Introduction
When it comes to hosting vacation rentals, two prominent platforms that come to mind are VRBO and Airbnb. Both platforms offer opportunities for hosts to list their properties and connect with travelers from around the world. However, there are several differences between VRBO and Airbnb that hosts should consider before deciding which platform is the best fit for their needs. In this blog post, we will explore various aspects of hosting on VRBO and Airbnb, including commission fees, cancellation policies, target audiences, property types, and review systems.
Commission Fees
One of the crucial factors to consider when choosing a platform to host your vacation rental is the commission fees charged by the platform. VRBO and Airbnb have different fee structures for hosts. VRBO typically charges hosts an annual subscription fee, which grants them access to list their properties on the platform. Additionally, VRBO charges a transaction fee on each booking, usually a percentage of the booking total.
On the other hand, Airbnb charges hosts a service fee, which is a percentage of the booking subtotal. The service fee varies depending on several factors, including the total cost of the reservation, length of stay, and location. It’s important to note that both platforms may also charge additional fees, such as payment processing fees or fees for optional services.
Cancellation Policies
Another critical aspect to consider is the cancellation policies offered by VRBO and Airbnb. Cancellation policies determine the refund guests receive if they need to cancel their reservation. Both platforms offer different cancellation policy options for hosts to choose from, ranging from flexible to strict.
VRBO provides hosts with the flexibility to set their cancellation policies, allowing them to choose between options like flexible, moderate, and strict. These policies define the amount of refund guests receive based on the timing of their cancellation relative to the check-in date.
Similarly, Airbnb offers hosts the ability to select from different cancellation policies, including flexible, moderate, and strict. These policies determine the refund guests receive based on the timing of their cancellation, similar to VRBO’s approach.
Target Audience
Understanding the target audience of each platform is essential to effectively market your vacation rental. VRBO and Airbnb cater to slightly different demographics and traveler preferences.
VRBO has traditionally positioned itself as a platform for family-oriented vacations and larger groups. It primarily focuses on whole-home vacation rentals, such as cabins, condos, and beach houses. VRBO’s target audience often consists of families or groups looking for spacious accommodations and a sense of privacy during their vacation.
On the other hand, Airbnb has a broader range of accommodation options, including entire homes, private rooms, and shared spaces. This diversity attracts a wide range of travelers, including solo adventurers, couples, and families. Airbnb’s target audience is often looking for unique and personalized experiences, including stays in unconventional properties like treehouses or yurts.
Top 200 Airbnb Rental Markets
Use our Airbnb comparison tool to instantly compare the top 200 short-term (Airbnb) rental markets in the US by returns on investment, occupancy rates, revenue, home price, and more…
Property Types
The types of properties allowed on VRBO and Airbnb differ to some extent. VRBO primarily focuses on whole-home rentals, including houses, apartments, and villas. This specialization in whole-home rentals aligns with VRBO’s target audience, which typically seeks larger accommodations for family or group trips.
Airbnb, on the other hand, offers a more diverse range of property types. In addition to whole-home rentals, Airbnb allows hosts to list private rooms within their homes or shared spaces. This variety enables hosts to cater to different traveler preferences, offering options for budget-conscious individuals or those seeking a more immersive experience by staying with local hosts.
Review Systems
Both VRBO and Airbnb have review systems in place to maintain transparency and build trust between hosts and guests. Reviews play a crucial role in the decision-making process for potential guests.
VRBO’s review system allows guests to rate their overall experience and provide detailed feedback about their stay. Hosts can also respond to guest reviews, addressing any concerns or thanking guests for their positive feedback. The review system on VRBO helps hosts build a strong reputation and attract future guests.
Similarly, Airbnb’s review system allows guests to rate their experience and leave written reviews. Hosts have the opportunity to respond to reviews publicly, showing their attentiveness and commitment to guest satisfaction. Reviews and ratings on Airbnb contribute to hosts’ overall performance and influence their visibility in search results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, VRBO and Airbnb are two leading platforms for hosting vacation rentals. While both platforms offer opportunities for hosts to connect with travelers, they have distinct differences in terms of commission fees, cancellation policies, target audiences, property types, and review systems. Hosts should carefully consider these factors to determine which platform aligns best with their hosting goals and the type of experience they aim to provide to guests. Whether you choose VRBO or Airbnb, both platforms offer valuable resources and a vast network of potential guests for hosts to leverage in the vacation rental market.
