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Awesome! Thanks for these fixes and improvements!
I noticed in the new method of creating Surcharges and Discounts that the position value is no longer an option. Are we moving away from that entirely?
September is shaping up to be an exciting month here at OwnerRez. 🍂 We have a packed lineup of live webinars and an in-person event to help you get the most out of OwnerRez and grow your vacation rental business.
We are hosting live demos, Q&A sessions and deep dives into key features like surcharges, discounts and listing content. You will also hear from industry partners like Jervis Systems about how to simplify your workload with smart access technology. Whether you are looking to refine your settings, streamline day-to-day tasks or keep your listings competitive across all platforms, there is a session for you this month.
Plus, the 2025 FAVR Vacation Rental Xtravaganza is happening in Orlando on September 16th-17th. This two-day conference brings vacation rental professionals from across Florida together to learn, connect, and stay ahead of industry trends. OwnerRez will be there in person as a proud sponsor. Stop by the OwnerRez booth to meet the team, ask questions, and grab some swag!
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a live Q&A Session with Steve from our Engagement Team.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a live webinar on the newly redesigned surcharges and discounts menus inside of OwnerRez. We’ll go over the improved layout, show you how to create and manage surcharges and discounts, and share practical tips to help you get the most out of these updated features.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us to learn how to transform your existing smart access setup into a complete "set-it-and-forget-it" system that works around the clock to help manage your STR workload with a simple tech setup.
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
Join us for a live Q&A Session with Steve from our Engagement Team.
Join us for an in-depth focus session on Listing Content! We’ll dive into the redesigned Accommodations, Amenities, and Location pages and share practical tips for keeping your listings fully optimized across all your connected channels.
The FAVR Xtravaganza is designed to educate, connect, and inspire those involved in the thriving vacation rental industry in Florida. This conference caters to the thousands of vacation rental professionals that own, rent, manage or sell vacation rentals in Florida. Receive the latest news, information, trends, and vacation rental education all in one place. Meet with 80+ exhibitors in our Vacation Rental Marketplace. This event offers attendees the opportunity to build connections and to learn alongside experienced vacation rental professionals. Conference sessions are designed to be hands-on and personalized. Participants are encouraged to share ideas and build solutions together. Expect the best in keynote speakers, industry intelligence, demonstrations and so much more to help you grow your vacation rental business. Get your tickets now!
When: September 16-17, 2025
Where: Orlando, Florida
i noticed this evening that VRBO is now stating this also. Is this a similar change like Airbnb?
We’re excited to share our new integration with Alertify, giving OwnerRez users a simple way to streamline guest management and protect their properties.
Alertify optimizes property management by pre-arrival guest upselling and ID collection, coupled with vigilant real-time monitoring for noise, smoking, and unauthorized parties.
Benefit from detailed incident reports to effectively manage guest, OTA, and credit card dispute resolutions, ensuring both guest satisfaction and property protection.
Alertify is built for larger and enterprise operators, without neglecting the little guy. Alertify streamlines the setup process, has advanced customization options for alerts and provides industry first after incident reporting. To top it all off, each device comes with access to Alertify's guest verification portal at no additional cost for OwnerRez users.
Learn more here.
Alertify makes it simple to protect your rentals from smoking, noise, and air quality violations. Pricing starts at $15 per month per device ($180/year), including hardware and access to your online dashboard. Upgrade to Alertify AQ+ for $20 per month per device ($240/year) to unlock full air quality insights, COâ‚‚, humidity, and mold risk detection. Use code OWNERREZ10 to receive 10% off when purchasing a device.
Learn more here.
Get started with Alertify by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Alertify.
Meet Nicholette Brous, CEO and Founder of BNR Concierge. In just nine years, she’s gone from renting out spare rooms in her home to running a successful management company that oversees more than 50 properties across South Florida.
It all started over 9 years ago when I began renting rooms in my house. At first, I just wanted to make sure people felt comfortable, and before I knew it, I realized I was a great host! Word of mouth took off, my online presence grew, and here we are today. Today, we manage 53 properties with a well-oiled team and top-notch guest relations. It's no easy feat, but somehow we've pulled it off, and I’m proud to say we’ve consecutively earned the coveted 5-star Superhost status along the way!
Back in the day, I was cleaning houses myself to ensure every stay was perfect. But as we grew, I realized I couldn’t do everything from guest relations to cleaning, so I brought in some amazing people to help. The team has only gotten stronger and more dedicated since then.
I was born and raised here in sunny South Florida. I hold a Political Science degree from FAU in Boca Raton (Go Owls!). I spent 10 years abroad, owning multiple vitamin stores, then came back to the U.S. 9 years ago, and jumped headfirst into property management and became a realtor! Now, I also specialize in helping people buy and sell vacation rentals. I’m also finishing up my CAM (Community Association Manager) license so I can take on managing buildings and complexes with HOAs in the near future.
I love it because we're really good at it. We've built systems that work like clockwork and allow us to keep everything running smoothly. From fantastic clients who trust us with their properties to an exceptional team that keeps things on track, I’m constantly amazed at what we’ve built.
Like any job, there are challenges. For me, the hardest part is that it’s a 24/7 job. Being the leader of the operation means there’s never really a “day off,” and downtime is rare.
I rely on OwnerRez to keep everything organized, from owner statements and expenses to managing our website and securing those beloved direct bookings.
From renting out spare rooms to leading a 5-star operation, Nicholette’s journey is a testament to hard work. With OwnerRez helping her keep everything organized from owner statements to direct bookings, we look forward to seeing BNR Concierge continue to grow.
This week’s roundup covers Airbnb’s upcoming service fee changes, TikTok’s new in-app hotel bookings, surging Canadian travel, and the latest short-term rental policy battles in Los Angeles and Maui. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb announced this week an upcoming change to how service fees work for hosts who use property management software like OwnerRez. Currently, Airbnb charges hosts a 3% service fee and guests an additional 14-16% fee. Under the new "single-fee" structure, which goes into effect October 27th, a flat 15.5% service fee will be deducted from the host payout, and guests will only pay the price set by the host. Airbnb says the change will improve transparency for guests, make it easier for hosts to see the guest total, and allow hosts to more easily set competitive pricing. To keep your payouts consistent, you may need to adjust your rates upward by ~15.5% before October 27th. To easily make this change inside of OwnerRez, go to Settings > Channel Integrations, then select Airbnb. On the Airbnb Channel page, click Change at the top and on the following page, set your Rate Adjustment to “Adjust both rent and surcharges” and “Increase by” and set the amount to 15.5% (or the amount you’d like). We recently sent out an email blast with more details. If you'd like to check that out, please click here.
TikTok has launched in-app hotel booking through a partnership with Booking.com, allowing users in select U.S. markets to view availability, pricing, amenities, reviews, and complete reservations all without leaving the platform. As part of the partnership, Booking.com will participate in TikTok's creator program, TikTok Go, which lets approved influencers earn commissions or travel vouchers by tagging hotels in their content and driving bookings. Observers say the move could push more travel planning and transactions onto social media, strengthening the role of online travel agencies while giving creators a direct stake in distribution. This marks an exciting shift in the travel industry, and it will be interesting to see how quickly these advancements are adopted for vacation rentals.
Airbnb reports a continued surge in Canadian travel during the first half of 2025. Domestic bookings increased by over 10% compared to 2024, with 12 out of 13 provinces and territories experiencing growth. Notably, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, and Saskatchewan saw year-over-year increases exceeding 20%. Smaller towns and rural areas are gaining popularity, with destinations like West Kelowna, Regina, Gatineau, Langley, Whistler, Canmore, Blue Mountain, and Ucluelet among the top trending locations. Internationally, Canadians are exploring beyond the U.S., with significant growth in bookings to Japan, Brazil, France, the Philippines, Thailand, and Mexico. Top international destinations include Sumida, Naniwa Ward, Nakano in Japan; Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo in Brazil; Casablanca in Morocco; Paris in France; and Los Cabos, Bahia de Banderas in Mexico.
Airbnb has launched a campaign advocating for expanded short-term rentals in Los Angeles, proposing that the city allow a limited number of second homes to be rented as vacation rentals. The company says the move could generate significant tax revenue and help preserve union jobs. Justin Wesson, Airbnb’s senior public policy manager, emphasized that new revenue from tourists could provide funding for city services and support jobs at risk. The campaign, promoted by the "Save Our Services" coalition, has faced criticism over transparency, as Airbnb is funding and organizing the effort. While the coalition’s website lists union endorsements, some unions, including SEIU 721, have publicly opposed the campaign, citing concerns about housing affordability for their members.
In continued coverage of Maui County’s proposed vacation rental phase-out, previously reported in Industry News on June 6, June 13, July 4, and August 1, property owners are preparing for a potential legal challenge. The Maui Vacation Rental Association and individual owners have indicated they may sue if Bill 9 is enacted, arguing that the legislation infringes on property rights. As amended, the phase-out would begin in 2028 in West Maui and in 2030 for the rest of the county. Legal battles could be the next chapter in this ongoing debate, adding another layer of uncertainty to the island’s vacation rental market.
As the industry adapts to new fee structures, partnerships, and travel trends, expect more updates on the evolving vacation rental landscape. Check back next week for the latest news!
We’re excited to announce our new integration with Crewdogs, a veteran-owned travel platform built to serve the military community. This gives OwnerRez users a direct way to reach service members and their families while also supporting veteran and military-focused nonprofits.
For property owners, Crewdogs is a gateway into the military community, nearly 10% of the U.S. population, or about 22–25 million Americans. Hosts don’t have to be military themselves to join, but by listing on Crewdogs, they gain direct access to this audience while offering something unique: every property is automatically discounted for military travelers, and platform fees are lower than the big booking sites. That means when someone asks, “Do you offer a military discount?” hosts can proudly say, “Yes, you can book my place on Crewdogs.”
Crewdogs is a veteran-owned travel platform founded in 2020, built exclusively to serve the military community. Think of it as “Airbnb for the military," a trusted, verified network where every guest’s service status is confirmed through ID.me. Over the past five years, the platform has grown across the U.S. and abroad, with listings supporting everything from PCS moves and TDY assignments to government travel and vacations.
In addition, every booking on Crewdogs helps support veteran and military-focused nonprofits such as Folds of Honor, K9s for Warriors, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. It’s not just another booking platform; it’s a mission-driven way for hosts to stand out, support service members, and tap into one of the most loyal and travel-ready communities in the country.
Get started with Crewdogs by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Crewdogs.
We’re excited to announce our new integration with Direct Booking Tools, giving OwnerRez users access to a powerful price comparison tool, forward-looking demand data analytics, and more to help boost direct bookings.
Direct Booking Tools is the vacation rental industry's first and only price comparison tool with forward-looking demand data analytics.
Everything they are developing focuses on building trust with the consumer, increasing direct booking revenue, making marketing costs more effective, providing operational insights, driving bottom line profits and educating the public. Their goal is to revolutionize the vacation rental industry by developing and delivering user-friendly, data-driven technology solutions that streamline property management operations, increase revenue, and enhance the guest experience, while being easy to install and use.
Give your website visitors a Best Price Guarantee while proving it to them instantly, and you will drive sales!
Try the suite of products free for 30 days with no strings attached. Cancel anytime.
Get started with Direct Booking Tools by visiting here and checking out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with Direct Booking Tools.
At this time, we only support businesses that use these banks in these locations:
Powertranz supports many other banks and locations, but the above list is the only ones supported by OwnerRez at this time due to 3DS limitations.
This is great news! Also Jamaica can be added to the list as they also work with CIBC and other banks too.
This week’s roundup covers Airbnb’s new “Reserve Now, Pay Later” feature, Casago’s latest moves following its Vacasa acquisition, and the growing trend of autism-friendly vacation rentals. Plus, updates on Monterey County’s new STR ordinance, Airbnb’s new pool safety tool aimed at protecting guests and Gathern’s Series B funding. Let’s dive in.
Airbnb has rolled out a new "Reserve Now, Pay Later" feature, allowing guests to secure bookings without paying anything upfront. Guests who select this option won’t need to pay the full booking amount until shortly before the end of the listing’s free cancellation period. Available immediately for U.S. based listings with a moderate or flexible cancellation policy, this feature is designed to offer more flexibility for travelers, particularly those making last-minute plans or coordinating group trips. The move aims to streamline the booking process and increase reservation conversions for hosts.
Following its acquisition of Vacasa in May, Casago has announced a partnership with its Casago San Diego franchise to manage 150 coastal vacation rental properties previously handled by Vacasa. This follows a similar deal with Bolivar Vacations, which has assumed management of over 90 former Vacasa properties on the Texas Gulf Coast. The move is part of Casago's broader strategy to transition from centralized management to local operators, offering more personalized service while leveraging the strength of a national brand.
A growing number of vacation rentals are being tailored for guests with autism, offering specialized features designed to make stays more comfortable and accessible. In places like Fire Island, Yucca Valley, and Florida’s Gulf Coast, homes are being equipped with sensory-friendly amenities such as quiet spaces, adjustable lighting, and additional exterior door locks to help families with autistic members enjoy stress-free vacations. These inclusive accommodations are part of a broader trend to make travel more accessible to everyone, ensuring that families with unique needs have a welcoming place to stay while on vacation.
Monterey County's new vacation rental ordinance has been approved by the California Coastal Commission. The updated rules will ban vacation rentals in specific regions, add stricter permit requirements, and more. Planning staff aim to present the ordinance to the Board of Supervisors on September 23rd, with regulations set to take effect on October 24th, if passed. Unpermitted rentals will have two months to apply for permits or cease operations.
Airbnb has introduced a new pool safety tool designed to enhance guest safety. The feature will appear in message threads for guests who book listings with pools or those near bodies of water. Once a booking is confirmed, guests will receive automated prompts encouraging them to ask their host safety-related questions, such as questions about water access, available safety equipment, and any potential hazards. Developed in collaboration with Safe Kids Worldwide, the tool aims to increase awareness and reduce risks during stays.
Gathern, a Saudi Arabian vacation rental platform, has raised $72 million in its Series B funding round to expand its operations. The platform is focused on tapping into the growing demand for short-term rentals across the Middle East, offering a diverse range of properties for both local and international travelers. With this new capital, Gathern plans to enhance its technology, improve the user experience, and grow its market share in the region. The funding marks a key milestone as the company aims to strengthen its position against global players in the vacation rental market.
As the vacation rental industry adapts to new features, regulations, and trends, we’ll continue to see changes that impact both hosts and guests. Check back next week for more updates on how these developments are shaping the future of the market!
Meet Cathie Harrison, owner of My Galveston Getaway. What started as a personal investment in 2004 has grown into a thriving vacation rental business with 80 properties across Galveston Island. With a background in logistics and a love for the island she now calls home, Cathie has built a company focused on strong partnerships, exceptional service, and creating memorable guest experiences.
Born in Corpus Christi, Texas, my family was a bunch of vagabonds. To know I moved from Texas (two houses) to Puerto Rico (when I was 3, where I lived in two houses) to Lake Charles, Louisiana, to Pittsburgh, PA, then Chicago, then Pittsburgh, then Chicago, then Houston and finally Galveston, one would think we were military, but alas not the case. My father was a forensic accountant whose employer would relocate the family when new facilities were built to train others in their accounting practices.
My educational background is in Logistics Management. I worked in that field for a while in household goods transportation, mainly in the corporate realm. In 2004, I purchased my first Galveston property. My dream was to be there every weekend, but being the mom of athletes who competed every weekend, it became an investment property, and the bug had bitten and infected me. When my kids were in high school, I became a stay-at-home mom by choice. I purchased property number two a couple of weeks before a significant hurricane hit Galveston, Texas (Ike), and due to its location, it had power restored quickly, and though the paperwork had not hit the county records yet, I was getting multiple phone calls daily from contractors wanting to rent it long-term during the restoration process. I have never spent a single night in that second condo.In 2010, when my youngest was a college senior, I started managing my properties after trying several property managers in Galveston who I didn’t think were treating me, my property, or my guests as they should. A few other owners asked me to manage theirs as well. I learned, however, that in Texas, managing a property owned by someone else for 30 days or longer requires a real estate license. I also learned that beginning January 1, 2011, the regulations for obtaining a real estate license were changing, and your 4-year college degree would not count for some of the credits. I apologized to the owners I was working with, and instead of saying ok, we’ll find someone else they said, "Well, what will it take to get your license?"
So, in October, I enrolled in the real estate courses, studied, and in December, I earned my real estate license. My Galveston Getaway was born with a $3,000 personal investment and eight properties. It has grown 100% organically to 80 properties, a fantastic team in the office, and amazing partner/vendors in housekeeping, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and handymen. One of the bedrocks of the company is that if we have an invoice on a Thursday, you get paid on Friday. That and true partnerships have earned us the “most favored customer” status to the point that if we have a need at 10:00 pm on a holiday weekend, our partners will take our phone calls.
Initially, we had individual calendars for each property that would toggle back and forth between Airbnb and Vrbo. We just hoped that we didn’t get double bookings. After about 20 properties, we realized that a PMS was needed. We worked with one that worked well for that initial number of properties, but customer service was not their strong suit, and technology was not mine. We then went on a seemingly exhaustive search for a new provider and found OwnerRez to be the most user-friendly and understanding of my personal technological challenges.
Not only is OwnerRez our PMS, but they also designed our new website and made tremendous recommendations for verbiage, photography, and so much more. We continue to be solicited by PMS companies, and while we are thrilled with OwnerRez (and still tired from the transition), not a single one has offered the personal attention we continue to receive from OwnerRez. Jen specifically is absolutely amazing. She seemingly never tires of me asking the same questions over and over, though I wouldn’t blame her for rolling her eyes when she is not on screen in a video call, walking me through something for the umpteenth time.
While I’m not “originally” from Galveston, I have said my whole life it is where my heart sings. My mom was raised here, my maternal grandmother lived here, and I spent a lot of summers on the island. One of my happy places is the free ferry from Galveston to Port Bolivar, where I can see dolphins and feed seagulls from the rear of the boat that moves people and cars from the island to the peninsula. I love it so much that my Lamaze tapes (and yes, I’m old enough that they were tapes) were called “seagulls over the ferry”. I moved to Galveston permanently in 2011 and haven’t looked back; working my tailfeathers off and loving the fact that I get to help others with their travel plans and make them happy on “my island” as well as assisting property owners with their investment goals, some of whom are great friends now.
Ironically, what I love most about the industry is sometimes what I dislike as well. Learning that you cannot make everyone happy no matter how hard you try, that the customer is not always right, and that there is such a thing as “bad business” has been learned from the school of hard knocks in this business. I have found it tremendously freeing to be able to pick and choose who my property owner clients are and to terminate such relationships when they are no longer fitting with the company philosophy.
When I started, all properties were "good properties." Have we been fired by clients? Absolutely, we have. Perhaps one of our most significant accomplishments is that 80% of those who once thought the grass was greener on the other side of the fence have returned to be our clients again. I remember a call one afternoon from one such owner, “Would you take us back?” I’ve not always said yes, whether it had been a personality issue or it was a property that didn’t fit quite right in our portfolio, but just being asked is a tremendous accomplishment.
The other thing I don’t always find to be the most fun is governmental involvement. I fully recognize that this is an island where many people call home, and many of those don’t want to see it as the tourism industry that it is, regardless of how the impacts of that tourism industry help keep their tax bills lower or assist with obtaining things like governmental grants for island improvements. Tourism is either the #1 or #2 industry on the island; it changes occasionally. Without it, I cannot imagine where the City of Galveston would be financially. But the ever-changing landscape of who is responsible for the hotel occupancy taxes and how those funds are spent, community involvement from folks who don’t see themselves as impacted by the industry, and things of that nature can be frustrating.
Dealing with the Federal Government when it comes to insurance regulations and windstorm requirements from a construction standpoint are struggles as well. If I could just make people happy 24/7 through our business without having to deal with beurocracy and paperwork it would be nirvana.
OwnerRez has been a godsend to us. They are a wealth of knowledge and information about not just what they do, but the industry as a whole, and have made recommendations that have nothing to do with them, from dynamic pricing solutions to vendors who are available to all OwnerRez customers. I am convinced that we made the right decision when we selected them as our PMS and look forward to a longstanding relationship with them.
Rooted in strong partnerships, exceptional service, and a love for Galveston, Cathie has built My Galveston Getaway into a thriving vacation rental business. With OwnerRez supporting her operations, we can’t wait to watch her company continue to grow while making a positive impact on both guests and the local community.
What security features do you have in place?
Hi Debra,
Thank you for your input. We use the Authorize.net Advanced Fraud Detection Suite, which includes 13 configurable fraud filters to help us identify, manage, and prevent suspicious activity.
With the AFDS, we can customize rules-based filters and tools to fit our specific business needs. This includes setting minimum transaction thresholds and country limitations.
When a filter is triggered, we have several options for handling the transaction:
Decline the transaction: The transaction is automatically declined.
Hold for review: The transaction can be placed in a "Pending Review" state for manual review before it is authorized or settled.
Process as normal and report: The transaction is processed but flagged for reporting.
We also have a built in fraud tool as part of our services to help ensure a secure payment environment.
Best
Hi Peter,
Thank you for your input if you are referring to recurring billing capabilities from a merchant stand point we can most definitely help you out
Best.
It would be great if we could get "automated monthly recurring bills" in-between all of these integrations with new partners.
Some open questions:
#1 - How do they handle refunds? If the average processing is 2.45% is it 2.45% for incoming and outbound (refunds) transactions? So a $10,000 booking that is cancelled would cost $490.00 in processing fees. $245 for the inbound transaction, another $245 for sending the money back?
#2 - Do they have total cost down to the per booking in regards to reporting and statement of fees? (i.e. Ascent sends a lump sum statement and doesn't allow us to know which bookings had which processing fees associated with which booking (disappointing, but super low processing rates -- sub 2.5%). The same with Priority Payment Systems. Who do they use? Do they use Priority Payment Systems?
#3 - Do you use Authorize.net for your gateway?
#4 - Are you just white labeling Lynbrook or Ascent or some other provider?
Hi Jason and Thank you for your input
1. We only charge processing fees on incoming transactions. Refunds are charged a flat $0.10 each.
2. Yes, each transaction and its associated fee is itemized on your merchant statement. We do not use Priority Payment Systems (PPS).
3. Yes, we use Authorize.net as our payment gateway.
Best
Is it cheaper than the Stipe transaction fee?
Hi Jargal and hank you for your input,
Yes! Our processing rates are lower than Stripe’s standard transaction fees, which can result in meaningful savings over time, especially for higher volume transactions.
How does Reverse My Fees model work with VRBO? Will the traveler be shown the CC processing charge up front?
Hi Monish,
Thank you for reaching out. If you are set up as the merchant of record for your VRBO integration, the Reverse My Fees model will automatically include the credit card processing charge in the total rate displayed to the traveler.
Do they allow security holds?
Hi HTH Stays team,
Thank you for reaching out. Yes, it supports security holds.
Yes!!! I thought I was getting the ability to allow a customer to select ACH or credit card when checking out and then passing the cc processing fee on when I signed up with Yapstone, but I believe this is an OwnerRez issue. I was told we can only offer 1 form of payment collection (outside of manual payments). I hope I am wrong and someone can show me how to set this up.
Correct Nicole, OwnerRez doesn’t currently allow guests to choose between ACH and credit card at checkout while automatically passing along credit card processing fees. At the moment, only one payment method can be offered through the automated checkout process (outside of manual payments).
Thank you for reaching out.
Is there a option to automatically add the credit card charge to the tenant / client if they choose to use credit card, and have no fee to them if they choose debit or ACH? The lack of that feature would be a deal killer for us.
Hi Brian,
Thank you for reaching out. OwnerRez doesn’t currently offer a built-in ACH option. If you’d like to accept ACH payments, it would need to be set up and processed manually through Authorize.net.
Best
This week’s Industry News covers fast-growing luxury OTA Elivaas’s big funding round, Capital One’s new 5x rewards for vacation rental bookings, and Airbnb’s “and not an or” approach to hotels. Plus, Parade’s take on what travelers are looking for in vacation rental listings in 2025. Let’s dive in.
Gurugram-based startup Elivaas raised $10 million in a Series B round to expand its luxury vacation rental offerings. Targeting affluent travelers, Elivaas competes with Airbnb by focusing on India’s premium market with curated high-end homes and personalized services. The funding will support growth into new destinations, add vetted properties, and enhance guest experiences. Backers highlight Elivaas’s technology-driven approach and strong focus on trust and guest satisfaction, positioning it to scale rapidly across India and other growing markets.
Select Capital One cardholders can now earn 5x rewards when booking vacation rentals through the Capital One Travel portal, a benefit that was previously unavailable. Vacation rentals were already bookable on the platform, but this big change reflects the growing consumer demand for short-term rentals and makes booking through Capital One Travel more rewarding for cardholders.
Building on last week’s Industry News report of Airbnb’s Q2 2025 earnings call, Fortune has released an article highlighting the company’s push to expand its hotel inventory. CEO Brian Chesky described this on the earnings call as an “and not an or” strategy. Airbnb will keep its focus on the core vacation rentals while also growing its hotel supply, especially in international markets where many hotels are independent. Airbnb aims to fill booking gaps during peak periods and in cities where home availability is limited. Chesky also pointed to HotelTonight as a successful acquisition and said the company is open to more deals as part of its broader travel and living strategy.
A new Parade article on “7 Things to Know Before Booking a Vacation Rental Right Now” offers insight into what guests are prioritizing and looking out for in 2025. One standout tip from the article is that a lack of neighborhood information is a red flag for many travelers. Highlighting proximity to public transportation, restaurants, and attractions such as beaches, lakes, or hiking trails can help boost booking confidence. In the article, Parade encourages guests to book vacation rentals with detailed property descriptions, clear and fair cancellation policies, and transparent pricing with no surprise fees.
Over 10,000 hotels across Europe have joined a class-action lawsuit against Booking.com, alleging that its long-standing “best-price” clauses prevented them from offering lower rates on their own websites or other platforms. The clauses, in place from 2004 to 2024, were ruled anti-competitive by the European Court of Justice last year and have since been dropped under the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
As August continues, watch for more moves in investment, guest preferences, and platform expansion across the vacation rental market. Check back next week for the latest updates.
Some open questions:
#1 - How do they handle refunds? If the average processing is 2.45% per transaction, is it 2.45% for incoming and another 2.45% for outbound (refunds) transactions? So a $10,000 booking that is cancelled would cost $490.00 in processing fees. $245 for the inbound transaction, another $245 for sending the money back?
#2 - Do they have total cost down to the per booking in regards to reporting and statement of fees? (i.e. Ascent sends a lump sum statement and doesn't allow us to know which bookings had which processing fees associated with which booking (disappointing, but super low processing rates -- sub 2.5%). The same with Priority Payment Systems. Who do they use? Do they use Priority Payment Systems?
#3 - Do you use Authorize.net for your gateway?
#4 - Are you just white labeling Lynbrook or Ascent or some other provider?
Is it cheaper than the Stipe transaction fee?
It would be great if we could get "automated monthly recurring bills" in-between all of these integrations with new partners.
How does Reverse My Fees model work with VRBO? Will the traveler be shown the CC processing charge up front?
Do they allow security holds?
Yes!!! I thought I was getting the ability to allow a customer to select ACH or credit card when checking out and then passing the cc processing fee on when I signed up with Yapstone, but I believe this is an OwnerRez issue. I was told we can only offer 1 form of payment collection (outside of manual payments). I hope I am wrong and someone can show me how to set this up.
What security features do you have in place?
I signed up for the Beta on 7/21/25 and still waiting on approval to join. Looking forward to trying on my 10 properties..
Is there a option to automatically add the credit card charge to the tenant / client if they choose to use credit card, and have no fee to them if they choose debit or ACH? The lack of that feature would be a deal killer for us.
