Vrbo may not be the most user-friendly platform, but it still presents a valuable opportunity for short-term rental hosts—especially in urban markets. Unlike Airbnb, Vrbo attracts a different type of guest, often willing to pay a premium for their stay. By using a two-pronged approach—strategically pricing higher for early bookings and then adjusting prices within a two-week window to maximize last-minute occupancy—hosts can turn Vrbo into a lucrative secondary booking source without over-relying on it. The Urban Vrbo Strategy is a term coined by MGH.

Understanding the Vrbo guest Demographic

Vrbo’s marketing strategy differs from Airbnb’s. It tends to attract:

• Families and older travelers who are used to booking hotels
• Less price-sensitive guests who are more focused on comfort
• First-time renters who don’t compare multiple platforms

Frankly, this means Vrbo guests are often willing to pay higher prices than the average Airbnb traveler.

These travelers are often unfamiliar with market pricing trends and are more willing to book a property based on perceived value rather than securing the lowest possible rate. This creates a unique opportunity for hosts to increase their earnings by adjusting their pricing strategy accordingly.

Urban Vrbo Strategy Part 1: Pricing Higher on Vrbo

One of the best ways to use Vrbo without unnecessary headaches is by treating it as a premium booking platform. Instead of mirroring your Airbnb pricing, set Vrbo rates 10-30% higher. Here’s why this works:

• Vrbo guests are less likely to shop around or negotiate
• They often book farther in advance, making them less price-sensitive
• Fewer hosts optimize their pricing on Vrbo, creating less competition

By increasing your Vrbo calendar pricing 10-30%, you can turn occasional bookings into high-value reservations without affecting your main Airbnb income.

Pro-Tip: Higher paying guests and Vrbo users have proven to be a little more critical in their reviews, and rightfully so. We have found that leaving an extra treat or small gift to the guests can have a positive impact in keeping them happy. After all, as a host you are making more from the Vrbo stays. So, there is room in the budget to provide some chocolates or local coffee shop gift card!

Urban Vrbo strategy Part 2: Using Vrbo for last minute Bookings

While the premium pricing strategy is the primary focus, Vrbo can also serve another purpose: a secondary platform to boost occupancy within two weeks of arrival. If a property has open nights approaching within the next 14 days, adjusting pricing on Vrbo to match Airbnb (or even offering small last-minute discounts) can increase the odds of securing a booking.

This tactic works simply because listing on two platforms naturally doubles exposure, improving the chances of securing last-minute reservations.

At MGH, we value the difference between booking 25 days a month versus having a “perfect month” of occupancy. This difference may seem minimal, but an extra $400-$1000 a month for a property owner can make the world of difference in their total investment into a short-term rental. Use the urban vrbo strategy to help accomplish these short-term renting goals!

Treat Vrbo as a bonus, Not a core strategy

Vrbo’s outdated interface and lackluster customer support make it difficult to use as a primary platform, but when approached strategically, it can still be a powerful revenue tool. By treating Vrbo as a premium booking channel while also using it as a last-minute booking tool, hosts can maximize revenue without unnecessary frustration.

• Keep your Airbnb calendar as the main focus
• Accept Vrbo bookings that meet your premium price point
• Use Vrbo as a 2nd means of obtaining reservations within 2 weeks of arrival

Want to know why Vrbo is failing as a short-term rental platform? Read our deep dive!

Be sure to sync your calendars on Airbnb and Vrbo to ensure you never double book your property.

At MGH, we implement data-driven pricing strategies across multiple platforms to ensure every property reaches its full earning potential. If you’re looking for a short-term rental management company that optimizes every aspect of your listing, and can handle the headaches of Vrbo, contact us today to see how we can help.

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