Instead of comparing VRBO vs Airbnb, aka the “giants” of the available booking platforms for vacation rentals – it’s time to compare Airbnb with a smaller company. In today’s travel blog, we’ll uncover the similarities and differences in the Whimstay vs Airbnb comparison. Below, you’ll learn how Whimstay, an up-and-coming vacation home booking platform, compares to Airbnb. Hopefully the following highlights will make it more clear whether or not Whimstay, otherwise known as an “Airbnb alternative” is worth it for you!
Whimstay vs Airbnb: 8 Major Differences
You’re on you’re way to becoming a more savvy vacation shopper – below, find the main differences between Airbnb and Whimstay. They’re neither good nor bad, but they will help depending on your personal preferences.
1. When comparing Whimstay vs Airbnb, the most notable aspect is the size of the companies.
If you read VRBO vs Airbnb vs Booking Direct: What is the Difference?, then you likely remember how huge these two booking platform companies are. For reference, Airbnb has more than 6 million listings! And these are spread out over 200 different countries. In contrast, Whimstay has far fewer listings. Additionally, all Whimstay options are located in North America, instead of being spread out all over the world. However, according to PR Newswire, Whimstay increased their listings by 400% in 2023.
2. In contrast to Airbnb, private homeowners can’t list their lake cottage on Whimstay for some extra cash.
This is because Whimstay only works with professional vacation rental management companies. By focusing on professional partnerships, they can ensure that every listing on our platform meets rigorous standards of quality and safety. This refined approach distances guests from the uncertainties that can accompany properties managed by individual homeowners. In other words, it helps ensure a safe, vetted, and well-managed holiday environment—free from the common concerns that sometimes overshadow peer-to-peer rental experiences.
3. Airbnb vs Whimstay and cost: you’ll pay less with Whimstay!
According to Whimstay.com, “Whimstay negotiates exclusive discounts with professional property management companies to secure the best rates on last-minute bookings, ensuring your spontaneous trips are exciting and affordable!” The reason Whimstay is able to offer such low prices is because it partners with property management companies to provide the lowest prices possible. This is because, naturally, prices drop when a property’s calendar is still empty just one or two months ahead.
According to Whimstay, guests save, $200 on average per booking.
4. Whimstay vs Airbnb: Airbnb’s cancellation policies are better for guests!
Each property owner or management company sets their own cancellation policies on Airbnb. Whereas Airbnb offer a variety of flexible cancellation policies, this is not an option with Whimstay. Because you’re able to grab such great deals via Whimstay, the catch is that you’re “on the hook” once you’ve made your reservation. In fact, no refunds shall be given between 0-60 days from the start of your trip
5. In contrast to Airbnb’s vast selection of unique lodging options, Whimstay tends to stick to more traditional, high-end homes and villas.
At times, Airbnb offers bizarre lodging options, such as this Flying Saucer! Airbnb also offers rooms within a home, which means less privacy for guests. However, Whimstay’s listings are more traditional, and they do not offer shared dwelling spaces.
6. Unlike Airbnb, Whimstay doesn’t offer fancy “Experience” options for guests.
The Airbnb Experiences feature allows guests to book a location-specific activity along with their home rental. In some locations, Airbnb guests can “walk with the wolves” or engage in “dirt therapy.”
7. Whimstay is better for hosts.
Whimstay charges hosts a 3-5% fee. In contrast, Airbnb’s commission may start at 3%, but it can creep up to 14%. (The 14% is a way to penalize hosts for having super strict cancellation policies.) Another advantage for hosts is that Whimstay provides a solution to last-minute vacancies.
8. Whereas Airbnb strongly encourages guests to message the host only through the app, Whimstay calls for direct communication.
Due to Airbnb’s built-in warning, guests are strongly encouraged to communicate with the host only via the Airbnb app. In other words, all conversing should be written via the app, and outside calls or emails are not encouraged. However, Whimstay guests and hosts contact with each other in whatever way they both see fit – email, text message, or phone calls.
Two Very Different Booking Platforms: Are There Any Similarities?
Although Airbnb has been around much longer, and is a markedly more well-known household name, Whimstay is catching up. The two platforms share a couple of similarities.
1. Travel insurance is available with both booking platforms.
Both offer travel insurance through their platform. Whimstay offers guests the option to purchase one of two different insurance plans. One is called “Cancel for Any Reason,” while the other is called “Standard” travel insurance. However, you might want to read the fine print!
Similarly, Airbnb offers their own version of travel insurance, dubbed “Aircover.”
2. Whimstay vs Airbnb and public reviews: both are a mixed bag.
There will be good experiences, and there will be bad experiences, and each guest has their own perception. Both Whimstay and Airbnb are booking platforms. They help connect the guest to the home, and each home has a myriad of differences. Factors such as the property’s age, climate, location, and much more can affect your perception and experience.
Consider the following reviews, so you can see for yourself:
- On Reddit, you’ll find people both complaining about and lauding each platform. Here are some reviews for Whimstay. Similarly, here’s some negative views of Airbnb on Reddit.
- According to Knoji.com, Airbnb scores a 4.4 overall. Whimstay falls behind slightly at 4.0.
- At TrustPilot.com, Whimstay’s rating is 4.1. In contrast, Airbnb’s rating is only 1.3! (This is likely due to the fact that Airbnb has far more ratings than Whimstay.)
Whimstay vs Airbnb vs Booking Direct: Choose BVW Unsalted Vacations for Your Next Michigan Vacation!
Many hosts, including BVW Unsalted Vacations Property Management, use booking platforms like Whimstay to attract more reservations. Although Airbnb and Whimstay are popular, there are many more booking platforms to consider! For example, many guests use the Marriott Homes & Villas, HomeToGo, or Booking.com to locate vacation rentals in their desired location.
Choosing to book directly with a vacation rental company is a savvy decision. It circumvents the often costly and complicated middleman, making for a more streamlined process. As a guest, direct booking prevents obscured communication, and potentially the most attractive rates. Simplicity, savings, and direct communication – this is the beauty of booking direct!
Welcome to The Pioneer! Managed locally by BVW Unsalted Vacations, this picturesque vacation retreat is nestled in the heart of historic Mac Hills on the shores of Lake Michigan. This brand new, 4-bedroom, 4 1/2-bathroom gem is a three-story haven that combines timeless elegance with modern comfort.
View our ever-growing list of Michigan vacation rentals and make a reservation today! Want to chat with a live representative? Click the blue chat icon on the lower right corner of the screen for assistance, or text the team at 616-383-5253. You can also reach our Escape Artists via email at hello@unsaltedvacations.com.
Enjoy your unsalted vacation – free of stress, free of salt!
Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, and Twitter for regular updates on travel trends, additional vacation rentals available in Michigan, and more!
What’s the difference and why does it matter?
You’ve probably heard the terms such as Airbnb, VRBO, and “book direct” in relation to booking a vacation rental home. But what is the difference between Airbnb and VRBO, and why does it matter? In this post, we’ll break down the differences in the classic VRBO vs Airbnb comparison. You’ll also find the pros and cons of booking directly through a property management company. If you’re trying to decide how to book a short term rental home that best fits your needs, this is the article for you!
Airbnb vs VRBO: Overview
Terminology: Is VRBO owned by Airbnb? Are Airbnb and VRBO owned by the same company?
First, let’s clarify the literal origins of the terms VRBO and Airbnb. VRBO is an acronym for Vacation Rentals by Owner. Airbnb stands for Air Bed and Breakfast, as you likely guessed from the name. According to Mashvisor, the founders of Airbnb – Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky – wanted to rent out a room in their place to earn some extra cash. However, all they had to offer overnight guests was air beds, and some breakfast in the morning. So the origin of the term ‘Airbnb’ is quite literal.
Airbnb and VRBO are both online platforms for booking short term rental homes. As more and more people opt out of hotels and choose vacation rentals instead, Airbnb and VRBO are becoming increasingly popular. Both websites show pictures and descriptions of the rental homes alongside guest reviews of the homes. The home owners/property managers of the rental homes can also review each guest.
Airbnb and VRBO are not vacation rental companies and/or property owners. Rather, these websites are reputable booking platforms that help connect vacation rental owners and management companies with potential vacation rental guests.
VRBO (which stands for Vacation Rental by Owner) was founded in 1995. Currently, Expedia owns VRBO, Homeaway, and Travelocity, Hotels.com, Expedia.com, Hotwire, Orbitz, Trivago, and CarRentals.com.
Airbnb didn’t show up until 2008, but it certainly made a name for itself quickly!
Airbnb vs VRBO: 7 Key Differences
Many people have asked, “What’s the difference between VRBO and Airbnb?” and “Is VRBO better than Airbnb?” But the answer is not one-size fits all. Both companies are owned and operated by different people. But to elaborate more deeply upon their differences, let’s take a look at the seven points found between VRBO vs Airbnb below.
1. Airbnb offers more choices.
VRBO has about two million listings in 190 different countries. In contrast, Airbnb has over 6 million listings in 200 different countries.
2. VRBO reviews offer more information to potential guests.
Guest reviews are available on both Airbnb and VRBO. On Airbnb, guests and hosts have up to two weeks to leave a review after the guest stays. VRBO allows an entire year as a window of time for guests and hosts to review each other. These guest reviews are extremely helpful when selecting your vacation rental home! Hearing what actual guests have to say helps you learn about little quirks to be aware of. However, VRBO also shows the host’s response to the guest review in the same section. This is so important, especially since a lot can change in even just a few months. These host responses update users on potential repairs made to the home and also educates them on how to best enjoy their vacation experience.
2. VRBO lists entire homes for rent, while Airbnb offers shared living spaces for rent in addition to entire units.
Both platforms list private homes for you to rent for just you and your party. However, Airbnb has the unique feature of allowing owners to rent out rooms without a home. For example, you could use Airbnb to rent a private bedroom in a shared apartment. This is typically less expensive, but you do have to forfeit the luxury and privacy of having your own bathroom, kitchen, and living rooms.
3. VRBO is more popular among large groups wanting a traditional family vacation, while Airbnbs offer more non-traditional options and often allow shorter stays.
Since Airbnb has a bit more flexibility and allows shared spaces to be listed, you’re more likely to find out-of-the-ordinary vacation rentals like yurts or tiny houses on their platform. So if you are searching for something totally trendy, like a vacation in a castle, Airbnb is the best place for you to start searching.In contrast, VRBO is better for family vacations in traditional homes. If you really want to find a large vacation home for your family, VRBO is the best place for you to begin your search.
4. You’ll find search filters on both platforms, but VRBO’s is more user-friendly.
There are many ways to narrow down your search, and both Airbnb and VRBO offer fairly intuitive search filters. However, VRBO’s sorting features are more conspicuous. For example, directly on VRBO’s search screen, you can select “Pets allowed” to ensure that all of your search results are pet-friendly homes. To determine the pet policy on Airbnb, you’ll need to look at the “House Rules” section for each listing.VRBO also allows users to narrow down search results to “Highly Rated for Cleanliness,” or “Highly Rated for Location.”
5. Airbnb offers a unique “Experiences” option.
Unlike VRBO, the Airbnb Experiences feature allows guests to book a location-specific activity along with their home rental. These are not available in all locations, but they’re definitely worth checking out if you have the chance. We think the opportunity to “walk with the wolves” in Palmdale, California looks like fun!
6. The VRBO Trip Boards feature may make planning your vacation easier.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed with all of the options when planning your trip. Especially when you want to make sure you’re not forgetting anything! The VRBO Trip Boards feature helps you organize your favorite locations and rental properties by board. You can even invite friends and family to join these boards. This makes it much easier to organize your favorites and collaborate with other travelers!
What Does It Mean to “Book Direct”?
Regardless of how you book your stay, all vacation rental homes have a host. This will either be the owner of the home or a property management company. The host is responsible for listing the property accurately, answering questions before, during and after your stay, and helping resolve any issues that arise during your stay.
Many hosts, including BVW Unsalted Vacations, list their rental homes on both Airbnb and VRBO. This is a way to reach as many potential guests as possible. Guests who have used VRBO for years are more comfortable using this platform and typically use it whenever they’re reserving a home, out of habit. Likewise, many people who are booking a short term rental for the first time choose Airbnb because of the brand recognition and popularity.
However, we often encourage potential guests to “book direct.” In other words, we advise guests to forego platforms like VRBO, Homeaway, or Airbnb. Trust us – there’s a good reason for this! It’s because it will cost you more to book through a third party.
In other words, you’re paying more when you book through VRBO or Airbnb. This can add up to hundreds of dollars in fees. You can eliminate the additional cost simply by booking directly through a reputable property management company in your desired destination!
In order to book directly through a property management company, simply search for vacation rentals in the city you’re looking for. BVW Unsalted Vacations offers homes, cottages, cabins, and condos all across lower Michigan.
Examples of Booking Direct vs Airbnb vs VRBO
Many guests love reading the guest reviews on VRBO and Airbnb. If you find a home on our website but want to see a few more reviews, feel free to search for the same rental property on VRBO or Airbnb to check out those reviews. Just make sure to book the accommodations directly through us to significantly reduce the total cost.
“Nautical Pointe” in Spring Lake features a balcony overlooking the marina. Learn more
For example, you’ll find plenty of reviews for Nautical Pointe, a spacious Grand Haven condo, on Airbnb. But you’ll save money when you book the same house directly through our website!
Sunset Shores: This 2 BR 1.5 Bath home offers everything you need for the perfect Lake Michigan Vacation. Learn more
Another example is Sunset Shores. This property is available on VRBO, and you’ll find guest reviews here. But you can also book this home directly through our website to reduce the overall cost by avoiding VRBO’s fees.
Book Direct and Save with BVW Unsalted Vacations
Airbnb and VRBO are popular, but they aren’t your only options for booking vacation rentals online. For example, many guests use the Marriott Homes & Villas or Whimstay platforms to locate vacation rentals in their desired location. Ultimately, though, booking directly through a vacation rental company is the best route to go. View our ever-growing list of Michigan vacation rentals and make a reservation today!