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What makes a great short term rental platform?

direct holiday booking platform

Table of Contents

In the world of short term rental platforms, a standout solution offers clear pricing, full control, multilingual reach and zero commissions.

  1. Commission‑free, free to use: Villa owners pay nothing to list or earn. With no hidden charges, your income remains fully yours.
  2. Direct bookings = full control: You set your own terms, cancellation rules and pricing — no OTA middlemen.
  3. Multilingual listings: Our platform supports Spanish, French, German and more — helping your villa speak to a wider, global audience.
  4. STR-focused simplicity: Built specifically for Short‑Term Rentals, we streamline every step — from listing to booking — under your full direction.

Annual commission comparison (€50 000 revenue)

  • Airbnb charges a 3 % host split-fee, which results in an estimated annual cost of €1 500.
  • Booking dot com typically takes a commission of around 15 %, adding up to €7 500 per year.
  • Vrbo applies a 5 % booking commission plus a 3 % payment processing fee, totalling approximately €4 000 annually.
  • Plum Guide collects a 3 % host fee (excluding onboarding charges), bringing the yearly cost to about €1 500.

Booking.com host commissions average around 15 %
Vrbo charges 5 % commission + 3 % processing
Plum Guide split-fee charges hosts ~3 %

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What are the biggest challenges for holiday rental owners today?

Many holiday rental owners find themselves constrained by platforms that limit their control, from rigid cancellation policies to enforced pricing tools and guest communication rules. On top of this, high commission fees of up to 20 % can quickly erode profits, especially during peak seasons.

For those aiming to attract international guests, the lack of multilingual support on many platforms means missed opportunities and reduced visibility.

The daily management of bookings, calendars and messages can also become time-consuming, particularly when tools are scattered across multiple systems. Inconsistent guest quality and unclear communication often result in mismatched expectations, while navigating local rental regulations and tax requirements adds another layer of complexity.

  • High commission fees
    Commission rates of 10–20 % per booking can significantly eat into profits, especially during peak seasons.

  • Limited reach due to language barriers
    Listings not available in multiple languages miss out on international guests and broader visibility.

  • Time-consuming management
    Handling calendars, guest communication, and coordination can quickly become overwhelming.

  • Inconsistent guest quality
    Poor screening and limited guest communication often lead to mismatched expectations or property issues.

  • Complex legal and tax regulations
    Navigating regional rental laws, permits and taxes can be difficult — especially for owners with properties abroad.

  • Fragmented tools and systems
    Switching between different apps for bookings, payments, reviews and messaging increases complexity and stress.

Commission free rental platforms

  1. Maximise your revenue: With zero commission, you keep all of that extra €1,500–€7,500/year compared to other platforms.
  2. Speak to more guests: Our multilingual setup helps your villa appeal to Spanish, French and German speakers — effortlessly.
  3. Keep full control: You decide policies, terms and pricing — not dictated by OTAs.
  4. STR-designed simplicity: We focus solely on villa bookings, removing clutter and complexity from your hosting experience.
Ung girl in yellow dress browsing LULA Villas listings
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Vacation rental owner tools

Show your villa as it truly feels

Create a calm, characterful page that highlights what matters – beauty, atmosphere, and honest charm.

Hide exact Villa location
Keep your villa’s full address private. Only confirmed guests see it – for peace of mind and gentle discretion.
Let your photos speak
Your images shine in a fullscreen gallery – showing your villa’s true feel, light and setting.
Offer thoughtful extras
Add optional amenities guests will value – from a private chef to a yoga class. You choose, they enjoy.
Build quiet trust
Only verified guests can leave a review – helping future travellers feel safe in their decision.
Stay in sync with your guests
The live calendar shows what’s available – no need to repeat yourself. Everything’s clear, always.
Smart booking, simplified
Guests can request their dates directly – only when your calendar allows. No overlaps, no overthinking.
Custom fields, just for you
Add whatever matters – bed sizes, local tips, house rules. As detailed or simple as you like.
Room-by-room clarity
Let guests see exactly how your villa is laid out – so families can plan without guessing.
Show your pricing clearly
Whether per night, weekend or guest – your rates appear in a simple, transparent table.
Add what makes your villa unique
From fire pits to espresso machines – highlight special features with clean, intuitive icons.
Be clear, calm and fair. Guests see your terms up front – no surprises, just shared expectations.
Talk directly to your guests
Messages go straight to you – for honest, personal contact without middlemen.
Let guests share what they love

Your villa can be shared on social platforms – naturally spreading the word to the right people.

Stay top of mind with a Favourite button
Guests can save your villa to come back later. More intent, more bookings, less noise.

Advantages on a Direct booking platform

A direct booking platform for villas gives owners full control over how and when their property is rented. Unlike large OTA portals, where the platform often dictates policies and pricing, direct booking allows you to set your own terms — from nightly rates to cancellation rules. You handle guest communication, manage availability and receive payments without intermediaries.

The benefits are clear: no commission fees eating into your revenue, more personal guest relationships, and greater transparency throughout the booking process.

For villa owners, this means a more sustainable, honest way to host — where you decide what’s best for your home and your guests. A direct booking platform also supports long-term brand-building, helping you attract repeat travellers who appreciate clarity, flexibility and a more human approach to travel.

The Changing Landscape of STR

Once ruled by mega-platforms and impersonal listings, the short-term rental (STR) world is undergoing a quiet upheaval. The hosts are awakening. The desire for direct connection, brand control, and income integrity is fuelling a shift towards alternative paths. This isn’t just

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14/07/2025