Listing on both Airbnb and VRBO?

Question

I've been managing short term rentals through the Airbnb platform since 2019. I decided to only list through Airbnb vs listing on both Airbnb and VRBO as there didn't seem to be a great way to sync calendars on the two platforms at the time.

As we enter into our slower Fall months for getting bookings, I'm realizing it's probably time I revisit only listing in one platform, so that we're maximizing as many days rented out as possible.

I would love some recommendations on the best tools for syncing calendars and making listing on both Airbnb and VRBO as seamless as possible? Any tips for getting set-up in VRBO would be greatly appreciated as well. I'm also open to any stories or opinions on the the pros and cons of listing on both platforms.

Thank you!

Javier Emilio Tirado · Answer

@Eliza Sparks I just listed on VRBO as well for the low season. This is what they told me to sync the calendars: To export an Airbnb calendar Log on to your Airbnb DashboardGo to your Listing/s on Airbnb and select the listing you want.Go to Pricing and availability > Calendar sync.Click Export calendar.In the Export calendar window, copy the link, then paste it into your other iCal-based calendar.Exit the Export calendar window. To import a calendar to VRBO Log on to your VRBO DashboardGo to the Listing you wantGo to calendar {located at the Left-hand side of the screen}At the top you will be able to see Import & exportSelect Import & export, select the arrow at the right of import a calendarPaste the link you exported from the alternative Vacation Rental site in the space provided. To export an VRBO calendar Log on to your VRBO DashboardGo to the Listing you wantGo to calendar {located at the Left-hand side of the screen}At the top you will be able to see Import & exportSelect Import & export, select the arrow at the right of export a calendarSelect the check box right above where you link is provided that states{Include tentative bookings. These will show up as blocked in the exported calendar.}Select Copy URLGo to the alternative Vacation Rental site {Follow the steps of how to import a calendar} Then paste the link in the space provided.To import a calendar to Airbnb Go to Listings and select the listing you want.Go to Pricing and availability > Calendar sync.Click Import calendar.Copy the URL for your non-Airbnb calendar into the Calendar address field.Name the calendar you're about to import.Click Import calendar. So you would 1st:Export your Airbnb Calendar and then Import it to your VRBO Calendar.Afterwards you would:Export your VRBO Calendar {after you unblock the dates} and then Import it to your Airbnb Calendar.Hope this helps :)

Trent Reeve · Answer

as a fledgling investor (still looking for my 1st property) i would say you should definitely list on both. just my personal preference, i always start on VRBO. im sure there are others the same and not listing on there would have you miss out on business. when you are selling a product, the wider audience you reach the better off you are. i believe there are some owner software platforms that can handle that as well as create a site for direct booking.

Kevin Escobar · Answer

Yes could be a little expensive for 1 listing but it’s automated everything. Hospitable is another great option and their price is less. I started with Guesty so that’s why I have stuck with it despite the higher price

Kevin Escobar · Answer

I use guesty for hosts to sync the 2 calendars and handle all my messaging on both platforms.

Angelo Argentieri · Answer

Hi @Eliza Sparks - I agree with your thought process of posting on both. I do post my properties on both. AirBnB has been the best of the two for shorter stays (2-4 days), with VRBO being great for lengthier stays (2+ weeks). In July of this year, I ran a proforma which included all the income and expenses (AirBnB/VRBO service fees, cleaning, hygiene supplies, etc.) and concluded that a 2-3 months stay would be ideal for my desired returns. I listed one property on Furnished Finder for an annual flat fee and received requests from families and traveling nurses. A family of 3 moved into one of my properties in August and are there through December. The amount they paid was more than I expected to receive. Without the AirBnB/VRBO fees and cleaning and supplies expenses, my total month-end return was comparable to listing it on AirBnB or VRBO. This route relieved the desire to check on my assistant to ensure the properties were all taken care of with multiple move-in and move-outs per week. I was able to put them on a lease I put together and feel more protected by it. There are some negative stories of AirBnB not siding with the property owner when trouble arises. I have since moved my other properties to the same model. I wanted to give you another avenue to think about, especially for the slow season!

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

The platforms sync continuously. Once it is set up correctly - no problems....

Luke Carl · Answer

Yup both!

John Underwood · Answer

I get way more bookings from Vrbo.Synching is now built in as shown above.

Coburn Sheppick · Answer

Hi @Eliza Sparks! Definitely smart to capture bookings across different channels (not all, but the top ones like vrbo, booking .com, airbnb, etc.) The best solution to do this is to use a Property Management Software (like Guesty) that has direct integrations with the top booking platforms and syncs calendars, inboxs, listing information, and inboxes all into one dashboard. The manual way to do this is to embed ical links into both platforms which is not ideal. We grew our furnished portfolio to 200+ units and the only way we were able to do this is by using these types of technologies. Happy to help! Wishing you all the best :)

Greg R. · Answer

Got it, thanks Bruce. I'll give it a shot.