We’ve tested sites like Plum Guide, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Marriott Homes & Villas. Conversions were low, and guest protections didn’t meet our standards, so we focus on platforms that perform and protect.
Vacation Rental Management on Emerging Platforms
Selective expansion that protects your home
The booking landscape keeps changing. We list where visibility grows and protections stay strong. Today that includes Google Travel and Booking.com.
By The Numbers: 2025
How We Stack Up Against the Market
Our listings draw almost three times the impressions—153% higher— than comparable homes during May ’24 → Apr ’25, according to data collected through Airbnb.
High-impact photography, A/B-tested headlines, and dynamic pricing tools keep us locked above the fold, reaching travelers before they even start filtering.
Airbnb shows our homes on page 1 of search results 55.7% of the time, weighted across 12 months from April 2024 – April 2025.
That means every other guest search in our price bands starts with an Open Air Homes listing—boosting inquiries and brand awareness for every owner in the portfolio.
Out of every 10,000 search impressions, we convert 18 bookings versus the market’s 11—a 60 % uplift on Airbnb.
This efficiency turns views into paid nights, raises annual revenue, and shields owners from slow seasons when every inquiry counts.
Guests stay 9.7 days with us; the market averages 4.8 days according to “similar listings” in Airbnb Insights. That’s 102% longer than the market average.
Longer stays cut turnover costs, boost review volume, and reduce neighborhood churn, creating a sustainable growth loop.
Booking.com: Hotel-Style Demand
Affordability seekers and longer stays
Booking.com skews toward travelers comparing against hotels. We list select homes to capture extended-stay and value-minded guests while keeping standards high.
Google Travel: Findability in Search
Discovery that flows to direct reservations
Guests now discover vacation homes inside Google Search and Maps. Our listings route visitors to our Direct Bookings page, reducing fees and building repeat business.
Where We Scaled Back
Conversion and protection come first
We tested Plum Guide, TripAdvisor, Expedia, and Marriott Homes & Villas. Conversions were low and protections inconsistent. Our priority is safeguarding your home and community, so we pared back.
Hostaway Makes Testing Easy
Add or remove channels in real time
Through Hostaway, we can pilot new platforms quickly. Calendars, pricing, and messaging stay synced across channels without disruption.
Diversified, Not Dependent
Balanced exposure across proven winners
Most bookings still come from our Airbnb presence and Direct Bookings. Families and extended stays find us on VRBO. Emerging platforms widen reach without over-reliance on any single site.Boutique Flexibility for Homeowners
Testing new platforms tailored to your goals
As a boutique property management company, we offer the flexibility to test emerging platforms based on each homeowner’s preferences. If you want your home listed on a specific site, we can easily enable and monitor it through Hostaway.
Our goal is to keep your home visible across the most effective channels — whether that’s Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or Google Travel.
This custom approach ensures we stay agile, competitive, and aligned with your long-term goals — while maintaining the protection and hospitality standards that define Open Air Homes.
The Open Air Homes Difference
A Boutique Hospitality Approach
We ensure higher rankings, 5-star guest experiences, and stress-free management for consistent rental income.
💬 Emerging Vacation Rental Platforms FAQ
1. What are emerging platforms in vacation rental management?
Emerging platforms include newer or growing travel sites like Google Travel and Booking.com that help guests find homes outside traditional channels such as Airbnb and VRBO.
2. Why list on Booking.com or Google Travel?
Each platform expands visibility. Booking.com attracts value-focused travelers comparing hotels and vacation rentals, while Google Travel boosts discovery directly from search results.
3. Do these newer platforms bring reliable guests?
Yes. Many guests book through Google Travel after searching directly for homes or reading reviews, while Booking.com attracts longer stays and travelers booking well in advance.
4. Why did Open Air Homes scale back from other platforms?
5. How does Hostaway help manage multiple platforms?
Hostaway integrates all listings, calendars, messages, and pricing in one place. It allows us to add or remove platforms easily, ensuring your home remains organized and accurate across every channel.
6. How do emerging platforms fit into Open Air Homes’ overall strategy?
They complement our strong presence on Airbnb, VRBO, and direct bookings. Diversifying across multiple sites ensures year-round visibility and reduces dependency on any single platform.
7. Can homeowners request that their home be added to specific platforms?
Absolutely. As a boutique management company, we can test new platforms for individual homeowners and track performance to see what converts best.
8. What is Open Air Homes’ goal for platform distribution?
Our goal is to keep a balanced portfolio — with no more than 50% of bookings coming from any single platform. This diversified approach maximizes exposure and protects long-term success.