Google Vacation Rentals is not an OTA, so the search engine doesn’t actually play a role in processing bookings. It simply directs traffic to your own website or landing page. If you don’t have a website, it can also send searchers to your listing on a compatible OTA.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about what Google Vacation Rentals is, its benefits, and how to list on Google Vacation Rentals to increase your properties visibility.
Let’s dive into it!
What is Google Vacation Rentals?
Google Vacation Rentals is part of Google’s broader Google Travel platform—a powerful metasearch engine that displays vacation rental listings directly in Google Search, Google Maps, and Google Travel. It helps travelers find and compare short-term rental properties based on location, price, amenities, reviews, and availability.
Unlike OTAs (Online Travel Agencies), Google doesn’t process bookings or take a commission. Instead, it redirects potential guests to your direct booking site or a partner listing, offering you more control and higher profits.
Getting your properties listed on Google means you can tap into a vast pool of potential guests who use Google to research, plan, and book vacations. Bookings from Google can also be completely commission-free.
Where do listings appear?
- Google Search – When travelers search queries like “vacation rental in Paris,” listings appear in a dedicated module above organic search results.
- Google Maps – Search results show pins with nightly rates and essential info.
- Google Travel (google.com/travel) – A hub for vacation planning where users can browse flights, hotels, and vacation rentals on desktop or mobile.
Don’t see the form to download the Guide for Listing on Google Vacation Rentals? Click Here
Why list on Google Vacation Rentals?
The benefits of listing vacation rentals on Google Travel
There are many reasons to get your properties on Google Vacation Rentals. For example:
- Global Visibility — Appear in high-intent travel searches across Google; it will increase your visibility and allow many more travelers to find and book your properties.
- Target for travelers planning their trip — You’ll reach people using Google with the intent of planning, comparing, and booking complete trips.
- Commission-free bookings — Google charges zero commission. Keep more of your revenue.
- Build guest trust — Being featured on Google builds credibility with potential guests.
- Brand awareness — Use your own logo, branding, and voice and increase direct bookings.
- Improved guest experience — You’ll own the guest relationship, from processing payments to dealing with communication and more.
How to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals?
Google acts as a metasearch engine, not an OTA. It aggregates listings and redirects travelers to complete the booking on:
- Your direct website: Commission-free but only available to large property managers (5,000+ units) and requires complex setup.
- A connected partner OTA: Easy to set up, but bookings incur the OTA’s commission fees.
- Or a connectivity partner (Rentals United): Best for most managers—enables direct, commission-free bookings with full branding control.
It’s important to note that Google Vacation Rentals is separate from Google My Business, and you should create a Google vacation rental listing in addition to your business page.
Requirements to list on Google Vacation Rentals
Before listing, ensure your properties meet Google’s criteria:
- Must be a short-term rental property with a valid address.
- High-quality listing content: accurate descriptions, professional photos, and clear pricing.
- Compliance with cleanliness and safety standards.
- Sync availability through your partner’s calendar integration.
Create your vacation rental website
To list your properties through Rentals United, you first need a professional website where guests can browse and book. Using Rentals United’s My Website tool, you can easily set up a website in minutes. The website builder puts all your listing content into a fully secure, customizable website where guests can book and pay directly.
Interested in finding out more about My Website? Check-out this blog.
How to optimize your listings on Google Vacation Rentals to increase bookings
After getting your listings on Google Vacation Rentals, it’s important to give yourself the best chance of ranking well in search and attracting more guests. Optimizing your presence will improve visibility and increase bookings. There are a few things you can do to boost your performance:
- Improve your website’s SEO — Use relevant keywords like “vacation rental in [location]” and “book direct [destination]” across your content. Regularly update blog posts and include destination guides.
- Domain authority — Backlinks and references from other sites will make Google view your site as more trustworthy.
- Write compelling descriptions — Use sensory and benefit-driven language to help travelers imagine their stay.
- Use high-quality photos — Feature clean, bright images of bedrooms, living areas, views, and local attractions.
- Improve your reviews — Use a tool like Rentals United’s Elevate to get AI-powered insights about property performance.
Google Vacation Rentals vs. OTA’s
| Feature | Google Vacation Rentals | Traditional OTAs |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Commission | None | Up to 25% |
| Direct Booking Control | Yes | No |
| Brand Visibility | Yes | Limited |
| Guest Relationship | Full Ownership | Controlled by OTA |
| Flexibility | High | Limited |
If you want to explore other options besides Google Travel, look for sites like Airbnb or Booking.com that you can leverage on.
How to list your properties with Rentals United
Rentals United makes it incredibly easy to get your properties in front of travelers searching on Google. When you list through Rentals United, your logo and branding will appear in both Google Vacation Rentals search results and on the property details page. When a guest clicks the “Visit site” button, they’re sent straight to your own property website with no commission fees.
Even better? If you don’t yet have a booking website, Rentals United has you covered with their easy-to-use website builder. As a Google-connected partner, Rentals United ensures your property content is always synced, up-to-date, and visible on 90+ major and niche listing sites.
Don’t see the form to download the Guide for Listing on Google Vacation Rentals? Click here
