These days, we rely on Google for just about everything, checking the weather, planning trips, and even finding the nearest coffee shop. So it’s no surprise that vacation rentals have found a home there, too.
With Google vacation rentals, travellers can now browse and book properties directly from their search results. For hosts and property managers, it’s a new way to reach guests right where they’re already looking. And while it might sound technical, getting started is more straightforward than you might expect.
What Is Google Vacation Rentals?
Google vacation rentals is part of Google’s growing travel tools, designed to help users find vacation rental properties directly from Google Search, Maps and Google Travel. Instead of being a booking platform like Airbnb or Vrbo, it works more like a metasearch engine, gathering listings from multiple vacation rental sites and displaying them all in one place.
When travellers search for terms like “vacation rentals in Maui” or “places to stay in Barcelona”, Google shows available short-term rental listings in a dedicated section of the results. From there, users can filter options, view property details and click through to book on the platform of your choice, giving you more control over the reservation process.
For hosts, this setup offers a chance to gain visibility on one of the world’s most-used platforms without paying any extra fees.
Where Do Vacation Rentals Appear on Google?
For property managers and hosts, one of the biggest advantages of using the Google vacation rentals integration is that your listings can show up right where travellers are already searching.
Google Search
When someone searches for terms like “vacation rental in Paris” or “accommodation in Austin,” Google displays available properties in a special section of the results. This interactive widget gives your listing a chance to appear alongside major OTAs, increasing visibility without extra effort.
Google Maps
On Google Maps, vacation rental listings appear as pins based on approximate location, complete with nightly rates and quick-access info. For guests who want to stay in a specific area or neighbourhood, this makes your property easy to discover at a glance.
Google Travel
Through Google Travel, travellers can filter and explore vacation rentals using detailed criteria like group size, price range and amenities. If your listing meets their needs, it shows up right alongside big-name competitors, helping you compete on a level playing field.
Each of these platforms gives travellers a slightly different way to browse, but they’re all connected, making it easy for your listing to be seen by potential guests, whether they’re searching from their phone, tablet or desktop.
Why Should Hosts Consider Listing on Google Vacation Rentals?
Listing your properties on Google vacation rentals can be a game-changer, er especially if you’re looking to drive direct bookings and build your brand outside of traditional OTA platforms.
Here’s why it’s worth your attention:
Reach more travellers where they’re already searching
Google is often the first stop for people planning trips. When your listings appear across Google Search, Maps and Travel, you’re tapping into a huge, high-intent audience without needing to rely on OTAs.
Strengthen your brand presence
With GVR, your business name and branding can be visible in search results, especially if you manage multiple properties. This helps build credibility for your brand.
Get more direct bookings with no extra commission
Google doesn’t charge booking fees. If you have your own direct booking website, GVR can send traffic straight there, no middleman and no commission cuts. That means you keep more of your revenue and have full control over the guest experience from start to finish.
Have access to insights
You can track metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates and guest reviews. Hosts directly listed on Google might find these insights within their Google vacation rentals dashboard. Alternatively, for hosts listed through software like Hostaway, the insights might be accessible through the Hostaway platform.
Stand out from the crowd (and from Airbnb)
Since GVR prioritises its listings in search results, your property may even appear before major OTA links.
No separate account or extra setup needed
If you’re already using vacation rental software that partners with Google (like Automateyourbnb), you may already be eligible to list. No need to create a new account; just connect your listings and you’re in.
What Information Does Google Vacation Rentals Share?
When a traveller clicks on a specific property marker or listing on the search results page, they’re taken to a detailed property listing page which provides comprehensive information about the selected property, including:
Property Name and Photos: A gallery showcasing the best visuals of your rental.
- Pricing Information: Nightly rate, taxes, and fees (if applicable).
- Availability Calendar: Displays real-time availability and minimum stays.
- Amenities and Features: Highlights like Wi-Fi, pool, kitchen, air conditioning, or pet-friendly options.
- Guest Capacity: Number of bedrooms, beds, and bathrooms.
- Location Overview: A map pin showing the property’s approximate area.
- Host or Brand Details: Links to your business website or management company.
- Booking Button: A direct link to the OTA or your own website for final booking.
This transparency allows travellers to make informed choices while giving hosts a chance to stand out through strong descriptions, accurate pricing, and appealing visuals.
How to Get Your Listings on Google Vacation Rentals
There are two main ways to get listed on Google Vacation Rentals:
1. Through a Partnered Platform
Most hosts are already covered through property management systems (PMS) or channel managers that have integrations with Google.
Popular ones include:
- Hostaway
- Lodgify
- Guesty
- Rentals United
- Aiyourbnb
Once connected, your listings are automatically synced to Google’s vacation rental feed.
2. Through a Direct Integration
If you manage your own booking website and have multiple properties, you can apply for a direct integration with Google.
This requires providing a data feed and booking engine that meets Google’s technical requirements. While more complex, it gives you full control over how listings are displayed and where bookings are directed.
Google Vacation Rentals is transforming the way travellers discover and book stays online. For hosts, it’s a free and powerful way to get more visibility, increase direct bookings, and reduce reliance on platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com. By integrating your listings with Google’s ecosystem, you’re meeting guests right where their travel journey begins on Google.
Whether you manage a single vacation home or an entire portfolio of properties, this is one opportunity you don’t want to miss.
