Should You List Your Vacation Rental on Hopper?

Pros & Cons

Created: Mar 5, 2025 | By: Alex Saclauso

Pros of Listing on Hopper

1. Access to a Unique Customer Segment

✅ Millennial & Gen Z Travelers – Hopper’s audience skews younger, with Millennials and Gen Z making up the majority of users. These travelers tend to value:

• Mobile-first convenience (they prefer booking via apps over websites).
• Flexible pricing and deals (Hopper’s AI-powered recommendations cater to budget-conscious travelers).
• Spontaneous, last-minute bookings (Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to book trips on short notice).

💡 Why it matters: Unlike Airbnb or Vrbo, which have a broader audience, Hopper’s focused demographic provides a high lifetime value since younger travelers often return to platforms they trust for future trips.

2. Incremental Bookings

✅ More Exposure, Higher Occupancy Rates – Listing on Hopper helps you diversify your reach beyond Airbnb and Vrbo. Instead of relying on a single platform, your property gets:

• Additional traffic from Hopper’s travel app users.
• Less competition compared to Airbnb, where millions of properties fight for visibility.
• Higher chance of securing bookings, especially with Hopper’s unique features (like Price Freeze) that encourage more conversions.

💡 Why it matters: More channels = more bookings. Even if Airbnb works well for you, adding Hopper can boost occupancy rates without major additional effort.

3. User-Friendly Booking Process

✅ Fully Integrated In-App Experience – Hopper simplifies the booking process by managing everything inside the app, including:

• Bookings – No need to juggle multiple sites; reservations are handled seamlessly.
• Payments – Hopper processes transactions directly, reducing hassle for hosts.
• Guest Communication – Messages and inquiries stay within the app, making it easier to manage.

💡 Why it matters: The simpler the booking process, the higher the conversion rate—guests are more likely to book if everything happens within one app.

4. Innovative Features to Attract Guests

✅ Unique Booking Incentives – Hopper stands out from other OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) by offering features that increase guest confidence and drive more bookings:

• "Price Freeze" – Guests can lock in a price for a short period without paying upfront. This makes travelers feel more secure and leads to higher conversions.
• "Cancel for Any Reason" – Unlike standard cancellation policies, guests can opt for a flexible cancellation option, making them more likely to book.
• AI-Powered Pricing – Hopper uses smart algorithms to predict price fluctuations and offer the best possible rate.

💡 Why it matters: These tools help reduce “booking hesitation” and convert more potential guests into confirmed bookings.

5. White Glove Onboarding

✅ Personalized Assistance for Hosts – Unlike Airbnb or Vrbo, where you’re largely on your own, Hopper provides dedicated support during the onboarding process, including:

• One-on-one setup help to ensure your listing is optimized.
• Guidance on pricing strategies to maximize earnings.
• Help integrating with other booking platforms to sync calendars and avoid double bookings.

💡 Why it matters: If you’re new to short-term rentals (or just want a smoother setup experience), Hopper’s high-touch onboarding can be a major advantage over self-serve platforms.

Cons of Listing on Hopper

1. Mobile-Only Platform

• Hopper operates exclusively as a mobile app, meaning it doesn’t reach travelers who prefer desktop bookings.
• Older demographics and business travelers may be less likely to use Hopper.

Consider this if your target audience includes travelers who rely on desktop-based searches and bookings.

2. Dynamic Pricing & Markup

• Hopper adds a dynamic markup on top of the host’s set price, which is included in the final guest price.
• This could make your listing appear more expensive compared to other platforms.

Consider this if you want complete control over your pricing without additional markups.

3. Less Host Control

• Hopper manages all guest communication within the app, reducing direct interaction between hosts and guests.
• Some hosts may prefer more control over their communication and guest vetting process.

Consider this if you prioritize direct guest engagement and control over bookings.

How Hopper Stacks Up Against Airbnb, Vrbo, & Booking.com

Final Verdict

✅ List on Hopper if you want:

• Access to a younger, mobile-first audience (Millennials & Gen Z).
• A lower competition platform compared to Airbnb and Vrbo.
• Additional exposure and bookings without major effort.
• Unique features like Price Freeze that boost guest confidence.

❌ Avoid Hopper if you prefer:

• A desktop-friendly platform for broader reach.
• Full control over your pricing without dynamic markups.
• More direct guest communication outside of an app.

Bottom Line: Hopper can be a valuable addition to your vacation rental strategy, but it shouldn’t replace your presence on other OTAs or direct booking channels. If your target audience includes younger, mobile-savvy travelers and last-minute bookers, it’s a smart move to include Hopper in your listing portfolio.