Airbnb vs Booking.com


Which Platform Should an Owner

Choose ?

When deciding to rent out your property for short-term stays, the question quickly arises: should you prioritize Airbnb or Booking.com? While these two online booking giants may appear similar, their operations are actually very different. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice based on your goals.

Booking.com mainly operates on instant booking. As soon as a traveler makes a reservation, it is automatically confirmed. The host has no say in the matter, which maximizes occupancy but offers less control over the guest profiles.
Airbnb, on the other hand, provides more flexibility. You can:

• manually accept requests,
• enable instant booking,
• set conditions (verified profile, recommendations, etc.).

Key takeaway : Booking.com is more straightforward, while Airbnb is more selective.

On Booking.com, the host is treated like a hotelier : they manage their own rules (deposit, check-in, check-out, cancellations, cleaning, etc.). The interface is very professional but requires careful attention and organization.
Airbnb, on the other hand, is designed to be simple and accessible. The system is more structured, procedures are guided, and communication with guests is emphasized.
Key takeaway : Booking.com requires more autonomy and management, while Airbnb provides more support.

• Booking.com charges a fixed commission of around 15% per booking (this may vary depending on your contract).
• Airbnb offers two models:
• Shared commission: about 3% for the host, with additional fees for the guest,
• Single commission: 14% (a model increasingly encouraged to improve visibility in search results).

Key takeaway : On Booking.com, the commission is higher, but guests pay exactly what they see. On Airbnb, it depends on the chosen model.

Want to maximize your occupancy rate? → Booking.com is more efficient.
Looking to have more control over your guests? → Airbnb is better suited.
Just starting out or looking for less management? → Airbnb is easier to handle.
Managing multiple properties or have a “professional” profile? → Booking.com should be seriously considered.

Airbnb and Booking.com are not mutually exclusive—they complement each other. Many hosts use both platforms to maximize visibility and balance their calendars. It’s up to you to choose based on your management style, risk tolerance, and need to keep your schedule full !