Should I List My Rental on Expedia? Pros and Cons for Property Owners

By: Sally Alfaras  | Created: Apr 4, 2025 

Should I List My Rental on Expedia?



With so many booking platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Expedia.com competing for attention, it's tough to know where to list your vacation rental for the best visibility and ROI. Expedia is one of the largest global sites used by millions of guests, but is it a smart choice for hosts and property managers?

In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of listing your rental on Expedia, how it compares with platforms like Travelnest, and whether it belongs in your vacation rental strategy.



Pros of Listing on Expedia



Expedia.com Offers Global Booking Exposure

When you list your rental on Expedia, you're tapping into one of the world’s largest travel platforms. Expedia reaches millions of monthly users, including international travelers looking for vacation rentals in high-demand markets like CA.



Getting your property listed here improves your visibility and helps generate consistent bookings, especially if you're competing with other hosts on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Distribution Across Travel Sites Like Travelocity

Expedia owns several travel-related sites, including Travelocity, Orbitz, and Hotels.com. When your listing is published, it's also shared across these platforms, dramatically expanding your exposure without extra effort.



For property owners managing multiple rentals, this networked reach saves time and amplifies your potential for more guest bookings.

Built-In Optimization Tools for Hosts



Expedia’s dashboard offers tools like dynamic pricing suggestions, calendar syncing, and data analytics. While it doesn’t replace full-scale Airbnb listing optimization, it helps you monitor your performance and boost visibility.

If you're already using optimization tools for Airbnb or Travelnest, Expedia’s built-in features are a bonus layer for managing your vacation rental strategy.



Expedia’s Reputation Converts Guests



The Expedia brand is known for secure booking, reliable customer service, and travel protection. This credibility means more guests trust it—especially when compared to newer platforms or lesser-known sites.



Being associated with a recognized platform can boost confidence for potential guests, especially those booking high-ticket vacation rentals.

Cons of Listing on Expedia



Commission Fees on Every Booking



New ParagraphExpedia charges between 12%–15% per booking, depending on your contract and location. This fee is comparable to Airbnb and Vrbo, but if you're also paying for third-party property management services, your profit margins can take a hit.



It’s crucial to calculate how these fees affect your pricing and overall revenue, especially if you're managing multiple listings.

Fewer Customization Options Than Airbnb or Travelnest

One downside of listing your rental on Expedia is the platform’s lack of flexibility. You can’t customize your description or layout as freely as you can on Airbnb or Travelnest.



This is a challenge for hosts who rely on well-crafted content, visuals, and tools to boost conversions and differentiate from competing listings.

Not Built for STR Hosts or Property Managers

Expedia is more hotel-oriented and lacks STR-specific features like a Superhost-style program, automated guest messaging, or dedicated manager tools. For hosts juggling multiple properties, Expedia can feel a bit limited compared to more STR-focused platforms.



However, some of these limitations can be solved with third-party channel management software.

Tougher to Rank in Competitive Vacation Rental Markets

Unlike Airbnb, Expedia doesn’t make its ranking algorithm public. This can make it harder to maintain top placement on search results. You'll need to actively manage your listing, keep your calendar accurate, respond quickly to guests, and consistently monitor your site analytics to stay competitive.

Making the Smart Choice: Should You List on Expedia?

If you’re looking to broaden your vacation rental strategy, listing on Expedia can be a valuable move. The platform offers global exposure, access to multiple booking channels, and the trust of travelers around the world.

However, if you prioritize full control, customization, and STR-specific features, platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Travelnest may better suit your needs, with Expedia serving as a secondary option.

For property managers or DIY hosts, combining Expedia with a strong property management system can help streamline the process. This allows you to optimize your listings across multiple platforms—saving time and boosting revenue.  Home Team Vacation Rentals offers expert property management services to help you achieve just that.