Save ~5%
Same house. Same calendar. About 5% less.
Every major vacation rental platform keeps a service fee out of the nightly price you see. Airbnb keeps about 15%. Vrbo takes 8–12%. Booking.com takes 15–20%. When you book Bayshore Getaway direct, we hand most of that cut back to you as a 5% lower rate, no markup and no booking fee.
The math
Where the savings come from
Airbnb: about 15% platform fee
On a typical 4-night stay around $2,000, the platform keeps roughly $300 of the price you see. Book direct and about $100 of that (5% of the nightly rate) comes off your rent.
Vrbo: 8–12% service fee
Vrbo's fee is slightly lower but still significant. On the same stay, expect $160–$240 in fees.
Booking.com: 15–20% markup
Booking.com often adds a platform markup on top of the base rate. The total cost can be 20%+ higher than direct.
Book direct: 0% fee
5% off the nightly rate, no platform fee, same live calendar. Typically $95 to $215less than Airbnb for the same dates.
The house is listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. The calendar is synced across all of them in real time, so availability is identical across every platform. The only difference is the fee.
Be honest
What you give up by going direct
Damage coverage, your choice
Nothing is added to your quote for damage coverage. Before arrival you choose in your guest portal: a one-time $89 damage waiver with nothing held on your card, or a $500 refundable hold that is released after checkout.
No Airbnb customer support ladder
On Airbnb, you call a support agent who calls another agent. When you book direct, you text the host directly. Most questions are answered within minutes, not hours. We handle everything: check-in codes, late checkout requests, extra towels, restaurant recommendations.
No one-way reviews
On Airbnb, guests leave reviews but hosts can't leave reviews on guests. When you book direct, we get to know our guests and they get to know us. It's a better experience for both sides.
The process
How it actually works
Check availability
Our calendar is synced in real time across Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. What you see is what's available.
Request to book
Click "Check availability" and select your dates. We'll review the request and confirm by text or email.
Confirm and pay
Once we confirm, your dates are held while you complete the secure payment link. Check-in code and house guide come after the reservation is confirmed.
It takes about two minutes to request dates. The calendar is live, the dates are real, and the price is lower than Airbnb because we take the platform's cut off the top.
Quick answers
FAQ
Is the calendar the same as Airbnb?
Yes. Our calendar is synced in real time across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, and our direct site. If a date shows as available here, it's available everywhere.
How much do I actually save?
About 5% off the rent, every time. The platforms keep a 15% cut of the rate you see (Vrbo 8–12%, Booking.com often marks up the base rate). Book direct and we hand most of that back to you as a lower rate, no markup.
Is it safe to book direct?
Absolutely. We're the actual hosts. You can verify the property on Airbnb and Vrbo: same house, same photos, same amenities. Before arrival you choose between a $89 damage waiver or a $500 refundable hold, so there is never a surprise deposit in your total.
What if something goes wrong?
You text the host directly. No call centers, no hold music. Most issues are resolved within minutes. For full details, see our FAQ page.
Can I still see the Airbnb listing?
Yes. View on Airbnb or View on Vrbo. Same property, same calendar. Just different prices.
Not ready yet
Want a heads-up when your dates open?
Peak manatee-season dates book months ahead. Drop your email and your target window. We'll send you a note the moment they free up.
Ready to save ~5%?
Real-time availability. No platform fees. Direct from the host.