STR News.

The Vrbo partnership with BabyQuip in 2025 is raising concerns among hosts, according to PriceLabs. This partnership may introduce changes to the amenities offered and potentially impact listing performance. Hosts should proactively assess their current amenity offerings and anticipate possible adjustments to their pricing strategy to remain competitive.

This article discusses a couple's difficulties in obtaining a refund from VRBO due to a weather event named Helene. It highlights the challenges hosts and guests may face when dealing with cancellations related to unforeseen circumstances. The case underscores the importance of understanding platform policies and having appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate financial losses.

This Skift article highlights a problem with Vrbo's OneKey rewards program, where travelers can earn points but are unable to redeem them for bookings. The update aims to fix the issue, improving the overall guest experience and incentivizing repeat bookings. This fix could increase guest loyalty and drive more direct bookings for hosts.

A Vrbo guest reported a persistent moldy smell in their rental, impacting their stay. This highlights the critical importance of thorough cleaning and maintenance to ensure guest comfort and satisfaction. Addressing such issues promptly is key to maintaining positive reviews.

This article from PriceLabs discusses VRBO's shift toward prioritizing guest refunds, suggesting a change in platform strategy. The key reversal impacts host refund policies, potentially reducing host control and increasing guest-friendliness. This shift could impact host profitability and management, requiring hosts to adapt strategies for bookings and guest communication.

This article provides essential safety tips for booking vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, focusing on how to avoid common scams. It highlights verifying listings and direct communication as key strategies for a secure booking experience.

This Elliott Report article discusses a negative guest experience on Vrbo, raising questions about the platform's responsiveness to renter issues. The article implies some lack of care from Vrbo when problems arise. Hosts should pay close attention to guest complaints and platform responses for operational improvements.

A VRBO host reported guests trashed their property after hosting a large Halloween party. This incident highlights the risks of unregistered events and the importance of enforcing house rules to prevent property damage and ensure guest accountability.

This article explores what happens when a short-term rental host 'ghosts' a guest, leaving them stranded without accommodation. It offers advice on immediate actions, dispute resolution, and seeking refunds, highlighting the importance of clear communication and platform policies.

This Skift article highlights Vrbo's plans to penalize hosts who cancel confirmed bookings. This policy aims to improve guest experience and uphold booking commitments. Hosts should be aware of potential penalties for cancellations and prioritize minimizing them to maintain their listing's standing on the platform.

Concerns are rising about hidden cameras in short-term rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo. Hosts and guests are urged to be vigilant and check for unauthorized devices. Proactive inspection is key to ensuring guest safety and maintaining trust.

Vrbo's 2023 shift to the Expedia Group platform presents opportunities and challenges for hosts. This transition could lead to improved features and visibility. However, potential disruptions and the need to adapt to new systems are key considerations for those utilizing the platform.

This article from PriceLabs compares guest verification and party booking policies between Airbnb and Vrbo, crucial for host protection. Learn how both platforms address these issues to safeguard your property and enhance the guest experience. Staying informed on these features will help hosts mitigate risks and ensure smooth operations.

Vrbo has launched new technology aimed at preventing "party house" bookings, utilizing machine learning to identify potentially problematic reservations. This proactive measure seeks to enhance guest safety and property protection.

VRBO is launching new technology to combat party house bookings. Details on the specific technology are not provided. This proactive measure aims to enhance the guest experience and protect property owners from potential damage and disturbances associated with unauthorized gatherings.

This Elliott Report article focuses on what a Vrbo guest is owed when a host cancels within 24 hours of arrival. It highlights the importance of understanding Vrbo's cancellation policies and potential compensation. Guests should familiarize themselves with the platform's policies to protect themselves from last-minute cancellations.

A Vrbo host canceled a guest's reservation 24 hours before arrival, prompting questions about compensation. While Vrbo's platform policies may offer some recourse, understanding what guests are "owed" in such situations is crucial for hosts to manage expectations and potential liabilities.