Airbnb vs Booking.com: Where Should You List Your Short Term Rental?

Airbnb vs Booking.com — where should you list your short term rental?

With the vacation rental market projected to hit $111.2 billion by 2030, this decision carries more weight than ever.

The good news?

You’re about to get crystal-clear answers about which platform will work best for your property – or why you might not have to choose at all.

Booking.com Vs Airbnb: Which Vacation Rental Platform Is Best?

Deciding between Booking.com and Airbnb comes down to three things:

1. Reaching the right guests who’ll value (and pay premium rates for) your property
2. Understanding the real cost implications of each platform’s fee structure
3. Managing listings effectively without drowning in administrative tasks

But before we jump to conclusions, let’s break down exactly what each platform brings to the table.

Airbnb has carved out a unique position in the market, particularly dominating the experience-driven travel sector. With over 4 million hosts worldwide and a presence in more than 100,000 cities, Airbnb is synonymous with unique stays and local experiences. Their platform has facilitated 1.4 billion guest arrivals since launch.

Booking.com, on the other hand, takes a different approach. With 28+ million reported listings across 228 countries, they’ve built an empire that caters to both traditional hotel bookers and vacation rental seekers. Their platform excels in European markets and often attracts travelers who compare various accommodation types before booking.

The real difference is in the guest mindset. Airbnb travelers often seek unique experiences and personal connections, while Booking.com users typically prioritize traditional accommodation standards.

Airbnb vs Booking.com Fees: Which Is Better for Hosts?

How much of your rental income do you get to keep on Airbnb or Booking.com? Both platforms have distinct fee structures…so let’s break it down.

Airbnb offers two fee models:

1. Split-Fee Model: You pay a 3% host fee and your guests pay about 14-16% service fee. This model is best for occasional hosts or those in highly competitive markets.
2. Host-Only Fee Model: You pay 14-16% total fee, with no guest service fees. This model is ideal for professional hosts who want to control their display prices.

Booking.com offers a standard fee model: 

• Standard commission rate of 10-25% and an additional payment processing fee of 1.5-2%. There are no guest fees for booking.com, which makes displayed prices more attractive.

Let’s put this into perspective with a real-world example of a $200 per night booking:

• With Airbnb (split-fee): You pay: $6 (3% of $200) , Guest pays: ~$32 (16% service fee) , Your net earnings: $194
• With Booking.com: You pay: $40 (20% commission) + $4 (2% payment processing) Guest pays: $200 Your net earnings: $156

Booking.com or Airbnb: Which Platform Offers Better Host Protection?

When comparing Booking.com to Airbnb for owners, understanding each platform’s protection policies could save you thousands in potential damages.

Airbnb’s AirCover for Hosts offers:

• $3 million host liability insurance
• $1 million damage protection
• Coverage for pet damage
• Income loss protection for cancelled bookings
• Deep cleaning reimbursement for problem stays

Booking.com protects your property by:

• Partner liability insurance (coverage varies by region)
• Flexible damage deposit management
• Structured property damage claim process
• Guest verification protocols
• Advanced fraud prevention tools
• 24/7 partner support

For property owners weighing their options, there’s a clear distinction: Airbnb offers standardized global protection, while Booking.com’s coverage varies by market and might require supplemental insurance.

Booking.com or Airbnb: Which Platform Drives More Bookings?

Let’s talk about what really matters – your bottom line. When comparing Booking.com to Airbnb, booking volume and revenue generation often top the list of concerns.

Airbnb’s Revenue Generation Features:

• Possible integration with dynamic pricing tools that adapt to market demand
• Higher average nightly rates for unique properties
• Experience-based upselling opportunities
• Direct host-guest communication for special requests

Booking.com’s Revenue Drivers:

• Consistent booking patterns year-round
• Strong corporate travel presence
• Genius program for increased visibility
• Last-minute booking opportunities
• Volume-based incentives for regular hosts

However, short term rental properties listed on both platforms see an average 15-25% increase in overall bookings. This means the real question isn’t “Airbnb vs Booking.com” but rather “how to optimize your presence on both platforms.” And this leads us to the next chapter.

Why Should Hosts List on Both Airbnb and Booking.com? 

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko

1. Revenue Diversification: The most compelling argument for using both platforms is simple mathematics. Properties listed on multiple platforms see a significant increase in annual revenue. It’s like having multiple storefronts in different shopping districts – each attracts its own unique customer base.

2. Better Risk Management: Hosting on Booking.com and Airbnb provides a safety net for your business. If one platform experiences a downturn or technical issues, you’ll still have bookings flowing through the other. Think of it as not putting all your eggs in one basket.

3. Seasonal Balance: Different vacation rental platforms shine in different seasons. Airbnb might dominate during holiday periods and weekends, while Booking.com often performs better during all round travel seasons. A combined presence on both platforms increases your occupancy rate.

4. Market Coverage: Each vacation rental platform reaches distinct audience segments. By listing on both Booking.com and Airbnb, you’re essentially doubling your market exposure.

How to Optimize Your Presence on Both Airbnb and Booking.com

1. Use Professional Photography: Professional photos often increase booking rates across both platforms. Here’s what works best:

• Bright, well-lit spaces
• Multiple angles of each room
• Lifestyle shots showing the property in use

Photo by cottonbro studio

2. Create Vivid Descriptions: Focus on storytelling and experience. Paint a picture of what it’s like to stay at your property. Highlight:

• Special amenities and experiences
• Proximity to business centers
• Transport connections

3. Do SEO: Carefully insert relevant keywords into your property description so you can show up higher in the search results of the listing platforms.

FAQs

1. How Do Cancellation Policies Differ On Booking.Com And Airbnb? 

Airbnb offers hosts flexibility to choose between six cancellation policies, from Flexible to Strict. Booking.com provides fewer options but allows properties to customize their policies within certain parameters. Both platforms protect hosts from last-minute cancellations, but Airbnb’s policies generally favor host flexibility while Booking.com’s lean toward guest satisfaction.

2. Does Airbnb Or Booking.Com Offer Better Visibility For New Listings? 

Both platforms give new listings an initial visibility boost, but their approaches differ. Airbnb’s algorithm favors new properties with competitive pricing and quick response rates, often featuring them in search results for 2-3 weeks. Booking.com focuses on competitive pricing as well, alongside availability, offering new properties increased visibility if they maintain competitive rates and open calendar dates.

3. Can You Maintain Different Pricing Strategies On Airbnb And Booking.Com? 

Yes, maintaining different pricing strategies across Airbnb and Booking.com is possible and often advisable. Consider each platform’s fee structure, target audience, and booking patterns. However, ensure the final guest-facing prices remain relatively consistent to avoid price comparison issues.

4. How Do Payment Processing Times Compare On Booking.Com and Airbnb? 

Airbnb typically releases payment 24 hours after guest check-in, with the option for SuperHosts to receive payouts before check-in. Booking.com usually processes payments within 1-2 business days after checkout, though timing can vary by region and payment method.

Outro: Which Hosting Platform is Best for Vacation Rentals?

After comparing Booking.com to Airbnb, one thing becomes crystal clear: you shouldn’t be choosing between either platform – you should leverage both to maximize your property’s revenue.

But if you’re new to the game, consider starting with one platform to learn the ropes, then expand once you’ve established a solid operational foundation. This way, both platforms work together to create a more profitable short term rental.