Save ~15%
Same house. Same calendar. About 15% less.
Every major vacation rental platform charges a service fee. Airbnb takes 14–15%. Vrbo takes 8–12%. Booking.com takes 15–20%. When you book Bayshore Getaway direct, you pay the same nightly rate with zero markup.
The math
Where the savings come from
Airbnb: 14–15% service fee
On a typical 4-night stay at $500/night ($2,000 total), Airbnb charges roughly $300 in service fees. That's a free night.
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
Same nightly rate. Same calendar. No middleman. You save $160–$300 on a typical stay.
The house is listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. The calendar is synced via Hostaway, so availability is identical across all platforms. The only difference is the fee.
Be honest
What you give up by going direct
No platform damage protection
Airbnb offers up to $1 million in host guarantee coverage. When you book direct, we ask for a $500 refundable damage deposit instead. It's held on your credit card and refunded within 48 hours of checkout if there's no damage. It's simpler and faster than filing a claim.
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 with Hostaway 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 confirm within minutes via text or email.
Instant confirmation
Once we confirm, your dates are held. You'll get your check-in code, house guide, and a direct text line to the host.
It takes about two minutes. No filling out forms. No waiting for a host to respond. The calendar is live, the dates are real, and the price is the same as Airbnb.
Quick answers
FAQ
Is the calendar the same as Airbnb?
Yes. We use Hostaway to sync our calendar 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 15% on average. Airbnb charges 14–15% in service fees. Vrbo charges 8–12%. Booking.com often marks up the base rate. Direct booking is the same nightly rate with zero 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. We also offer a $500 refundable damage deposit instead of platform damage protection.
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 ~15%?
Real-time availability. No platform fees. Direct from the host.