Where Should You List Your Vacation Rental?
A Quick Guide to Airbnb, Vrbo, and Direct Bookings
If you're a second homeowner exploring short-term rentals, one of the first decisions you'll face is where to list your property. Airbnb? Vrbo? Your own direct booking site?
Each option has its strengths and trade-offs—and the best choice depends on your goals, the type of property you own, and how involved you want to be. Here’s a quick comparison to help you make the right call.
Airbnb: The Big Traffic Magnet
Airbnb is often the first platform new hosts turn to—and for good reason. It’s user-friendly, optimized for mobile, and backed by a huge global audience. If you’re looking to fill last-minute gaps or attract younger, experience-driven travelers, it’s a great place to start.
Pros:
Massive user base and strong brand recognition
Intuitive app and robust hosting tools
Clear expectations from guests
Cons:
Higher service fees (typically 14%–16% to guests, 3% to hosts)
Limited control over your brand or messaging
Visibility depends on algorithms, which can be inconsistent
Vrbo: Great for Traditional Vacationers
Vrbo, part of the Expedia Group, tends to attract families and older travelers planning more traditional getaways. If your property is spacious and well-suited for groups, Vrbo could be a strong fit.
Pros:
Appeals to longer stays and family groups
Slightly higher average nightly rates than Airbnb
Less party-related traffic
Cons:
Smaller audience overall
Interface can feel less intuitive
Still takes a cut (around 8%–10% service fees)
Direct Booking: Full Control, Bigger Rewards
Once you’ve built up solid reviews and visibility, many hosts opt to create a direct booking site. It’s a great way to avoid platform fees, establish your brand, and encourage guest loyalty.
Pros:
No third-party rules or commission fees
Complete control over communication and branding
Great for repeat guests and referrals
Cons:
You’re responsible for marketing and driving traffic
Higher upfront setup and tech investment
Requires booking software or a property management system
So… What’s the Best Option?
For most second homeowners, it’s not an either-or situation—it’s a layered approach. Starting with Airbnb and Vrbo helps you build momentum and gain visibility. From there, adding a direct booking strategy lets you maximize profit and foster long-term guest relationships.
The key is to track performance, understand your guest profile, and adjust as you grow.
Need Help Making It All Work?
At Boutique Mountain Stays, we help homeowners like you create a profitable, low-stress rental setup across multiple platforms—without the overwhelm. Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale, we’ll help you find the right balance.
