Vrbo Review

Tuesday, June 11th

2024 Vacation Rental Site Reviews

Vrbo

• 2 million properties in 190 countries
• "B+" rating from the BBB
• Easy-to-use website

With an impressive inventory of 2 million properties spread across 190 countries, Vrbo has cemented its presence in the vacation rental market. Originating as Vacation Rentals by Owner, Vrbo was established in 1995 and soon gained popularity among homeowners seeking short-term rental opportunities. Over the years, it underwent acquisitions, rebranding, and is now owned by Expedia Group.

Standard search and booking process

Vrbo offers the typical user-friendly search interface, allowing users to filter rentals based on their preferences. By inputting dates, destination, and guest count, users can narrow down their options using various filters such as bedrooms, availability, price, property type, and amenities. Detailed listings with photos and guest reviews help users make informed decisions.

No background checks on hosts

Unlike its competitor Airbnb, Vrbo falls short in terms of safety protocols. The designation of "Premier Host" is based on positive attributes but does not include criminal background checks.

Hidden fees

Vrbo's fee structure can be confusing and potentially burdensome. In addition to the nightly rate, users may encounter additional fees set by hosts, such as cleaning fees. Vrbo also imposes its own service fee, further adding to the overall cost. While the platform attempts to provide at-a-glance fee breakdowns on the result page, users may still find themselves paying more than initially anticipated.

Varying cancellation policies

Cancellation policies on Vrbo vary from property to property, making it crucial for users to review each listing's policy before booking. While some properties offer full refunds with as little as 14 days notice, others have strict non-refundable terms or require lengthy notice periods.

Breaches of "Book with Confidence"

Vrbo attempts to address rental issues through its "Book with Confidence Guarantee." Promising coverage for unexpected owner cancellations, material misrepresentation of properties, and serious health and safety concerns, this guarantee should offer some reassurance. However, the effectiveness of this guarantee has been called into question, with reports of unresponsiveness and delays in providing necessary assistance. Startling reports have emerged, such as customers losing thousands of dollars when property owners mysteriously vanished after bookings were made. The credibility of this guarantee is significantly compromised, leaving Vrbo's customers understandably distressed.

Properties not as advertised

Unfortunately, we have more negative reviews to share. One Vrbo customer discovered that a listed 2-bedroom condo turned out to be an unventilated alcove with a plastic curtain "door." The host's belongings cluttered the space, including trash and medication. Despite reaching out to Vrbo multiple times, no response was received, leaving the reviewer frustrated and cautioning others to avoid the platform. Many other users encountered misrepresented, dirty, and unsafe rentals, so it isn't an isolated incident.

It can get worse: hidden cameras

As if those things weren't bad enough, disturbing incidents involving hidden cameras have plagued Vrbo's reputation. During our research, we learned that multiple lawsuits have been filed against the company after guests discovered covert surveillance devices in private areas, including bedrooms.

Better Business Bureau alert

At the time of this review, Vrbo was not accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and held a "B+" rating. A message was posted on the company's page informing visitors that a concerning pattern of complaints had been discovered regarding cancellations, refund delays, and failure to honor guarantees. The lack of accreditation and the troubling reports are the nail in Vrbo's coffin when ranking it against higher-performing vacation rental options.

Just walk away

In our exploration of Vrbo, we have uncovered a concerning array of issues that raise serious doubts about the service's reliability. From breached guarantees and privacy violations to unresponsive customer service, the platform's track record is far from reassuring. While Vrbo boasts an extensive property inventory, that won't matter much to you if you wind up with a less-than-acceptable vacation stay. With competing platforms offering more robust security measures and greater transparency, we advise you explore our better-rated options when searching for vacation rentals.