A Property Manager’s Guide to Google Vacation Rentals

Imagine your vacation rental property appearing directly in Google search results when potential guests are planning their next trip. With Google Vacation Rentals (GVR), that’s now a reality. As one of the world’s largest search engines, Google offers unparalleled reach and visibility, making it a game-changer for property managers looking to increase bookings.

Now when a potential guest opens Google to search for their next vacation rental, and types in "cozy mountain cabins," your property could pop up right at the top of the results. They can see stunning photos, a competitive nightly rate, and the option to book—all without navigating through multiple OTAs. That’s the power of Google Vacation Rentals (GVR).

In a world where online visibility is key, Google Vacation Rentals enables vacation rental hosts and property managers to connect with guests directly through one of the world’s most visited platforms. This feature offers a chance to cut through the noise, reduce dependency on OTAs, and drive more direct bookings.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what Google Vacation Rentals is, how it works, and how you can leverage it to grow your vacation rental business.

What is Google Vacation Rentals?

Google Vacation Rentals is a feature integrated into Google’s search engine, Google Maps, and Google Travel that allows users to filter and search for vacation rental properties directly. If you’ve ever used Google to search for flights or hotels, you’ve likely encountered Google Travel. Google Vacation Rentals is a similar feature within Google’s ecosystem, specifically designed for short-term rentals (STR).

When travelers search for terms like “short-term rentals in Miami” or “beachfront Airbnb” on Google, they’ll see a dedicated section displaying available properties. The platform aggregates listings from major OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and Expedia, as well as from direct booking websites, and displays them in vacation rental search results.

For property managers and hosts, Google Vacation Rentals offers an opportunity to showcase their short-term rental properties to millions of travelers who use Google to plan their trips. The platform’s integration with Google Search makes it a powerful tool for increasing visibility and bookings.

How does Google Vacation Rentals work?

Google Vacation Rentals functions as a metasearch engine. Instead of hosting bookings directly, it displays properties and redirects users to external booking platforms like Airbnb or a host’s direct booking website. Here’s how it works:

1. Search Results Integration: When users search for vacation rentals, Google displays a carousel of properties along with their nightly rates, photos, and key details.
2. Filter Options: Guests can filter listings by price, amenities, location, and more.
3. Booking Redirect: Clicking on a property redirects the user to the associated booking site, whether it’s an OTA or your vacation rental website.

Benefits of Google Vacation Rentals for hosts and property managers

As the vacation rental market grows increasingly competitive, standing out requires more than just a presence on OTAs. Here’s why Google Vacation Rentals is an essential tool for hosts and managers:

• Increased Visibility: Your property gets prime placement on the world’s most-used search engine, increasing your chances of attracting potential guests.
• Commission-Free Bookings: By connecting your direct booking website to Google Vacation Rentals, you can avoid hefty OTA fees and keep more of your earnings.
• Enhanced Guest Experience: Guests can easily find your property through Google Search and Google Maps, making their booking process seamless.
• Competitive Edge: Listing on Google can help you stand out in a crowded market, especially if you optimize your listing with professional photos and competitive nightly rates.

How to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals

Many property managers wonder how to navigate the process of getting listed on Google Vacation Rentals. It might sound complicated, but it’s simpler than you think when broken down into these actionable steps:

Step 1: Understand the requirements

To list your property on Google Vacation Rentals, you’ll need:

1. A direct booking website or partnership with an OTA.
2. A channel manager or Property Management System (PMS) that integrates with Google.

Step 2: Choose your integration method

There are two main ways to list your property on Google Vacation Rentals:

1. Through an OTA: If your property is already listed on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking.com, your listing may already appear on Google Vacation Rentals.
2. Via a Connectivity Partner: Use a PMS or channel manager with Google API integration to sync your property details and availability. Providers like Rentals United, Hostfully, and Guesty offer seamless integration.

Step 3: Optimize your Google Vacation Rental listing

1. Professional Photos: High-quality images capture attention and improve click-through rates.
2. Accurate Descriptions: Highlight unique features and amenities.
3. Competitive Pricing: Use dynamic pricing tools to offer attractive nightly rates.

Step 4: Monitor your performance

Use tools within your PMS or analytics software to track metrics like click-through rates, bookings, and revenue generated from Google Vacation Rentals.

Maximize your bookings with Google Vacation Rentals

Google Vacation Rentals is more than just another platform—it’s a powerful tool for increasing visibility, driving direct bookings, and reducing dependency on OTAs. By optimizing your property listings and leveraging the right technology, you can position your vacation rental business for success.

Watch how Airbnb Superhost Sarah Karakaian of Thanks for Visiting saves time by using Breezeway Messaging to automatically ask guests for reviews on Google Vacation Rentals.

How Breezeway helps you keep up with more bookings

With the increased visibility and bookings that come from listing on Google Vacation Rentals, managing your vacation rental properties efficiently becomes more critical than ever. That’s where Breezeway comes in. Breezeway’s platform helps you streamline operations with tools for:

1. Automated Task Management: Ensure turnovers, inspections, and maintenance tasks are completed flawlessly.
2. Guest Communication: Send timely, personalized messages to enhance the guest experience.
3. Performance Analytics: Monitor metrics and identify opportunities to improve operations and profitability.

By integrating Breezeway with your existing PMS, you’ll be better equipped to handle the demands of increased bookings while maintaining a seamless guest experience.

FAQs about Google Vacation Rentals

1. Do I need a direct booking website to use Google Vacation Rentals?

Not necessarily. You can list via OTAs, but having a direct booking website allows you to save on OTA fees.

2. How much does it cost to list on Google Vacation Rentals?

There are no direct costs to list, but integration through a connectivity partner may involve fees.

3. Can I manage my Google Vacation Rental listings through my PMS?

Yes, most modern PMS platforms offer integration with Google Vacation Rentals, simplifying the process.