AI-Powered Universal Comparison Engine

Home rental services: Marriott Homes & Villas vs. AvantStay

Quick Verdict

Both Marriott Homes & Villas and AvantStay offer unique benefits and cater to different preferences. Marriott Homes & Villas is a good choice for those who value loyalty points and a wide variety of property types and locations. AvantStay is better suited for those seeking luxury accommodations and concierge services, primarily in the US and Mexico. However, both platforms have reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance that potential users should consider.

Key features – Side-by-Side

AttributeMarriott Homes & VillasAvantStay
Average nightly rate$99 to $10,000Pricing is customized and not publicly disclosed. Contact them directly for specific pricing.
Property types availableVillas, apartments, houses, treehouses, glamping tentsLuxury vacation rentals, including homes, villas, estates, and high-end condos.
Geographic locations servedNearly 183,000 properties across 10,000 global destinations, including the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin AmericaLuxury vacation destinations across the United States and Mexico. Some locations include Aspen, Beverly Hills, Coachella Valley, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Hawaii, Los Cabos, Miami, Nashville, Palm Beaches, Phoenix, Punta Mita, San Antonio, Scottsdale, Sedona, and Telluride.
Cleaning fees and policiesCleaning fees are charged and shown as separate line items. Pet fees are also charged.A mandatory cleaning fee is included in the rental rate. Mid-stay cleaning can be scheduled for an extra fee. They employ in-house teams for cleaning.
Cancellation policiesVary by property; 14-day, 30-day, 60-day policies available; stricter 90-day policy for exceptional cases; 48-hour grace period for free cancellation if booking is made at least 11 days before arrival; Vacasa homes offer 100% refund if canceled more than 30 days before check-in; 90-day cancellation homes charge 50% at booking (non-refundable), remaining 50% charged 90 days prior to arrival.Policies vary by property. Cancellations within 24 hours of booking may receive a full refund if the cancellation occurs at least 21 days before check-in. For California properties, a full refund is possible if canceled within 24 hours of booking, provided the reservation was confirmed at least 3 days before check-in. Key West, FL properties with a minimum 28-night stay booked directly via AvantStay.com have specific policies: Full refund (less booking fee) if canceled 90+ days before check-in. 50% refund (less booking fee) if canceled 60-89 days before check-in. Bookings within 60 days of check-in are non-refundable. Cancellations less than 21 days before check-in are non-refundable. If you book through an OTA (Online Travel Agency), their cancellation policy applies.
Guest support availability24/7 support guaranteed; property management contact provided; customer support number 833-483-0366 (9 AM to 5 PM EST, Monday through Friday)Offers 24/7 guest support via SMS at 833-442-8268 or phone for after-hours emergencies.
Amenities offered24/7 support, high-speed Wi-Fi, television, kitchen essentials, in-unit washer, premium linens and towels, bathroom amenities, hair dryer, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, poolsTypically includes fast Wi-Fi, smart locks, quality linens, and fully stocked kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms. Smart TVs with streaming options, workout equipment, and work-from-home spaces may be available. Many homes have pools, hot tubs, BBQ setups, and outdoor fire pits. Games and activities may include pool tables, foosball, shuffleboard, and chess sets. Some properties offer concierge services, fridge stocking, private chefs, and in-home massages via the AvantStay app.
Pet policiesPartnered with Petco to highlight pet-friendly propertiesPet-friendly accommodations are available, allowing up to 2 dogs, depending on the property. Other species may not be allowed. Additional pet fees and deposits may apply.
Maximum occupancyNot specifiedProperties range from 3 to 10+ bedrooms.
Booking flexibilityMinimum stay of three nights required (Marriott bookings have a minimum of 2 nights)Minimum stay requirements can vary.
Loyalty program benefitsMarriott Bonvoy members earn and redeem points; earn 5 points per $1 spent; Elite members receive bonus points; one Elite Night Credit per night; Cash & Points Payment options available; existing Marriott Bonvoy Elite benefits do not apply; free night certificates not accepted.Offers a VIP loyalty program. Encourages repeat bookings and builds brand loyalty.
Unique selling pointsIntegrated into Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program; professionally managed properties meeting standards for design, cleanliness, safety, and amenities; curated collections of properties; WeatherPromise offers rain protection for stays.Focus on luxury properties designed for groups. Concierge services and curated experiences. Technology-driven platform for bookings and support. Interior design consultation and professional photography.
Reported issuesInconsistent cleanliness, unfulfilled amenities, poor communication, maintenance issues, higher prices than competitors.Cleanliness, maintenance, customer service issues, outdated photos, limited kitchen facilities, worn furniture, properties not meeting price expectations.

Overall Comparison

Marriott Homes & Villas: Average nightly rate from $99 to $10,000, nearly 183,000 properties across 10,000 global destinations. AvantStay: Focuses on luxury vacation rentals with properties ranging from 3 to 10+ bedrooms, primarily in the US and Mexico; pricing is customized and not publicly disclosed.

Pros and Cons

Marriott Homes & Villas

Pros:
  • Integration with Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program
  • Professionally managed properties
  • Curated collections of properties
  • WeatherPromise for rain protection
  • Guaranteed Amenities
Cons:
  • Inconsistent cleanliness standards reported
  • Issues with unfulfilled amenity listings
  • Poor communication from Marriott or property managers reported
  • Maintenance issues reported
  • Rentals can be more expensive than Airbnb or Vrbo
  • Inconsistencies in quality and support

AvantStay

Pros:
  • Responsive support (in some reviews)
  • Property quality (in some reviews)
  • Seamless check-in processes are often highlighted.
  • Streamlined check-in with flexible times and 24-hour customer service is offered.
Cons:
  • Issues with cleanliness (reported in some reviews)
  • Maintenance problems (reported in some reviews)
  • Customer service issues (reported in some reviews)
  • Homes did not match listing photos and were outdated (reported in some reviews)
  • Limited kitchen facilities (mentioned in some reviews)
  • Worn-out furniture and cheap bedsheets (mentioned in some reviews)
  • Properties did not meet expectations for the price paid (reported in some reviews)

User Experiences and Feedback