What Does Premier Host Mean on Vrbo and Is It Worth It?

What Does Premier Host Mean on Vrbo and Is It Worth It?

about 1 month agoScore: 85
Growth & Marketing
Guest Reviews
Guest Communication
OTA Strategy
Automation
Multiple Properties

Summary

Vrbo is updating its Premier Host criteria, making it harder to achieve and maintain this status. Hosts need to focus on booking acceptance rate and guest experience to gain visibility and benefits, including a Premier Host filter and priority support. Make sure to review the new requirements, and use available tools to improve your performance.

Key Insights

  • Vrbo will implement stricter criteria for Premier Hosts starting January 2026, including a 99% booking acceptance rate, no owner-initiated cancellations, at least five reviews, and an average review rating of at least 4.6.
  • Premier Hosts receive exclusive benefits, including a Premier Host filter for increased visibility, priority 24/7 support, and inclusion in Vrbo's marketing initiatives.

Action Items

  • Review your current Vrbo performance, and focus on improving your booking acceptance rate and guest experience to meet the new Premier Host requirements.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • Utilize Vrbo’s Premier Host scorecard (found on your Performance page or via the Performance Milestones widget) to monitor your progress toward Premier Host status.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • PriceLabs: The article suggests hosts use dynamic pricing tools.
  • Beyond: The article suggests hosts use dynamic pricing tools.
  • DPGO: The article suggests hosts use dynamic pricing tools.
  • Wheelhouse: The article suggests hosts use dynamic pricing tools.
  • iGMS: iGMS provides vacation rental software that automates property management tasks and helps hosts perfect their channel management strategy and guest experience.

Watch Out For

  • Failing to meet the new, stricter criteria in quarterly assessments can result in removal from the Premier Host program. Hosts can be added back in automatically once they meet the requirements again.

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