How is this different from booking a hotel?

PandaBed lists 8 categories of alternative accommodations in Asia. They are:

1. Single room in occupied home
2. Whole home
3. Private managed villas
4. Professionally managed villas
5. Privately managed guest houses
6. Professionally managed guest houses
7. Backpacker accommodations
8. Service apartments

Alternative accommodations provide customers with better value for money and unique experiences. On our website, the per night rate ranges from US$20 a night for a single room to US$1,500 a night for a 12 room villa.