Vrbo - Book Your Holiday Lettings, Villas, Apartments and Cottages

Hotels are not the only option when planning a family holiday, group getaway or extended stay. Travellers who need additional bedrooms, a private kitchen, outdoor space or greater privacy may find a complete holiday home more practical than booking several hotel rooms.

Vrbo, originally short for “Vacation Rentals by Owner,” is an online marketplace specialising in whole-home holiday rentals. The platform was founded in 1995, is now part of Expedia Group and lists more than two million properties across over 190 countries. Unlike platforms that also offer private rooms and shared accommodation, Vrbo focuses on complete properties reserved exclusively for the booking group.

Its inventory includes villas, apartments, cottages, cabins, beach houses, ski chalets, townhouses, condominiums and luxury homes. Whether you are looking for a seaside villa, a countryside cottage or a city apartment, Vrbo allows you to compare independently managed properties in one place.

Book Hotels with Vrbo

Vrbo at a Glance

Category	Details
Platform type	Online holiday-home rental marketplace
Founded	1995
Parent company	Expedia Group
Property model	Whole-home rentals
Property selection	More than two million listings
Global availability	More than 190 countries
Popular property types	Villas, apartments, cottages, houses, cabins and chalets
Booking protection	VrboCare
Customer support	Available 24 hours a day
Mobile app	Available for Android and iOS
Rewards program	One Key in participating markets

What Is Vrbo?

Vrbo connects property owners and professional property managers with travellers searching for short-term holiday accommodation.

Instead of booking a conventional hotel room, travellers reserve an entire property. This means the living area, bedrooms, kitchen and available outdoor facilities are for the exclusive use of the registered guests.

The whole-home approach can be especially useful for:

• Families travelling with children

• Groups of friends

• Couples seeking privacy

• Multigenerational family holidays

• Travellers taking longer stays

• Guests travelling with pets

• People who want to prepare their own meals

• Groups attending weddings or reunions

Vrbo properties are available in cities, coastal destinations, mountain regions, countryside locations and popular resort areas. The platform highlights homes near beaches and ski slopes as well as urban apartments and rural retreats.

Types of Holiday Lettings Available on Vrbo

Vrbo Villas

Villas are popular with families and groups wanting privacy, larger living spaces and outdoor facilities.

Depending on the destination and budget, a villa may include:

• A private swimming pool

• Multiple bedrooms

• A full kitchen

• A garden or terrace

• Barbecue facilities

• Private parking

• Sea, mountain or countryside views

• Housekeeping or concierge services

A villa can offer good value when its total price is divided among several adults. However, travellers should include cleaning charges, taxes and service fees when comparing the cost with a hotel.

Vrbo Apartments

Holiday apartments are suitable for city breaks, business trips and longer urban stays.

They may provide:

• A central location

• A kitchen or kitchenette

• Laundry facilities

• Separate living and sleeping areas

• Wi-Fi

• Building security

• Access to a gym or shared swimming pool

Although a Vrbo apartment is reserved as a complete unit, some building facilities may be shared with other residents. Check the listing carefully to understand whether the pool, gym, parking area or rooftop is private or communal.

Vrbo Cottages

Cottages are a popular choice for peaceful holidays in the countryside, near national parks or in traditional villages.

Common cottage features include:

• Gardens

• Fireplaces

• Traditional architecture

• Walking-trail access

• Rural scenery

• Pet-friendly facilities

• Outdoor dining areas

• Hot tubs

Remote properties can provide privacy and beautiful views, but travellers should confirm road access, public transportation, mobile coverage and the distance to supermarkets before booking.

Beach Houses

A beach house can be ideal for families who want quick access to the sea and enough room for swimming equipment, children’s belongings and group meals.

“Beachfront,” “oceanfront” and “near the beach” do not always mean the same thing. Check the map, photographs and property description to understand the actual walking distance and whether a road separates the home from the beach.

Cabins and Mountain Lodges

Cabins are commonly available near forests, lakes, ski resorts and mountain regions.

Depending on the listing, facilities may include:

• Fireplaces

• Hot tubs

• Lake access

• Mountain views

• Outdoor fire pits

• Ski storage

• Hiking access

• Barbecue areas

During winter, confirm whether snow chains, a four-wheel-drive vehicle or special road preparations are recommended.

Luxury Holiday Homes

Luxury listings may offer premium features such as private pools, home cinemas, large entertainment areas, private chefs, housekeeping or direct waterfront access.

Premium facilities should not be assumed. Review the amenities list and ask the host about any feature that is essential to the trip.

Why Book a Holiday Home Instead of a Hotel?

More Space

A holiday rental can provide separate bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms. This can be more comfortable than placing an entire family in one hotel room.

Greater Privacy

Vrbo concentrates on whole-home accommodation. Guests do not share the home’s living areas with the owner or another unrelated booking group.

Kitchen Facilities

Preparing breakfast, snacks or complete meals can reduce dining costs, especially during a long stay or a family holiday.

Before booking, check whether the kitchen includes the equipment you need. A property described as having a kitchen may not necessarily provide an oven, dishwasher or full cookware collection.

Better for Groups

A large home allows friends and relatives to stay together while sharing common areas. Many Vrbo properties have multiple bedrooms and are designed for group travel.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Families may find properties with:

• Cots and highchairs

• Washing machines

• Enclosed gardens

• Games rooms

• Private pools

• Children’s books and toys

• Full kitchens

• Several bathrooms

These facilities vary by property and should be confirmed before payment.

Pet-Friendly Options

Travellers can include pets in the search and use filters to identify homes that permit animals.

A pet-friendly label does not mean every animal is automatically accepted. The host may impose limits based on breed, size, number of pets or additional cleaning charges.

How to Book a Holiday Rental on Vrbo

1. Enter Your Destination and Dates

Begin by entering the destination, check-in and check-out dates, number of guests and whether you are travelling with pets.

Entering accurate information is important because some hosts calculate rates and fees according to guest numbers.

2. Use Search Filters

Useful filters may include:

• Number of bedrooms

• Number of bathrooms

• Property type

• Swimming pool

• Hot tub

• Pet-friendly accommodation

• Parking

• Air conditioning

• Wi-Fi

• Accessibility

• Free cancellation

• Waterfront location

• Guest rating

Use only the filters that matter most. Applying too many restrictions can remove otherwise suitable properties.

3. Review the Complete Listing

Study the photographs, room arrangement, amenities, map, reviews, cancellation terms and house rules.

Pay particular attention to:

• Bed types

• Maximum occupancy

• Stair access

• Parking arrangements

• Pool availability

• Heating and air conditioning

• Internet access

• Check-in procedure

• Noise restrictions

• Security or damage deposit

• Cleaning responsibilities

4. Contact the Host When Necessary

Vrbo allows travellers to message a host through its secure platform before booking. Keeping pre-booking communication and payments on Vrbo helps protect travellers from phishing and other fraud.

Useful questions might include:

• Is the swimming pool private?

• Is parking suitable for two vehicles?

• Are towels and bed linen included?

• Is the Wi-Fi suitable for video calls?

• Are there stairs to reach the property?

• Are pets accepted?

• What is the latest permitted check-in time?

5. Choose Instant Booking or Send a Request

Some properties support Instant Booking, meaning the reservation is automatically confirmed after the payment requirements are completed.

Other listings use a booking-request process. In that case, the host normally has 24 hours to accept or decline the request.

6. Pay Through Vrbo

Complete payment using Vrbo’s secure checkout rather than transferring money through an external link or an unknown bank account.

Bookings moved outside the platform are not eligible for the same Vrbo protections and benefits.

Understanding Vrbo Prices and Service Fees

A holiday-rental price can contain several components:

• Nightly rental rate

• Cleaning fee

• Vrbo service fee

• Local or tourism taxes

• Pet fee

• Additional guest fee

• Refundable damage deposit

• Optional insurance

• Property-management charges

Vrbo’s service fee is calculated as a percentage of the reservation total before taxes and refundable fees. The percentage varies according to the reservation amount and contributes to secure payment processing, platform development, customer support and VrboCare.

Vrbo states that required fees are included in the total price presented to travellers, helping users see the overall cost before completing checkout.

Always compare the total stay price, not only the advertised nightly rate.

What Is VrboCare?

Every reservation completed through Vrbo is automatically backed by the VrboCare guarantee.

VrboCare includes assistance before, during and after the stay. If a significant issue cannot be resolved by the host, Vrbo says it may help travellers find similar accommodation or obtain an appropriate refund. Support is available 24 hours a day.

VrboCare can assist with problems such as:

• A host cancelling before arrival

• A property being significantly different from its listing

• Fewer bedrooms than advertised

• A major listed amenity being unavailable

• Serious accommodation issues

• Problems involving secured payments

Vrbo also states that interior cameras, shared homes and unannounced host visits are not permitted under its privacy standards.

VrboCare should not be confused with comprehensive travel insurance. Insurance may provide separate coverage for illness, injury, trip interruption, weather events or other specified circumstances, depending on the purchased policy.

Vrbo Cancellation Policies

Cancellation conditions are set for each property. Travellers must review the policy shown on the listing before booking.

Vrbo’s standard policy options can include:

Policy	Typical refund structure
Relaxed	Full refund at least 14 days before arrival; 50% refund 7–14 days before arrival
Moderate	Full refund at least 30 days before arrival; 50% refund 14–30 days before arrival
Firm	Full refund at least 60 days before arrival; 50% refund 30–60 days before arrival
Strict	Full refund at least 60 days before arrival; no refund after that point
No refund	No standard refund for traveller cancellation

Exact dates and conditions displayed with the reservation take priority. Hosts may also apply seasonal or property-specific rules.

When a reservation qualifies for a 100% refund under the applicable policy, Vrbo automatically refunds the traveller service fee.

To cancel or request a change, travellers can open the reservation under My Trips, select Change or Cancel, and follow the available instructions or message the host.

Damage Deposits and Property Protection

Some hosts require one of the following:

• A payment card kept on file

• A refundable damage deposit

• Optional property-damage insurance

If a refundable deposit is charged upfront, it is normally released after the stay when the host does not report damage. Depending on the property settings, release can take up to 14 days, followed by additional bank-processing time.

Travellers should photograph any existing damage shortly after arrival and notify the host through Vrbo’s messaging system. This creates a written record and reduces the possibility of confusion after checkout.

Vrbo Travel Insurance

Optional travel-protection products may be available during checkout, depending on the traveller’s location and booking.

Coverage may include certain situations involving:

• Illness or injury

• Trip cancellation

• Trip interruption

• Delays

• Natural disasters

• Extreme weather

• Job loss

• Accidental damage to the property

Coverage is subject to exclusions, documentation requirements and the policy’s full terms. Read the insurance certificate carefully rather than assuming every cancellation reason is covered.

Vrbo Mobile App

The Vrbo app is available for Android and iOS.

Travellers can use it to:

• Search for properties

• Apply accommodation filters

• Manage a trip

• Contact customer support

• Message the host securely

• View booking details

• Share trip information

• Access important rental information without Wi-Fi

Offline access can be useful when arriving in an area with limited mobile coverage.

Download or screenshot the address, check-in instructions and host contact details before starting the journey.

One Key Rewards

Vrbo participates in One Key, Expedia Group’s unified travel-rewards program, in supported markets.

One Key connects eligible activity across Vrbo, Expedia and Hotels.com. Members may be able to earn and redeem OneKeyCash on qualifying vacation rentals, hotels, flights, car rentals and other eligible travel products.

Eligibility, earning rates and redemption rules differ by country and booking. Travellers should sign in and review the terms shown in their market before assuming a property qualifies.

Is Vrbo Safe to Use?

Vrbo provides secure messaging, online payments, booking support and the VrboCare guarantee. However, travellers should still evaluate each property carefully.

Safety Tips

• Pay only through Vrbo.

• Keep communication inside the platform.

• Read recent guest reviews.

• Check the property location on the map.

• Review all house rules.

• Avoid sending money through an unknown external link.

• Ask questions before booking.

• Save written records of important promises.

• Report suspicious payment requests.

• Contact Vrbo immediately when a serious problem occurs.

A listing with attractive photographs but few details, no reviews and an unusually low price deserves additional scrutiny.

Vrbo Versus a Hotel

Feature	Vrbo holiday home	Hotel
Privacy	Entire property	Private room in a shared building
Kitchen	Commonly available	Limited or unavailable
Daily housekeeping	Usually not included	Commonly available
Front desk	Usually unavailable	Usually available
Group space	Multiple rooms and shared living areas	May require several rooms
Amenities	Vary widely by property	More standardised
Pricing	Can be attractive for groups	Can be attractive for short stays
Check-in	Host, lockbox or digital access	Hotel reception
Cancellation	Property-specific	Rate-specific

Vrbo may be a better choice for large groups, longer stays and travellers wanting privacy. Hotels may be more convenient for short visits, daily housekeeping and round-the-clock reception services.

Tips for Finding a Good Vrbo Property

Read Recent Reviews

Recent reviews are usually more useful than older ones because property management, furniture and neighbourhood conditions can change.

Look for repeated comments about:

• Cleanliness

• Host communication

• Location

• Bed comfort

• Noise

• Wi-Fi

• Check-in

• Accuracy of photographs

Check the Map

A listing may use the name of a famous destination even when it is located some distance away. Calculate travel time to the beach, town centre, airport or attractions you plan to visit.

Confirm the Bed Layout

“Sleeps eight” might include sofa beds, bunk beds or fold-out furniture. Review the room-and-bed section to ensure the arrangement is suitable for the group.

Examine the House Rules

Rules may cover:

• Minimum booking age

• Parties

• Visitors

• Quiet hours

• Pets

• Smoking

• Parking

• Pool use

• Checkout cleaning

• Maximum occupancy

Ignoring these terms can lead to additional charges or cancellation.

Check Accessibility

Do not assume that a ground-floor property is step-free. Ask about entrance steps, bedroom location, bathroom access, door width and parking distance when accessibility is important.

Book Early for Popular Dates

Beach destinations, ski resorts, school holidays and festivals can sell out quickly. Booking early usually provides a wider selection of suitable properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Vrbo mean?

Vrbo was originally short for “Vacation Rentals by Owner.” It is now used as the platform’s principal brand name.

Does Vrbo offer private rooms?

No. Vrbo specialises in complete holiday homes rather than private rooms or shared living spaces.

What types of accommodation can I book?

Vrbo offers houses, villas, apartments, cottages, cabins, condominiums, townhouses, lake houses, beach houses, ski chalets and luxury properties.

Is Vrbo good for families?

Yes. Whole-home accommodation can provide multiple bedrooms, kitchens, laundry facilities and private living areas suitable for families.

Travellers should still check child-safety features, stairs, pool fencing and available equipment before booking.

Is Vrbo suitable for large groups?

Yes. Many listings provide multiple bedrooms and common gathering areas. The guest limit shown on the listing must be respected.

Are Vrbo prices shown with fees?

Vrbo states that required charges, including the traveller service fee, are included in the total price displayed before booking.

Can I cancel a Vrbo booking?

Yes, but the refund depends on the cancellation policy attached to the reservation. Review the exact refund deadline before paying.

Is the Vrbo service fee refundable?

The service fee is automatically refunded when the booking is cancelled within the period that qualifies for a 100% refund under the property’s cancellation policy.

What happens when a host cancels?

VrboCare provides booking support, and Vrbo says its team will help affected guests locate a similar home when possible.

Should I pay a host directly?

No. Complete the booking and payment through Vrbo. Off-platform transactions do not receive the same platform protections.

Does Vrbo offer customer support?

Yes. Vrbo provides support 24 hours a day through its platform and app.

Final Thoughts

Vrbo is a useful accommodation platform for travellers who want the privacy and flexibility of an entire holiday home.

Its selection of villas, apartments, cottages, cabins and beach houses makes it particularly attractive for families, groups, long stays and travellers who value private living areas and kitchens.

The best booking is not necessarily the property with the lowest nightly price. Compare the complete cost, review cancellation terms, check the precise location and read the house rules before paying.

Keep messages and payments within Vrbo, confirm important facilities with the host and save the check-in instructions before travelling. With careful research, a Vrbo holiday letting can provide more space, greater privacy and a comfortable home base for a memorable trip.