How to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals and Marriott Homes & Villa?

Question

I have my STR listed on Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com already. However, I feel that I'm not getting enough exposure and want to increase my occupancy rate. For host with a single STR, how do you get listed on Google Vacation Rentals or Marriott Homes & Villa? I've been doing some research find the connectivity partners who are integrated with these 2 sites, but haven't found yet. I'll continue to search so wanted to get some leads from BP here.

Also, what other ways have individual hosts found success in marketing and exposure? Thank you!

John Underwood · Answer

I wasn't 100% sure myself. I know that some other 3rd party OTA's push to Google vacations rentals.

Here is what I found with a Google search.

To get listed on Google Vacation Rentals, you'll need to connect your property through an online travel agency (OTA) or a connectivity partner that integrates with Google. While direct listings are limited to property management companies with extensive portfolios, other property owners can leverage OTAs like Tripadvisor, Expedia, or HolidayLettings, which are partners with Google Vacation Rentals. Alternatively, you can use a connectivity partner like Uplisting, Rentals United, or Hostaway to manage your listings and connectivity to Google.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. List through an OTA:

Find an OTA that is a partner with Google Vacation Rentals, such as Tripadvisor or Expedia.

List your property on their site, ensuring your details are accurate and complete.

Your listing will likely be crawled by Google and displayed on Google Vacation Rentals.

2. List through a connectivity partner:

Explore connectivity partners like Uplisting, Rentals United, or Hostaway.

Connect your property management system (PMS) to the connectivity partner.

The partner will sync your property data and make it visible on Google Vacation Rentals.

3. Ensure compliance:

Make sure your property meets Google's criteria, including being a short-term rental with a valid address.

Ensure your listing content (descriptions, photos, pricing) is accurate and high-quality.

Comply with cleanliness and safety standards.

Sync availability through your partner's calendar integration.

Patricia Andriolo-Bull · Answer

I use OwnerRez which lists me on Google Vacation Rentals.  Would love to get on Marriott but they don't take individuals as far as I can tell.

Andrew Steffens · Answer

Correct - Getting on GVR is pretty accessible through most PMS. we are on Marriott Homes and Villas (and soon Amex Travel, Hyatt Getaways, and just got on Capital One Travel).  Those channels only work with Property Managers typically with 50+ units.

Shannon Strickland · Answer

@Thanh Lu John’s post was very informative. I just explored my PMS (OwnerRez) and I followed the API link for GVR and it will connect if I have a direct booking landing page.

Thanh Lu · Answer

Yes, I got the exact same answer that you pasted here, from my own Google search :)  Google and ChatGPT are the first places for researching anything. But what OTA, specifically, have others used? That's why I am asking BP audiences. And I went to Tripadvisor -they changed their policy early this year and don't work with individual hosts - you have to go through their connectivity partners. Expedia - is the same as VRBO - I have to verify with VRBO whether my listing is integrated with Google vacation rentals.

But, I posted this question on BP to hopefully hear from specific host who might have specific experiences they can share.

Ken Boone · Answer

I am using Hostaway and they integrate with Google Vacation rentals. I just started doing this in January. Across 4 properties I have only received 2 bookings from Google Vacation Rentals so far. Having said that I think they are having a hard time telling the difference between a booking from Google Vacation Rentals and a direct booking if you have that running. This is because Google Vacation Rentals ends up pointing to your direct booking website.

Thanh Lu · Answer

Thank you Ken, super helpful!

Chuck Masters · Answer

I signed up for Houfy and they have an integration with Google Vacation Rentals.

Shannon Strickland · Answer

My only STR showed up on a Google search on Expedia, but that’s because of VRBO. It doesn’t show up on GVR because I don’t have direct booking yet.

Thanh Lu · Answer

Curious if you were able to verify if your listing showed up on the Google search/map when you typed in, say "places to stay in...."?

How to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals and Marriott Homes & Villa?

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