Marketing

What is Google Vacation Rentals?

Updated 2026-05-27

Google Vacation Rentals is a feature within Google Travel that functions as a metasearch engine for short-term rental properties. It aggregates listings from online travel agencies (OTAs), channel managers, and property management systems, displaying them directly in Google Search results, on Google Maps, and in the dedicated Travel portal.

Unlike an OTA, Google does not process bookings itself. Instead, it directs travelers to the source website—either the OTA or the property's direct booking site—to complete the reservation.

This provides a consolidated view of available properties from multiple platforms within the familiar Google ecosystem.

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How it works

Google partners with approved connectivity providers, including major OTAs and vacation rental software companies. These partners send their inventory, including property details, availability, and pricing, to Google in a standardized format.

When a user searches for accommodations, Google’s algorithm displays relevant rental options alongside hotels. Clicking on a specific property reveals more details and presents 'Official site' or 'Book with...' links, which redirect the user to the partner’s website to finalize the booking.

Google acts as a referral source, not the merchant of record.

Why it matters

For property managers, Google Vacation Rentals offers significant visibility to a vast audience of travelers who begin their search on Google. It can drive high-quality traffic and increase direct bookings, potentially reducing commission costs paid to OTAs.

By appearing in this channel, properties gain credibility and reach guests at the very start of their travel planning journey, competing directly with major booking platforms on a more level playing field. See the official website for current details.

Examples

  • A traveler searches 'cabins in asheville nc' and sees a map with rental options sourced from Vrbo, Booking.com, and direct booking sites.
  • A property manager uses a channel manager to sync their direct booking website with Google, allowing an 'Official Site' booking link to appear.
  • A user on Google Maps clicks the 'Vacation Rentals' filter to see available short-term stays for their desired dates.
  • Listings from major OTAs like Booking.com and Vrbo are automatically displayed within the Google Vacation Rentals interface.

Frequently asked questions

Is Google Vacation Rentals an OTA like Airbnb or Vrbo?+
No, Google Vacation Rentals is a metasearch engine, not an Online Travel Agency (OTA). It displays listings from various sources but does not handle the booking transaction itself. When a traveler decides to book, they are redirected from Google to the partner website where the listing originates (e.g., Vrbo, Booking.com, or a direct booking site) to complete the payment and reservation. Google acts as a discovery and referral tool.
How do I get my property listed on Google Vacation Rentals?+
Individual hosts cannot list their properties directly on Google Vacation Rentals. To appear, you must list your property through an approved connectivity partner. This can be a major OTA like Booking.com or Vrbo, whose listings are automatically included. Alternatively, you can use a property management system (PMS) or channel manager that has a direct integration with Google, which allows your direct booking website to be featured as a booking option.
Does it cost money to list on Google Vacation Rentals?+
Google does not charge hosts or property managers a fee to display their listings. However, costs are incurred through the booking channel. If a guest books through an OTA link, that OTA's commission applies. If they book through your direct site, you avoid OTA commissions but may have costs associated with your channel manager's Google integration or payment processing fees. The listing itself on Google is free.
Can guests book directly on Google?+
No, guests cannot complete a booking or make a payment directly on the Google Vacation Rentals interface. It is not a booking platform. After selecting a property and a booking option (e.g., 'Book with Vrbo' or 'Official Site'), the user is always transferred to that third-party website to enter their payment information and confirm the reservation. Google facilitates discovery, not the transaction.
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