What is Google Vacation Rentals? | Everything You Need to Know

These days, we rely on Google for just about everything — checking the weather, planning trips and even finding the nearest coffee shop. So it’s no surprise that vacation rentals have found a home there too.

With Google Vacation Rentals, travelers can now browse and book properties directly from their search results. For hosts and property managers, it’s a new way to reach guests right where they’re already looking. And while it might sound technical, getting started is more straightforward than you might expect.

What Is Google Vacation Rentals?

Google Vacation Rentals is part of Google’s growing travel tools, designed to help users find vacation rental properties directly from Google Search, Maps and Google Travel. Instead of being a booking platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, it works more like a metasearch engine, gathering listings from multiple vacation rental sites and displaying them all in one place.

When travelers search for terms like “vacation rentals in Maui” or “places to stay in Barcelona,” Google shows available short-term rental listings in a dedicated section of the results. From there, users can filter options, view property details and click through to book on the platform of your choice, giving you more control over the reservation process.

For hosts, this setup offers a chance to gain visibility on one of the world’s most-used platforms — without paying any extra fees.

Where Do Vacation Rentals Appear on Google?

For property managers and hosts, one of the biggest advantages of using the Google Vacation Rentals integration is where your listings can show up — right where travelers are already searching.

Google Search

When someone searches for terms like “vacation rental in Paris” or “accommodation in Austin,” Google displays available properties in a special section of the results. This interactive widget gives your listing a chance to appear alongside major OTAs, increasing visibility without extra effort.

Google Maps

On Google Maps, vacation rental listings appear as pins based on approximate location, complete with nightly rates and quick-access info. For guests who want to stay in a specific area or neighborhood, this makes your property easy to discover at a glance.

Google Travel

Through Google Travel, travelers can filter and explore vacation rentals using detailed criteria — like group size, price range and amenities. If your listing meets their needs, it shows up right alongside big-name competitors, helping you compete on a level playing field.

Each of these platforms gives travelers a slightly different way to browse, but they’re all connected — making it easy for your listing to be seen by potential guests, whether they’re searching from their phone, tablet or desktop.

Why Should Hosts Consider Listing on Google Vacation Rentals?

Listing your properties on Google Vacation Rentals can be a game-changer — especially if you're looking to drive direct bookings and build your brand outside of traditional OTA platforms.

Here’s why it’s worth your attention:

Reach more travelers where they’re already searching

Google is often the first stop for people planning trips. When your listings appear across Google Search, Maps and Travel, you’re tapping into a huge, high-intent audience — without needing to rely on OTAs.

Strengthen your brand presence

With GVR, your business name and branding can be visible in search results — especially if you manage multiple properties. This helps build credibility for your brand.

Get more direct bookings with no extra commission

Google doesn’t charge booking fees. If you have your own direct booking website, GVR can send traffic straight there — no middleman and no commission cuts. That means you keep more of your revenue and have full control over the guest experience from start to finish.

Have access to insights

You can track metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates and guest reviews. Hosts directly listed on Google might find these insights within their Google Vacation Rentals dashboard. Alternatively, for hosts listed through software like Hostaway, the insights might be accessible through the Hostaway platform.

Stand out from the crowd (and from Airbnb)

Since GVR prioritizes its listings in search results, your property may even appear even before major OTA links.

No separate account or extra setup needed

If you’re already using a vacation rental software that partners with Google (like Hostaway), you may already be eligible to list. No need to create a new account — just connect your listings and you’re in.

What Information Does Google Vacation Rentals Share?

When a traveler clicks on a specific property marker or listing on the search results page, they're taken to a detailed property listing page which provides comprehensive information about the selected property, including:

These details are pulled from various vacation rental partners, which could include vacation rental platforms and property management software like Hostaway. To have your listing displayed, it needs to be integrated with these vacation rental partners. These partners provide Google with data feeds containing the information which Google then displays - making it easier for guests to find and book a vacation rental.

Requirements for Listing on Google Vacation Rentals

Before your properties can appear on Google Vacation Rentals, there are a few key requirements to meet. These ensure your listings are eligible, bookable and show up correctly across Google platforms:

Use a GVR-integrated platform

Your properties must be listed through a partner booking platform or property management system (PMS) that connects with Google — such as Hostaway, Tripadvisor or other approved partners.

Provide complete property details

Google needs certain information to index and display your listings properly, including:

• Property address (for location-based search and Google Maps)

• Base nightly rate

• Maximum guest capacity

Add high-quality photos

Each property should have at least 8 images, ideally at a resolution of 720x720 pixels or higher, with captions and clear, uncluttered visuals.

Enable secure online bookings

Listings must support instant booking and be connected to a secure payment processor (like Stripe or PayPal), usually managed through your PMS or website.

Meeting these basic requirements helps ensure your listings show up correctly and are ready for guests to book across Google Search, Google Maps and Google Travel.

How To List A Property on Google Vacation Rentals

Getting your properties listed on Google Vacation Rentals depends on how you currently manage bookings. Fortunately, there are multiple ways to connect — whether you’re using OTAs, a property management system or your own direct booking site.

Here are the main options:

Through a partner online travel agency

If your properties are listed on vacation rental platforms that partner with Google — such as Vrbo or Booking.com — your listings can appear on Google automatically. Guests who click will be directed to your listing on that OTA. Keep in mind, while Google doesn’t take a commission, the OTA’s standard fees still apply.

Using a property management system (PMS)

If you want to avoid OTA commissions and direct guests to your own website, using a PMS that integrates with Google (like Hostaway) is your best bet. This option allows you to display your own branding and send potential guests straight to your booking page — helping you increase direct bookings and control the full guest experience.

Direct integration with Google (for large portfolios)

For property managers with more than 5,000 listings, Google offers a direct integration option. This involves a technical onboarding process and is typically suited for enterprise-level operators. A dedicated tech team is vital for this advanced integration. Eligible companies can apply via Google's interest form.

For most hosts, working with a Google-connected PMS or a channel manager is the most efficient route. It offers the benefits of Google’s massive reach — without the platform fees or complicated setup.

Who Can’t List on Google Vacation Rentals?

While Google Vacation Rentals is a great opportunity for professional hosts and property managers, not all types of listings are eligible to appear on the platform.

Currently, the following are not eligible:

• Individual homeowners listing a personal or primary residence

• Peer-to-peer or home-sharing setups (like Airbnb-style room rentals)

• Individual rooms or partial/shared homes

• Subleased properties

Google prioritizes full-property rentals that are professionally managed or listed through a registered business. If you're managing multiple units or using a professional vacation rental platform, you're likely to meet the eligibility criteria.

How Long Does It Take for My Vacation Rental Listing to Appear on Google?

Once your property is connected through a partner platform or property management system, it typically takes a few days to a couple of weeks for your listing to show up on Google. The exact timing depends on how often your partner platform updates its data feed and how quickly Google indexes new listings.

To help things move smoothly, make sure your property details are complete, accurate and follow the platform’s guidelines. Once everything’s synced, your listing will appear across Google Search, Maps and Travel — ready for guests to discover.

Google Vacation Rentals: A Smarter Way to Reach More Guests

As the vacation rental landscape evolves, Google Vacation Rentals is quickly becoming a powerful channel for property managers and hosts to reach more travelers — without the extra fees or friction of traditional OTAs.

By getting your listings in front of guests where they’re already searching — on Google Search, Maps and Travel — you’re opening the door to more direct bookings, stronger brand recognition and better control over your guest experience.

If you're ready to take the next step, make sure your properties are listed through a trusted connectivity partner like Hostaway and start tapping into one of the largest audiences in travel today.