Home swaps are wonderful, but they are not the only way to stay, and on a long trip you will usually mix a few kinds of lodging. The trick is matching the stay to the stretch of the trip.
For a base where you settle for weeks, an apartment or aparthotel beats a hotel room. You get a kitchen, a washing machine, and room to spread out, usually for less per night than a hotel once you are staying seven nights or more. Look for places that quote a weekly or monthly rate.
For the short hops between bases, a simple hotel or guesthouse for a night or two is fine, and often easier than juggling apartment check-in windows. Book the flexible, refundable rate when you can. On a long trip plans shift, and the few extra dollars buy you the freedom to change your mind.
Our usual mix is a month-long apartment or swap as the anchor, a couple of agriturismi or small guesthouses for the rural stretches, and the odd refundable hotel for travel days. Spread your stays across a couple of booking sites and the places' own websites, which sometimes undercut the big platforms for longer bookings.