Updated : Mar 17, 2025
Google vacation rentals make it easy to connect with guests actively searching for stays in your area. As part of Google’s travel suite, this tool lets you showcase your property to potential guests in search results.
The biggest benefit? There are no fees for Google-generated referrals or bookings—meaning more take-home revenue. So it’s only smart to get your property list on Google vacation rentals.
This guide covers everything from how Google vacation rental works to a step-by-step listing process, so you can start seeing more direct bookings. Let’s start by understanding what Google vacation rentals are.
What is Google Vacation Rentals?
Google Vacation Rentals (GVR) is a powerful tool within the Google Travel platform that helps travelers find and book vacation rental properties directly through Google Search, Google Maps, and a dedicated tab under the Travel category. It acts as a metasearch engine, aggregating listings from various sources, including online travel agencies (OTAs) like Booking.com and direct booking websites, to provide users with a seamless search experience.
To get your property listed, you typically need to work with Google-approved partners or list your property on OTAs that collaborate with Google, such as Booking.com or TripAdvisor. Some property management systems (PMS) also offer integration with Google Vacation Rentals, allowing you to sync your property details and availability directly.
How to Get Listing on Google Vacation Rentals?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your property listed on Google vacation rentals.
1. Use an OTA partner
Collaborating with Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb and Booking.com quickly connects your properties to Google vacation rentals. OTAs handle the integration process, so you don’t need any technical setup, making it a straightforward way to boost your property’s visibility on Google. You can even choose to collaborate with approved third-party integration partners.
2. Direct Integration
Direct integration with Google’s platform is ideal if you want complete control over listings. This approach allows you to manage your listings independently, personalize descriptions, and better represent your brand—providing flexibility for experienced property managers.
3. Property Listing
Your property listing needs clear, eye-catching images and concise descriptions. Highlight amenities and nearby attractions to attract travelers. With an optimized listing, you’ll make a strong first impression that can set you apart from competitors. Google blocks listings with fewer than 5 images from appearing on Google vacation rentals.
4. Pricing Information
Transparent and up-to-date pricing is crucial for attracting bookings. Ensure rates reflect seasonal changes and other conditions. Accurate pricing helps build trust, reduces booking friction, and attracts more serious inquiries.
5. Landing Page Creation
A dedicated landing page for each property improves user experience and provides detailed information for guests. It can also help with SEO and offers a direct link for advertising your listings across channels.
Note: Google recommends adding 20+ photos for a competitive advantage.
6. Using a Connectivity Partner
Connectivity partners simplify integration and ongoing property management on Google’s platform. They offer technical support and streamline operations, so you can focus more on bookings and guest experiences.
7. SEO Optimization
Your website needs good SEO to rank well on Google. So, use relevant keywords, optimize images, and keep listings updated. It’ll improve your property’s visibility, attract higher search volumes, and reach more potential guests.
Bonus read: How to rank #1 on Airbnb
How are Vacation Rentals Shown on Google?
The list on Google vacation rentals is shown in three ways:
1. Google search
Asking Google is the easiest way for users to find a nearby vacation rental. When a user types a destination—like ‘vacation rental in Arizona’—Google displays nearby options directly in the search results. Alongside typical search results, they’ll also see a tailored list of Google vacation rentals that match their query. This visibility boosts your property’s chances of being discovered by guests looking to book in your area.
2. Google maps
Another way for guests to find vacation rentals by owner is by searching on Google Maps. They’ll see a map with pins showing rental locations and nightly rates. Guests can click on these pins to view details and booking links in a sidebar.
3. Google travel
Travelers can visit google.com/travel to browse vacation rentals and filter accommodations based on their criteria. This platform merges rental listings with other travel resources, including flights and local activities, to help travelers plan their trips.
How does Google Vacation Rental Work?
Since Google is a search engine and not an Online Travel Agency (OTA), it doesn’t play a role in processing bookings. Instead, it simply directs traffic to your website or landing page. If you don’t have a website, it can send searchers to your listing on a compatible OTA like Airbnb or Vrbo.
The first step is to fill out a form. The questionnaire will help Google gauge whether they can integrate your data. A Google representative will follow up with more details based on your responses.
Benefits of Google Vacation Rentals
1. Increased Visibility
Getting listed on Google vacation rentals places your properties directly in front of potential guests across Google Search, Maps, and Travel. With millions using Google daily, your visibility grows, helping attract more guests without extra marketing efforts.
2. Commission-free Booking
Unlike other platforms, Google vacation rentals lets
guests book directly through your site commission-free. You save on fees while offering a seamless booking experience, making it an ideal way to increase revenue.
3. Brand Credibility
A Google listing adds credibility, reassuring guests that your properties are reputable and trusted. This boost can help you stand out and foster stronger guest confidence in your brand.
4. Streamlined Booking Process
With Google’s user-friendly interface, guests can find, view, and book your property easily, reducing friction in the booking process. A smooth experience from search to booking increases conversion rates and customer satisfaction.
5. Control Over Guest Relationship
Unlike traditional booking sites, Google vacation rentals enable direct communication with guests. This control helps you create personalized guest experiences, manage expectations, and build loyalty from the first booking.
Conclusion
Listing your property on Google vacation rentals is a valuable step toward increasing bookings and expanding your reach. This goes hand in hand with implementing strategies to increase repeat guest bookings on your direct booking website.
With improved visibility, a streamlined booking process, and control over guest relationships, your property will stand out in a competitive market. Keep the tips handy when putting your property on a Google Vacations rental list and see how it maximizes the property’s occupancy rates.
