BOOKING VS AIRBNB – WHICH IS BETTER FOR HOSTS?

Booking versus Airbnb is a well-known debate in the vacation rental industry, and many hosts wonder which site is worth their time and effort. Get acquainted with the advantages and disadvantages of Booking and Airbnb to help you decide which platform aligns with your business strategy.

Whether you’re an experienced host or just starting out, you’ve probably pondered which platform reigns supreme in the Airbnb vs. Booking debate. The answer will vary depending on whom you ask. The sharing economy has expanded at an incredible pace in recent years, with Airbnb becoming the go-to alternative to traditional accommodation websites like TripAdvisor.

According to Airbnb, its platform had over 6.6 million active listings worldwide as of December 31, 2022. Based on this figure, along with the brand’s global identity, Airbnb seems to be the obvious choice as the largest vacation rental platform for property owners. Airbnb listings provide a home away from home, with hotel-like amenities. Airbnb also offers host protection.

Despite this, some property owners and hosts swear by Booking as the primary driver of their business. Even with Airbnb’s impressive growth, Booking remains the titan of the online travel booking industry, offering over 28 million listings worldwide. Since both platforms see millions of daily visitors, it’s worth taking a closer look to see which one is the best fit for your business.

Learn everything you need to know about the similarities and differences between Airbnb and Booking and which platform is the best choice for vacation rental owners.

Booking vs Airbnb – How Do Guests Differ?

To determine which site might be suitable for your short-term rental business, you first need to understand how guests and their requirements differ on Airbnb and Booking. Let’s take a closer look.

Types of Guests and Guest Expectations

While both target markets require vacation rentals, Airbnb and Booking attract unique types of guests. Airbnb guests are more interested in authentic experiences.

They tend to seek rental properties that provide a “home away from home” atmosphere. They look for unique rentals that allow them to live like a local in their destination city or town. Airbnb guests usually seek more flexibility.

Booking has traditionally been a website for hotels, resorts, and cabins rather than private vacation rentals or individual rooms. Although it has changed in recent years, and the platform is attracting more vacation rental properties, Booking guests may still seem more demanding.

The target audience on both sites is slightly different. Most Airbnb users are millennials who value experiences they can share with friends. Instead of standard hotels, they seek unique rentals, such as themed houses, forest cabins, yurts, and castles. These properties offer a unique, Instagram-worthy experience that appeals to millennials. The more unique your property, the better!

Booking reaches a broader audience overall than Airbnb, but it tends to attract more mature travelers and families. These visitors focus more on location and convenience and are more concerned with noise levels. Lodges offering breakfast, on-site restaurants, and easy access to transportation are more likely to attract them.

You Can Get to Know Your Airbnb Guests Better

One unique feature that makes Airbnb stand out is its integrated guest review system. After a guest completes a booking, the host can leave a review and star rating for them. The star rating each host gives a guest contributes to an overall rating visible on the guest’s profile.

This feature is incredibly useful for hosts because it allows them to get a glimpse of someone’s past behavior before accepting a booking. They can take note of any comments related to the guest’s behavior on Airbnb and their booking history. Star ratings also indicate how easy or difficult guests may be to host.

You Can Screen Your Airbnb Guests

Unlike Booking, Airbnb hosts or property managers have the ability to decline bookings from potential guests. When a vacation rental owner creates an Airbnb account, the Airbnb Instant Book feature is activated. This automatically accepts all bookings. However, you can deactivate Instant Book and decline a reservation if a guest makes unreasonable requests, has a low rating, or has no reviews.

Booking doesn’t offer a similar feature, and all bookings received are automatically accepted. This can leave you with potentially difficult or poorly behaved guests.

How to Create an Account and Listing on Booking vs. Airbnb?

Vacation rental owners looking to rent on Airbnb are busy people looking for rental websites that make it easy to create a property listing and start earning money. It makes sense to explore how to create your own account on both Booking and Airbnb.

Starting with Airbnb

Creating an account on Airbnb is straightforward and simple. On the Airbnb website, you can click “Sign Up” and create a short-term rental account using your email address, phone number, Facebook account, Google account, or Apple ID.

To create a listing, all you need to do is provide essential information about your property, add photos, choose the cancellation policy, and payment preference. The Airbnb interface is also very user-friendly, containing prompts and tips that help streamline the listing creation process.

Starting with Booking

Creating an account on Booking essentially involves the same steps as Airbnb. However, creating a listing on this site is a bit more complex. Booking provides a comprehensive extranet system where property owners can log in to manage their property and bookings. Here’s a basic outline of the steps to create a listing on Booking!

  • Sign up as a property owner or host on Booking.
  • Complete your property’s profile, providing essential details such as property type, location, and amenities.
  • Add high-quality photos of your property.
  • Set up your property’s pricing, availability, and policies.
  • Specify your preferred payment and cancellation policies.
  • Activate your property listing.
  • Receive bookings and manage them through the Booking extranet.

While Booking may require a little more time and effort to get your property listed initially, both platforms offer resources and support to help you through the process. In terms of ease of use, Airbnb is typically seen as more user-friendly for hosts.

Payment and Fees Comparison – Airbnb vs. Booking

Understanding how Airbnb and Booking handle payments and fees is crucial for property owners. Both platforms charge fees for their services, and the way these fees are structured can impact your bottom line.

Payment and Fees on Airbnb

On Airbnb, hosts generally pay a 3% host service fee for each reservation. This fee covers the cost of processing payments and providing 24/7 support to hosts. Additionally, guests are charged a service fee, which can range from 0% to 20% of the booking subtotal, depending on the reservation details and location.

Airbnb also offers hosts the option to set their own nightly rates, cleaning fees, and security deposits. You have control over your pricing strategy, and you can adjust your rates based on factors such as demand, seasonality, and local events.

It’s important to note that Airbnb may also charge value-added tax (VAT) or other applicable taxes in some regions. These taxes are typically included in the reservation subtotal and remitted to the relevant tax authorities.

Payment and Fees on Booking

Booking, unlike Airbnb, employs a unique fee structure that property owners and hosts should understand. The primary components of Booking’s fee structure are the commission fee and the payment processing fee.

1. Booking charges a commission fee on each booking. The commission rate can vary based on factors such as property type, location, and your agreement with Booking. For example, the commission rate for hotels may differ from that for vacation rental properties.

2. Booking doesn’t charge a separate host service fee, so you won’t incur additional fees when you receive payments from guests.

3. You can set your own nightly rates, and Booking provides tools and recommendations to help you optimize your pricing strategy.

4. Booking may also charge value-added tax (VAT) or other taxes in accordance with local regulations. These taxes are typically included in the reservation subtotal and remitted to the relevant tax authorities.

One key difference between Airbnb and Booking is that Booking doesn’t charge guests a service fee. This means guests may perceive lower overall costs when booking through Booking, which could potentially attract budget-conscious travelers.

Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that Booking often uses a model where guests pay at the property, rather than paying in advance as they do on Airbnb. This can impact your cash flow as a host, as you may receive payments from guests upon check-in or check-out rather than at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policies – Airbnb vs. Booking

Cancellation policies are another important aspect to consider when comparing Airbnb and Booking. These policies dictate how cancellations are handled and can impact your revenue and occupancy rates. Airbnb offers hosts several cancellation policy options to choose from, including…

  • Flexible Guests can cancel up to 24 hours before check-in and receive a full refund, minus the service fee.
  • Moderate Guests can cancel up to 5 days before check-in and receive a full refund, minus the service fee.
  • Strict Guests can cancel up to 7 days before check-in and receive a 50% refund, minus the service fee. If they cancel within 7 days of check-in, they receive no refund.
  • Super Strict This policy is by invitation only and typically applies to hosts with exceptional properties. Guests can receive a full refund if they cancel within 30 days of check-in, minus the service fee.

Hosts can choose the cancellation policy that best suits their preferences and risk tolerance. Keep in mind that stricter cancellation policies may deter some guests but provide more protection against last-minute cancellations.

Booking offers different cancellation policies as well, but the options and terminology may vary slightly. The most common Booking cancellation policies are.

  • Free cancellation Guests can cancel for free up to a specified number of days before check-in (e.g., 1 day before). After that, they will be charged a fee.
  • Non-refundable Guests receive no refund if they cancel, and they are charged the full booking amount.
  • Standard This policy falls between free cancellation and non-refundable. Guests can cancel within a certain window (e.g., 3 days before check-in) and receive a partial refund.

Booking also offers hosts the flexibility to set their own cancellation policies within certain parameters, allowing you to tailor the policy to your specific preferences.

The choice of cancellation policy on Booking can influence the number of bookings you receive and the likelihood of cancellations. Some hosts prefer non-refundable policies to secure bookings, while others opt for more guest-friendly policies to attract a broader audience.

Booking vs. Airbnb – Listing Management and Tools

Managing your vacation rental property effectively is essential for success, so let’s compare the listing management and tools available on Airbnb and Booking.

Airbnb provides hosts with a variety of tools and features to help manage their listings and provide excellent guest experiences. Some of these tools include!

  • Host Dashboard The host dashboard is the central hub where you can manage your listings, track reservations, communicate with guests, and access important information about your hosting business.
  • Availability Calendar Airbnb offers a user-friendly calendar that allows you to manage your property’s availability, set minimum and maximum stay requirements, and block dates as needed.
  • Pricing Tools Hosts can use Airbnb’s pricing suggestions, which are based on factors like demand and local events, to optimize their nightly rates. You can also manually adjust prices to fit your strategy.
  • Reservation Management The platform provides features for managing guest reservations, including pre-approval, accepting or declining booking requests, and handling cancellations.
  • Messaging Center Airbnb’s messaging center enables easy communication with guests before, during, and after their stay. You can send messages, answer questions, and provide assistance.
  • Reviews and Ratings Hosts and guests can leave reviews and star ratings for each other, which help build trust in the community and provide valuable feedback.
  • Security Deposit You can set and manage a security deposit to cover potential damages or violations of house rules.
  • Host Guarantee Airbnb offers a Host Guarantee program that provides protection for up to $1 million in damages caused by guests (subject to terms and conditions).
  • Superhost Program Hosts who consistently provide exceptional guest experiences can qualify for Airbnb’s Superhost program, which comes with additional perks and recognition.

Airbnb’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive set of tools make it relatively easy for hosts to manage their listings and engage with guests.

Booking also offers a range of tools and features to help hosts manage their property listings and bookings. Here are some key tools and functionalities!

  • Extranet Booking’s extranet is the platform’s control center for hosts. It allows you to manage your property details, availability, rates, and policies.
  • Availability Calendar Similar to Airbnb, Booking provides an availability calendar where you can control your property’s open dates and adjust minimum and maximum stay requirements.
  • Pricing Recommendations Booking offers pricing suggestions based on market demand and competition. You can follow these recommendations or set your own rates.
  • Reservation Management The extranet allows you to review and manage guest reservations, including accepting, declining, or modifying bookings.
  • Guest Messaging You can communicate with guests through the extranet’s messaging system, answering questions and providing information as needed.
  • Reviews and Ratings Both guests and hosts can leave reviews and ratings, contributing to the overall reputation of your property.
  • Payment Processing Booking facilitates payments from guests and provides hosts with different payment options, including virtual credit card and bank transfer.
  • Property Analytics Booking offers insights and analytics to help hosts understand their property’s performance and make data-driven decisions.
  • Genius Program Booking has a “Genius” program that rewards frequent travelers with discounts at participating properties. As a host, you can choose to participate in this program to attract more bookings from Genius members.

While the Booking extranet may take some time to get accustomed to, hosts can access essential tools for managing their listings and optimizing their property’s performance.

Customer Support and Assistance – Airbnb vs. Booking

Both Airbnb and Booking provide customer support and assistance to hosts and guests. Here’s an overview of the support options available on each platform!

Airbnb provides a comprehensive suite of support services tailored to hosts, encompassing a variety of resources and assistance. These encompass!

  • Help Center Airbnb’s Help Center is a comprehensive online resource that provides answers to frequently asked questions and guides on various topics, from listing management to guest communication.
  • Host Community Hosts can engage with other hosts in the Airbnb Community, asking questions, sharing tips, and discussing hosting experiences.
  • Customer Support Airbnb provides customer support through email, chat, and phone. You can reach out to Airbnb’s support team for assistance with specific issues or questions.
  • Resolution Center The Resolution Center allows hosts and guests to resolve disputes related to reservations, damages, or other issues.
  • Emergency Support Airbnb offers 24/7 support for urgent matters, such as safety concerns or last-minute cancellations.
  • Dedicated Host Resources Airbnb occasionally offers dedicated resources and assistance to Superhosts and experienced hosts.

Booking.com provides an array of support avenues tailored to hosts, catering to their needs and ensuring a seamless hosting experience. These encompass!

  • Pulse App Booking provides the Pulse app, offering hosts a mobile dashboard for on-the-go management of reservations, guest communication, and access to vital information.
  • Partner Help Center The Partner Help Center serves as an online resource where hosts can seek answers to common questions and access guides on utilizing the Booking extranet effectively.
  • Dedicated Partner Support Booking offers specialized support for property partners, extending assistance through email, phone, or chat channels to address their specific needs.
  • Genius Partner Program Hosts participating in the Genius program may enjoy priority support from Booking, enhancing their hosting experience.

Both platforms strive to provide assistance and support to hosts when needed. However, the level of support may vary based on factors such as your hosting status (e.g., Superhost on Airbnb or participation in Booking’s Genius program) and the specific nature of your inquiry.

Property Type and Location – Airbnb vs. Booking

The type of property you have and its location can influence your choice between Airbnb and Booking. Both platforms accommodate a wide range of property types, but there are some differences to consider.

Airbnb is celebrated for its extensive and varied inventory of property types, ensuring a customized lodging experience for every traveler. This selection comprises!

  • Entire Homes/Apartments Hosts can list entire homes or apartments for guests who want private accommodations.
  • Private Rooms Hosts can also list private rooms within their own homes, allowing guests to stay with the host.
  • Shared Rooms Some hosts offer shared rooms, where guests share sleeping quarters with others.
  • Unique Stays Airbnb features unique and unconventional accommodations, such as treehouses, yurts, and houseboats.
  • Vacation Rentals Many hosts list vacation rental properties, such as cabins, cottages, and beach houses.
  • Experiences and Tours In addition to accommodations, Airbnb allows hosts to offer experiences, guided tours, and activities.

The platform is known for its emphasis on unique and one-of-a-kind stays, making it a popular choice for travelers seeking distinctive experiences. Booking offers an expansive selection of property types to accommodate the diverse preferences of travelers. This includes!

  • Hotels Booking is well-established in the hotel industry, so it’s a suitable platform for hotels of all sizes and star ratings.
  • Vacation Rentals Like Airbnb, Booking includes vacation rental properties, such as apartments, villas, and cottages.
  • Hostels and Budget Accommodations Booking features a variety of budget-friendly accommodations, including hostels and guesthouses.
  • Resorts and Luxury Properties High-end resorts and luxury properties are also available on Booking.
  • Alternative Accommodations Booking includes unique and alternative accommodations like houseboats, igloos, and castles.

The platform’s extensive reach in the hotel industry may make it a preferred choice for hosts with traditional hotel properties. Your property’s location can also influence your choice between Airbnb and Booking.

Both platforms have a global presence, but their popularity and user base can vary by region. Before deciding, you may want to research which platform has a stronger presence in your specific location or target market.

It’s important to note that many hosts choose to list their properties on both Airbnb and Booking to maximize their reach and bookings. This strategy allows you to tap into different traveler demographics and booking preferences.

Conclusion – Airbnb vs. Booking for Hosts

Ultimately, the choice between Airbnb and Booking for hosting your property depends on various factors, including your property type, location, pricing strategy, and personal preferences. Here’s a summary of some key considerations:

Choose Airbnb If

  • You have a unique or distinctive property that would appeal to travelers seeking one-of-a-kind experiences.
  • You prefer a platform with a strong emphasis on guest reviews and ratings.
  • You want control over your cancellation policies and pricing.
  • You appreciate a user-friendly interface and robust host tools.
  • You’re open to hosting a wide range of property types, including private rooms and shared spaces.

Choose Booking If

  • You operate a traditional hotel or prefer to target hotel guests.
  • You want to reach a global audience, especially in regions where Booking has a strong presence.
  • You’re comfortable with a commission-based fee structure for bookings.
  • You appreciate Booking’s analytical tools and pricing recommendations.
  • You’re interested in participating in the Genius program to attract frequent travelers.

Ultimately, many hosts find success by listing their properties on both Airbnb and Booking, as this approach can help diversify bookings and reach a broader audience of travelers. Whichever platform(s) you choose, providing excellent guest experiences, effective property management, and responsive communication will be key to your hosting success.