Is VRBO taking your business?

Hotels competing with platforms like VRBO (Vacation Rental By Owner) face the challenge of providing the personalized, home-like experiences that vacation rentals offer while leveraging their own unique advantages. Here's how hotels can stay competitive:

1. Emphasize Unique Selling Points

Hotels have qualities that many vacation rentals can’t match. Highlight these in marketing and operations:

Consistency and Standards: Unlike vacation rentals, hotels offer predictable quality, cleanliness, and professional service.

On-Site Amenities: Showcase features like pools, fitness centers, spas, and dining options that most vacation rentals lack.

Security and Safety: Guests value the 24/7 front desk, concierge services, and secure environments hotels provide.

2. Focus on Experiential Travel

Vacation rentals thrive on offering local, immersive experiences. Hotels can adapt by:

Partnering with local guides or businesses to provide authentic experiences.

Hosting cultural events or workshops on-site.

Offering packages that cater to niche interests, like adventure tours or culinary weekends.

3. Create Family-Friendly and Group Options

One of VRBO's strengths is catering to families and groups. Hotels can respond by:

Offering larger suite-style rooms or connecting rooms.

Introducing family packages with kid-friendly activities.

Adding communal spaces like lounges or kitchens for group use.

4. Prioritize Personalization

Vacation rentals feel personal and unique. Hotels can replicate this through:

Tailored guest experiences using guest preferences from previous stays.

Personal greetings, welcome gifts, or birthday/anniversary recognition.

Flexible check-in/out times to accommodate individual needs.

5. Compete on Technology and Convenience

Hotels should modernize and embrace technology to offer a seamless experience:

Mobile check-in/check-out and keyless entry.

Apps for room service, local recommendations, and managing bookings.

Smart rooms equipped with personalized entertainment systems and IoT devices.

6. Highlight Reliability in Marketing

Vacation rentals occasionally fall short on guest expectations. Use marketing to emphasize reliability:

Share reviews praising consistent service and comfort.

Emphasize professional cleaning, maintenance, and service.

Address common vacation rental pitfalls (like canceled bookings or maintenance issues) in campaigns.

7. Offer Competitive Pricing and Value

Create all-inclusive packages that offer better value than separate vacation rental, dining, and activity costs.

Provide discounts for extended stays or returning guests.

Highlight the total cost (e.g., no unexpected cleaning fees).

8. Build Community and Loyalty

Vacation rental platforms rely on property variety, but hotels can foster loyalty by:

Offering exclusive perks through loyalty programs.

Engaging guests on social media to build a sense of community.

Encouraging direct bookings with incentives like free upgrades or dining credits.

By leveraging their strengths, embracing technology, and focusing on personalization and value, hotels can successfully compete with VRBO while maintaining their own identity. The key is to focus on delivering exceptional, memorable experiences that make guests choose a hotel over a rental.