Oregon Coast vacation rentals may seem much the same. You scroll through the images, check what you get, and look for the best price. However, what many people don’t realize is companies such as Airbnb, VRBO, and TripAdvisor also charge hefty fees when you book. They might call them service fees or booking fees, but you pay.
Airbnb
Airbnb charges you a fee after a confirmed reservation. Service fees typically range between 5 and 15 percent, based on the subtotal before fees and taxes. Airbnb states they calculate fees based on the reservation subtotal, the length of the reservation, and characteristics of the listing, and more. In general, higher reservation subtotals have lower guest service fee percentages. You may also pay a one-time cleaning fee set by the owner.
VRBO/HomeAway
VRBO/HomeAway began charging fees in 2016. They state their booking fees cover operational costs such as running their website, offering customer support, marketing, etc. Fees normally range between 5 and 12 percent, but some can be lower or higher. The rate can also change. Generally, the higher the reservation amount, the lower the percentage of service fee.
TripAdvisor/FlipKey
TripAdvisor states they charge between 8% and 14.5% of the total booking value. This fee is automatically added to your invoice when you book and it is non-refundable unless you cancel.
They state their fee helps them run their secure platform, provide customer support, and gives you peace of mind that your transaction is safe.
Do They Offer Protection?
Clearly, these not so small fees pay for their operating costs, but do they really offer some level of protection? The answer is not really.
Airbnb states they may help facilitate the resolution of disputes, but they do not control or guarantee the existence, quality, safety, suitability, or legality of any listings or their accuracy. They do offer a dispute resolution service, but only as a mediator between you and the owner.
VRBO states they “do not mediate disputes”. TripAdvisor offers a Payment Protection Policy, but they make all decisions regarding claims and eligibility and it is final and binding. Clearly, these are not great guarantees.
Oregon Coast Vacation Rentals Without Fees
Fortunately, you can still access Oregon Coast vacation rentals, without paying these unnecessary fees. We have many oceanfront units to choose from and they include many high-end amenities. You book directly with us to eliminate these nasty fees and you have someone you can talk to if you have concerns.
We know the area and we want you to have the absolute best vacation possible. We can direct you to great restaurants, events, and activities. We offer high-end beachfront condominiums in Lincoln City and Depoe Bay at affordable prices.
Here are examples from each.
Lincoln City
Village at North Pointe “Ocean’s Melody”
Depoe Bay
