Cost Comparison
Airbnb charges guests a 14-16% service fee on top of the nightly rate. When you book directly with a verified host, that fee disappears. Same property. Same host. Lower price.
| Platform | Guest Fee | Host Fee | Total Fees | $500 Booking | $1,500 Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbnb | 14-16% | 3% | 17-19% | $570-$580 | $1,710-$1,740 |
| Vrbo | 6-12% | 5% | 11-17% | $530-$560 | $1,590-$1,680 |
| Direct (via lilo) | 0% | 3% | 3% | $500 | $1,500 |
Fees as of 2026. Airbnb and Vrbo fees vary by listing and location.
You save $140 on this booking
That is $140 that goes back in your pocket instead of to a platform.
Airbnb charges 14-16% on top of the nightly rate. When you book direct, that fee is eliminated entirely.
Message your host directly before, during, and after your stay. No platform middleman filtering your conversations.
Many hosts offer lower nightly rates for direct bookings because they save on platform commissions — and pass those savings to you.
Every lilo property has a verified digital identity. Your booking creates a tamper-proof record that protects both you and your host.
Hosts control their own cancellation and house policies. No rigid platform rules — just clear, transparent terms.
Book direct and build a relationship with your host. Many offer returning guest discounts and priority availability.
Yes, when you book through a verified platform like lilo. Every property is identity-verified and protected with tamper-proof booking records. You get the same protection as a platform booking — without the 14-16% service fee.
Airbnb charges guests a service fee of 14-16% on top of the nightly rate. For a $200/night booking over 5 nights ($1,000 subtotal), that adds $140-$160 in fees. Hosts also pay a 3% fee, which is often built into the nightly rate.
Hosts keep more revenue (97% vs ~81% on Airbnb), set their own policies, communicate directly with guests, and build repeat customer relationships. Many hosts offer lower prices for direct bookings because they save on platform fees.
lilo is infrastructure that gives vacation rental properties a verified digital identity. Guests can book directly with confidence because every property is identity-verified, and every booking creates a tamper-proof record. No platform middleman, no inflated fees.
No. lilo-protected properties have clear cancellation policies displayed before booking. Your booking record is tamper-proof and independently verifiable — giving you stronger documentation than most platform bookings.
On a typical $1,000 vacation rental booking, you save $140-$160 by avoiding Airbnb service fees. Over a year of travel, direct bookers save an average of $500-$1,200 depending on trip frequency and booking value.
Browse verified properties and book direct. Same homes, same hosts — without the 14-16% platform tax.