The difference between Airbnb and Booking.com for a STR owner

In recent years, Booking.com has shifted its focus towards incorporating Airbnb-style vacation rental units into its platform. As a property owner navigating this landscape alongside established hotel brands like Hilton and Marriott, it's crucial to grasp the workings of both Booking.com and Airbnb.

While initially perplexing, it's worth noting that many hosts diversify by listing their homes on multiple platforms for financial gains. Understanding Booking.com is a valuable investment of your time and energy. Here, we outline key distinctions between Booking.com and Airbnb, addressing common questions to enhance your occupancy rate.

Guest Dynamics:

Airbnb:

• Employs two-way reviews for mutual feedback.
• Allows hosts to review potential guests before accepting requests.
• Involves extensive pre-booking communication, including inquiries and discount requests.

Booking.com:

• Lacks two-way reviews, offering less insight into guest behavior.
• Reservations often get confirmed without prior communication with guests.

Guest Expectations:

• Airbnb guests anticipate a home-like experience, adjusting expectations accordingly.
• Booking.com guests often expect hotel standards, such as 24-hour check-in and amenities.

Pricing Structure:

Fees:

• Airbnb charges both guests and hosts.
• Booking.com charges hosts a percentage of the total booking price, payable monthly.

Guest Charges:

• Airbnb charges guests a fee for booking.
• Booking.com does not charge guests but levies fees on hosts.

Payment Handling:

Airbnb:

• Collects and transfers payments to hosts on check-in day.
• Manages credit card information and guarantees reservations.

Booking.com:

• Requires hosts to handle payment procedures.
• Provides credit card information accessible for 10 days post-reservation; hosts cover potential losses in case of no-shows or last-minute cancellations.

Cancellation Policies:

Airbnb:

• Offers flexible cancellation options.
• Allows hosts to choose cancellation policies and retain booking amounts in case of cancellations.

Booking.com:

• Often features free cancellation options.
• Higher cancellation rates due to lack of pre-payment requirement; hosts must regularly synchronize calendars.

When venturing into Booking.com, vigilance in calendar management is crucial to avoid the nightmare scenario of simultaneous bookings from different platforms.