VRBO offers a broader selection of properties and wider geographic coverage, along with an instant booking feature and guest review score. Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas provides the advantage of the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program and standardized property management. The best choice depends on individual priorities, such as loyalty program preferences, desired property type and location, and the need for instant booking.
| Attribute | Marriott Bonvoy Homes & Villas | VRBO |
|---|---|---|
| Average nightly rate | Around $500, varies widely from $99 to $20,000 per night | Varies widely depending on location, property type, and season. Hosts should adjust rates based on regional Average Daily Rates (ADRs), which can range from $200-$400 per night, and seasonal occupancy trends to maximize revenue. |
| Property types available | Apartments, villas, houses, condos, beach homes, ski destinations, mountain homes, treehouses, castles | Houses, apartments, condos, cabins, cottages, villas, chalets, bungalows, townhouses, lodges, farmhouses, boats, yachts, castles, and mills. |
| Geographic coverage (number of countries/regions) | Nearly 183,000 properties across 10,000 global destinations including U.S., Europe, Asia, Latin America, Canada, the Middle East, and Africa | Over 2 million listings available in 190 countries. |
| Guest review score average | Not available | 4.50/5 (prior to a recent adjustment to their ratings scale) |
| Pet-friendly options availability | Yes, pet-friendly options are available. Properties meet specific standards for pet safety and wellness. | Wide selection of pet-friendly vacation rentals available. Pet policies are set by the individual property owner, so check the "House Rules" section for details on pet fees, weight limits, and other restrictions. |
| Cancellation policy flexibility | Cancellation policies vary by property. Options include full refunds minus a $75 fee if canceled 10 days before arrival, 100% refund if canceled more than 30 days before check-in, a 'Grace Period' for free cancellation within 48 hours of booking (if booking is at least 10 days before arrival), and some homes have a 90-day cancellation policy with limited refund eligibility. | Offers hosts several cancellation policy options, ranging from "No Refund" to "Relaxed," with varying refund terms depending on when the guest cancels. Some properties may also offer custom cancellation policies. |
| Booking fee transparency | All applicable fees, including rental fees, security deposits (if any), guest fees, and applicable taxes, are provided before booking. | Displays the cleaning fee and other charges before booking. |
| Loyalty program benefits | Marriott Bonvoy members earn and redeem points for stays. Members earn 5 points per $1 spent on the base rate (excluding taxes and fees). Elite members receive bonus points and welcome gifts. One Elite Night Credit is earned for every night stayed. Points can be redeemed for a fixed value of 0.56 cents (USD) per point. | Has a loyalty program called One Key, where members can earn OneKeyCash for eligible bookings that can be used on Vrbo, Expedia, and Hotels.com. |
| Availability of instant booking | Not specified in search results. | Offers an Instant Booking feature, which allows travelers to book properties immediately without host approval. |
| Customer support responsiveness | 24/7 local support is offered. Guests can contact the property management company for issues during a stay, and if unresolved, contact the Homes & Villas team. | Offers customer support through its website, app, help center, phone, and live chat. VRBO aims to answer calls within five minutes, but wait times can vary. |
| Security deposit requirements | A security deposit may be required, collected by the property management company and returned assuming the property is in good condition. | Allows hosts to set security deposits to protect against potential damages. Security deposit amounts are usually based on factors including property size, location, and rental duration. |
| Cleaning fee structure | Cleaning fees are charged, and the amount varies by property. | Most VRBO properties charge a cleaning fee to cover the cost of cleaning the rental after guests depart. The average cleaning fee in the US is $156, but this can vary based on market, property type, and region. |