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Are you always searching for a rental property that can suit your pocket and standards? It can be tough sometimes to browse different articles on the web.
Perhaps your friends recommended you try Airbnb, Vacasa, and other rental platforms online. If you’re a digital nomad, researching in advance can help you prepare your stay ahead of time.
Airbnb and Vacasa platforms have helped travelers around the world find a place. If you’re looking for the best platform to book your accommodation, you might choose between Airbnb and Vacasa.
Finding a rental place that offers a unique and personalized stay is essential. In this article, we have written a full comparison of Airbnb and Vacasa. It’s for you to find out which is best for you.
Difference Between Airbnb and Vacasa
Here are the differences between Airbnb and Vacasa:
Property Selection
On Airbnb, there are many properties you can choose from. You can click the categories above, from amazing pools to beautiful beach properties.
On the other hand, Vacasa offers professionally managed vacation rentals. There is a curated selection of high-quality properties for you to look at.
Compared to Airbnb, they have fewer listings, but guests can expect the quality of their accommodations.
Pricing and Fee
The pricing for Airbnb and Vacasa is different in terms of the amount of the property and the charge per stay. On Airbnb, it is based on the nightly price the host sets.
The host could set an additional fee or cost. These are the Airbnb fee, cleaning fee, extra guest fee, pet fee, and security deposit. The value-added tax and local taxes can be charged based on your location.
Vacasa charges you a booking fee, cleaning fee, and damage waiver. The additional costs are a pet fee, hot tub fee, or early or late check-out.
On Airbnb, you can filter the search results for price ranges to find accommodations that cater to your budget. Vacasa offers standardized pricing for guests, but rest assured that the price reflects the quality of amenities it provides.
Customer Service
Airbnb and Vacasa also differ when it comes to the customer service they are providing. Airbnb relies on a community forum where Airbnb hosts will respond to guest queries.
It means that the level of customer service can vary depending on the host. In contrast, Vacasa offers professional customer service through its dedicated support team.
You can reach out anytime to resolve concerns that have something to do with bookings, property, etc.
User Experience
Airbnb is a user-friendly and intuitive platform for guests where you can easily find search listings. The reviews can also be seen upon viewing the property listing and the years the host has been hosting.
It is also easy to communicate directly with the host. Vacasa’s platform is well-designed for convenience, with detailed listings of properties and secure payment processing.
Vacasa’s user experience is a little bit more advanced than Airbnb’s because they have a virtual tour to see what the property looks like inside. Guests can book confidently because of this.
Airbnb and Vacasa Difference in Cancellation Policy
Vacasa
- Vacasa offers a standard cancellation policy wherein you can get a full refund within 24 hours after canceling.
- The cancellation policy of Vacasa may vary depending on the property and booking details.
- Vacasa’s cancellation policy is slightly tight compared to other vacation rental services.
- Guests booking through Vacasa can cancel up to 30 days before the final check-in date. Specific feeds, such as the booking fee and associated taxes, are deducted.
Airbnb
- Airbnb allows the host to choose flexible cancellation policies. It can vary from property to property.
- Airbnb’s cancellation policy starts from flexible to super strict and may also depend on the host’s offer.
- On Airbnb, you can get a refund if you have selected to cancel from 24 hours or even up to 30 days before the check-in date. But it’s best to ask your host what kind of policy they also offer regarding cancellation.
Airbnb vs Vacasa Payment Plans and Promotions
Vacasa
Book Now, Pay Later with Affirm
This payment plan allows you to split the cost of your vacation into monthly payments. It is quick without any hidden fees. As long as you’re eligible, you can choose to pay over 3, 6, 12, or 18 months or after the date of your trip.
Pay With Your Wyndham Rewards Points
If you’re already a member of Wyndham Rewards, the points can be used in your Vacasa stay. You can call Wyndham Rewards to book a favorite home.
Earn and Redeem Marriot Bonvoy Points
Marriot International offers thousands of available property listings. If you’re a member of Mariott Bonvoy, you can book through the platform to earn and redeem points on Vacasa stays,
Airbnb
Pay Over Time With Klarna
You don’t have to pay the full amount right away with Klarna. Instead, you can pay for a trip over several weeks or months enough for you to get enough funds. One can pay in 3 or 4 monthly payments with a short-term loan.
Airbnb Coupons and Gift Cards
You can apply this to save from your booking trip. You can apply up to $50 in gift card credits when you checkout. After this, you cannot use the points to pay on the second payment or plans.
Pay Part Now, Part Later
You can pay a portion of the booking’s total price and the remaining later. Airbnb will give you a notification about the schedule of your next payment.
This payment plan is ideal for those traveling with a tight budget who cannot immediately pay a large upfront amount.
Airbnb vs Vacasa for Hosts
Property Management Services
Vacasa is a full-service property management that cares about everything on your part as a host. They manage everything from listing, cleaning, and property maintenance, so it’s less stressful for you as you don’t have to handle it.
On the other hand, Airbnb hosts are responsible for managing properties and optimizing listings. You can also hire property management services if you cannot handle everything alone.
Availability of Property
The platform allows you to set your pricing and availability as an Airbnb host. It also includes making your own house rules that guests must strictly follow.
On Airbnb, you can decide what property you intend to rent for guests. Do you want to share a space you do not use? Or an entire property, a private room, or a shared room?
On the other hand, Vacasa showcases different vacation homes at standardized pricing, and they decide on a suitable price for them.
Marketing and Exposure
Airbnb is known as a home-sharing platform with millions of houses listed. It may be competitive, but it gives you a wide pool of tourists searching for properties daily.
Vacasa also has a solid online presence that involves digital marketing and partnerships with other traveling platforms.
Fees and Costs
Airbnb typically charges every host a service fee for each booking. It can range from around 3% to 5% of the booking subtotal.
Vacasa also charges a management fee that may usually range from 10% to 50% of the rental income, which already includes property handling and guest communication.
Support and Assistance
Vacasa provides dedicated property managers and customer support for hosts, offering assistance with any issues arising during the rental process.
Airbnb also provides customer support, but hosts may have to handle some guest inquiries and concerns themselves.
Conclusion
As a guest, you want to find the best kind of property that can make your travel worth remembering. As a host, you also want to find the best platform where you can strive for hosting.
Depending on your preferences, you may consider the differences and see what’s best for you. If you want professional customer service and well-prepared properties, you may find Vacasa a good place.
On the other hand, if you want to save more while staying in a home shared by a host, Airbnb is good to go. For a host looking for the best platform, you must weigh things out and find what suits your hosting needs.
