How to Choose the Right Platform for Your First Short-Term Rental
Starting your short-term rental journey is exciting, and choosing where to list your property can feel overwhelming. With options like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and more, how do you decide which one is right for you?
And should you list on more than one platform at the same time?
Let’s break it down.
Popular Platforms for Short-Term Rentals
Here’s a quick look at the most popular platforms and what they’re known for:
Airbnb
- Most beginner-friendly
- Huge user base and trusted brand
- Great app and tools for hosts
- Ideal for both entire homes and private rooms
Vrbo
- Focuses on whole-home rentals (no private rooms)
- Popular with families and vacationers
- Higher average booking values
- Slightly older, more traditional guest base
Booking.com
- Massive global reach
- Used by travelers who prefer hotel-like experiences
- Less personal interaction
- Higher guest volume, but also more no-shows if not managed well
Others (Furnished Finder, TripAdvisor, Houfy, etc.)
- Smaller, more niche audiences
- Can be great secondary options depending on your location and goals
How to Choose the Best Platform for You
Ask yourself these questions:
Are you just starting out?
Start with Airbnb. It’s the most intuitive for new hosts and offers built-in tools like guest screening, insurance coverage, and automated messaging.
Do you have a full house or multi-bedroom property?
Consider adding Vrbo in addition to Airbnb. Vrbo’s audience tends to book longer family vacations and may pay more per stay.
Do you want lots of bookings fast?
Booking.com may help you fill your calendar quickly, but it often attracts guests who are used to hotels, meaning less host-guest interaction and potentially more wear and tear.
Should You List on More Than One Platform?
Yes, but not right away.
Starting with a single platform (usually Airbnb) allows you to:
- Learn how to manage bookings, cleanings, and guest communication
- Build up reviews and confidence
- Avoid double bookings or calendar sync issues
Once you’re comfortable, you can expand to multiple platforms and use tools like:
- Channel managers (e.g., Hospitable, Hostaway, Smoobu) to sync calendars and automate messages
- Dynamic pricing tools (e.g., PriceLabs, Beyond) to stay competitive across platforms
Final Takeaways
- Start with one platform (Airbnb is usually best for beginners).
- Choose based on your property type, location, and target guest.
- Consider adding more platforms once you’re confident in your systems.
- Use automation tools when you’re ready to scale.
I believe in starting simple, staying strategic, and growing intentionally. Quality hosting beats hustle every time, and choosing the right platform is the first step.
