What is Hopper and How Does it Work for Vacation Rentals?

For anyone who thrives on scoring amazing travel deals, Hopper is a name you likely recognize. While it’s best known for helping users snag cheap flights at just the right moment, it’s also shaking things up in the vacation rental market. 

But how does it really work for hosts looking to maximize their property’s potential? In a crowded landscape filled with different platforms vying for your attention, Hopper distinguishes itself with unique features and an innovative approach.

In this blog, we’ll explore what Hopper is, how it works and why it might be the ideal platform for your vacation rental business.

What is Hopper?

Hopper is a travel app designed to help users secure the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals and vacation rentals. What sets it apart is its price prediction technology which analyzes billions of data points to predict when prices will rise or fall. 

Initially launched in 2014 as a flight app, Hopper has grown into one of the most popular travel platforms in the world. With over 75 million users and generating $5.9 billion in bookings in 2023, Hopper is a favorite among Gen Z and Millennials, who make up 70% of its user base. 

These younger travelers are drawn to Hopper’s affordability, user-friendly interface and flexible booking options — making it a perfect fit for vacation rental hosts looking to reach tech-savvy, budget-conscious travelers.

How Does Hopper Work for Vacation Rentals?

Here’s how Hopper works and why it could benefit your vacation rental business:

1. Simple property listing

Listing your property on Hopper is straightforward. You simply create an account, add your property details — photos, descriptions and amenities — and set your prices. Once your listing is live, Hopper’s smart algorithm helps your property get noticed by the right people.

For confirmed bookings, Hopper charges hosts a fee depending on the integration method:

• For hosts using a Property Management System (PMS) or Channel Manager (CM): A 14% fee is charged, calculated based on the booking subtotal (nightly rate plus any additional fees, excluding taxes). This host fee is automatically deducted from your payout, keeping everything straightforward and hassle-free.

• For hosts not using a PMS or CM integration: The fee is split between the host and the guest. Hosts pay a 3% fee, while guests cover up to 12% of the booking fee. 

2. Smart pricing for more bookings

Hopper’s price prediction tool is its signature feature. Using data science, the app predicts price fluctuations with 95% accuracy, letting travelers know when the best time is to book. This means your property remains competitively priced, especially during peak travel seasons, without requiring constant manual adjustments.

Hopper’s smart pricing can save guests up to 40% on bookings, which makes your property more appealing compared to others on platforms that don’t offer this level of pricing accuracy. By highlighting the best times to book, Hopper helps your property stand out in a crowded market.

3. Expansive user reach

Hopper’s reach is impressive. The app had 19.8 million downloads in 2023, making it the most downloaded online travel agency app in North America. 

When you list your property on Hopper, you're immediately connected to a large, engaged audience actively searching for unique, affordable vacation rentals.

Half of Hopper’s users book exclusively through the app, creating a loyal customer base that returns to Hopper for their travel planning. This makes your listing more likely to be seen and booked by repeat users.

4. Transparent guest information

Beyond its large reach, Hopper offers transparent guest information, giving you direct access to details about your guests. 

Unlike some platforms that withhold guest information, Hopper promotes open communication between hosts and guests, allowing you to deliver a more personalized experience. This transparency fosters trust and makes managing guest interactions smoother and more efficient.

Why Choose Hopper for Your Vacation Rental?

There are plenty of reasons why Hopper stands out:

Smart pricing technology

Hopper’s pricing tool keeps your property competitively priced by automatically adjusting rates based on real-time market trends. This helps you secure more bookings without constantly monitoring rates.

Comprehensive search filters

Guests can easily find properties by using Hopper’s detailed search filters. They can search by the number of bedrooms, location, price and more, helping your property stand out to the right travelers.

All-one-booking process

Hopper manages everything within the app, from bookings to payments to communication. This makes it easy for both you and your guests — no need to juggle multiple systems or tools.

Hopper’s Guest-Attracting Features

Hopper offers a range of perks that make it appealing to travelers, giving your listing an edge:

• Price freeze: Allows guests to lock in a price without committing right away, increasing the likelihood of future bookings.

• Cancel for any reason: Offers guests flexibility and peace of mind, making them more confident in booking your property.

• Carrot cash: A rewards program that gives guests credits for future bookings, encouraging repeat business and attracting deal-hunters to your property.

• VIP support: Guests get priority service and instant access to expert agents anytime by adding VIP support to their booking.

Hopper and Hostaway – Your Perfect Hosting Partners

While Hopper’s guest perks help boost your property’s visibility, integrating with Hostaway can make managing your vacation rental easier for you. Hostaway’s platform automates tasks like managing bookings, adjusting prices and handling guest communication, letting you manage your Hopper listings effortlessly.

For instance, Hostaway can sync your bookings across multiple platforms, so you don’t have to worry about double bookings and it can automatically adjust prices during high-demand times to maximize your revenue. This integration allows you to focus more on providing a great guest experience while Hostaway takes care of the logistics.

Is Hopper Right for You?

If you're aiming to take your vacation rental business to the next step, Hopper is a fantastic option to consider. Its no-commission model means you keep more of your earnings, while smart pricing strategies ensure your property stays competitive. 

With access to millions of travelers — especially the younger crowd who love vacation rentals over traditional hotels — you'll be perfectly positioned to attract new guests. Plus, when you integrate with Hostaway, managing your rental becomes effortless. 

By harnessing Hopper's innovative features, you can set your property up for success and dedicate your energy to creating an unforgettable experience for your guests. Ready to see how far your vacation rental can go with Hopper?

FAQs

1. What is Hopper and how does it work for vacation rentals?

Hopper is a travel app that uses predictive algorithms to help users find the best deals on flights, hotels, car rentals and vacation rentals. Its smart pricing tool helps hosts attract more bookings by keeping rates competitive and automatic.

2. Why should I list my vacation rental on Hopper?

With no commission fees and a large, engaged user base, Hopper offers a cost-effective platform for hosts to reach millions of potential guests. Its seamless booking process and smart pricing make it easy to manage your property.

3. How does Hopper help optimize pricing for hosts?

Hopper’s price prediction tool uses real-time data to automatically adjust prices based on market trends, ensuring your property remains competitively priced and attractive to guests.

4. What guest-friendly features does Hopper offer?

Hopper offers features like Price Freeze, Cancel for Any Reason, Carrot Cash and VIP support, giving guests more flexibility and encouraging repeat bookings, which benefits hosts in the long run.

5. How does Hostaway enhance the hosting experience on Hopper?

Hostaway automates much of the hosting process, from bookings to communication, making it easier to manage your Hopper listings. It helps you save time and increase efficiency while maximizing your rental revenue.