Are you tired of vacation rental sites charging you exorbitant fees? If so, you’re not alone.
Many travelers are frustrated with the hidden fees that can quickly inflate the cost of their stay. Fortunately, there are vacation rental sites out there that have fewer fees than others. In this article, we’ll explore which vacation rental site has the least amount of fees.
Airbnb
Airbnb is one of the most popular vacation rental sites in the world, but it’s also known for its high fees. The company charges guests a service fee that ranges from 0% to 20% of the total cost of the booking. The service fee is based on several factors, including the length of the stay and the total cost of the booking.
In addition to the service fee, Airbnb also charges hosts a host fee. The host fee is a percentage of the booking subtotal (the nightly rate plus any cleaning or additional fees). The percentage varies depending on several factors, including the location and type of property.
Verdict: Airbnb is not the best option if you’re looking for a site with low fees.
Vrbo
Vrbo is another popular vacation rental site that’s been around since 1995. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo doesn’t charge guests a service fee.
Instead, Vrbo charges hosts an annual subscription fee to list their properties on the site. The subscription fee ranges from $499 to $1,499 per year depending on several factors, including how many properties you have and where they’re located.
In addition to the subscription fee, Vrbo also charges hosts a commission fee on each booking. The commission fee ranges from 5% to 15% depending on several factors, including how long you’ve been a Vrbo host and your cancellation policy.
Verdict: Vrbo is a good option if you’re looking for a vacation rental site with low fees for guests.
Booking.com
Booking.com is primarily known for its hotel bookings, but the site also has a large selection of vacation rentals. Unlike Airbnb and Vrbo, Booking.com doesn’t charge guests a service fee.
Instead, the site charges hosts a commission fee on each booking. The commission fee ranges from 10% to 25% depending on several factors, including the location and type of property.
Booking.com also offers a program called Genius that rewards frequent bookers with discounts on their stays. However, hosts who participate in the Genius program may have to offer lower rates to qualify.
Verdict: Booking.com is a good option if you’re looking for a vacation rental site with no service fees for guests.
TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is another popular vacation rental site that’s been around since 2000. Like Vrbo, TripAdvisor doesn’t charge guests a service fee.
Instead, the site charges hosts an annual subscription fee to list their properties on the site. The subscription fee ranges from $349 to $1,999 per year depending on several factors, including how many properties you have and where they’re located.
In addition to the subscription fee, TripAdvisor also charges hosts a commission fee on each booking. The commission fee ranges from 3% to 5% depending on several factors, including your cancellation policy.
Verdict: TripAdvisor is a good option if you’re looking for a vacation rental site with low fees for guests.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a vacation rental site with low fees, your best options are Vrbo and TripAdvisor. Both sites don’t charge guests service fees and have reasonable commission fees for hosts.
However, keep in mind that each site has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research before making a booking. Happy travels!