Difference between an "Airbnb" and a Vacation rental

[John Underwood]

This is what I think of when you say you have an Airbnb (or just a room to rent):

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/39082421?adults=2&search_mode=r...

When you say you have a STR, I think of something nicer:

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/896201023576846530?adults=2&sea...

When you say you have a Vacation rental I think of something like this

NEW LAKE CABIN Sleeps 14 Indoor Pool Hot Tub

It's no mistake that I looked for the nicer property on Vacation Rentals By Owner.

[James Carlson]

I'm sure Puffs brand doesn't love people who need a tissue asking for a "Kleenex." But to the victor goes the spoils.

Airbnb is the big gun in many markets. And in my opinion, the idea that "vacation rental" connotes higher quality is antiquated. Or maybe it's more market-to-market variations? My Colorado STR investors range from hyper unique small properties to $1M+ luxury homes, and all of them get the majority of their guests from Airbnb.

Interesting post, and I appreciate the desire for precision with our words (former print journalist here). That said, this feels a little "inside baseball" to me. Maybe we here think about whether we say Airbnb, short-term rental, vacation rental, or VRBO. But I think the rest of the world doesn't care.