So you’re looking to try this whole vacation rental via the web thing out, huh?
It’s a great alternative to standard hotels, as many of these rental services offer a more intimate experience in new locations. A quaint home or apartment outside of the standard hotel arrangement can be a great way to “live” more close to the locals and city attractions. And between Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway and the whole suite of other startups breaking into this space, there are plenty of options for travelers to find unique accommodations.
But now comes a big choice. Do you use Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway to book your next stay? Below we’ll compare the three services.
Who has the nicest places to stay?
This one is pretty easy, VRBO definitely has the nicest houses for rent. It’s easy to see why people likely turn more to VRBO for higher-end rentals. Airbnb is definitely expanding in this area, but for now, if you’re looking for high-end rentals and are less concerned about price, we highly suggest you check out VRBO first.
Winner: VRBO
Who has the best mobile app and website?
Check all three out yourself, because this one is pretty subjective:
Our personal opinion – VRBO has the better web experience, Airbnb has the better mobile experience. Airbnb is more in-tune with the on-the-go traveler as well, so it makes sense that their biggest focus would be on a beautiful mobile experience.
Winner: Tie
Does Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway have the most available rentals?
Of all three services, it does appear that Airbnb has the most listings. And with that in mind, if you’re on your own, or traveling with maybe one more person, it’s the dominant marketplace for a quick rental in varying locations. For example, if you’re looking to rent a bedroom in San Diego, or a small condo in Barcelona, Airbnb has tons of inventory, and seems to be expanding the most rapidly.
Now are you looking to stay for a longer period of time? How about a big house in Boston, or a mountain house near Denver. Or maybe you’re on the hunt for a beach house near Santa Barbara. VRBO seems to have the most available higher-end rentals. While both companies are mixing into eachother a bit, this does seem to remain true. As a little aside here, keep in mind that HomeAway owns VRBO.
Winner: Airbnb
Find a Vacation Rental on Airbnb
Who is in the most countries?
Currently, Airbnb is the most consistently available no matter where you’re traveling. Makes sense, everyone has a little extra floor space or an extra bedroom they can rent out. VRBO, and HomeAway, more focused on bigger rentals will never be able to catch up on sheer inventory.
Winner: Airbnb
Does Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway have the best prices?
While it’s hard to find exact data here, Airbnb seems to have the cheapest available options, but keep in mind you’re also comparing apples and oranges here a bit. Just like the above, Airbnb gives you the option to basically rent floor space in an apartment. VRBO/HomeAway don’t focus on this type of offering, which might make them seem more expensive.
Winner: Airbnb
Does HomeAway, VRBO, or Airbnb have the best customer service?
We haven’t encountered a negative experience with any of the services, and from what we can tell reading people’s reviews, all three are quick to make things right on your behalf. Most have consumer protection on both sides, so whether your the renter, or the person who owns the rental, it’s likely guaranteed that you’ll be protected in the event of a negative experience.
Winner: Tie
What is your favorite vacation rental service? Do you have a preference between Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
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Have only used Airbnb so far. I may not know how to navigate options well but it seems frustrating that a renter cannot reach out to an owner without picking a date first and then getting cancelation fees, etc. I’m sure some of this is to ensure that the vendor gets it % instead deals being made outside the vendor’s website. But it’s a pain.
Use Contact host (under description of the place) instead of Book. You will be able to set dates you are interested in and reach out to host without any charges.
Can you tell me if a rental states Feb 4 thru March 6 is the check out March 6 or the morning of March 7
I have used Home Away/VRBO for many years and have never had any problems in the US or other countries. This year, I rented a 6 bedroom home in Pigeon Forge for a family vacation. I always purchase the insurance. The day before leaving, one of the children was hospitalized so I cancelled the rental to stay home and help with the other child and family. The owners were very kind and offered other weeks at times we could not go. The insurance company refused to pay because the child was hospitalized for something that was not covered even though it was my rental. By all means, use Home Away /VRBO but DO NOT use their travel insurance.
March 6. The last date stated it the check out date.
Airbnb has horrible response if you have a problem. The customer always loses. If you vacation matters, consider a hotel first.
I personally prefer Airbnb – the other two have ridiculous deposits. I can’t trust that I am going to really get my $400 – $500 deposit back. I am just skeptical – that is just insane to charge that amount. Back when I was renting I didn’t even have to pay a deposit for my apartment. So to have that much being charged on my credit card and having to wait a week or so to get it back makes me cringe.
I agree. I found an ideal place I’d reserve in a minute if not for the outrageous $300.00 ‘damage deposit.’ Does the owner decide to have this and how much the amount of the deposit is?
Yes, the owner decides. As both an owner and renter I can speak to deposits. We require a deposit ($200) to insure we get the right type of renter. We love our vacation condo and want to help insure we don’t get a renter who has no skin in the game and may trash it. Your deposit is quickly refunded in a week if there’s no damages
Airbnb has extremely unfair policies and practices and does NOT support hosts. Renters can file false claims and you as a host have NO recourse. They will deactivate your account without explaining why.
I am planning to be a host. I have a lot of questions about. 1. Is the price usted for one guest or the capacity of the place? 2. How much does home away and vrbo charges to the host? 3. Do I have to be the owner of the place to be a host? For now, those are some of my doubts. Thank you very much for your help. Regards,
1. Both companies allow you to set pricing. Most rentals charge a flat rate based on the size and quality of the property, but there are some with a per-guest nightly charge on AirBnB and more typically a per-guest service fee on VRBO.
2. The fees for VRBO and AirBnB come out to be pretty much even for the guests. For hosts AirBnB makes it easier and cheaper to list part time by charging a roughly 3% fee to you. VRBO meanwhile runs a few different options and it’s complicated, but generally a better option if you’re running a place full time. For example, there is a $500 subscription option that lets you avoid all other booking fees for a year, but that’s only going to be worth it for most people if they’re booking half the year or if they have a high-end property (in other words $17k in total bookings.)
In practice most people use both for full-time properties. Because VRBO has subscriptions to limit percentage fees, high-end properties may only list on VRBO. Because the percentage model works better for smaller properties, cheaper or part-time listings tend to use only AirBnB. Both companies are constantly playing with plans, but last I checked AirBnB’s subscription model is by invitation only.
3. No, you do not have to own the property to host. But if someone else owns the property you must obviously have their permission to host. Rental agreements often have rules against subletting or short-term subletting, and some HOAs do as well. People break these rules all the time, but doing so could get you kicked out and even sued/fined. Check any paperwork you signed. If it’s forbidden in the contract but the landlord or owner says it’s fine, make sure to get that in writing.
I used airbnb and had a host cancel on me months later after all of my other plans were booked (airfare, activities and other non-refundable things). Airbnb allows them to do this an all they offered me was the ability to book from the scraps left at the time of the cancellation. If I had done the same thing the host would have pocketed $ from me. I turned to VRBO and got a great place to stay with no difficulties.