Upmarket Airbnb for London's luxury property

Oasis Collections, the global luxury holiday apartments start-up, is hoping to become the upmarket version of Airbnb as it looks to add an extra 300 high-end London properties to the current 57 listed on its website. Chief executive and co-founder, Parker Stanberry, who began the business in Buenos Aires in 2009, suggests that his new “deconstructed hotel” model provides a flexible and personalised solution to the growing demand among wealthy tourists for more affluent types of “sharing economy” accommodation, which includes all the advantages of hotels in 18 of the world’s most sought-after cities.

A n “Airbnb”-style home-stay company that throws in access to exclusive private members’ clubs and gyms as well as the keys to the house is aiming to sign up hundreds of London properties.

The boss of Oasis Collections said there was growing demand for “sharing economy” accommodation from affluent travellers who are also seeking all the trappings of an upmarket hotel.

Its website lists 57 London properties, ranging from a £100-a-night flat in Spitalfields to a four-bedroom mews house in Earl’s Court for £830 a night. It is now looking to sign up 300 more.

Chief executive and co-founder Parker Stanberry, who started the business in Buenos Aires in 2009, said London was one of the most sought-after city destinations among wealthy tourists.

He said travellers using the service — described as a “deconstructed hotel” — can ask in advance for extras, such as access to local fitness centres like the South Kensington Club or private members’ clubs such as the Hospital Club in Covent Garden.

Kylie Jenner used the service to book a $1,295-a-night penthouse for New York Fashion Week

They can also specify what food should be stocked in the fridge on arrival, and make use of a concierge service to help visitors find local “hidden gems”.

Mr Stanberry said: “You don’t need us to go to the Tower of London but you might need us to find that out of the way place in Notting Hill or that nice back-street curry house or antique shop.”

A representative from the company will be at the property when the guest arrives “even if it is at three in the morning,” he added.

French hotels group Accor took a 30 per cent stake in Oasis Collections in February, and this month acquired rival British firm Onefinestay, as it seeks to counter growing competition from Airbnb.

Oasis Collections has properties in 18 cities around the world and will add a further 10 destinations by the end of the year.

Users of the service include reality TV star Kylie Jenner and her rapper boyfriend Tyga, who last month booked a $1,295-a-night penthouse in Manhattan for New York Fashion Week.

Mr Stanberry said forthcoming events triggering interest in London stays include the Queen’s 90th birthday and Wimbledon.