Finding the Best Deal: How Platform Pricing Impacts Your Vacation Rental Experience

Unlocking the Best Rates for Your Stay: Navigating Platform Pricing Discrepancies and Direct Booking Benefits

By: Brad Greiner, CEO of Open Air Homes and OpenAiRE Brokerage
August 17th, 2024

When booking a vacation rental, it’s not uncommon to find varying prices for the same property across different platforms. This discrepancy can be attributed to the different fees and commissions each platform charges.

At Open Air Homes, we understand this challenge and work diligently to provide the best rates possible for our guests.

 Pacific Breeze in Los Angeles, by Open Air Homes

Understanding Platform Pricing Variations

Each vacation rental platform, such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com, has its own pricing structure. These platforms charge hosts varying percentages in fees, which can lead to different prices for the same listing.

In a recent article by Entrepreneur, tech entrepreneur Justin Gordon discussed his platform, HiChee, which helps travelers find the best deals by comparing prices across major platforms. Gordon highlights a common frustration: “The same property could have wildly different prices across different platforms.”

 Pacific Breeze in Venice Beach

Our Commitment to Transparency and Value

At Open Air Homes, our goal is to offer the lowest rates available when booking directly through our website. We use sophisticated pricing software to adjust our rates, ensuring that our direct booking prices are the most competitive.

This transparency allows our guests to enjoy the best value without the hassle of comparing prices across multiple sites.

We also appreciate HiChee’s innovative approach to vacation rental bookings. By allowing users to compare prices and even set price and availability alerts, HiChee empowers travelers to make informed decisions. This aligns with our mission to provide a seamless and stress-free booking experience.

Pacific Breeze in Venice Beach

The Benefits of Booking Directly

Booking directly through Open Air Homes offers several advantages:

• Lowest Rates: We ensure that our website offers the best rates, without the additional fees that other platforms may charge.
• Exclusive Offers: Guests booking directly can access exclusive offers and promotions that are not available on other platforms.
• Personalized Experience: We provide a personalized booking experience, ensuring that all your needs and preferences are met.

Further, we are currently rebuilding our website to be mobile first, since 80% of the visitors to our website are coming via their phone. In the coming months, bookings made via the phone will be as easy as ordering on the Starbucks app!

Pacific Breeze in Venice Beach

Embracing Technology for a Better Guest Experience

As we continue to innovate and adapt, we remain committed to using technology to enhance our guest experience. Whether it’s through dynamic pricing, seamless booking processes, or leveraging platforms like HiChee for price comparisons, our goal is to make vacation rentals as accessible and enjoyable as possible.

At Open Air Homes, we believe in transparency and value.

We encourage all our guests to explore their options and find the best deal that suits their needs. By booking directly with us, you can rest assured that you’re getting the best price available.

Ready to boost your property’s appeal and maximize your returns?

Contact us today to discover how Open Air Homes can transform your listing into a guest magnet!  Let’s unlock your property’s full potential and elevate your bookings. Start your journey with us and watch your success soar!