A Kelowna Airbnb & VRBO Alternative

The Shore Kelowna, an Airbnb & VRBO Alternative, exterior view showing private patios, lake views, and an outdoor terrace with fireplace

Vacation rentals are soaring in popularity, providing a home away from home for vacation-goers across the nation. The Okanagan Valley is one of Canada’s top-rated vacation destinations, offering the very best in beaches, sunshine, wineries, and winter sports.

Kelowna is the midpoint and largest community in the Okanagan Valley. It seamlessly blends rural and urban living, surrounded by nature and rooted in rich culture.

If you’re looking for a place to rent for your next vacation, Airbnb and VRBO offer numerous options. In this article, we’ll go over the similarities and differences between these platforms. We’ll cover the pros and cons, and offer The Shore Kelowna as a unique alternative.

The Airbnb Experience

Airbnb is a travel community made up of renters and homeowners. Founded in 2008, Airbnb has quickly grown to become one of the biggest players in the vacation rentals market. Airbnb is known for its sheer volume and vast assortment of property types, operating across the globe in over 220 countries.

Airbnb rentals range from shared spaces, like spare bedrooms, to entire homes. Like a traditional bed and breakfast, Airbnb pairs renters with homeowners who facilitate the rental experience. Unlike traditional B&B’s, most Airbnb stays don’t include a complimentary breakfast.

The VRBO Experience

VRBO, which stands for Vacation Rental by Owner, was founded in 1995. It merged with Home Away and VacationRentals.com in 2005 and 2007, creating another powerhouse in the vacation rentals market.

VRBO has a similar business model to Airbnb, with vacation rentals listed by homeowners through the online platform. VRBO offers more privacy, with only whole homes, condos, or apartments for rent.

Short Term Rentals in Kelowna

Almost anyone can host a property on Airbnb & VRBO, but city bylaws also dictate who can offer short-term rentals in Kelowna. Under new regulations, a homeowner can legally rent out their principal residence for periods of 29 days by applying for a business license.

There are situations where short-term rentals can be outside of the owner’s principal residence, but these are only in select tourist areas. These limitations are put in place to help keep the rental market fair for long-term renters, and support equity among short-term rental providers.

The short-term rental business licence restricts the number of bedrooms, number of adults per bedroom, parking spaces, and number of bookings at a time. With an influx of tourists in Okanagan summers, this can mean rentals book far in advance.

Okanagan lake beach with valley mountains in background on a clear sunny day — *A Kelowna beach on Okanagan Lake with the City Park boardwalk in the background.*

The Uncertainty in Vacation Rentals

Airbnb and VRBO rentals are operated by individual homeowners, so the rental experience using these platforms can vary dramatically. Reviews can provide an indication of past experiences, but there’s no guarantee that rentals will meet expectations.

VRBO goes a step further than Airbnb, offering a Book With Confidence Guarantee. This ensures that guests are found an alternative if the booking goes wrong or if the property isn’t as described. However, as help is only available after the booking goes wrong, there’s an element of risk in both platforms.

Your Airbnb & VRBO Alternative

The Shore Kelowna offers the luxury amenities of a hotel, the lakefront proximity of a summer home, and the booking flexibility of a vacation rental. With professional property management, The Shore eliminates the uncertainty of Airbnb & VRBO.

The Shore is an apartment-style building with 103 modern suites for rent, with plenty of parking and two or three-bedroom suites for larger families. Steps to Kelowna’s most popular tourist attractions, The Shore is Kelowna’s choice for short and extended-stays.

A Comparison of Vacation Rentals in Kelowna

	Airbnb	VRBO	The Shore Kelowna
Quality Assurance	None – the experience varies by owner.	Partial – the experience varies by owner; a Book With Confidence Guarantee can help renters find an alternative if the property isn’t as described or if something goes wrong.	Full – quality is guaranteed through RISE property management.
Price Range	$41 (hostel) – $1000+(home) per night *varies by property	$40 (rv) – $1000+(home) per night *varies by property	$119 – $400+ per night *varies by seasonal demand and suite type
Extra Fees (not including taxes)	– Airbnb service fee – cleaning fee* – extra guest fee* *varies by property	– VRBO service fee – cleaning fee* – extra guest fee**varies by property	– cleaning fee
Maximum number of bookings at a time	1	1	103
Maximum number of bedrooms	3 as per Kelowna bylaws*	3 as per Kelowna bylaws*	103 Studio, one bedroom, two bedroom, & three bedroom suites.
Amenities	*varies by property	*varies by property	On-site dining, fitness centre, modern kitchens, community barbeque, private patio, & terrace with fireplace.
Privacy	Typically requires interaction with the host, unless an “entire home” is selected; rentals can be shared spaces, such as a spare bedroom.	Focuses on whole-property private residences, where contact with the host is typically digital.	No-contact digital access, including contactless check-in and check-out.
Cancellation Policy & Refunds	Determined by the owner; refunds for service fees are limited.	Determined by the owner; service fees are non-refundable.	Free cancellations 8+ days prior to arrival; 50% charge 3-7 days prior & non-refundable less than 72 hours to arrival.
Pet Friendly	Determined by owner	Determined by owner	Yes, we’re pet friendly.
Location	*varies by property	*varies by property	Lakefront in Kelowna’s Lower Mission neighbourhood, steps to Gyro beach & Okanagan Lake.

*Note: Kelowna’s surrounding communities have their own regulations for short-term rentals. West Kelowna is working towards the implementation of Short Term Rental Regulations in May of 2021.

Come Soak in The Shore

Whether it’s for a weekend getaway, the entire summer, or a few college semesters, The Shore Kelowna has flexible accommodations to suit any renter. To learn more or secure your booking, contact us today!

Finding The Right Kelowna Accommodations for Your Next Vacation

An aerial view of The Shore Kelowna accommodations on Okanagan Lake with Gyro beach in the foreground on a sunny day

Located in Southern BC, Kelowna holds the heart of the beautiful Okanagan Valley. Known to wine lovers as Kelowna-fornia, Kelowna boasts over 40 wineries and over 300 days of sunshine every year. If you’re dreaming of sandy beaches and summer days on the lake, or even a cozy, winter ski vacation, look no further. Kelowna is vibrant in all seasons and offers things to do for every age.

In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of Kelowna accommodations available. Whether you’re staying for a weekend, a week, or for several months, Kelowna has a variety of options. With luxury amenities, on-site dining and a central lakefront location, The Shore Kelowna is an accommodation that has it all.

Kelowna Airbnb & VRBO

Airbnb and Vacation Rental By Owner (VRBO) have sky-rocketed in popularity since the early 2000s. Operated as a community for sharing spaces, these platforms offer owners a place to list their accommodations for booking anywhere in the world.

Airbnb is unique in volume and extensive reach, with over 7 million listings in 220 countries. Airbnb is also known for uncommon rentals, such as the Potato Hotel in Idaho or the Lego House in Denmark. Almost anyone can be a host on Airbnb, with the expectation that hosts abide by Airbnb quality standards.

VRBO is similar in that anyone can host their home on the platform. Guests are ensured an entire rental to themselves, as opposed to Airbnb’s which are often shared with the property hosts.

Each platform has its perks, and they each have limitations. Both platforms charge service fees to guests with each transaction. For guests, these fees typically range from 10-13%.

Airbnb and VRBO platforms also leave property management to the homeowner. This can result in a great experience if the property is managed well, but can lead to disappointment if the property isn’t as the listing or reviews describe.

As a trusted alternative, The Shore Kelowna vacation rentals are quality assured through RISE property management. The entire booking process can be done online, and contactless check-in and check-out provide additional privacy. With no platform service fees and a central location steps to the beach, The Shore has everything you need for a memorable Okanagan vacation.

Kelowna Hotels

If you’re looking for quality-assured accommodations in the Okanagan, hotels are another great option. Hotels typically cost more than other types of rentals, with the added expense of amenities, location and comfort.

Hotels, Airbnb’s and VRBO’s can be similar in price, depending on the location and unit being offered. Hotels are typically chosen for short stays, and are located along major routes for convenience or around tourist hubs, like the lakefront or downtown Kelowna.

As a unique hotel alternative, The Shore Kelowna offers many luxury amenities including a fitness center, community barbeques, an outdoor terrace with fireplace, modern in-suite kitchens and private patios. On-site dining and close proximity to Kelowna tourist attractions bring together all the comforts of a hotel stay, with the flexibility of a vacation rental.

Valley view of Okanagan Lake surrounded by vineyards, forests, and mountains on a sunny day — *Okanagan Lake with Kelowna vineyards in the foreground.*

Kelowna Apartments & Condos

For extended stays, apartments and condos are a popular long-term alternative. These large buildings of multiple residential units can be rented out for weeks, months, or even years. As a rapidly growing city, Kelowna has numerous buildings in development at all times.

For rental accommodations, privately owned condos run similar risks to Airbnb & VRBO. These units can be mismanaged, resulting in unexpected disruptions and poor-quality stays. As a short-stay condo alternative, The Shore Kelowna offers extended rentals with superior quality assurance.

The Shore consists of 103 modern apartment units, one floor of offices, and a handful of retail and restaurant spaces. All apartments are furnished with state-of-the-art culinary kitchens and interiors, and beautiful views of Okanagan lake.

Interior view of The Shore Kelowna suites, including a state of the art kitchen with modern decor, wooden cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. — *All of The Shore Kelowna suites include state of the art kitchens and private patios.*

Kelowna Resorts

While hotels and apartments primarily offer a place to stay, resorts go a step farther in offering experiences and entertainment. All-inclusive resorts, such as those south of the border, typically offer complimentary food and beverages, excursions, water sports, spa treatments, and more. Resort Hotels simply differentiate themselves by offering more amenities and services than a regular hotel.

The Shore Kelowna can be considered a resort because of its luxury amenities, beachfront location, and on-site dining and entertainment. The Shore has multiple restaurant options, including plant-based KB&Co Conscious Eats, Diner Deluxe, and craft beerhouse Shoreline Brewing. T-One Restaurant offers Asian-Fusion ramen & rice bowls, and Pizza Hut and Marble Slab Creamery offer comfort food steps from your rental.

While Spa services aren’t included in your stay, Kelowna’s prestigious cosmetic & anti-aging clinic, Derm Medica, is located on-site. The clinic offers a variety of treatments, including facial peels & microdermabrasion, with over 20 years of experience and free consultations.

The Shore’s central location provides many dining, shopping, fitness and entertainment options, all within walking distance. Steps from Gyro Beach, The Shore has everything you could desire for a Kelowna resort experience.

Kelowna Cabins

Traditionally, cabins are known as small, remote, hand-built dwellings. In Kelowna accommodations, the term cabin is often used interchangeably with a lake house. These cabins often have private beach access and are owned by family or friends. When locals speak about a ‘weekend at the cabin’, it’s usually a getaway from the city with days spent on the lake.

If a vacation away from everything is what you’re looking for, a cabin may be your solution. Things to consider for these rentals are having to go into town to get groceries, cooking your own meals, and making your own entertainment outdoors.

If you’re looking for the best of both worlds, The Shore Kelowna offers a great cabin alternative. With direct access to one of Kelowna’s best beaches and water sports, days at the lake are steps from your rental. A short drive to Okanagan Mountain Park gives you access to over 10,000 hectares of hiking, and nearby bicycle rentals provide leisurely transportation along the lakefront.

When you’ve had enough fresh air for the day, a central location means that everything you need is conveniently on site. Dinner is ready when you are, for dine-in or takeout. An outdoor terrace with a fireplace allows you to comfortably enjoy the outdoors into the evening, and private patios with lake views mean that you’re always close to the lake.

The Shore Kelowna on Okanagan lake, with an outdoor terrace and fireplace for guests to enjoy, shown here on a sunny day in the Okanagan — *The Shore Kelowna accommodations with an outdoor terrace and fireplace for guests to enjoy.*

Kelowna Cottages

A cottage is traditionally a small, simple house near a lake or beach. In modern usage, a cottage is often close to nature and is valued for its privacy. If you’re interested in getting away from the city, a cottage may be your ideal accommodation. However, we encourage you to consider the amenities that you’re looking for in your vacation getaway.

As a cottage alternative, The Shore provides privacy through no-contact digital access. Designed as a hotel econcierge property, The Shore has no front desk and no on-site concierge. Everything is done electronically, allowing guests access to services and amenities without having to go through reception.

The Shore offers a central location with nearby activities for the whole family. Two and three-bedroom suites are available if you’re looking for separation for siblings, and all suites are pet-friendly so no one gets left at home.

Your Have-It-All Kelowna Accommodations

The Shore Kelowna is a modern apartment-style rental property, steps from Okanagan Lake. With the perfect combination of flexibility and luxury, The Shore delivers everything you need for an idyllic Okanagan vacation.

To learn more about our suites or secure your accommodation in Kelowna, please contact us today. Whether you’re from out of town or a local looking to enjoy a relaxing staycation, we can’t wait to welcome you to The Shore!

Why The Shore is Ideal for an Extended Stay in Kelowna

Looking for the Ideal Extended Stay location in Kelowna?

How do you know you’ve found the perfect extended stay accommodation option in Kelowna? From amenities and activities to location and views, we’ve compiled a check-list of must-haves for extended stays in Kelowna to help make sure you’re not missing out on anything.

#1. Extended Stay – Location, Location, Location

In Kelowna, it really is possible to have it all: views, nearby shopping and restaurants, trails, and more. When you’re looking for your home away from home in this city, be sure your long-term stay suite brings you:

Mountain or lake views
Footsteps from the beach
Walking distance to sought-after shops and restaurants
Easy access to walking trails and transit

Guests enjoying extended stays in Kelowna at The Shore experience the best of the Okanagan every day.

Facing the shores of Okanagan Lake, guests enjoy the serenity and beauty of the lake from the private balconies of their luxury suites or the outdoor terrace.

You are also here to enjoy the bounty of the Okanagan, and really good food! At The Shore, you’ll love being able to walk downstairs for coffee or a delicious meal at KB&Co, a fast-casual plant-based café, or Diner Deluxe, a restaurant bringing you fresh, local fare from morning until evening.

Located in the coveted Lower Mission neighbourhood, you’re also a short walk away from some of Kelowna’s most celebrated boutiques and restaurants.

#2. Everything-you-could-want suites

At your home away from home, it should be as easy to get to great eateries as it is to cook the meals you love right in your own kitchen.

Beyond a kitchenette, The Shore brings you chef-inspired kitchens with all the amenities you need to fuel adventures and relaxation, including:

Oven and stove
Dishwasher
Microwave
Minor appliances, such as a toaster and electric kettle
Dinnerware, cookware, cutlery, and even wine glasses

Additionally, each luxury suite is furnished with;

Custom-designed furniture
Washer and dryer
Private balconies
4K flat-screen LG TV’s
High-speed wireless internet

With such mild winters, snowbirds in Kelowna can also barbecue almost any night of the year on our community Weber barbecues. The courtyard is a terrific place to meet friends in any season.

When it’s time to wash off the sand from the beach or restore your muscles after a day of snowshoeing, enjoy a soak in a full-size bathtub before resting in a luxurious king bed (complete with views!).

#3. A home base to enjoy the Okanagan life

Of course, extended stays in Kelowna ought to make it easy for you to explore and enjoy all that is the Okanagan lifestyle.

Centrally located, The Shore places you:

10 minutes from downtown Kelowna and the Orchard Park Shopping Centre
20-minute drive from 40 wineries
30 minutes from Big White Ski Resort, where you can enjoy snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and downhill skiing, just 60 minutes from either Silver Star Ski Resort near Vernon or Apex Mountain Ski Resort
A short drive from 19 spectacular golf courses because you are now also in golfer’s paradise

Of course, this is just the start of things to do as a year-round playground for all things recreation and culture!

What does your extended stay at The Shore look like? Get in touch to hear more about how we can accommodate your needs with a variety of suite options and views!

Kelowna’s Snowbirds Flock to The Shore

Kelowna’s Snowbirds Know The Shore is the place to be in Kelowna

There’s a reason why it’s called ‘The Napa of the North.’ Like its California counterpart, people flock to the Okanagan Valley for its sunshine, warmth, wineries—and so much more. This year, if you can’t make it to Palm Springs, Phoenix or Florida for the Winter, there’s no need to stay home. You can still head South and enjoy an idyllic Winter at The Shore, Kelowna’s Vacation Rental of choice.

If you’re considering how you can still live the snowbird life and stay in Canada this Winter, we have four compelling reasons to make Kelowna, and The Shore, your temporary home.

#1. Kelowna has some of Canada’s warmest weather

Imagine this: It’s February. Long past the twinkle of Christmas, and it snowed overnight, Again. Your car is buried up to the door handles, and with the windchill, it’s nearly -25C, and it’s going to get colder overnight.

But you are in Kelowna, hearing about the weather from your next-door neighbour, who decided to stay in Winnipeg or Regina or Edmonton and tough out the winter at home.

In Kelowna, according to Tourism Kelowna, February’s average low is just a balmy -5 C, and it often reaches the average high of 4 C. You hardly even wear your winter coat in weather like this. On morning walks with your partner along the lake, most days, your sweater and your coffee keep you warm.

Kelowna also enjoys:

304 days of sunshine per year
2,000 hours of sun every year

Instead of shovelling out your car, you can sip your morning coffee in your light-filled suite and soak up the views of the sun, shimmering on the lake and the hills beyond.

#2. Kelowna’s Snowbirds Best Winter activities

The beautiful thing about Winter in the Okanagan, particularly Kelowna, is that you actually get to enjoy it. With mild temperatures and a plethora of world-class Winter activities, The Shore is an ideal home base to enjoy:

Nordic & cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Big White Ski Resort, promises plenty of that coveted Okanagan Champagne powder (and sunshine!) You can also enjoy hitting the slopes at Silver Star Ski Resort near Vernon and Apex Ski Resort near Penticton.
Walking on a network of urban and mountain trails
Golf (often until late fall and starting again in early spring) on 19 exceptional courses that make Kelowna one of Canada’s premier golf destinations
Wine tours, with 40 wineries within a 20-minute drive, and open year-round

#3. The Shore offers hotel hospitality with all the comforts and familiarity of home

The Shore was designed as an extended-stay hotel that would feel like home and yet give you the ease of being on holiday.

Here are just some of the suite features you’ll love:

Private balconies
State-of-the-art culinary kitchen
Custom-designed modern furniture
4K flat-screen LG TV’s
High-speed wireless internet
In-suite washer and dryer
Community outdoor terrace with fireplace and Weber stainless steel barbecues
Guest lounge
Mobile digital key entry

It’s easy to choose the suite that fits your needs, with a selection of one, two and three-bedroom suites to choose from, with either lake or mountain views.

You’ll also love everything about the lakefront Lower Mission location, which lets you enjoy being footsteps away from some of the city’s most treasured boutiques and restaurants as well as transit routes and trails.

Learn more about our vibrant neighbourhood and restaurants downstairs and within walking distance!

#4. The Shore is a Sure Thing

Right now, the typical snowbird journey brings uncertainty. It’s hard to tell what will happen across the border and in the coming months, and many who usually make the journey want the reassurance of knowing they’re making the best decisions for their health and that they’ll be able to come back to Canada if and when they need to.

Staying at The Shore in Kelowna is your next-best destination for a warm, worry-free Winter away from home!

Are you considering becoming one of Kelowna’s Snowbirds? The Shore is Kelowna’s extended stay hotel of choice for Canadian snowbirds! Discover what it means to live here and get in touch so we can help you plan the perfect winter in Canada!