Blog
What platform fees really cost, how direct bookings actually happen, and the arithmetic behind both. Written for hosts who want the numbers, not the pitch.
Airbnb Host Fees in 2026: What the 15.5% Actually Costs You
Airbnb charges most hosts a flat 15.5% service fee on the whole booking subtotal, cleaning fee included. Here is what that costs per booking and per year, and how to reprice without losing money.
Updated 2026-08-26 · 8 min read
How to Avoid Airbnb Fees as a Host (Legitimately)
You cannot remove Airbnb's service fee from an Airbnb booking. You can move the bookings you already earned — repeat guests and referrals — somewhere that does not charge one. Here is how hosts actually do it.
Updated 2026-08-26 · 7 min read
Free Vacation Rental Software: What's Actually Free in 2026
Most "free" vacation rental software is a limited trial or a crippled tier. A comparison of what each option really costs, and which parts of the job you can run without paying a monthly fee.
Updated 2026-08-26 · 7 min read
How to Get Direct Bookings for Your Vacation Rental
Direct bookings come from guests you have already earned. A practical sequence: capture the guest, give them somewhere to book, and make the second stay easier than the first.
Updated 2026-08-26 · 9 min read
Direct Booking vs Airbnb: An Honest Comparison for Hosts
Airbnb finds guests you could not reach; a direct booking site keeps the ones you already have. What each is genuinely good at, what each costs, and why most hosts should run both.
Updated 2026-08-26 · 8 min read
Free tools
The Airbnb host fee calculator works out what commission costs you per booking and per year, on your own rates. No sign-up.