Is Vrbo the Best Site for Booking Vacation Rentals? Here’s Our Review
Whether you’re planning a relaxing beach getaway or an adventure in the mountains, finding the right accommodation is key to an enjoyable vacation. As you search for lodging, you may come across Vrbo, a popular vacation rental booking site. With over 2 million listings in more than 190 countries, Vrbo offers a wide array of rental properties to suit any travel style or budget. However, with various rental sites available, how do you know if Vrbo is the best option for you? This article provides an in-depth review of Vrbo based on factors like rental selection, fees, customer service, and more to help determine if it should be your go-to site for booking vacation rentals.
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What Is Vrbo and How Does It Work?
Vrbo is a popular vacation rental website where homeowners rent out their properties to travelers looking for alternatives to hotels. Vrbo has been facilitating vacation rentals since 1995 and was previously known as HomeAway.
Vrbo works by allowing homeowners to list their properties for rent on the website. Travelers can then search through the listings to find a rental that suits their needs. They can filter by things like location, price, number of bedrooms, amenities, and more.
Once travelers find a listing they’re interested in, they can view photos, read reviews from previous guests, and get details about the property and its features. If they decide to book, the transaction is completed directly with the homeowner. Vrbo’s fees are paid by the homeowners as a percentage of the booking.
Some benefits of using Vrbo include:
- Often lower prices than hotels. Vacation rentals typically offer more space and amenities for less money.
- More space and amenities. Rentals usually feature full kitchens, laundry, and extra rooms—great for families or groups.
- Unique options. You can find anything from an urban loft to a beach bungalow to a mountain cabin.
- Local experiences. Rentals allow you to live like a local and experience a destination in an authentic way. You can also find hidden gems not listed in tourism books.
- Privacy. Unlike hotels, you have a place to yourself where you can relax without worrying about other guests or noise in the halls.
In summary, Vrbo provides an easy way to find and book unique vacation rentals for a memorable trip. If you’re looking for an alternative to standard hotels that offers more space, comfort, and value, Vrbo is an excellent option to consider for your next getaway.
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Pros of Booking With Vrbo
When booking a vacation rental, Vrbo is one of the top sites to consider for several reasons:
Vrbo has over 2 million rentals worldwide to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a beach house, mountain cabin, city condo or anything in between, Vrbo likely has options that will suit your needs. Their massive inventory means you’re more likely to find a rental that matches your desired location, amenities, and budget.
Vrbo focuses specifically on whole-home rentals, so you can expect a more spacious place with a full kitchen, multiple bedrooms, and other comforts of home. This is ideal if you’re traveling with family or friends and want more room and privacy than a standard hotel would provide. Whole-home rentals also give you the flexibility to cook some of your own meals, which can save money and allow you to enjoy dining in.
The site provides helpful resources to guide you through the booking process. You can read reviews from previous guests, view detailed listings with photos and descriptions, and compare rentals side-by-side. Vrbo’s secure payment system also gives you confidence when providing personal and financial information. Furthermore, their 24/7 customer service team is available to answer any questions before, during or after your trip.
While Vrbo does charge service and booking fees, their rates are often lower than hotels in the same area, especially if you’re traveling with a group. Plus, many owners offer weekly and monthly discounts or package deals, so you may be able to find even lower rates, depending on the time of year and length of your stay.
In summary, with its huge selection of whole-home rentals, useful trip planning tools and customer support, Vrbo is an excellent option for booking your next vacation rental. By using this popular site, you’ll enjoy more space, greater value, and peace of mind on your travels.
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Cons of Booking With Vrbo
Limited Customer Service
Vrbo’s customer service options are relatively limited. They do not offer phone support, only email and chat options during business hours. If an issue arises outside of standard support times, you may face delays in receiving assistance. Some travelers have reported longer wait times for responses and less personalized service compared to other vacation rental sites.
Strict Cancelation Policies
Vrbo leaves cancelation policies up to individual property owners and managers. This can mean stricter policies that provide little flexibility. Some may charge high cancelation fees, even for cancelations made far in advance. Be sure to read the fine print of any rental agreement carefully to understand the potential financial penalties before booking.
Additional Fees
In addition to nightly rates, Vrbo rentals may charge extra fees like cleaning fees, service fees, and taxes that can significantly increase the total cost of your stay. These additional charges are not always clearly displayed upfront, so the final price you pay may be higher than the listed nightly rate. Some rentals may also require additional deposits or charge extra for amenities like linens, wi-fi or parking. Evaluate the total price including all fees when comparing properties.
Property Listing Accuracy
While Vrbo does screen listings to some degree, they rely heavily on property owners and managers to provide accurate information. This can lead to exaggerated or misleading claims about rental features, quality or amenities in some cases. Reviews from past guests can help determine listing accuracy, but some properties may have few or no reviews available to reference. It is best to contact property owners directly with any important questions before booking to ensure the rental meets your needs and expectations.
In summary, while Vrbo offers a wide selection of vacation rentals around the world, their platform does present some potential downsides to be aware of. Doing thorough research on any property you’re interested in and understanding all associated costs, policies, and contractual obligations in advance can help ensure an enjoyable rental experience.
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Vrbo Fees: How Much Does It Really Cost?
Listing Fees
To list a rental property on Vrbo, owners pay either a subscription fee or a per-booking fee. Subscription fees start at $279 per year and allow unlimited listings and bookings. The per-booking option charges 8-12% of the booking total. For most owners, the subscription model is more cost-effective if you expect several bookings a year.
Service Fees
In addition to listing fees, Vrbo charges travelers a 5-12% service fee on all bookings. The exact amount depends on the total booking cost. These fees cover the cost of operating the platform and providing services to both owners and renters. As an owner, you don’t pay any additional service fees on bookings through Vrbo.
Cancelation Policy Fees
Vrbo allows owners to set their own cancelation policies, including charging fees for cancelations within a certain number of days of the check-in date. If a renter cancels a booking, Vrbo will deduct your cancelation fee from their refund. You’ll still receive your payout for the booking minus Vrbo’s regular service fees. Establishing a clear cancelation policy is important to protect yourself financially in the event of a cancelation.
Additional Promotional Options
For an extra fee, Vrbo offers promotional tools to help increase visibility and drive more bookings for your property. Options include:
- Featured Listing: Highlights your listing at the top of search results for $30-$50 per month.
- Search Boost: Moves your listing higher in search results for $5-$15 per month.
- Email Marketing: Sends an email promoting your listing to potential renters for $75-$200 per campaign.
- Social Media Promotion: Promotes your listing on Vrbo’s social media channels for $200-$500 per campaign.
While the additional fees are optional, many owners find these tools helpful for maximizing bookings, especially when first listing a property. The key is choosing options that fit your budget and needs.
In summary, Vrbo keeps costs straightforward for owners with reasonable listing and service fees. Their additional promotional tools provide an opportunity to increase visibility at an extra cost for those interested in ramping up their bookings. For most vacation rental owners, Vrbo offers an affordable and effective platform for connecting with travelers and earning rental income.
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Vrbo vs Airbnb: Which Is Better?
When comparing Vrbo and Airbnb for booking vacation rentals, several factors are important to consider based on your needs and priorities.
Selection
Vrbo has over 2 million properties listed on its site compared to Airbnb’s over 6 million. While Airbnb likely has more options in major cities and destinations, Vrbo focuses specifically on vacation rentals like condos, beach houses, cabins and chalets. Vrbo’s inventory may better suit those looking for a more home-like, self-catered stay.
Owners and Management
The majority of Vrbo’s properties are professionally managed, meaning there is an on-site property manager to handle key exchanges, cleaning, maintenance issues and guest services. Airbnb has more owner-managed listings where you deal directly with the owner. Professionally managed properties may offer a more consistent experience.
Policies
Vrbo and Airbnb have different policies regarding payments, cancelations, refunds, damages and liability that you should understand fully before booking. Vrbo’s policies tend to more strictly favor the property owners and managers. Airbnb’s policies aim to be fair to both guests and hosts. Review policies carefully to determine which site aligns best with your preferences.
Fees
There are no membership or subscription fees to use Vrbo or Airbnb. However, service fees, cleaning fees and security deposits can vary significantly between properties on each site. Vrbo charges guests a 5-12% service fee. Airbnb charges guests a 0-20% service fee. Vrbo leaves setting additional fees up to owners while Airbnb caps certain fees like cleaning charges. The total price for a comparable stay may differ on each site, so compare listings carefully.
In summary, while Vrbo and Airbnb both offer vacation rentals, differences in their property selections, management, policies and fees may make one platform preferable over the other depending on your needs and priorities for your stay. Evaluating these factors in advance will help ensure you choose the site that offers the experience you desire at a total cost you feel comfortable with.
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Tips for Finding the Best Rentals on Vrbo
Search Off-Season
Search for rentals during the off-season or shoulder seasons when rates are lower for the best deals. Rentals booked 3-6 months in advance often have 10-30% lower rates than last minute bookings. Early birds get the worm, so start your search at least a few months before your trip.
Be Flexible With Dates
If you have a flexible schedule, search for rentals a few days before and after your target dates. Rates are often lower mid-week and you may find additional savings by avoiding weekends. Consider arriving a day or two early or extending your stay an extra day or two if possible. The extra time can allow for rest and rejuvenation, and the lower rates will help offset any additional costs.
Check Reviews
Read reviews from other travelers to determine the pros and cons of different properties. Look for reviews that mention specifics about the location, amenities, and overall experience. Consider both the number of reviews as well as the overall star rating. Newer listings may have few reviews, so check what other rentals the owner has and their reviews. Avoid rentals with consistently poor reviews mentioning issues like cleanliness, responsiveness, misleading listings, or extra fees.
Negotiate the Best Price
Don’t be afraid to contact owners and negotiate the rates, especially for longer stays. Many owners would rather rent at a lower price than have the rental sit empty. Explain why you’re interested in the property and your budget constraints. The worst they can say is no, but you may be pleasantly surprised with a discounted offer or special promotion.
Ask About Additional Fees
Inquire about any additional fees like cleaning fees, service fees or taxes to avoid surprises. These extra costs can add significantly to your total, so make sure you understand all charges upfront before booking. Some fees may be negotiable, especially for longer stays, so it doesn’t hurt to ask.
With some patience and the right techniques, you can find amazing vacation rentals at the best prices on Vrbo. Do your research, be flexible, and don’t be afraid to negotiate for the most value and an unforgettable trip. The extra effort will pay off!
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Negotiating the Best Price on Vrbo
Once you’ve found a desirable Vrbo property, it’s time to get the best price. Vrbo allows property owners to set their own rates, so there’s often room for negotiation. Here are some tips to get the lowest price on your Vrbo rental:
Check the owner’s other listings
See if the owner has other properties listed on Vrbo. If so, check the prices for those rentals. This can give you an idea of the range they’re willing to consider. Owners may be more flexible on the price for longer-term guests or last-minute bookings.
Book in the off-season
If your schedule allows, book during the off-season or shoulder seasons. Owners are typically more willing to negotiate pricing when demand is lower. You may be able to get 10-30% off the high-season rates.
Pay in full upfront
Some owners will offer a discount if you pay for the entire rental upfront rather than making a deposit with the balance due later. Paying the full amount in advance gives the owner financial assurance, allowing them to feel more comfortable lowering the price.
Extend your stay
If you want to stay longer at a property, let the owner know. They will often provide a discount for longer stays, especially if it means filling a gap between other bookings. An extra 10-15% off for an extended stay of a week or more is common.
Make an offer
After considering the other tips, check the listing details and “Book It Now” price. Then contact the owner through Vrbo and make an offer for the price you want to pay, explaining why you think it’s reasonable based on your research. Be willing to compromise to reach an agreement with the owner. Many owners would rather lower the price a bit than risk losing a booking.
Using these strategies, you have a good chance of negotiating at least 10% off the list price for your Vrbo rental. With extra effort and planning, savings of 25% or more are possible. Happy deal hunting!
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Vrbo Cancelation Policy: What You Need to Know
Reviewing Vrbo’s cancelation policy
When booking vacation rentals on Vrbo, it’s critical to understand their cancelation policy before finalizing your reservation. Vrbo’s policy allows homeowners to choose from several options to determine cancelation rules for their specific property. As the renter, you must adhere to the individual policy set by the homeowner for your booking.
Most homeowners on Vrbo choose a “moderate” cancelation policy. Under this policy, if you cancel more than 30 days before check-in, you’ll receive a full refund minus the Vrbo service fee. Canceling 15-30 days before check-in results in a 50% refund. No refund will be issued for cancelations within 15 days of check-in. Some homeowners may offer a stricter “firm” policy with no refunds for any cancelations, while others may be more lenient with a “flexible” policy allowing cancelations up to 24 hours before check-in.
When searching for and comparing vacation rentals on Vrbo, carefully review the details of the cancelation policy for each property to determine which policy fits your needs. Look for listings with a “moderate” or “flexible” policy if there’s a chance you may need to cancel. You can then book with confidence knowing you won’t lose your full payment if your plans change.
You must notify the homeowner as soon as possible if you need to cancel your Vrbo reservation. Log into your Vrbo account and send a message to the homeowner with your cancelation request, the reason for canceling, and your desired check-out date. The homeowner will then review based on their cancelation policy and notify Vrbo to issue any refund owed or charge additional fees. Failure to properly cancel a reservation in accordance with the stated policy may result in forfeiture of some or all monies paid.
In summary, closely review Vrbo’s cancelation policy details for any property before booking to avoid unwanted surprises. Look for properties with more flexible policies if possible. Be sure to promptly notify the homeowner through Vrbo of any needed cancelation to potentially receive maximum refunds based on the individual policy. Following these best practices will help ensure a stress-free booking experience on Vrbo.
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Vrbo FAQs: Common Questions About Using the Site
What types of properties can I rent on Vrbo?
Vrbo offers a wide selection of vacation rentals to suit any travel needs. You can find anything from small cabins and condos to luxury beach houses and ski chalets. Vrbo specializes in private rental properties, so you can expect amenities like full kitchens, laundry facilities, pools, hot tubs and more.
How do Vrbo’s fees and rates work?
Vrbo charges guests a service fee for each booking which is typically around 5-12% of the rental rate. The exact fee depends on the rental property and dates of your stay. Vrbo’s fees cover the cost of running their website and providing 24/7 customer service.
Can I negotiate the rates for Vrbo rentals?
Some Vrbo owners may be open to negotiating rates, especially if you’re booking last minute or for longer stays. It never hurts to inquire about special rates or discounts. However, many owners have set rates for peak seasons and holidays. You can also save money by booking in the off-season or midweek instead of weekends.
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Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?
In addition to Vrbo’s service fee, there may be other charges for your rental such as:
- Cleaning fees: Covers the cost of cleaning the property after your stay. Fees typically range from $50 to $200.
- Taxes: Local occupancy or lodging taxes are common and vary based on location. Taxes are usually around 5-15% of the rental rate.
- Deposits: Some owners require refundable security deposits, usually $200 to $500. Deposits are returned after your stay if there is no damage.
- Pet fees: If bringing pets, you may have to pay a nonrefundable pet fee of $100-$300 or more.
Be sure to check the total price breakdown for any additional fees before booking to avoid surprises. The total cost will include the nightly rate plus taxes, service and cleaning fees, deposits, and any other charges.
What is Vrbo’s cancelation policy?
Each Vrbo rental has its own cancelation policy set by the owner. Common policies include:
- Flexible: Full refund for cancelations made at least 14-30 days before check-in. 50-75% refund for cancelations within 14 days of check-in.
- Moderate: 50-75% refund for cancelations made at least 30 days before check-in. Nonrefundable for cancelations within 30 days of check-in.
- Strict: Usually nonrefundable for any cancelations made after booking.
Be sure to read the cancelation policy for your specific rental before booking to understand the terms in case your plans change.
Conclusion
In the end, you have to weigh the pros and cons and determine what matters most for your own needs. Vrbo offers a wide selection, competitive prices, and many useful tools to help you find and book vacation rentals. However, their customer service leaves something to be desired, and the site can be tedious to navigate at times. If selection and price are your top priorities, Vrbo is likely your best bet. However, if customer service and ease of use rank higher on your list, you may want to consider other options as well. The choice comes down to aligning a site’s strengths with your own priorities so you can book the perfect rental for your next getaway.
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