Thinking About Listing on Booking.com? Here’s What You Need to Know (From Pros Who’ve Been There)

If you’re a vacation rental manager, hotelier, or serviced apartment operator, chances are you’ve already listed on Airbnb or VRBO. But if you’re looking to expand your exposure, diversify your guest base, and grow your occupancy rate, then Booking.com is a channel you can’t afford to ignore.

Whether you manage a guesthouse in Goa or a high-rise rental in Dubai, this guide from AUGREV will help you understand the advantages, drawbacks, and smart practices when listing on Booking.com.

✅ Why You Should List on Booking.com

1. Skyrocket Your Occupancy

Booking.com brings massive visibility across markets and property types—hotels, homestays, serviced apartments, and short-term rentals. Plus, large portfolios get assigned an account manager and access to advanced analytics.

2. Attract Corporate and Leisure Guests

Unlike Airbnb, which leans heavily into leisure travel, Booking.com balances both business and vacation guests. Its Genius Loyalty Program encourages repeat stays from frequent travelers—including week-long corporate bookers and contractors.

3. Diversify to Lower Your Risk

The 2020 pandemic taught us one thing: don’t depend on just one platform. While direct bookings should be your priority, Booking.com is a solid backup OTA, especially if you want to distance yourself from Airbnb’s overly guest-friendly policies.

⚠️ Watch Out: Potential Drawbacks

1. Commission Fees

Yes, Booking.com charges around 15% commission (can go up based on region), but don’t be misled—Airbnb has also moved to host-only fees of 15%+VAT in many markets. Adjust your rates to maintain your margins.

2. No Control Over Guest Acceptance

Unlike Airbnb, there’s no approval step before a guest can book. Booking.com works on live rates and availability, meaning all bookings are instant. You’ll need to keep calendars and prices updated at all times.

3. Risk of Double Bookings

If you’re on multiple OTAs, the risk of overbookings increases. Syncing with iCal isn’t enough. Instead, use a channel manager like those recommended by AUGREV to sync rates, availability, and prevent disaster.

💳 What About Payments and Deposits?

Handling Payments

Booking.com assumes you’ll collect payments directly and charges commission monthly. Unless you opt into their payment solution, you’re on the hook for no-shows unless marked correctly on the extranet. Our advice? Take control—charge upfront when possible and stay on top of your accounting.

Security Deposits

There’s no native system to collect deposits. Pre-authorizing cards is tricky with new PSD2 regulations. AUGREV recommends a proven third-party system or integrating a deposit workflow via your direct booking engine.

🕵️ How to Vet Guests Without Guest Reviews

Unlike Airbnb, Booking.com doesn’t allow hosts to review guests or see their reviews. You also won’t get guest photos or Host Guarantees. So how do you stay safe?

• Collect ID & signature before check-in

• Mention security deposits & policies clearly in the listing

• Make guests agree to your Terms & Conditions in advance

If a guest refuses to comply, you’re within your rights to deny check-in.

🛠️ Quick Setup Tips: How to List on Booking.com

1. Go to Join Booking.com and register your property.

2. Fill in your property details, amenities, and photos.

3. Set cancellation policies, pricing, and availability.

4. Integrate with a channel manager for real-time sync (we can help!).

5. Set up a payment collection system or enable Booking.com payments.

6. Be transparent about security deposits and guest requirements.

🔐 How AUGREV Helps You List Smartly on Booking.com

At AUGREV, we help hotels and vacation rental managers optimize OTA listings like pros. From OTA channel setup, rate strategy, payment flows, and guest automation, we ensure you list with confidence and control.

👉 Need help setting up your Booking.com listing or managing OTAs without stress?
Contact AUGREV today and let’s grow your revenue, risk-free.