As a short-term rental property manager, you’re probably juggling multiple tasks daily. From guest communications and maintenance requests to occupancy management, it can feel like you’re always putting out fires. But one area that deserves special attention is where you list your properties.
While most managers know the big names, diversifying your listings can be a game-changer in boosting visibility and profitability. The more platforms you’re on, the wider your reach, and the more chances you have to fill those booking gaps.
Let’s explore five essential rental platforms that can make all the difference for a busy property manager.
1. Airbnb: Still the Powerhouse
It’s impossible to talk about short-term rental platforms without mentioning Airbnb. Though it’s not the only player anymore, its sheer size and global reach make it a must-have for any property manager. With over 6 million active listings worldwide, Airbnb brings massive exposure, but it’s not just the numbers.
What makes Airbnb stand out is its user-friendly interface, both for guests and hosts. The reservation system is straightforward, with built-in tools for price adjustments, availability, and guest screening. Airbnb also introduced features like “Enhanced Cleaning Protocols,” which became a key selling point post-pandemic. By promoting cleanliness and safety, you’re not just meeting guest expectations; you’re potentially avoiding bad reviews, too.
However, the high competition on Airbnb means you need to get smart with your listing.
Optimizing your title, description, and photos, along with using Airbnb’s pricing tool to track market trends, can keep your property attractive. While this platform takes a notable service fee, the payoff in terms of visibility makes it a solid anchor for your short-term rental strategy.
2. Vrbo: Targeting Families and Longer Stays
Where Airbnb caters to just about anyone, Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner) skews slightly toward families and those looking for longer stays. If your properties include multi-bedroom homes or larger spaces, Vrbo can be an ideal match. One major difference with Vrbo is that it doesn’t allow listings of single-room rentals. Entire homes are the focus, which gives it a slightly different market position compared to Airbnb.
Another standout feature is Vrbo’s integration with property management systems. For busy property managers handling multiple units, this syncing capability allows you to manage bookings across several platforms without double-booking nightmares.
While Vrbo is a well-known brand, it’s worth noting that its reach isn’t as global as Airbnb’s. Vrbo is primarily focused on North American markets, so if you manage properties in Europe or Asia, it might not yield the same booking volume. That said, it still draws a loyal user base and tends to attract higher-value bookings, as people often stay longer or spend more on premium homes.
3. Booking.com: The Hotel Alternative
Booking.com started as a platform for hotels, but over time, it has pivoted to include short-term rentals, apartments, and vacation homes. What sets Booking.com apart is its strong position in the European market. If your properties are in popular tourist destinations outside North America, you’ll likely find more traction here than with Vrbo or Airbnb.
One thing that might surprise newer hosts is that Booking.com offers no guest screening—anyone can book instantly. This can be both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, you get immediate bookings, which reduces vacancy times. On the other hand, it could increase the risk of problem guests.
To manage this, many property managers implement their own screening tools, like Autohost, to add an extra layer of security. Having an automated system in place helps reduce risk and ensures that you’re bringing in the right kind of guests, even without Booking.com’s screening support.
Another advantage is that Booking.com lists your property under its search filters for “hotels,” putting you in front of millions of potential travelers who traditionally stay in hotels but are now exploring alternatives. This positioning can help you reach an entirely new audience, especially those looking for longer stays but still browsing through hotel options.
4. Tripadvisor Rentals: Ideal for International Travelers
Tripadvisor might not be the first platform you think of for short-term rentals, but it’s rentals section is a hidden gem, especially if your properties cater to international travelers. What’s unique about Tripadvisor Rentals is its integration with the broader Tripadvisor ecosystem—millions of travelers use the site not just for accommodations but for planning entire trips, including activities, restaurants, and tours.
For property managers, this offers an excellent opportunity for cross-promotion. When someone is planning a vacation on Tripadvisor, your listing could appear alongside their destination research. This organic exposure can attract guests who might not have found your property on Airbnb or Vrbo.
One caution here is that Tripadvisor charges a higher commission rate compared to other platforms, which can eat into your profits if you’re not pricing your listings strategically. Be sure to adjust your rates to cover these costs without scaring off potential guests. Many property managers find that the trade-off is worth it, given the platform’s global reach and diverse user base.
5. Expedia Group: Leveraging a Larger Network
Expedia owns several short-term rental platforms, including Vrbo, making it another giant worth considering. By listing on Expedia, you’re not just posting on one site but getting access to a network that includes Hotels.com, Travelocity, and more. This is incredibly valuable for busy property managers who want to cast a wider net without managing multiple accounts across different websites.
One benefit of listing on Expedia is the exposure to both business travelers and tourists. This is key if you manage urban properties in business districts or near conference centers, where short-term rentals can attract professionals attending events. Offering flexibility for both leisure and business travel can help fill your calendar year-round.
Expedia’s pricing tools are another benefit. It provides recommendations based on market demand and local competition, which is crucial if you’re in a highly competitive area. Using these tools can help you adjust pricing dynamically, ensuring that you maximize revenue during peak times without losing bookings during off-seasons.
As a busy property manager, balancing multiple rental platforms might seem like an overwhelming task at first, but the potential upside is hard to ignore. By diversifying where you list, you’re opening your properties up to different markets, from families on Vrbo to international tourists on Tripadvisor and business travelers on Expedia.
And with guest screening tools like Autohost, you can mitigate risks across all platforms. By automating certain aspects of guest screening, you can have peace of mind without sacrificing precious time manually vetting each booking. This can be especially valuable on platforms like Booking.com, where screening isn’t included.