New research from vacation rental management platform Hostaway has identified a consistent set of characteristics shared by the most successful listings on Vrbo, offering property managers a clear framework for improving visibility and booking performance.
Using AI to examine thousands of high-performing Vrbo listings across its user base, Hostaway found that leading properties consistently combine rich listing detail with operational settings that reduce friction for guests and align with platform algorithms.
One of the most striking patterns is the depth of information provided. Most top-performing listings include extensive amenity coverage, often listing more than 40 features. This level of detail allows properties to appear in a wider range of filtered searches, improving relevance as guests increasingly search with specific preferences in mind.
High-quality visual content also remains a decisive factor. The strongest listings typically feature over 35 professional-grade images, helping guests build confidence by clearly visualising the space, layout and surroundings before booking.
Clear location positioning further separates top performers. Rather than relying on vague descriptions, leading hosts consistently specify location types such as beachfront, mountain-view or city-centre properties, improving discoverability and better matching guest intent.
As AI-driven search and recommendation tools become more prominent, this consistency and clarity takes on added importance. Large language models prioritise structured, detailed and trustworthy information when surfacing accommodation options, making listing quality a critical factor beyond traditional SEO.
Operational decisions also play a significant role in how listings perform within Vrbo’s ecosystem. Flexible cancellation policies are common among top-performing properties, helping to remove hesitation in a price-sensitive, inflationary environment. Instant Booking is another shared feature, reducing barriers to purchase and capturing last-minute demand.
Hostaway reports that applying these data-backed optimisation principles helped property managers unlock more than $9m in additional revenue from underperforming Vrbo listings during 2025.
“Small, data-driven optimisations can make a meaningful difference to listing performance. What this analysis shows is that success on platforms like Vrbo can be achieved by consistently applying best practices that improve visibility, reduce friction, and align with how guests search and book, especially as AI revolutionises travel discovery.”
Marcus Rader, CEO and Co-Founder, Hostaway
Hostaway’s close technical integration with Vrbo underpins these results, supporting accurate pricing, real-time availability, streamlined guest communication and protection against double bookings. The platform has been named a Vrbo Elite Connectivity Partner for 2026, reflecting the strength and reliability of its channel connection.
