Vacation rentals promise space, kitchens, and local neighborhoods. They can also deliver uncomfortable beds, hidden fees, and hosts who disappear when problems arise. Here's how to evaluate listings critically.
Reading Reviews Strategically
Don't just look at the star rating. Dig deeper:
- Read the negative reviews first: What do people complain about? Are these issues you'd care about?
- Look for patterns: One mention of a noisy street is an outlier. Five mentions is a problem.
- Check recent reviews: Properties change over time. A great review from 2019 doesn't help in 2024.
- Note reviewer types: Business traveler complaints may not apply to vacationers and vice versa.
Photo Analysis
Hosts curate photos to show the best angles. Look for:
- What's missing: No photos of the bathroom? There's probably a reason.
- Wide-angle distortion: Rooms look bigger in wide-angle photos. Check the description for actual square footage.
- Natural light: Are photos suspiciously bright? The actual space might be darker.
- Outdoor space: Claims of a "patio" should be visible in photos.
Calculating True Costs
The nightly rate is just the beginning. Add:
- Cleaning fee: Often $75-200+. Dramatically affects short-stay value.
- Service fee: Platform fees add 10-15%.
- Taxes: Local occupancy taxes vary significantly.
- Extra guest fees: Some charge per person beyond a base number.
Always click through to the total before comparing rentals. A $100/night listing might cost $180/night fully loaded.
Location Verification
Listings often describe location optimistically. Verify independently:
- Check the map pin location (though it may be approximate for privacy)
- Search the address on Google Street View if available
- Look up walking distance to key attractions on Google Maps
- Research the neighborhood—is it actually where you want to stay?
Red Flags to Watch
- New listing with no reviews: Higher risk, though sometimes fine
- Host unresponsive to questions: They won't improve after booking
- Too-good pricing: Scam listings price unrealistically low
- Requests to pay outside the platform: Major red flag—no protection
- Vague descriptions: "Cozy" often means small
- Professional photos only: Guest photos show reality
Communication Before Booking
Message the host with specific questions:
- Ask about anything unclear in the listing
- Confirm check-in process and key exchange
- Inquire about neighborhood noise levels
- Ask what's included (linens, towels, kitchen basics)
Host responsiveness before booking predicts responsiveness after booking. Slow or unclear responses are warning signs.
Amenities Reality Check
Listings claim many amenities. Verify what matters to you:
- "WiFi": What's the speed? Important for remote work.
- "Kitchen": Full kitchen or just a microwave and mini-fridge?
- "Air conditioning": Central air or a struggling window unit?
- "Parking": On-site, or "street parking available" in a nightmare neighborhood?
Cancellation Policy Matters
Understand what happens if plans change:
- Flexible: Full refund until shortly before check-in
- Moderate: Partial refund with some notice
- Strict: 50% refund if cancelled weeks ahead, nothing later
Strict policies offer cheaper rates but carry risk. For trips with any uncertainty, flexible policies are worth the premium.
Insurance and Protection
Understand what the platform covers:
- Airbnb's AirCover has limits and exclusions
- VRBO protection varies by booking
- Consider travel insurance for significant bookings