Onefinestay

onefinestay raised $3.7 million Series A funding in a round led by Index Ventures. Other angel investors included Brent Hoberman, co-founder & CEO of Lastminute.com, Andy Phillipps, co-founder of ActiveHotels, and David Magliano, former Director of Marketing for London’s 2012 Olympic bid.

In June 2015, the company announced a $40 million Series D funding round. The round included participation from investors including Intel Capital, Quadrant Capital Advisors, and leading global hospitality brand Hyatt Hotels, as well as a number of angel investors including Joss Kent, CEO of &Beyond and former global CEO of Abercrombie & Kent.[3]

In April 2016, AccorHotels acquired onefinestay for at least $170 million (£117 million).

Once a home has been selected to join the portfolio, an account manager visits the home and homeowner in person to carry out a series of checks. This process is unique to the City Collection only. Once approved, onefinestay manages everything for the homeowner from photography, housekeeping and in-stay maintenance to managing all bookings, as well as welcoming and looking after guests during their stay. Homeowners keep onefinestay up to date on their home's availability using an online calendar. American business magazine, Forbes wrote "City collection properties you see on onefinestay are exclusive to the site and vetted and managed by them, but that they belong to individual owners and are peoples’ primary or secondary homes." [4]

When a guest books with onefinestay, their experience is supported by a team available 24/7. Every stay includes an in-person welcome, live local support and the option to add tailored amenities and services, such as chauffeured transfers, grocery deliveries, destination experiences and more.

onefinestay works with leisure travel professionals and consortias as well as corporate clients, real estate brokers, entertainment and relocation agents and concierge companies.

Travel + Leisure reported that onefinestay is the more luxurious option for well-heeled travellers who prefer homestays to hotels. [6] The brand’s personal approach to luxury travel hasn’t gone unnoticed. According to Departures Magazine (one of two magazines published by American Express), the company has “the world’s finest apartments and villas” and that its “service is impeccable.” [7]

W Magazine agrees writing that “onefinestay is known for their fine service; a local rep will greet you upon arrival, and show you the lay of the land of your vacation home, and can help suggest and arrange activities and restaurants.” [8] The point was also echoed by US lifestyle website Byrdie who recommended onefinestay “for a more personalized experience that doesn't skimp on luxury.” Writing that its homes “are impeccably curated (read: no "surprises" upon arrival) and the 24-hour service is top-notch.” [9]

Families especially enjoy the onefinestay experience. Travel Weekly reported “the brand's highly personalized and family-friendly brand of luxury hospitality was on full display"[10] after a recent stay. Furthermore Country and Townhouse points to villa rentals as a growing trend in group travel thanks to luxury rental companies such as onefinestay, writing that the company “hand-pick(s) their properties and have a host of options for design-loving parties of all sizes." [11] Brides agrees saying that “if you’re in the mood for a secluded vacay, or are considering a buddymoon for and need an ample amount of space, onefinestay is an upscale home-sharing alternative.” [12]

Forbes also reported "On check in, guests are given a thorough tour of the home—how the heat and aircon work, anything to know about kitchen appliances, where the laundry is. onefinestay leave a starter kit with detergent, dish soap, coffee, tea, milk, and a local treats, particularly welcome after an overnight flight." [13]