Top 10 Vacation Rental Platforms for Travelers in 2025
Planning a getaway? You’ve scoured every top website for affordable hotel deals. You’ve weighed the options at the finest all-inclusive resorts. Yet nothing seems to click. No matter how hard you look, the perfect travel option remains just out of reach.
Consider vacation rentals. The vacation rental industry has experienced tremendous growth in the past ten years. An increasing number of travelers are recognizing the advantages of choosing a vacation rental for their stays.
You enjoy greater privacy compared to a typical hotel stay. There’s also more room to spread out, along with unique amenities. You can discover one-of-a-kind lodging options, such as treehouses, hobbit holes, or even castles, that are hard to find elsewhere.
The vacation rental industry now features far more options beyond the well-known platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. With numerous choices available for your accommodation, selecting the right service can be challenging. If a vacation rental suits your travel plans, how do you determine which provider to use?
Exploring the advantages and drawbacks of the top 10 vacation rental platforms will help you choose wisely for your upcoming getaway.
- 1. Vrbo
- 2. Booking.com
- 4. Hotels.com
- 5. TripAdvisor
- 6. The Plum Guide
- 7. Airbnb
- 8. Home to Go
- 9. Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
- 10. Agoda
- FAQ
1. Vrbo
Let’s begin with a well-known option: Vrbo. You’ve probably noticed numerous ads for this rental service appearing on your preferred streaming platforms, social media, and more. But what sets it apart from other choices in the market?
With Vrbo, you exclusively book entire private properties, eliminating the need to share spaces. Its specialized search features simplify the process of locating the perfect rental. You can filter results to show only highly rated properties for cleanliness or location. Additionally, you can search for rentals near specific activities, those providing virtual tours, or even ones with special discount offers.
The search feature follows a conventional design, offering both list and map display options along with filtering capabilities, allowing users to view only those properties that include their desired amenities.
Vrbo has recently introduced a loyalty program for its users. Known as One Key, this program enables members to accumulate rewards across Vrbo, Expedia, and Hotels.com.
Cancellation Policy:Property owners establish their own cancellation rules, selecting from options authorized by Vrbo. Be sure to review the policy for each property before finalizing your booking.
- No refunds will be issued under any circumstances
- You can receive a full refund when canceling your reservation 60 days or more prior to your stay.
- You will receive a 50% refund if you cancel your reservation no later than 30 days prior to your scheduled stay.
- You will receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation no later than 30 days prior to your stay.
- Receive a 50% reimbursement when cancelling your reservation no fewer than 14 days prior to your scheduled stay.
- You can receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation no later than 14 days prior to your stay.
- You’ll receive a 50% reimbursement if your cancellation is made no later than 7 days prior to your reservation.
Property owners may occasionally offer personalized refund options in addition to their standard refund policies.
- Advanced search capabilities with enhanced reliability
- Exclusive private properties available solely
- The loyalty program is provided in collaboration with affiliated travel-booking platforms under the same network.
- Private properties are exclusively listed (though this may not appeal to all travelers)
- Cancellation terms differ significantly, and property owners select the policy they prefer to implement.
2.
You might assume Booking.com is only for reserving hotels, but it also provides vacation and home rentals. The advantage is that since both options are available on the platform, you can conveniently compare hotels and rentals in a single location.
Even so, the search feature feels somewhat disorganized and automatically displays results in list format. That said, distinctive search capabilities do shine through. For instance, users can filter rental options based on eco-friendliness, accessibility, or proximity to a downtown area or urban core.
Sadly, selecting any property from your search results leads to a listing page that’s just as disorganized. An excessive amount of information is packed into the layout, making it feel somewhat overwhelming.
Booking.com features its exclusive loyalty initiative, the Genius program, granting members both rewards and price reductions. Consequently, certain accommodations will display a “Genius discount available” label.
Cancellation Policy:The cancellation terms for each property vary based on the owner’s choices. Certain reservations are completely non-refundable (which is often the case), while others may be partially or fully refundable until a specified deadline.
- Compare hotels and home rentals side by side using a single website and booking system.
- Their loyalty program offers savings on vacation rentals
- The user interface appears overly crowded and may feel intimidating to navigate.
3.
Similar to Booking.com, is primarily recognized as a platform for arranging conventional travel, such as flights and hotel accommodations. That said, it has expanded its services to include vacation rentals.
Similar to Booking.com, Expedia enables users to look for both hotels and vacation rentals in a single search. This makes it simple to compare all available choices at once. However,alsoSimilar to Booking.com, the search function feels overcrowded. The search page closely mirrors the one found on Booking.com, and the same applies to the pages for each listing.
Expedia, as a sister site to VRBO, provides the One Key loyalty program. With this, you can accumulate rewards when making bookings on three platforms: VRBO, Expedia, and Hotels.com. (It’s worth noting that because VRBO and Expedia are under the same parent company, their rental listings often overlap. In some cases, booking through Expedia may result in receiving a confirmation from VRBO.)
Cancellation Policy:Finding a vacation rental’s cancellation policy on Expedia can be frustratingly unclear. Instead of displaying the policy directly, Expedia advises users to “reach out to the host” for cancellation details.
Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that Expedia permits hosts to adopt identical cancellation policies to those available on VRBO. The choices include…
- All sales are final with no exceptions for refunds
- You can receive a full refund if you cancel your reservation no later than 60 days prior to your stay.
- You will receive a 50% reimbursement if you cancel your reservation no later than 30 days prior to your scheduled stay.
- Cancellations made 30 days or more prior to your stay qualify for a full refund.
- Receive a 50% reimbursement when canceling your reservation no fewer than 14 days prior to arrival.
- Full refunds are available if cancellation occurs no less than 14 days prior to your stay.
- Receive a 50% reimbursement when cancelling your reservation no fewer than 7 days prior to your scheduled stay.
- Compare hotels and vacation rentals directly
- The loyalty program enables you to accumulate rewards through three different booking platforms.
- Search and listing pages often appear disorganized and may be difficult to navigate.
- Cancellation rules are determined by hosts and may not be easily accessible prior to making a reservation.
4. Hotels.com
At the end of the Expedia-VRBO-Hotels.com family group, Hotels.com offers functionality similar to its sibling platforms. Users can explore hotel and vacation rental options on the same interface and benefit from loyalty rewards through One Key. The search page, much like Expedia’s, feels crowded and cumbersome, though it includes a few welcome additional features.
For instance, Hotels.com specifies at the top of the search page that it organizes your results partly according to the commission the brand receives from bookings (this may influence your options, so it’s useful information). Furthermore, on the search page, listings are labeled automatically to indicate whether they offer full refunds or eligibility for loyalty program rewards.
Cancellation Policy:The cancellation policy for your booking depends on the specific property you reserved. That said, numerous properties offer full refunds, and these options are clearly identified in the platform’s search results—regardless of whether you’ve selected this as a preferred filter.
- Compare hotels and vacation rentals directly
- Accumulate points by participating in a rewards program
- Numerous accommodation choices with full refund policies are available
- The search feature automatically labels properties as eligible for full refunds.
- Search and property sections are overly crowded and challenging to use.
- Search results are organized according to the commissions generated
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5. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor is widely recognized for its user-generated travel reviews, but it has also ventured into the vacation rental sector. The platform offers a variety of global listings, adaptable cancellation terms, and the same trusted traveler feedback that defines its reputation.
Browse properties and see listings displayed as a list or on a map. A useful feature on the search page is the “More info” tab, which provides additional property details—like a short description and the latest reviews—without leaving the search page.
Although TripAdvisor’s vacation rentals may initially appear to focus solely on entire properties, the platform also includes a “private room” choice within its search filters.
TripAdvisor states that its search outcomes are influenced by commission, similar to how Hotels.com operates.
Cancellation Policy:Cancellation policies are set by the property owner. Owners select their preferred policy from TripAdvisor’s available options. They also have the flexibility to provide extra refunds to guests if they wish. These policies are clearly displayed on every listing page. Many are quite accommodating, often allowing refunds for cancellations made up to three days prior to arrival.
- Cancellation policies that are adaptable, along with accommodating return options
- Significant global participation
- Search functionality has room for improvement to become more comprehensive.
Discover Vacation Rental Offers on TripAdvisor by Clicking Here
6.
You might not be familiar with it yet, but this destination deserves your attention when planning your next getaway.
Plum Guide is dedicated to offering exclusively top-tier vacation rentals. As a result, the selection may be more limited, but it’s the ideal choice for those prioritizing excellence. Additionally, the platform ensures round-the-clock customer support with real agents.
The cancellation policy stands out as one of the most favorable, provided property owners adhere to a “relaxed” cancellation approach. That being said, property owners have numerous choices available. Still, there isn’t a strict no-refund policy under any circumstances.
Cancellation Policy:Property owners establish their own cancellation policies by selecting from the available choices:
- Relaxed:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when canceling no later than 24 hours prior to check-in.
- Reasonable:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when cancellations are made no fewer than 5 days prior to check-in.
- Moderate:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when canceling no fewer than 30 days prior to check-in. If cancellation occurs at least 7 days before arrival, a 50% refund will be issued.
- Firm:Guests are eligible for a 50% reimbursement when cancelling their reservation no later than 7 days before the scheduled date.
- Super Firm:Guests are eligible for a 50% refund when cancellations are made no later than 14 days prior to the scheduled date.
- Super Firm 30:Guests are eligible for a 50% refund when cancellations are made 30 days or more before the scheduled date.
- Super Firm 60:Guests are eligible for a 50% refund when cancelling their reservation no fewer than 60 days prior to the scheduled date.
- Properties undergo rigorous vetting, with a strong emphasis on maintaining top-tier quality.
- Cancel policies are generally acceptable
- The platform offers round-the-clock assistance from live customer service representatives.
- Overall, the platform offers a limited selection of properties.
7. Airbnb
If you’ve ever booked a vacation rental, chances are you used the industry giant: Airbnb. Whether you’re a fan or not, Airbnb dominates the short-term rental market, and there’s a clear justification for its success.
The selection of available properties is extensive, spanning nearly every corner of the globe. The platform’s search feature outperforms those on most competing sites. Whether you’re seeking something unconventional, such as a castle or treehouse, diverse options are readily accessible. Additionally, Airbnb provides opportunities to reserve experiences and arrange extended stays.
Cancellation Policy:Property owners can select their preferred cancellation policy from the following choices:
- Flexible:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when cancellations are made no later than 24 hours prior to check-in.
- Moderate:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when cancellations are made no later than 5 days prior to their scheduled check-in date.
- Firm:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when canceling no fewer than 30 days prior to check-in. A 50% refund applies if the cancellation occurs at least 7 days before check-in.
- Strict:Guests are eligible for a complete refund when canceling within 48 hours of reservation, provided it’s done no later than 14 days prior to arrival. If canceled at least 7 days before check-in, a 50% refund will be issued.
- Non-refundable
Airbnb enforces extra cancellation rules for extended stays and more stringent policies, which they describe as “applicable to specific hosts in particular situations.”
- Numerous choices are available across the globe
- A wide selection of distinctive and one-of-a-kind lodging options
- Extended stays welcome
- The platform also enables users to reserve activities such as guided tours or instructional sessions.
- The level of quality differs between each listing
- Fraudulent schemes are uncommon, though they do occur occasionally.
8. Home to Go
Home to Go serves as a hub for various vacation rental platforms. While you can book accommodations directly through Home to Go (though only a small selection is exclusive to it), its primary purpose is to help you discover the ideal platform for your booking needs. By compiling listings from multiple sources across the internet, Home to Go presents all available choices in a single, convenient location.
Although the search function isn’t highly advanced, it is efficient and user-friendly. The platform where a property was first listed is clearly visible on the search page.
While Home to Go offers convenience, it also introduces additional steps to the booking procedure. Alternatively, you could decide on your preferred vacation rental platform and book directly through it.
Cancellation Policy:Home to Go’s cancellation policies vary based on the booking platform used. Since Home to Go partners with numerous platforms, each permitting users to establish their own cancellation rules, the range of possible policies is extensive. Furthermore, canceling a booking through Home to Go requires submitting a written request, adding a layer of complexity to the process.
- Compare vacation rental options across multiple platforms, all consolidated in a single location.
- Efficient and user-friendly search capabilities
- Canceling a booking is challenging
9.
If you enjoy the advantages of a hotel stay but prefer the seclusion, roominess, and features of a home rental, think about by Marriott Bonvoy.
The Marriott brand thoroughly evaluates the platform’s properties to guarantee they adhere to strict quality criteria. Guests can accumulate Marriott Bonvoy points when making reservations and access Marriott’s round-the-clock customer assistance. Every property is also overseen by professionals, ensuring you’re not renting an ordinary individual’s personal residence.
That said, due to the exceptionally high quality standards, this platform offers fewer choices compared to other alternatives.
Cancellation Policy:Property owners establish their own cancellation terms, but based on the selected policy, accommodations may provide full refunds if cancellations are submitted 14, 30, 60, or 90 days before the scheduled date.
- Ensuring the quality standards of a global hospitality brand
- Around-the-clock customer assistance available at any time.
- Few choices
- Cancellation policies that are more stringent compared to those offered by other platforms
10.
Lastly, as a Booking.com affiliate, Agoda specializes in travel across Asia. That said, its offerings aren’t limited to the region—you can also book stays in various global locations through the platform. Numerous lodging choices are available in well-known U.S. cities such as Los Angeles and Orlando.
Similar to Booking.com, Agoda enables users to reserve hotels and vacation rentals. The platform also includes flight bookings, experiences, and long-term stays. Agoda further guarantees price matching if a lower rate is available on another site.
Cancellation Policy:Cancellation terms vary by property. You can quickly locate cancellation information on every listing, with certain options offering complete refunds if canceled up to 24 hours prior to arrival.
- Evaluate hotel accommodations and vacation rentals simultaneously for a thorough comparison
- A substantial amount of stock, especially items sourced from overseas
- Offering the same price as a competitor for an identical product or service.
- The platform additionally provides options for flights and various activities.
- Flexible cancellation guidelines
- The search feature lacks the simplicity and efficiency it should ideally offer.
FAQ
Airbnb stands as the biggest provider of vacation rentals, featuring over 6 million listings across the globe.
Although some vacation rentals charge excessive fees, numerous properties provide excellent value, offering benefits like privacy, generous room, and facilities unavailable at hotels.
To find the most affordable vacation rentals, consider using an aggregator site such as Home to Go or a service that provides price matching, such as Agoda.
Editorial Disclosure: The views shared in this content belong solely to the author and do not represent the stance of any financial institution, credit card company, hospitality brand, airline, or other organization mentioned. None of the entities referenced have evaluated, endorsed, or influenced this material in any way.
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