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.