Key platforms for hotel and short-term rental bookings in the U.S.

The Wandered has prepared some interesting statistics and insights for U.S. hotel owners, though certain aspects will also be useful for travelers. In 2024, the hotel booking and short-term rental market in the U.S. continues to evolve, with key players like Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo, and emerging platforms like Your Price Booking. Below is a detailed analysis of these platforms and the benefits they offer for both hosts and guests.

1. Airbnb

Airbnb continues to dominate the U.S. short-term rental market with a wide variety of properties ranging from budget apartments to luxurious villas and unique stays like cabins or treehouses.

• Its global reach and ability to offer unique, experiential stays make it a popular choice for both hosts and travelers.
• High fees for both hosts and guests. Hosts typically pay up to 15% in service fees, while guests pay around 14%. Some hosts have also reported inconsistent quality and hidden cleaning fees, which can affect the guest experience.

2. Booking.com

Booking.com is a major player in hotel and vacation rental bookings, with its extensive global footprint and user-friendly platform. The service has been subject to regulatory fines, including a €500 million fine in Spain for anti-competitive behavior. Despite this, the platform remains popular due to its easy-to-use interface and a vast number of listings.

• Offers a large number of accommodations and competitive pricing. Booking.com generated over $121.3 billion in total bookings in 2022 alone.
• High commissions, reaching up to 18% for hotel owners, along with regulatory scrutiny that may lead to stricter practices.

3. Vrbo

Vrbo, part of the Expedia Group, focuses on vacation home rentals, especially for larger properties suited for families or groups. It caters primarily to travelers looking for entire homes rather than shared spaces, making it a favorite among those booking family trips or extended stays.

• Ideal for families, with a focus on larger vacation homes and properties designed for longer stays. Vrbo is less focused on city apartment rentals and more on suburban and rural homes.
• Limited urban listings, which makes it less competitive in cities compared to Airbnb.

4. Expedia

Expedia remains one of the biggest platforms for booking hotels, flights, and car rentals. Unlike some competitors, Expedia is best suited for travelers who want to plan an entire trip, not just a place to stay. The platform provides excellent package deals, making it a go-to option for vacationers seeking to bundle services.

• Offers hotel, flight, and car rental bundles with excellent discounts, along with flexible booking policies. The Expedia Rewards loyalty program provides users with additional savings.
• Primarily focuses on large hotel chains, so it’s less useful for those looking for boutique or unique accommodations like those offered by Airbnb.

5. Your Price Booking

Your Price Booking offers a fresh approach to hotel bookings, providing hotel owners and property managers with more control over pricing. One of the standout features of Your Price Booking is its flexibility. Hosts are free to adjust prices, particularly for rooms that remain unbooked for upcoming dates. This freedom allows hoteliers to offer lower rates for last-minute bookings, increasing occupancy and maximizing revenue. Moreover, Your Price Booking charges only 5% commission to property owners, with 0% fees for travelers, providing a cost-efficient alternative to high-fee platforms like Airbnb.

Additionally, Your Price Booking allows travelers to set a price they are willing to pay for a stay. Property owners can then make exclusive offers directly to those travelers, creating a unique bidding system that benefits both parties. This feature is particularly attractive for budget-conscious travelers and property managers looking to fill vacant rooms.

Learn more at Your Price Booking.

Regulatory challenges in the U.S. market

Several cities in the U.S., including New York, New Orleans, and Maui, have introduced stricter regulations on short-term rentals, especially those that are non-owner-occupied. This has reduced available listings in some areas but has also led to increased demand in suburban and rural locations, such as national parks and smaller towns​.

Moreover, Booking.com has faced scrutiny from regulatory bodies in Europe, which may soon influence the U.S. market as well. With heavy fines like the €500 million penalty for anti-competitive behavior in Spain, platforms like Booking.com are under pressure to modify their business models.

While platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo dominate the U.S. short-term rental and hotel booking market, they come with high fees and regulatory challenges. Your Price Booking, with its low commission structure and flexible pricing model, offers an attractive alternative for property owners and travelers alike. As the market continues to evolve, it’s important for both hosts and guests to explore all available options to find the best fit for their needs.