Short-Term Rentals With No Booking Fees

WHAT IS DIRECT BOOK IDAHO?

Direct Book Idaho is a group of private, independent vacation rental owners committed to providing travelers clean, comfortable and inviting accommodations without the extra costs associated with online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Airbnb and VRBO.

​We provide our guests personal service not obtainable through an OTA.  These cabins, our "second homes", have been purchased because we have an attachment to Idaho and all of the amazingly beautiful places it has to offer. All of us love Idaho and what it has to offer in the form of recreation, wildlife and scenery.  We strive to make our guests happy as well as maintain good relationships with our neighbors and preserve the tranquility of life in this beautiful state. 

Regardless of your reason for visiting Idaho, you can find a beautiful place to stay that will suit your needs, and at a great price because you are able to circumvent expensive third-party booking platforms.  

What is Direct Booking?

Direct booking is simply a booking occurring between a traveler and an owner or host without the interference of a commissioned booking platform.

As with any booking, most owners will require a signed rental agreement along with a form of identification from the primary renter.  Much like an OTA booking, the documents may be electronic and may be handled online.  Owners use secure payment methods and you should receive a detailed invoice at the time of booking.

Why Should I Book Direct?

​Generally OTAs add approximately 20% to the cost of a booking.  As an example, VRBO and Airbnb charge travelers a commission ranging from 12% to 15% of the total cost.  This appears as the "service fee" on the booking summary.  At booking the host is charged 8% which of course is also covered by the rate the traveler pays. 

Companies such as Trip Advisor and Booking can be more expensive and Vacasa adds up to a 35% commission to the guest invoice in addition to a host transaction fee. 

The good news is many owners who book direct realize they can discount their nightly rates and still achieve the needed revenue.  What may appear as just a $30 or $40 daily decrease in rate ultimately saves the traveler hundreds a day as they are not paying a commission to an OTA.  

​In short, even excluding the added service fee, you're not going to get the best rate shopping on an OTA.  

What's in it for the owner? 

As owners and hosts, our biggest motivator is great guests and peace of mind.  Our guests interact with us, not faceless, multi-billion-dollar companies, and our second homes become the guest's second homes as they return year after year.