Airbnb vs Vrbo | Which is Better for Guests?

Airbnb and Vrbo stand out in the short-term rental market, constantly adjusting to meet the demands of hosts and guests. Property managers need to identify which platform optimally improves guest experiences, focusing on the subtle distinctions that can significantly elevate a stay.

Today’s blog is all about diving into both platforms, helping you fine-tune your hosting game to mesh with the latest trends and guest expectations. It's not just about being in the know but about staying ahead in today's competitive hospitality space.

Overview of Airbnb and Vrbo

Airbnb

Since its inception in 2008, Airbnb has grown from a small website offering air mattresses and breakfast to a global phenomenon, hosting millions of listings across more than 220 countries and regions. 

In 2024, Airbnb continues to expand its offerings, including an array of property types, from shared rooms to luxury homes and unique experiences provided by local hosts. Airbnb's platform is designed to cater to a diverse audience, including budget travelers, adventure seekers and those looking for unique accommodations.

Vrbo

Standing for Vacation Rental By Owner, Vrbo has carved out its niche in the vacation rental market by focusing primarily on whole properties, making it a favorite among families and groups seeking private accommodations. 

Founded in 1995 and now part of the Expedia Group, Vrbo has a long-standing reputation for providing quality vacation homes, apartments and condos. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo does not offer shared spaces, targeting guests looking for entire homes.

Airbnb's diversity vs. Vrbo's privacy

Airbnb and Vrbo's operational models target different markets. Airbnb attracts a broad audience with its diverse listings and experiences, while Vrbo focuses on guests seeking private, often larger accommodations. 

These distinctions influence guest experiences, booking processes and hosts' and property managers' choice of platform.

The Booking Process Comparison

Ease of use

• Both Airbnb and Vrbo have invested heavily in user experience, ensuring their websites and mobile apps are intuitive and user-friendly. 

• Airbnb's interface is often praised for its modern design and ease of navigation, allowing guests to filter searches by dates, location, type of accommodation, price range and unique amenities. 

• Vrbo offers a similar search functionality, with a strong focus on filtering options that cater to larger groups looking for specific property types, like beach houses or mountain cabins.

• The booking process on both platforms is straightforward, but Airbnb tends to offer a broader range of instant booking options, which appeals to guests looking for quick and easy reservations without waiting for host approvals. 

• Vrbo, on the other hand, has more properties that require approval from the host before booking, which can add a layer of reassurance for both parties but may slow down the booking process.

Availability and variety of listings

• Airbnb's global reach and diverse offerings mean guests can find almost any type of accommodation, from a castle in Scotland to a treehouse in Costa Rica. This variety is a significant draw for guests seeking unique travel experiences. 

• Vrbo's focus on whole properties means it often has a higher concentration of larger accommodations, making it the go-to platform for family vacations, group trips and longer stays.

Pricing and fees

• Both platforms include service fees that vary depending on the total rental cost, which can affect the overall price for guests. 

• Airbnb has a dynamic service fee structure that can range from low to high, often making it challenging for guests to estimate the total cost upfront. 

• Vrbo's fee structure is typically more straightforward, with a clear indication of total costs before booking. For hosts and property managers, understanding these pricing nuances is crucial in setting competitive rates and managing guest expectations.

Customer support

• The level of customer support provided can significantly impact a guest's experience. Airbnb offers 24/7 customer support via phone, email and live chat, with a comprehensive help center for self-service. 

• Vrbo also provides strong customer support, with similar contact options and a commitment to resolving issues. Both platforms have implemented robust systems to handle disputes and issues, but Airbnb's global scale and community-focused initiatives often give it an edge in personalized support experiences.

Cancellation policies

• Cancellation policy flexibility often sways guest decisions, especially in uncertain times. Airbnb provides a spectrum from flexible to strict policies, letting guests pick based on their comfort level. 

• Vrbo policies, set by hosts, generally range from moderate to strict, aligning with its emphasis on larger properties and advanced bookings.

• For hosts, selecting an appropriate cancellation policy involves balancing flexibility to attract guests and revenue protection.

Unique features

• Airbnb's unique selling proposition includes "Experiences"—activities designed and led by locals that allow guests to explore a city's culture cuisine and more directly through the platform. This feature enhances the guest experience by offering more than just a place to stay. 

• Vrbo, while not offering experiences, focuses on simplifying the process of finding and booking entire homes, providing detailed property descriptions, high-quality photos and reviews, which appeal to guests prioritizing comfort and privacy.

• For hosts, grasping these platform features is crucial. It guides platform choice, listing optimization and guest interaction strategies to meet expectations and ensure positive experiences.

Review systems

• Both platforms feature review systems where guests and hosts can share their experiences, fostering trust and transparency. 

• Airbnb's unique review process ensures mutual feedback is exchanged or waits until the review period ends, aiming for honesty. Vrbo also allows guest reviews.

• For hosts, actively managing reviews, addressing criticisms professionally and showcasing positive feedback is essential for enhancing their property's appeal and visibility.

Safety features

• Airbnb and Vrbo prioritize safety and security, protecting hosts and guests. Airbnb's host guarantee covers property damages and they have a thorough verification process. Vrbo's "Book with Confidence Guarantee" offers payment protection, 24/7 support and rebooking help if issues arise.

• For hosts, highlighting these safety features can significantly boost guest trust and influence bookings.

Pros and Cons for Guests

Airbnb

Pros

• Wide variety of listings, from shared rooms to unique accommodations.

• Instant booking options for many properties.

• Airbnb experiences offer unique, local activities beyond just accommodations.

Cons

• Service fees can be unpredictable, making total costs less transparent.

• The vast array of options can be overwhelming for some guests.

Vrbo

Pros

• Focuses on whole properties, ideal for families and groups.

• Generally more straightforward pricing with fewer hidden fees.

• Often preferred for longer stays given the nature of listings.

Cons

• Less variety in terms of property types and experiences.

• The booking process may require approval from hosts, potentially delaying confirmation.

Implications for Hosts and Property Managers

Knowing what guests want on each platform helps hosts and property managers customize their offerings. For example, Vrbo works well for targeting families or groups by emphasizing spacious listings and amenities. On the other hand, Airbnb is ideal for unique stays and local experiences.

The focus on reviews and trust highlights the need for quality and communication. Encouraging positive reviews and professionally handling negative feedback can boost a listing's attractiveness and a host's reputation on both platforms.

Making the Right Choice for Guests and Hosts

Deciding whether Airbnb or Vrbo is the better fit for guests depends on individual preferences — whether they seek varied and unique stays or value the privacy and uniformity of whole properties for group travels. Hosts and property managers should align their listings with these preferences and consider each platform's fees, booking, and cancellation policies.

As we move forward, Airbnb and Vrbo continue to adjust to travelers' shifting needs. Staying informed and adaptable allows hosts and property managers to optimize their properties for their ideal audience on the most fitting platform.