Airbnb’s New “Host-Only Fee” Kill Shot Against Direct Bookings — Here’s Your Countermove
Description
🚨 Airbnb just made its boldest move yet: a host-only fee of 15.5% (16% in Brazil) and zero visible guest fees. It looks like housekeeping—it's actually a psychological flip that erases “book direct to avoid Airbnb fees” and puts price blame on you while Airbnb takes a bigger cut.
In this episode, I break down:
- How the fee shift blurs lines with hotels and neutralizes your direct-booking pitch
- Why guests will now assume you raised prices (and what to do about it)
- The broader pattern—masked contacts, off-platform penalties, brand-neutral listings next?
- The playbook smart hosts are running now: raise rates 13–15%, switch to “best price guaranteed,” diversify channels, and build true direct solutions
💡 Want help executing the counter-strategy? My team at Vacation Home Help co-hosts properties across Florida, Atlanta, and beyond—operations, compliance, guest experience, pricing, and systems—so you keep more profit with less stress. 📩 Email me: john@vacationhomehelp.com
👉 Follow me on Facebook for daily no-BS STR growth tactics: facebook.com/thejohnandrew
If 15.5% was the kill shot, what’s your backup plan when it hits 20%+? Tune in and get the blueprint.
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