Booking.com is better for users seeking a wide variety of accommodation types, including hotels, and those who value price matching and a straightforward fee structure. Vrbo is more suitable for travelers looking for entire properties like houses and apartments, and who value flexible cancellation policies, but should be aware of potential service fees and dynamic pricing.
| Attribute | Booking.com | Vrbo |
|---|---|---|
| Price comparison | Offers a price match guarantee. You can submit a claim up to 24 hours before check-in. The lower price needs to be for the exact same booking. | Vrbo's pricing can be dynamic, adjusting based on demand, availability, and local market trends. Vrbo's fees may be higher than Airbnb's, and service fees for guests can reach up to 20% of the booking subtotal. However, in some instances, Vrbo can be less expensive than Airbnb for the same property due to lower fees. |
| Accommodation types (hotels, vacation rentals, etc.) | Offers a wide range of options including hotels, apartments, vacation rentals, resorts, motels, guest houses, and bed and breakfasts. Provides lodging reservation services for approximately 3.4 million properties, including 475,000 hotels, motels, and resorts, and 2.9 million homes and apartments. | Vrbo specializes in entire properties, including houses, apartments, condos, cabins, and villas. They also offer specialty properties like beach houses, ski cabins, and castles. Vrbo does not offer shared spaces or individual rooms. |
| Search filters (amenities, location, price range) | You can filter by price, review score, WiFi quality, and other amenities. Business travelers can sort for popular business travel features. | Vrbo's search allows users to filter by property type, location, and amenities. |
| Cancellation policies | Cancellation policies vary depending on the property. Free cancellation is often available at most properties. Check your booking confirmation email for specific cancellation rules. | Vrbo offers various cancellation policies that hosts can choose from, ranging from "No Refund" to "Relaxed". No Refund: No refunds are offered. Strict: Guests receive a 100% refund if they cancel at least 60 days before check-in. Firm: Guests get a full refund if they cancel at least 60 days before their check-in date. If guests cancel at least 30 days before their check-in date, they will get a 50% refund. Moderate: Guests receive a 100% refund if they cancel at least 30 days before check-in. If they cancel between 14 and 30 days before check-in, they get a 50% refund. Relaxed: Guests get a 100% refund if they cancel their booking at least 14 days before check-in. If they cancel at least 7 days before check-in, they get a 50% refund. |
| User review scores and quantity | Boasts over 350 million verified reviews from real guests. They use a weighted review system, giving more importance to recent reviews. | Travelers can read reviews to gain insights into property quality and host reliability. Vrbo has over 19 million reviews. |
| Loyalty programs and discounts | Has a Genius Loyalty Program. It's free to join and offers discounts and perks as you move through the levels. Level 1: 10% discount on select stays and car rentals. Level 2: 10-15% discounts on stays and car rentals, plus free breakfast and room upgrades at some properties. Level 3: 10-20% discounts on stays, 10-15% off car rentals, free breakfast, and room upgrades at some properties. | Vrbo has the One Key program, a combined loyalty program with Expedia and Hotels.com. Users earn OneKeyCash on eligible bookings across the three platforms. There are four membership tiers: Blue, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. However, from May 22, 2025, One KeyCash earn rates for Vrbo bookings will vary by tier, with Blue members no longer earning OneKeyCash on Vrbo bookings. |
| Geographic coverage (global vs. regional) | Operates in over 220 countries and territories and in over 40 languages. They have a strong international setup. | Vrbo has over 2 million property listings worldwide. It offers places to stay in 190 countries. |
| Payment options | Accepts major credit cards like Amex, Mastercard, Visa, and Diners Club International. They also support alternative payment methods like PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay. | Vrbo accepts major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) and PayPal. Vrbo uses encryption and tokenization services to protect transactions. They also offer a "Book with Confidence Guarantee" for payments made through their system. Klarna is another way to buy now and pay later at Vrbo. |
| Mobile app availability and features | Available for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. The app allows you to book accommodations, flights, and rental cars. You can manage bookings, chat with properties, and get mobile-only discounts. | Vrbo has a mobile app for both travelers and owners, available on iOS and Android. The app allows users to search for properties, contact hosts, manage bookings, and access itineraries. Owners can manage their rentals, communicate with travelers, and update listings via the app. |
| Customer support responsiveness | Customer service is available 24/7. You can contact them by phone or message them through the website. | Vrbo offers customer support through its Help Center, phone, and live chat. They do not offer a direct customer support email. For urgent issues, phone support is available 24/7. |
| Ease of use of website/app | Website and mobile app have user-friendly interfaces. | Vrbo's site and app are designed for ease of use, with a straightforward interface. |
| Booking fees and transparency | They don't charge booking or credit card fees in most cases. | Vrbo has a pay-per-booking fee model that charges a commission fee on the total rental amount and additional fees, plus a payment processing fee. Vrbo charges guests a service fee, which can vary. Hosts can choose between a yearly flat rate or a per-reservation fee. |