With 250 years of history to its credit, eight historic sites, and the oldest standing railroad in the country, historic Ellicott City is a major drawcard for tourists. People travel to Ellicott City for a reprieve from the pressures of modern life and a chance to revel in the city's old-world charm, quaint shops, eclectic boutiques, and great food.
There's no shortage of people looking for vacation rentals in this area. The trick is getting potential guests to discover yours first.
Vacation rental platforms help you reach this broad range of travelers looking for accommodation in your city. Read on to explore your options when it comes to Ellicott City vacation rental platforms.
Airbnb
With over 7 million active listings, Airbnb is the largest online platform for vacation bookings worldwide. When you list your property on this website, you get to piggyback on the brand's excellent recognition and widespread reach.
You'll also have to compete with hundreds of other listings in your area, so you must compile an appealing listing with professional photographs to help your rental property stand out.
Listing your property with Airbnb is free, but you do pay a service fee of between 3% and 16% on every booking. The platform also offers a $1 million host guarantee and damage protection benefits.
VRBO
VRBO specializes in renting private properties only. As a result, it's popular with families, groups, and those seeking exclusive stays.
While the VRBO platform does not have the brand recognition or reach that Airbnb has, there's also a lot less competition on this site.
You can list your property for free with VRBO, but you pay a 5% commission plus a 3% credit card charge on every booking. Guests can incur service charges of up to 12% per booking.
Alternatively, you can pay a once-off fee of $499 per year and pay no commission.
Booking.com
Booking.com has its base in Europe, but it also has a large American following and numerous USA listings. The biggest benefit of using this platform is gaining international exposure to maximize your bookings.
Other benefits include:
- Flexible listing options
- Great customer service
- Good customer reviews
- Competitive pricing tools
Booking.com does not charge you to list your vacation rental on their site, but they do charge a 15% commission on every booking.
Expedia
Expedia has a high trust rating and is an excellent way to attract the attention of travelers planning a trip to Ellicott City.
Most travelers visit the Expedia site to book everything to do with their vacation. They can reserve car hire, accommodation, flights, and tours on this platform.
You don't pay anything to list your property with Expedia, but their commission costs are high, ranging from 10% to 30%.
Picking the Best Vacation Rental Platforms
With so many excellent options, how do you know which one is right for you? By enlisting the help of an experienced property management company, that's how.
PMI Old Line is backed by over 20 years of experience in property management. We offer a full range of Ellicott City real estate investment property management services.
Our marketing gurus can help you compile an eye-catching listing and place it on the most impactful vacation rental platforms for your needs. Start your journey toward success in the realm of vacation rentals today.
