Did you know that Airbnb and Vrbo charge booking service fees? Those fees can add up, sometimes significantly increasing the total cost of your vacation.
Airbnb charges hosts a 15% service fee, which is usually included in the nightly rate. Vrbo recently increased their fee to 12%, plus an additional variable service fee charged to guests. These costs can affect the price you see when comparing vacation rentals.
So, how can you avoid those extra fees? Book directly with the owner or property management company.
But how do you find the direct booking website?
It's easier than you might think!
1. Search by the condo name and number.Find a condo you would like to book. Some owners include the condo complex and unit number. If you can find it, google it. Most owners advertise on multiple platforms, and many have their own websites where you can book directly. For example, when you search for one of our properties, it will bring up our website, Maui Oceanview Condos.
2. Try a reverse image search.Don't know the exact condo name or unit number? Take a screenshot of an interior photo, the living room or kitchen perhaps on Airbnb or Vrbo, and do a reverse image search. You may be surprised how easily you can track down the property's direct booking website.
3. Why can’t I book directly through Airbnb or Vrbo?
Airbnb and Vrbo have policies that prohibit owners from telling guests to book outside their platforms. In other words, owners can't direct you to their own websites or encourage you to book direct. The booking platforms want their service fees.
Guests, however, can do their own research. You can search for the property online, find the owner's direct booking website, and compare prices before deciding where to book. Just remember that the initiative needs to come from you, not the owner through the booking platform.
4. Compare the total prices.
Once you've found the direct booking site, compare the total cost using the same dates, number of guests and length of stay. Be sure to compare the final price, not just the nightly rate. Also, look at the details. Cancellation policies, payment schedules and other booking terms may vary depending on where you book.
Is it safe to book directly?
That's a fair question! Unfortunately, vacation rental scams exist everywhere — the booking platforms, social media, Craigslist... Booking through a major platform doesn't automatically guarantee that everything is legitimate, and booking directly doesn't have to be risky.
Just do a little homework. Make sure you're dealing with the actual property owner or an established management company. Look for a professional website, read guest reviews, check contact information, and don't hesitate to ask questions before sending payment.
A little research before you book could save you a nice chunk of money — and leave you with more to spend enjoying your vacation in Maui!
Our tip: Book directly with Maui Oceanview Condos
We're locally owned and operated, and we've been welcoming guests to our four Maui vacation rentals for 16 years. Sig and I are also Airbnb Superhosts and Vrbo Premier Hosts (16 years hosting on Vrbo, 12 years on Airbnb). We live right here on Maui, personally inspect and prepare our condos between every stay, and take pride in keeping them exceptionally clean and well-maintained. When you book directly with us, you know exactly who you're renting from. You'll also avoid the extra booking fees charged by the major platforms. We think that's a pretty good combination!