A Must-Do tour in Kanab. Cutler Point and The Great Chamber
Wowzers! Photo Op extraordinaire.
Awesome jeep tour with my favorite photo spot yet! You will love this tour just a little North-East of Kanab.
Cutler Point and The Great Chamber
There are so many cool places around Kanab and I haven’t even heard of a lot of them. Cutler Point is one of those. Jeff and Julie Jensen from Coral Cliff Tours took us out for a quick morning Jeep tour to this easy attraction. Cutler Point is a large promontory in the White Cliffs level of The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. #HiddenGem So dramatic and impressive! but wait….
Cutler point near Kanab Utah
We parked at the base of this giant, then just a short, full sun, quarter-mile walk from the Jeep (kinda steep, sandy, rocky, near the end), and we were at the Great Chamber in Cutler Point. I just couldn’t say “Wow” enough times. This huge alcove has one GIANT sand dune in the middle. By standing in the back of the alcove and shooting up to the top of the dune, you will get amazing photos. Our self made “Petroglyph people” were my favorites.
Great photos inside and out
From the base of Cutler Point looking West
The Great Chamber is amazing, but it is not the only thing. A great view of the valley kept me mesmerized as the clouds rolled by and made the panorama below us constantly evolve. Sunbeams spotlighted the Red Butte to the West and Johnson Canyon to the East. The scale of this landscape is simply remarkable. Making it a true gem and a challenge for photographers. Don’t forget your wide-angle lens if ya got em’.
I call this a Must-do excursion for a couple of reasons – – Fairly quick and easy, we were out and back within 2 hours. – Instagram Envy worthy photos – The scope of the landscape! – And it certainly didn’t hurt that we did this tour on a beautiful spring morning when the wildflowers were out.
Beware
Don’t EVEN think about doing this in your own vehicle! Deep sand and way too many side roads to keep track of. Getting stuck in this outback area could turn dangerous quickly. Plus Jeff and Julie know how to take just the right photos of your group. So don’t think twice, get a guide on this one guys.
Also – Do not plan on doing this in the middle of a hot summer day. Temps can be brutal and you will not enjoy this so much. But don’t forget the Southern Utah mantra – no matter when you go – plenty of Water and Sunscreen folks!
I have written quite a bit about #Bookdirect because I am passionate about it! I love a good deal and I love sharing with other travelers how to get a good deal! Booking Direct is a good deal all the way around.
What is #BookDirect?
Book Direct is simply cutting out the middlemen fees when booking accommodations for your business trip or vacation. No Vrbo/Homeaway, Airbnb, Booking.com, etc. Just book direct with the owner or manager. Simple.
You, the guest, save money when you Book Direct
The Hospitality Owner saves money
You get better, local (not overseas) customer service
The Owner gets better information
You get personalized ideas and help with your vacation, plus support local businesses.
The Owners get to share their pride in their community with visitors
Help me find a “Book Direct” property.
Look for LOCAL area rental sites. Search for “whatever my destination is”, “vacation rentals” or “Book direct”. Scroll down past the OTA paid ads.
Find a place you like on an OTA, then search the name of the property or owner in search engines and social media. Do an image search. Savvy owners can leave you clues, but direct info is banned from the listing sites. (I had a guest recently follow my breadcrumbs to my website and saved $500 on her family’s stay!)
Search Local area Tourist information sites
Search for Facebook groups dedicated to vacation rentals by owners, fee-free or VRBO/Airbnb alternatives. There are quite a few.
Who doesn’t love Dinosaurs!? Utah has plenty of Dinosaur history sites to explore but don’t miss this great little museum just off Highway 89A on your way to Lake Powell. 57 miles from Kanab and just 13 miles from Lake Powell. The Big Water visitor center is one of four visitor centers in the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument. Each visitor center has a different theme, and Big Water is all about the Big Guys!
Paleontology and Geology explained
You will see:
Vibrant 30′ mural depicting Late Cretaceous Period
Real dinosaur fossils on display
Topography relief model of the Monument
Plus get current weather reports, road conditions, and trail updates
You will not need a lot of time here, but worth the stop. The Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument is a big place but we found this little gem fascinating. Their book/gift store has a good collection of field guides and souvenirs. Check out the official GSENM website here: https://www.blm.gov/visit/big-water-visitor-center
Utah’s Dinosaur History
With fossil records of more dinosaur species than any other state and the most complete record of prehistoric life than any other geographic area on the planet, Utah offers one of the world’s largest collections of mounted dinosaur skeletons at over a dozen different museums and actual discovery sites. Dinosaurs should be our state animal…..
Ending the Thanksgiving weekend we have the Christmas Light Parade and Festival. This is the best kickoff to the holiday season you will find anywhere in Southern Utah! Starting at 7 pm in Kanab join us on Center Street where we will shut down the highway and begin our unique Christmas Light Parade. Anyone can enter a float in the parade. If you wish to enter the parade show up at the Kane County Visitor Center at 6 pm to sign up. This year’s theme will be the “I’ll be Home for Christmas”. Bring the whole family as you watch the beautifully crafted parade entries float down Center Street, then turn around, just to be seen a second time.
Lantern Festival
After the parade, join us on Main Street for hot chocolate and donuts provided by the Volunteer Center and Kanab Chamber of Commerce, and lastly, a magical paper lantern wishing launch. Purchase your wishing lanterns ahead of time, or at the event; write messages or wishes on your paper lanterns and send them to the sky. Watch your lanterns float to the heavens with a message to a loved one, or to the cosmos with your wishes attached. You may purchase your lanterns ahead of time here.
https://youtu.be/PBZzGyW7KXo
All paper lanterns are 100% biodegradable and there is a local bounty on all lanterns found throughout the town and the surrounding area to encourage a quick clean up. If you find lanterns and wish to turn them in for a $1 bounty, you can take them to the Events and Volunteer Center (at the airport). These lantern sales are a fundraiser for our local Sub 4 Santa program to help families in need at Christmas time to ensure their children have gifts under the tree. Most gifts are items children are in need of, if you wish to donate to Sub 4 Santa you can contact the Volunteer Center at 435-644-3696.
Decorate your home for Prizes!
Local homes can enter the light decorating contest by contacting the Volunteer Center 435-644- 3696
The public can vote on their favorites between Nov. 23 Dec. 19th on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VolunteerCenterOfKaneCounty/ The winners will be awarded $$ off their Power Bill 😃
Bring the kids for a Magical night and ride on the Polar Express!
Last year’s inaugural Polar Express event went beyond all our expectations so this year they have added a lot more days!
When –
The Polar Express will run November 25-29, & December 2-5, 2019. Spots are filling quickly, so sign up today! Cost is $10 per child, 1 parent and children under 2 are free (children must be accompanied by an adult). Donations are appreciated.
What do you get to do –
The adventure on the Polar Express includes: bringing letters to Santa and returning with a letter from Santa, ride and caroling on the train, decorate cookies (sugar and gluten-free available), hot chocolate/hot cider, pictures with Santa, and a printable golden ticket available to take home.
Where –
You will need to arrive 15 minutes before your departure on the Polar Express to ensure you and your child do not get left behind. Departures are from the Kane County Courthouse (76 North Main Street). Bring the kids in their PJ’s, ready for a Christmas Adventure! Get your tickets for the Polar Express here.
Sign up Here! Start your Thanksgiving morning with the K-Town Turkey Trot 5K family fun run. Meet us out at Jackson Flat Reservoir 2 miles South of Kanab. The Turkey Trot will take place on the Sherry Belle Trail that encompasses 3 miles of beautiful Jackson Flat Reservoir. The race begins at 8:30am. Dress up in your favorite Thanksgiving flare! What better way to start your Thanksgiving than with a 5K fun run before eating your delicious Thanksgiving feast!?! Early registration pricing:
$5/individual
$20/family* Register before November 28th to take advantage of early pricing Price increases after November 28th to the following:
$10/individual
$40/family* *Family Pricing is for immediate family members only and is limited to 6 per group. (mom, dad and children, etc…, or family members living under the same roof) Extended family members are not included in the Family Pricing. Sign up Here! Contact https://visitsouthernutah.com/ with any questions
Book Direct is simply cutting out the middlemen fees. Simple.
You, the guest, save money when you Book Direct
The Hospitality Owner saves money
You get better, local (not overseas) customer service
The Owner gets better information
You get personalized ideas and help with your vacation, plus support local businesses.
The Owners get to share their pride in their community with visitors
Hotel vs Vacation Rental? Still Book Direct?
Sometimes a hotel is the perfect way to go. Like a quick one night stopover on your way to somewhere else. But when you are coming to the Grand Circle to do the Parks and explore the endless red rock trails and all that Southwestern Utah has to offer, you are gonna need a few days.
We are all about the beauty of the Vacation Rental experience.
But even Hotels now are educating travelers to Book Direct. From small boutique hotels to large chains like Hilton and Marriot, from Vacation Rental owners to B&B associations, hospitality owners and managers are educating travelers about Book Direct.
The Association of Independent Hospitality Professionals has asked travelers to Join The Movement
Hoteliers have joined forces with Vacation Rental owners for #BookDirectDay the first part of every February to help spread awareness through social media. Not just that one day, but every day.
We understand when putting considerable $$ down on a vacation we all need assurances. Especially in this day of scammers everywhere we turn. I’m sure you have seen them on social media and the news. We all have cause for concern. So how do you plan your next vacation?
Booking Your Vacation
Most travel accommodation bookings happen in one of two ways.
– You the Traver, look online. The first 2-3 pages of Google will be one of the big OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) and their paid ads, such as VRBO, Airbnb, Homeaway, etc. You find a great place to stay and book through that middleman platform.
OR
– You do a little more research and find a great place to stay and book directly with the owner of that VR (or Vacation Rental) Property. (Go to the bottom of this page to find ideas on how to do that “little more research”!)
Let’s talk about those two differences –
Why Book Direct?
Pricing and Payments – Let’s get the biggie$ out the door first!
Pricing
Straight up – the best price will always be when you book direct – no service fees or commission added on for the middle man!
So here is the deal on why the price varies – Airbnb and VRBO/Homeaway charges each guest a variable service fee on each booking.
– As owners, we can not even tell you what that service fee is going to be. They do not show us. All we know is they have “Algorithms” that determine your fee according to “the current dynamics”
From Airbnb Help Page: “This fee is typically under 13% of the booking subtotal. The fee varies based on a variety of booking factors and is displayed to guests during checkout before they book a reservation.”
Great. So most folks can plan on somewhere under 13% in extra service fees from Airbnb…..?
As an owner, I also pay Airbnb an additional 3-5%.
In December 2016, VRBO and HomeAway were both purchased by Expedia for 4 BILLION dollars.
Now, Expedia needs to earn back that money. Open your wallet, that commission is coming from you.
Prior to 2017 Owners paid a flat rate to Vrbo for listing on their site. Now owners pay a flat rate or a Pay-Per-Booking rate AND our guests get to pay a fee. Don’t know how much.
From the Vrbo help page “How is the fee calculated? The service fee is a percentage of the total amount of the reservation, excluding taxes and refundable fees. The percentage rate may change from time to time. Generally, the higher the reservation amount, the lower the percentage of service fee.”
Great. So most folks can plan on between 6-12% in extra service fees from Vrbo…..?
As an owner, I also pay Vrbo an additional 8-9%.
Booking.com has no traveler fees, Yay! Oh wait, Booking.com charges owners a 15% commission. I promise you are paying that. Owners must add that commission to your price or they are not going to stay in business.
As an owner, I pay Booking.com 15%
Payments
– The large, OTAs will tell you that theirs is the ONLY safe way to rent a Vacation Rental.
Please rest assured, all of our Credit Card processing is safe and secure, done by Stripe or PayPal. You enter the info and submit on our easy, professional reservation software. We never see your number and only use the most secure portals.
Would you rather send a check or Venmo and get a 3% discount? We can do that!
Want to split your booking in two separate payments? We can do that.
We have even been known to take cash at the door (gasp 😀). Whatever makes you the most comfortable. (After your initial deposit to secure your dates)
Owners do not receive your OTA payment until the day after you check in with Airbnb, and VRBO has recently changed to 3-7 days after you check-in instead of “at time of payment”!? (I promise this has owners on edge, yikes! What are they doing with your/my money all that time?)
Extra Fees
Most homeowners will try really hard to keep all those add-ons to a minimum. There are a few we may not have control over. Taxes or HOA resort fees are a couple. We may have some say over cleaning fees and pet fees, but for us remote hosts, we are in the hands of those good housekeepers that we want to keep.
– The price advertised on the OTAs is SELDOM the price you end up with. And we owners have no control over that! They love to give you an “average” price that often includes high season and low season rates. Plus those ambiguous “Service” fees that mysteriously go up and down….
– Most Short Term Vacation Rentals will charge a separate cleaning fee. Why do they do that and Hotels do not? Argh, a pain point for all of us!
Cleaning fees
Hoteliers have many rooms to keep up so can keep a full-time staff and often pay housekeeping extremely low wages and roll it into their rates. Vacation Rentals have far fewer turnovers, yet still need to keep good, reliable housekeepers.
Housekeepers in our area get $25 hr. for VRs. How long do you think it takes to REALLY clean a two-bedroom, two-bath house? I have done it many times and I promise it is NOT happening in less than four hours! My housekeeper and I pride ourselves on “Super Clean” and our reviews show it.
Can I negotiate?
If someone were to ask to negotiate the cleaning fee – as I recently saw recommended in a Washington Post article – I would just ask them which toilet they prefer not cleaned or which floor they would rather not have mopped or which sheets they don’t want washed…? It really does take that long. But still, I know how we all HATE added cleaning fees. I tried rolling it into the rate for a while, but it put my rate so much higher than all the other area properties I was not even in the competition. So I met guests halfway! My cleaner charges $100 for a turnover, I charge guests half and I pay half. Because I really do want you to have “all the way” clean! And a reasonable rate.
If you find a VR with no cleaning fee, then the owner is doing it themselves and not getting reimbursed, or have rolled into their nightly cost.
– Our tax rate includes sales tax and TRT or transient room tax. Taxes for the city, county and state. Ugh. Death and taxes…… What more can I say. The “added fee” that none of us can do anything about.
Communication
OTAs insist on all communication through their site, for your safety. I think it’s to make sure they don’t lose any of their cut of the proceeds. How does talking to me make you less safe??
What it does do, is keep me from calling you to let you know there is a real person here.
It keeps you from calling me to see what are the best tours in our area, or what’s my favorite hiking trail. Communication is essential for your perfect vacation!
If you send me your phone number or email address the OTA will redact/remove the number or email from the note you wrote.
– If you contact me on an OTA, I am bound to book you on the OTA. And I am fine with that. That is the bargain I have made with the OTA for advertising on their site. We made a deal. So please do not email me from their platform and ask to Book Direct once you see the fees. I cannot do that. I will get kicked off the platform🙁.
Guarantees
– Most of the listing sites will have some kind of “Booking guarantee”. You may want to do a little scrolling through business vetting sites such as https://www.consumeraffairs.com or https://www.sitejabber.com Check out the value of those “Guarantees”.
Some good, some bad, just educate yourself on possible scenarios. Admittedly, there are some bad owners out there. Just remember there are two sides to every story. (Spoiler: Most of those 5-star reviews, are for great hosts with lovely homes, not the VRBO corporation 😀)
My Guarantees
– If you have a problem or a question with the home or area, It is myself, my husband or our housekeeper that will help you with every question and make sure you have everything you need. It will never be someone in a call center on the other side of the world, it will not even be someone in a nice corporate office (even if they did know the best restaurants in Kanab, and they don’t. It’s Escobars by the way.)
we have a basic Short term Rental agreement we both sign. You promise to treat my home nice and I promise to have everything nice as promised.
– I will ask for a copy of your photo ID at the time you sign the rental agreement. That way I’m guaranteed you are who you say you are. And you are guaranteed someone didn’t just take your credit card and try and go on vacation with it!
My home is not “an Airbnb” or “a VRBO”. Even if I do advertise on their site. (But sometimes they like to act like they own it, when they dictate who I may or may not rent to and under what conditions…..sheesh. I wish they would pay their share of the mortgage then….. Sorry, I digress.)
So how do you know if WE are Guaranteed owners with your best interests at heart!?
Good question. Here are some ideas –
Go to https://www.visitsouthernutah.com/ The Kane county tourism website, you will find The Western Star Bungalow and The Star Garage Studio in their listings. Call and ask to speak to Josie if you would like to ask questions about us. 1-800-SEE-KANE
Call Kanab city offices 435-644-2534 ask them if John and Sherene McClellan have a current business license for My Star Vacation Rentals.
Go into Honeys Marketplace (largest grocery store in Kanab, 260 E 300 S). Ask for Susan Honey the owner, ask her about The Western Star Bungalow or The Star Garage Studio. 260 E 300 S, Kanab
Call me, Sherene McClellan at 435-262-6119 or
My husband John McClellan at 435-262-1000
We would love to answer ANY questions you might have.
Help me find a “Book Direct” property. Or, how to do that “little more research” we talked about!
Look for LOCAL area rental sites. Search for “whatever my destination is”, “vacation rentals” or “Book direct”. Scroll down past the OTA paid ads.
Search your destination on Google maps and filter by “lodging”.
Find a place you like on an OTA, then search the name of the property or owner in search engines and social media. Do an image search. Savvy owners can leave you clues, but direct info is banned from the listing sites. (I had a guest recently follow my breadcrumbs to my website and saved $500 on her family’s stay!)
Search Local area Tourist information sites
Search for Facebook groups dedicated to vacation rentals by owners, fee-free or VRBO/Airbnb alternatives. There are quite a few.
Sohere is a break down of “Booking your Vacation Rental Direct” Pros –
Cheaper, it really is
More space than a hotel room for your group
Kitchens for meal prep if you want
Real owners, no middle man
Localized knowledge. We can recommend some AWESOME places
Flexible payments
Direct communication
Some of the nicest properties are not on the OTAs (Some of the great experienced hosts are fed up with OTA greed. Some of us little guys just can’t make it alone quite yet…)
You cannot replace an Owners personal passion with the Corporate process.
Cheers and Good luck when planning your next vacation, wherever you might stay!
-Sherene and John
Kanab has a new hybrid Skate Board Park/Pump Track.
Such a beautiful setting! We love to just go watch the kids, and with some luck you just might see Bamboo the dog when he visits Kanab. Check out this video from our local Facebook page. You’re gonna love this dog – and the red rocks – and the song – and the rainbows!
A morning skate session at the City of Kanab Skatepark.#skateboard #skateboardingdog #skate #skateboarding #dog #rescuedog #kanab #kanabutah #utah #vanlife #roadtrip Music: “Desert Wind” byPerry L. JacksonThe Fremont TroubadorGuide, Hunter, Fisherman, and Philosopher
The community really came together to create this awesome park, the FLOW of a pump track with the challenging terrain of a skatepark. From young kids on scooters, to those on longboards, and even bike riders all enjoy the terrain. And we enjoy the spectacle!
Travel Tip created by Sherene and John in association with Vacation Soup
You have spent the day at one of the nearby National Parks. (Zion, Bryce or Grand) You had an amazing time, and now you want to top it off with an amazing meal. Where to eat??
I often recommend my guests to try out one of my favorite places – Wild Thyme Cafe
I love their tag line – “Like it should be. Small batches cooked in a scratch kitchen.”
And they use ingredients from their own organic gardens, including one on-site!
Wild Thyme has options for all. High-quality beef, fish and chicken dishes, including gluten-free entrees. Plus ample selections for vegans and vegetarians.
My sister and I had the Pistachio Chicken and Tropical Piggy on our last visit. Nom Nom
Every day they pick greens for the salads. Either on-site or their off-site greenhouse. Now that is super fresh!
Entrees focus on local Southwestern flavors, with an occasional nod to the Cajun.
But let’s not forget dessert. Viki the owner is our renowened “Dessert Queen”. The cheesecake Sis and I had was “melt-in-your-mouth” wonderful!
Wild Thyme Cafe has a great location right downtown
On Highway 89, just across from the Holiday Inn and a block South of the visitors center.
Open for lunch and dinner every day
12 pm to 9:00 pm
Phone: (435) 644-2848
You can check out their website and full Menu Here
They believe in making your next meal your best meal.
Here is a sample of how the current menu looks (9/2019) –
Menu –
Wild Thyme EntreesServed after 5 pm
Pistachio Chicken $18 We grind pistachios and rub them into a chicken breast with Southwest spices, then grill and serve with sage-buttered smashed potatoes, fire-grilled broccolini and a light poblano cream
Ribs $19 Half rack dry-rubbed with spices, slow braised and char-grilled. Glazed with house BBQ sauce and agave mustard. Served with sage-buttered smashed potatoes and fire- grilled broccolini
Salmon $23 Fresh, house-cut salmon dusted with lime pepper, then grilled and served with coconut rice, baby tomatoes, sweet peppers and fire-grilled broccolini, over sweet pepper cream
Pork Chop $27 Garlic, rosemary and fennel-rubbed 12 ounce bone-in pork chop, served with sage- buttered smashed potatoes and fire grilled broccolini
Lasagna $15 Asiago, parmesan and ricotta layered with pasta, tomato fennel ragout, garlic and fresh herbs. Topped with a parmesan crisp. It’s Chef Dan’s 4’8” tall Sicilian granny’s recipe.
Baked Penne $14 Sauteed broccolini, baby tomatoes and spinach baked in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with asiago and parmesan. Pure comfort!
Filet Mignon $29 Garlic-rubbed 7 ounce house-cut beef tenderloin topped with blue cheese-bacon-chive butter. Served with sage-buttered smashed potatoes and char-grilled broccolini
Ribeye $31 Chargrilled to order, 14-ounce marbled ribeye, seasoned with our own garlic-herb blendServed with sage-buttered smashed potatoes and char-grilled broccolini. are cooked with love!
Wild Thyme Bowls All-Day Menu
Sicilian $14 Garlic-herb shrimp sautéed with Italian sausage, served with pesto risotto cake, fennel ragout, sweet peppers, pepperoncini relish, fresh basil, spinach, ricotta salata and parmesan crisp
Beef filet $16 Seared beef tenderloin medallions, sage-buttered smashed potatoes, sweet peppers, fire roasted corn and black-eyed pea salad
Tropical Piggy $13 Slow-braised Jamaican-spiced pork, house jerk sauce, coconut rice, mango salsa, fresh spinach, pickled carrot and scallion served over rice. Keto? Substitute cauliflower rice
Sesame Tofu $11 Sesame-crusted tofu drizzled with miso glaze, coconut rice, sprouts, sweet peppers, toasted almonds, pickled carrots, scallions, a ginger-soy-lime sauce and a crispy wonton
Caesar $9 Romaine lettuce, tangy caesar dressing, shaved parmesan, garlic crouton topped with parmesan crisp. Add chicken $4
House Salad $6 Wild Thyme greens, heirloom tomatoes, red pepper, cucumber, garlic croutons Choice of White Balsamic vinaigrette, Blue Cheese or Ranch dressing.
I’m sure Police Chief Cram had no idea when he “hired” Officer Larry, That he would become a popular tourist celebrity! Watch for him as you drive through town on Hwy 89 (He will certainly be watching you). Chances are, there will be a few folks gathered around his car snapping pictured on their phone.
Already a bit of a local celebrity, Latex Larry started his career as “Polymer Pete” as there was already a “Latex Larry” working in a Fredonia, just over the border in AZ. But I understand Larry the 1st retired and Polymer Pete decided he liked the reputation of “Latex Larry” better. Not sure if it had anything to do with his relationship with “Silicone Sally” working up in Orderville, but one never knows…!
Latex Larry has been on the force in Kanab for about 10 yrs now. The Chief says Larry is his best Officer. Always willing to work holidays and overtime. Never asks for a raise and is never late. And he is a survivor, literally! Cheif Cram rescued him from the shooting range years ago and yes, he still has multiple bullet holes.
He is kind of a handsome guy, big mustache and all. I have heard stories of his double date with two girls in the convertible who were here for The Greyhound Gathering a while back. They were out carousing all over town. Came back with big lipstick kisses on his cheek. Those must have been some pretty heated kisses as you can still see the remnants today. I tried asking him about that, but you know those strong, silent types. Wouldn’t say a word.
I tried to find a photo Of Latex Larry and Chief Cram in the 4th of July Parade, Larry is driving. Sign on the car says –
Good times. 😁
I would also like to track down the photos of the multiple tourists mooning Officer Larry, which seems to be a favorite photo op. But it’s probably better that I don’t, come to think of it.
We hope you make it Kanab soon and get to interact with the locals. Live or latex, they are a pretty hospitable crowd.
– You the Traver, look online. The first 2-3 pages of Google will be one of the big OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) and their paid ads, such as VRBO, Airbnb, Homeaway, etc. You find a great place to stay and book through that middleman platform.
– You do a little more research and find a great place to stay and book directly with the owner of that VR (or Vacation Rental) Property. (Go to the bottom of this page to find ideas on how to do that “little more research”!)
– As owners, we can not even tell you what that service fee is going to be. They do not show us. All we know is they have “Algorithms” that determine your fee according to “the current dynamics”
From Airbnb Help Page: “This fee is typically under 13% of the booking subtotal. The fee varies based on a variety of booking factors and is displayed to guests during checkout before they book a reservation.”
From the Vrbo help page “How is the fee calculated? The service fee is a percentage of the total amount of the reservation, excluding taxes and refundable fees. The percentage rate may change from time to time. Generally, the higher the reservation amount, the lower the percentage of service fee.”
Booking.com has no traveler fees, Yay! Oh wait, Booking.com charges owners a 15% commission. I promise you are paying that. Owners must add that commission to your price or they are not going to stay in business.
