Finding the best short-term rental sites can make all the difference for both hosts seeking to maximize their property’s potential and for visitors looking for a great place to stay on vacation.
Continue reading to discover the best short-term rental sites for hosts and visitors and some of the top short-term rental alternatives to consider when renting out your property this year.
The Best Short-Term Rental Sites
Not all short-term rental sites are created equal, which is why it’s important to do your research to find the best site to accomplish your goals. Here’s our choices for the best short-term rental sites in 2023.
Vrbo
Vrbo is one of the most popular short-term rental sites in the world. With over 2 million properties listed on the platform and 44 million monthly website visitors, VRBO is in the conversation for the best short-term rental site according to many online travel critics.
Their service specializes in homes and properties in major tourist destinations on six continents across the world. Most VRBO properties have kitchens and amenities perfect for families, but we recommend confirming these details and checking reviews before booking.
VRBO hosts are responsible for the upkeep and cleanliness of their properties, so be sure to do plenty of research to find a trustworthy property on the platform.
Book at: Vrbo.com
Airbnb
Founded in 2008, Airbnb is one of the pioneers in the short-term rental space. The platform boasts over 6 million listings in 100,000 cities around the world, and has become one of the leaders in the industry. Airbnb’s brand recognition attracts guests to the site, giving hosts potentially more exposure than other platforms.
For guests, Airbnb’s market penetration means you’ll have no problem finding a short-term rental anywhere you’re traveling to. Additionally, Airbnb has a user-friendly site with advanced filters that make it easy to find the perfect spot for your stay.
However, some of the downsides of Airbnb include cost considerations. The platform is no longer the cheapest option for guests and hosts are seeing a reduction in profits due to higher fees.
Read more: Airbnb vs. VRBO Review
Vacasa
Shortly after its founding, Vacasa topped the list of Fastest-Growing Private 100 companies, as they saw a 3,034% growth rate during this time. Since then, the platform hasn’t slowed down much.
Vacasa is an international vacation rental site with operations in the United States, Central America, and South America. The site manages over 35,000 properties and is a direct competitor with Airbnb, Vrbo, and many other popular short-term rental sites.
However, what sets Vacasa apart from competitors is that they help property owners and guests with property management along with booking rentals. They take care of all aspects of the vacation rental process, including cleaning, repairs, and property maintenance.
Some of the downsides of Vacasa that customers complain about is the subpar customer service and lack of diligence by property managers. Nonetheless, hosts and guests should consider Vacasa as an alternative to other popular short-term rental sites.
Book at: Vacasa.com
Booking.com
You’ve probably heard the trademark advertisement catchphrase “Booking.com – Booking.yeah”. This catchphrase has proven to be very effective for Booking.com, as they have more than 28 million properties on the platform and 1.5 million properties booked each day.
Booking.com is known for its presence in the hotel space but has only recently ventured into short-term vacation rentals. The platform is known for its customer service generosity when handling cancellations and refunds.
However, Booking.com charges its hosts 15% on each of their bookings, which adds up for hosts who use the platform regularly. Other downsides of Booking.com include high competition among hosts and delays in payment processing for property owners.
Book at: Booking.com
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is known for providing information on things to do and hotel accommodations in major destinations around the world. However, they have also established a name for themselves in the short-term rental space as well.
Some of the primary benefits of Tripadvisor’s vacation rentals is that hosts can list their properties for free and enjoy a low commission rate of only 3% on the platform. Tripadvisor also has brand recognition and is known for its superior customer service for hosts and guests.
Some downsides of Tripadvisor’s vacation rentals are the lack of properties on the platform and that they aren’t available outside the United States.
Book at: Tripadvisor.com
How to Choose a Short-Term Rental Site as a Host
Property owners are in a great position to make extra money by renting out their homes, apartments, or extra rooms to visitors looking for a comfortable place to spend their time while traveling.
Here are some of the key considerations for hosts looking to make extra money with short-term rentals.
Market Presence and Reach
Selecting a platform with a strong market presence and extensive reach is crucial for attracting a large pool of potential guests. Established and well-known platforms have a broader user base and can bring more visibility to your listing.
Look for platforms that have a significant presence in your location and are known for driving substantial traffic to their site. A platform that invests in marketing and advertising will also contribute to the exposure of your property.
Booking Fees and Commissions
Understanding the fee structure of each platform is essential to assess its cost-effectiveness for your short-term rental business. Short-term rental sites typically charge hosts a commission fee on each booking, which is a percentage of the rental price.
Additionally, some platforms may issue service or processing fees on both hosts and guests. Compare the commission rates of different sites and evaluate whether the services and benefits they offer justify the costs.
Lower commission rates may be attractive, but it’s essential to consider the platform’s reputation and ability to drive bookings as well.
Target Audience
Different short-term rental sites cater to various types of travelers. Some platforms focus on luxury rentals, while others target budget-conscious travelers or specific niche markets.
Consider the preferences and needs of your ideal guests, such as families, business travelers, or solo adventurers, and choose a platform that aligns with your target audience.
Platforms that attract guests seeking the type of experience your property offers are more likely to result in successful bookings.
Listing Features
The listing features and capabilities offered by a platform play a significant role in attracting potential guests. Look for sites that allow you to create appealing and informative property listings.
High-quality photos, detailed descriptions, and lists of amenities are essential elements of an effective listing. Some platforms may also offer options for virtual tours, which can give guests a more immersive experience of your property.
The ability to customize your listing and highlight unique selling points can make a considerable difference in attracting bookings.
Booking Process
A seamless and straightforward booking process is crucial for converting potential guests into confirmed bookings. Choose a platform with an intuitive and user-friendly interface that enables guests to easily browse listings, view availability, and make bookings without complications.
A streamlined booking process reduces the likelihood of guests abandoning their reservation and increases the chances of securing bookings.
Choosing a Short-Term Rental Site as a Guest
For guests looking for short-term rentals, there are several key considerations to keep in mind to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Here are some important factors to consider:
Location and Accessibility
The location of the rental property is paramount. Consider its proximity to the places you plan to visit, such as tourist attractions, business centers, or public transportation hubs. A conveniently located rental can save time and transportation costs, allowing you to make the most of your stay.
Guest Reviews and Ratings
Before booking a short-term rental, read reviews and ratings from previous guests. Genuine feedback provides valuable insights into the property’s condition, cleanliness, amenities, and the host’s responsiveness. Positive reviews can give you confidence in your choice, while negative reviews may raise red flags.
Also consider the fact that negative experiences are inevitable on these platforms. Some short-term rental sites rely on third-party contractors for property management and maintenance, meaning the host isn’t always to blame in certain situations.
Safety and Security
Ensure that the rental property and its neighborhood are safe and secure. Look for features such as secure access to the building, well-lit common areas, and the presence of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
If you have any specific safety concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the host for clarification. It’s a good sign when a host is responsive and willing to answer your questions before booking.
Cancellation Policy
Review the rental’s cancellation policy to understand the terms and conditions in case you need to modify or cancel your reservation. Choose a policy that aligns with your travel plans and provides flexibility if unforeseen circumstances arise.
Extra Fees and Charges
Be aware of any additional fees or charges associated with the rental. Some short-term rental platforms add service fees or cleaning fees to the booking cost, so read the fine print to avoid unexpected expenses.
Booking Platform Reputation
Consider the reputation of the booking platform itself. Reputable and established platforms are more likely to have a wide range of quality listings and provide better customer support. Make sure to do your research and avoid short-term rental sites with negative reviews from customers.
Final Thoughts
Short-term rentals are surging in popularity for both hosts and guests. Hosts are able to use short-term rental sites for maximum exposure and take advantage of income-producing properties.
Whether you’re a host or potential guest, using one of the best short-term rental sites allows you to have the best experience with your vacation rentals. Be sure to do plenty of research and test out different platforms to see which one is right for you.
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