘could lead to cheaper holiday rental costs’
How to pimp your ‘moon
You’re getting married. It’s a dastardly-dipped recession, but you LOVE your betrothed and still want oodles of romance on your ’moon, even if you can’t afford the Ritz. Here’s how to add amour to your adventures without breaking the bank
Join the party in Rio de Janeiro
AS Rio de Janeiro gears up to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Olympics, Laura Millar discovers the city is in a celebratory mood.
Top holiday spots revisited
Holiday destinations fall in and out of fashion all the time, but here are three to rediscover
Tips on finding that holiday deal
When it comes to finding a holiday deal, it’s more confusing than ever says Nilan Peiris.
Today consumers are pummeled with price comparison websites, travel guides, brochures – even high street agents - all giving conflicting advice and options on the topic of the ideal holiday. If you’re looking for a great deal (and a great experience) then it takes a combination of solid research, word-of-mouth opinion and following your gut to find your ultimate getaway on a not-so-ultimate budget.
Rent short-term and rake in the profits
20 winter coastal getaways
From remote lighthouses to luxury sea forts, James Ellis picks the best spots for bracing – but cosy – seaside breaks
Getting to the art of the European capital
Rent self-catering accommodation in Europe’s top cities this winter, the perfect time to see some masterpieces without the crowds, says Liz Bird
Trending Now
5, 4, 3, 2, 1… Countdown to sunshine!
Brr! The thermals are out, but these sun spots are just a few hours’ flight away
Where to stay
Hotels aren’t always a great option when the kids are in tow. If you’ve ever spent the evening sipping wine in the bathroom because your sprogs are asleep in the bedroom, you’ll know that an apartment or house is a better option when considering a family city break. Here are our pick of four great places to stay in Paris.
Hello to Berlin
Stay away from the main tourist haunts and the authentic heart of the city shines through
Meet the man who’s beating Airbnb in Europe
European vacation rentals site HouseTrip has everything going for it right now: not least fast growth and a fresh new round of funding. Co-founder Arnaud Bertrand lays out why he thinks his site can carry on winning — and reveals the scale of his ambition.
Venture capital deals
HouseTrip raises $40m from Accel, Balderton, Index Ventures
Holiday rental marketplace HouseTrip has raised a new $40million of investment funding and released figures to show it’s sitting on 130,000 listed properties in 15,000 destinations around the world.
Holiday rental firm HouseTrip rakes in $40m as big backers multiply
The British company’s Series C includes Accel Partners as well as existing investors Balderton Capital and Index Ventures. HouseTrip has also released numbers that suggest it’s in second place behind Airbnb.
Holiday rental site HouseTrip.com raises $40 mln
London-based holiday rental service HouseTrip.com has raised $40 million in a rare joint investment of three leading venture firms in Europe, aiming to expand in Europe and beyond.
House trip gets $40m funding
HouseTrip.com, the Swiss-based holiday rentals website, became the latest technology start-up to raise money in the recent flurry of funding rounds. The C-round brought Accel Partners in as an investor, alongside existing backers Balderton and Index Ventures. It is possibly the first time these three top European VC investors have all piled into the same company, making HouseTrip seem hot property indeed.
Vacation Rental Startup HouseTrip Picks Up $40M Led By Accel In Another Big Round For Collaborative Consumption
HouseTrip.com, one of the startups working at the accommodation end of the collaborative consumption market, with a platform for people to rent out homes online, has picked up a roomy $40 million as it looks to scale up its operations en route to booking 3 million nights of accommodation this year. The C Round for the London-based company is being led by new investor Accel Partners, with existing investors Index Ventures and Balderton Capital also participating. The funding brings HouseTrip’s total raised to date up to $60 million.
We lived like a local in trendy Brooklyn
Amazing places….amazing prices!
Want a swanky city apartment, a bargain B&B or a fabulous five-star deal? Booking a brilliant break has never been easier – here are five to try
HouseTrip – A new way of booking the perfect holiday
If you are looking for a great choice – from exclusive holiday villas to budget beachside properties and literally everything in between, you really have to consider HouseTrip.com.
London Accommodation for Large Groups
Neukölln: the best bits of Berlin’s hippest ‘hood
The restaurants, cafés, bars and shops the locals don’t want you to know about
See the sites from a rented city home
Homing in on a great place to stay
Planning a girly trip to the capital without a mammoth price tag? Dianne Bourne tried out the hot new trend for home rental – as an alternative to a hotel – for your break
Blogs we like - Ten things to do in Amsterdam
BARGAIN LONDON CALLING
Having the Olympics in London inevitably bumped up the cost of hotel accommodation in the capital. But inflated prices resulted in a slump in bookings as international visitors opted to go elsewhere this summer.
Olympics boom is on hold
London 2012 – Small businesses are pessimistic about long-term benefits, writes Jonathan Moules.
The long-awaited Olympics boom may yet come to the UK’s businesses, but only long after the games have finished, according to observers.
Live like a local with HouseTrip
One of the big travel trends this year is staying in a private rental apartment rather than a hotel. What used to be mainly confined to ski and sunshine holidays has spread to city breaks too - so we checked out Housetrip to see what the fuss was all about.
Supper ce soir?
An American expat is keeping alive the traditions of the Paris salon in his atelier
Occupancy Gap for London Hotels
Experiencing Amsterdam Like A Local
LONDON
WITH THE JUBILEE AND THE OLYMPICS, 2012 IS A BIG YEAR FOR LONDON – AND EXPECTATIONS ARE HIGH FOR ITS TECH STARS
Get into the groove for girly night out
Madonna and cocktails make a perfect break for Jane Haas
Where can I stay in London for under £30 a night?
London is renowned for its luxury hotels, but the city does a good line in budget accommodation too, as our guide shows.
Could your house be a Holiday Home?
Holidaying in someone else’s home is very popular right now – and even better, companies are crying out for new UK rentals
How To Do Rome Like a Local
Top 10.. Island escapes
Whether it’s walking, bird-watching, views or just relaxation you want, head to one of these pretty isles off Britain and Ireland…
BRING ME SUNSHINE!
Fed up with the rain at home? Limited budget? These gorgeous family villas will lift your spirits
Summer in Scandinavia
From cabins by fjords to treehouses in forests, James Ellis picks 20 of the best waterside retreats
Beautiful Budget Weddings
Weddings represent the most important day of a couples lives, so it’s important to get it right but even more important to keep the cost down. Here are some helpful cost cutting tips for your big day!
Luxury apartment stays
Going abroad and seeking home comforts combined with hotel chic? Book a stay in a luxury apartment, says Jane Duru, and enjoy a holiday in which you get to live like a well-heeled local, but with none of the cleaning up to do when you leave.
Budget New York
New York’s one of the top cities in the world for fashion, nightlife and sightseeing, but it’s also on the pricey side. However, it’s perfectly possible to visit the Big Apple and not break the bank – you just need to know where to go.
London 2012 Olympics: how to stay in the capital for free
A rise in demand for house sitters in London means savvy visitors could stay in luxurious accommodation during the Olympics – without paying a penny
London 2012: To hotel or not to hotel?
Esme Fox tries out one of the alternatives to a hotel in the run up to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games – a self-catering apartment
HouseTrip.com – Get spoilt for choice when planning a holiday
If you are still looking for that perfect holiday destination, You really should check out Housetrip.com. If there was ever a thing as too much choice, HouseTrip throws up so many properties available for rental at some pretty amazing prices.
WE’VE GOT DESIGNS ON…STOCKHOLM
Sweden’s capital is known for its gorgeous scenery and friendly, laid-back locals. Referred to as ‘the Venice of the North’, thanks to its stunning collection of islands and water in between, the city is a hotbed of activity, with plenty to do at all times of the day and night. It’s really no wonder that Twilight actor Robert Pattinson and The Hunger Games star Jennifer Lawrence have been spotted enjoying the best of what Stockholm has to offer.
Come to..Regent Street
London Jubilee Hotels
Want to be part of history by joining London’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations? The good news is there’s still availability in the capital, and even discounts too. Check out these hotels for a weekend to remember…
Royal Flush
The bonus bank holiday is three weeks away, and there’s still time to bag a break. Rachel Dixon has 10 trips to make the most of the four-day weekend.
Top 10 diamond jubilee weekend getaways
The bonus bank holiday is three weeks away, and there’s still time to bag a break. Here are 10 trips to make the most of the four-day weekend.
Special occasions call for special trips
For the past 7 years I’ve been keeping a deal with myself: Each year for my birthday I treat myself to a trip – could be a weekend, could be a whole month, depending on time, money and inspiration. It’s my way of patting myself on the back for always trying to live life to the fullest and to start off the new year in the best possible way. When other people want a new Ipad for or a fancy pair of shoes for their birthday, I get booking flights. By means of this philosophy I have enjoyed spontaneous breaks in San Francisco, beach time in the Caribbean Sea or shopping sprees in London. Usually I tend to go on these trips alone, or with a plan of meeting a friend at my destination, but this year I wanted it all to be a little different.
Traveller’s Guide: Italy in style
Discover what inspired the masters of Italian creativity on a pilgrimage with pizzazz
Michelangelo, Vivaldi, Puccini, Brunelleschi, Da Vinci, Ferrari, Bugati, Fellini, Armani, Prada, Missoni – the list of Italian names that have left their stylish imprint on the world spans the centuries. And what inspired all this creativity? Towns and cities drenched in ancient history, some of the finest food and wine in the world, and sublime landscapes, from the placid waters of the northern lakes, to the cypress-spiked landscapes of Tuscany, and the high drama of the Amalfi coast.
Where to stay for the London 2012 Olympics – alternatives to rip-off hotels
You can still find accommodation for the London 2012 Olympics, and it needn’t cost a fortune. Here’s our pick of campsites, glampsites, apartments and packages
HouseTrip nominated in Telegraph Start-Up 100
Over the past few months, entrepreneurs from all over Europe have been submitting their companies to the Telegraph’s Start-Up 100. Our panel of expert judges have worked through the applications and we are delighted to present you with the final list. These are the companies that made our top 100, listed by category.
HouseTrip raises $2.7m from Index Ventures
HouseTrip, the holiday lettings marketplace, has raised $2.7m from Index Ventures. The deal was led by Index co-founder Neil Rimer who will also take a seat on HouseTrip’s board. This paves the way for a major relaunch of the site that has gone live today.
HouseTrip plots race against HomeAway, captures Index Ventures funding
HouseTrip will use a new funding round from Index Ventures to spearhead a plan to be the largest bookable holiday rental site on the web. Index Ventures has invested £1.7 million (Swiss FR2.5 million) in the company, bringing the total amount ploughed in so far reaching £2.4 million).
HouseTrip.com sets 100,000 property goal after funding win
Short-term home rental service HouseTrip.com is aiming to reach 100,000 property listings in Europe after securing nearly £3 million in venture capital funding. The company, which launched in autumn 2009, currently has over 8,000 properties listed and is working on a new website as part of its ambitious expansion plans.
A LOCAL’S PERSPECTIVE: SECRET FINDS IN ROME
HouseTrip.com Host, Pascal, offers five insider tips on his native Rome
LONDON, UK – March 28, 2013: the chance to live like a local is one of the main reasons why thousands of holidaymakers are turning away from cookie-cutter hotels and booking unique, authentic holiday rentals every day. HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s largest holiday rental websites, has over 185,000 properties listed on the site in locations around the world.
This week, we turn the spotlight on Rome where a HouseTrip host reveals his secret finds and locations that only the locals know to make a holiday rental stay with HouseTrip even more enjoyable.
Pascal’s properties include http://www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/188668, http://www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/96855 and http://www.housetrip.com/en/rentals/158772
NEW HELP TO BUY SCHEME MAY FUEL SECOND PROPERTY OWNERSHIP SAYS HOUSETRIP.COM
Osborne’s proposal to fuel home ownership and boost the construction industry has potential for knock-on effects in the holiday rental industry
LONDON, UK – March 21, 2013: The announcement of the ‘help to buy’ scheme in Chancellor George Osborne’s budget has the potential to boost holiday home ownership in the UK says HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s largest providers of holiday rentals. While concrete details about the government-backed scheme have yet to emerge fully, Osborne has refused to outrule the prospect of offering assistance to individuals looking to fund second home purchases, thus fuelling speculation that a new boom in investment home purchases may be on the horizon.
ONE IN FIVE BRITS WON’T HOLIDAY THIS YEAR SAYS HOUSETRIP.COM
Survey reveals that 22% of UK population can’t afford a holiday due to financial pressures
LONDON – 26 February 2013 – One fifth of the UK population will not be going on holiday this year due to financial pressures, according to a survey commissioned by HouseTrip.com, one of the largest holiday rental websites in the world. British adults aged 35-44 are least likely to enjoy a holiday, with 33% saying that their taxed budgets due to mortgages and child-rearing costs will prevent them from going anywhere in 2013.
HOUSETRIP’S TOP FIVE EASTER LOCATIONS FOR A FAMILY BREAK
LONDON – February 20, 2013: Easter is early this year meaning that a mood of celebration, Spring-time weather (we hope!) and a reason to gorge-ourselves-silly on chocolate will soon be upon us. HouseTrip, one of the world’s largest holiday rental websites, has come up with five great rentals perfect for family stays that are eggs-actly right for all members of the family.
THE XENOPHOBES GUIDE TO HOLIDAY RENTALS FROM HOUSETRIP.COM
Data reveals the places where Brits go that other nationalities avoid
LONDON – 12 February 2013: David Cameron’s declaration that the UK would be given a referendum to determine its involvement with the EU caused shockwaves across the continent. But it’s on the beaches and restaurants where the battle is truly being felt. At HouseTrip, one of the world’s leading holiday rental websites, we boast a pan-European, multi-lingual staff of over 160 in three offices (London, Lausanne and Lisbon). And while we love each other, we understand that the German need for prime beachside positioning at silly o’clock or the Spanish cliché of ‘Manana, Manana’ may not be to every British travellers taste. So where should one go if one wants to forego the French or say sayonara to the Spanish? HouseTrip reveals all:
UNFORGETTABLE ROMANCE
HouseTrip.com lists five romantic rentals for a unique Valentine’s Day
LONDON, UK – December 18, 2012: Unsure what to get your Valentine this year? Why not ditch the traditional gifts, pool your present money and take off for a romantic break instead? HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s largest holiday rental websites, has plenty of unique rentals to put the spice back into Valentine’s Day, and what is more, they all come at an affordable price. Take a look at these five options that are sure to get your pulse racing:
LONDON’S PROPERTY INVESTORS MISSING OUT ON THOUSANDS OF POUNDS, REVEALS HOUSETRIP.COM
New infographic from global holiday rentals marketplace details the financial benefits of short-term rentals for landlords in ten key UK cities
LONDON, UK – November 28, 2012: London’s property investors are missing out on thousands of pounds in revenue every year because of their reliance on long-term renting, according to an infographic released today by HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s largest providers of holiday rentals. With interest in value-led, authentic and spacious accommodation at an all-time high, consumers are increasingly turning to private rentals when they plan and book their holidays, thus making short-term rentals a valuable alternative for second-home owners and property investors. To see the full infographic, please go to: http://blog.housetrip.com/short-term-vs-long-term-rentals/
TOP TIPS TO GET MORE OUT OF YOUR HOLIDAY THIS CHRISTMAS
HouseTrip.com reveals five ways to save hassle and pounds and even make money during your Christmas holiday
LONDON, UK – November 6, 2012: HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s largest providers of holiday rentals, reveals its top five tips for getting more out of your holiday time during the festive period. With a current inventory of over 130,000 properties listed on the website, in over 15,000 destinations worldwide, HouseTrip has plenty of rentals to choose from to help you have a hassle-free Christmas break and save the pounds, as well as the tools to generate some holiday money of your own.
HOUSETRIP.COM ANNOUNCES $40 MILLION SERIES C INVESTMENT LED BY ACCEL PARTNERS
Investment to fuel international expansion
LONDON – 9 October 2012 – HouseTrip.com, one of the largest holiday rental websites in the world, today announces a USD$40M Series C funding round led by Accel Partners, with existing investors Balderton Capital and Index Ventures also participating. The investment will be used to expand its marketplace into more territories and develop new products and services for travellers and hosts.
HOUSETRIP OLYMPICS UPDATE
The games are almost over – but how successful have they been for the travel industry?
- Bookings up by 20% from US, Germany & non-Western European nations
- France & UK have seen Games-period drops, BUT huge surges pre- and post-games massively outweigh losses
- Interest in London as a destination has boomed from emerging markets as UK is seen in positive light due to Olympic spirit
LONDON, UK – August 7, 2012: HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s leading holiday rental websites, today reveals its bookings data from the Olympic Games period. A statistical snapshot of bookings to date for the 16-day Olympic period has shown that while overall bookings are down by 10%, bookings immediately pre- and post- the games have surged by 40% as travellers want to experience ‘Olympic’ fever in the 2012 host city without having to pay gold-medal prices.
AFFORDABLE FAMILY FUN FOR LESS THAN £100
HouseTrip.com offers up five family-friendly rentals
LONDON, UK – July 10, 2012: Think you can’t afford a family holiday this summer? Think again! HouseTrip.com, one of the world’s largest holiday rental websites has five fantastic (and low-cost) options suitable for all budgets. From the culture and creativity of Berlin to the sun-drenched streets of Lisbon, holidaymakers who travel with HouseTrip can save pounds to spend once they get to their destination.
RAIN, RAIN … GO AWAY?
HouseTrip.com lists five destinations for guaranteed sun this summer
LONDON, UK – June 12, 2012: With forecasters predicting rainfall across the UK for the next four weeks, the early summer weeks look set to be a total washout. Why not ditch the UK in favour of guaranteed sunshine to brighten up the season? With over 100,000 private holiday rentals to choose from, HouseTrip.com has plenty of properties in destinations where the sun is set to be shining.
LIVE IT UP LIKE ZUCKERBERG
HouseTrip offers the exclusive holiday rentals to live like the world’s most famous Billionaire
LONDON, UK – May 30, 2012: They say that when in Rome, you should ‘do as the Romans do’ – and that’s exactly what Mark Zuckerberg and his new wife Priscilla Chan have been up to on their romantic holiday in the Eternal City. So how can you live like the social media billionaire on a budget? Book your holiday rental with HouseTrip and you’ll be updating your Facebook status with smiles and savings.
HOUSETRIP CELEBRATES 100,000 HOLIDAY RENTAL LISTINGS
LONDON, UK – May 22, 2012: HouseTrip.com, one of the leading holiday rental websites in the world, today celebrates the listing of its 100,000th property. This milestone brings more selection than ever before to travelers looking for an authentic and value-packed place-to-stay on their next holiday. The apartment, which is located in Istanbul was listed just 29 months after HouseTrip’s launch in January 2010 and received its first booking request within an hour of placement.
OLYMPIC AVAILABILITY UPDATE
Staying in London still possible for this week’s successful ticket buyers says HouseTrip.com
LONDON, UK – May 15, 2012: Its not too late to enjoy an Olympic experience in London as property owners in the UK capital continue to list their properties for private rental in huge numbers says HouseTrip.com. As over 900,000 tickets go on sale this week, more travellers from across the country will be looking for ways in which they can enjoy the Games – despite elevated hotel prices and challenging occupancy levels.
SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO? HouseTrip.com inspires with ideas for Jubilee week travellers
LONDON, UK – April 17, 2012: The Jubilee weekend is set to bring UK residents celebrations, street parties and super fun galore. The question is: Should you stay in blighty to lap up the royal love, or take advantage of only needing to take three holiday days off to get a ten-day break by going abroad? With over 86,000 private holiday rentals to choose from, HouseTrip.com has plenty to choose from regardless of whether you depart from Dover or lay your head down in London town.
PREPARE FOR AN AMERICAN INVASION DURING THE OLYMPICS SAYS HOUSETRIP.COM
Leading European holiday rental website says Brits and French are late deal lovers as Yanks and Germans prepare to move in to London flats and homes
LONDON, UK – March 26, 2012: HouseTrip.com, one of Europe’s largest websites offering the ability to book over 85,000 holiday apartments and houses in over 8,000 global destinations, today reveals that Brits are leaving it to the last minute to book their London holidays during the Olympic period. Comprehensive analysis of HouseTrip’s London bookings during the Olympic period show that reservations from UK domestic holidaymakers to the capital have dropped by almost 10% - with Americans and Germans rushing to fill their place – up 13% and 10% from 2010 figures over the same time period. Other nationalities waiting for Olympic period bargains to appear in London include the French and Irish – both nationalities experiencing an 8% and 6% drop in bookings respectively.
HOLIDAYS A MOTHER WOULD LOVE
HouseTrip.com showcases five marvelous properties for Mothering Sunday
LONDON, UK – February 16, 2012: Spring flowers and Mothering Sunday Buns might be the traditional gifts for Mum. But for something truly special, why not whisk your favourite mum on a holiday she’ll always remember. With over 75,000 private holiday rentals to choose from, HouseTrip.com has the answer if you’re looking for a getaway gift that will make her glow.
LAST MINUTE LOVE AFFAIR
HouseTrip.com lists five rentals perfect for Valentine romance
LONDON, UK – January 23, 2011: What’s your loved one’s ideal gift for Valentine’s Day? Why not combine their gorgeous gift of choice with a holiday for a perfectly romantic package? With over 66,000 flats to choose from in over 8,000 destinations, HouseTrip.com has a selection of flats that take traditional Valentine gifts to the next level.
MORE PUNCH FOR YOUR POUND
HouseTrip.com reveals the top reasons why private rentals will be the big trend for 2012
LONDON, UK – January 10, 2011: HouseTrip.com, Europe’s largest website offering holiday apartments and houses to over 8,000 destinations in over 66,000 properties around the world, today reveals the top five reasons why private rentals will bring more punch for your travel pound in 2012.