What to Expect When Booking a VRBO: My Personal Experiences
I’ve booked nearly a dozen VRBO stays so far, and each one has been a little different. While every trip has been amazing in its own way, no two experiences have been exactly alike—and that’s part of what makes vacation rentals part of the adventure!
Some of our Favorite VRBO properties:
The Summit, PCB (includes video)
Dunes of Panama (PCB, FL) – includes video
Tidewater Beach Resort Panama City Beach Florida with Drone footage
Mountaintop Custom Log Home, Lake Davis CA
Payment Methods Vary
One of the first things to know is payment methods can vary depending on the property. Here’s what I’ve encountered:
•Paying through the VRBO platform (my preferred)
•Paying via a property management company’s app
•Mailing a personal check to the owner (I only did this because they had outstanding reviews and a long rental history, this one is risky and I don’t recommend.)
•Paying upon arrival at the property’s on-site office
Some properties require a fully refundable deposit, others ask for a partial payment up front, and most require full payment before check-in. Personally, I prefer paying directly through VRBO—it offers more protection if something goes wrong.
Security deposits also differ. I have had places I didn’t have to put down a deposit and some that refunded the deposit to my card the day I checked out.
Who Actually Owns the Property?
VRBO stands for Vacation Rentals By Owner, so it’s important to remember that VRBO doesn’t own or operate the property—you’re renting from individual owners or property management companies.
This means property conditions will vary. Some homes are spotless and styled like magazine spreads. Others might need a little TLC—maybe a fresh coat of paint or a mattress upgrade.
👉 Tip: Always read the reviews carefully. They’ll give you real insight into what to expect.
Your Rental Agreement
Just like payment, rental agreements vary from place to place. Here’s what might differ:
• Pet policies: Some places allow them; others don’t. (Sometimes this is due to building rules, not the owner’s preference.)
• Check-in and check-out times
• Check-out instructions: Some ask you to strip the beds, start a load of laundry, run the dishwasher, or take out the trash.
• Cancellation policies: These can range widely, so double-check the terms BEFORE booking.
⚠️ Important: Read your rental agreement thoroughly and keep a copy handy. It’ll answer most questions that pop up before and during your stay.
VRBO Is Not a Hotel
This is probably the most important thing to remember: a VRBO rental is not a hotel.
There’s no daily housekeeping. If you run out of toilet paper or want fresh towels, you’ll need to handle that yourself. Some essentials might be provided to get you started, but not always.
Schoolhouse: Built during the Civil War and easy access to Gettysburg this VRBO is a history lover’s dream destination. Check out this post about old Schoolhouses turned VRBO.
What We Pack (Just in Case):
•Toilet paper
•Paper towels
•Trash bags
•Laundry detergent
•Dish soap
•Shampoo and body soap
We pack like nothing will be provided—and that way, we’re pleasantly surprised if it is.
Check-In & Check-Out Procedures
These also differ by property. Some examples:
•We’ve received the entry code via a phone call, text, or email
•One property had us check in through an on-site management office
•Check-out may involve calling housekeeping, texting the owner, or using an app
Read the Reviews… you don’t want this to be what you are renting! (not a VRBO listing, an old CCC built sate park building)
Read the Reviews—Seriously
All VRBOs are different, and reviews are your best friend. Don’t just look at the star rating—read what people are actually saying.
Reviews can tell you:
•If a recent guest had an issue (like a broken A/C)
•Whether the owner responded quickly and took action
•If the photos don’t match the actual condition (sometimes it’s better than expected!)
I’ve seen amazing-looking listings that turned out to have major issues like a crumbling porch or pest problems— mentioned in the reviews.
Booking Process
Even the process of requesting to book can vary:
•Some rentals are instantly bookable through VRBO
•Others require talking directly with the owner
•A few may come with caveats (like the time I found a great deal, only to learn the home was for sale and might not be available by our travel dates)
Every VRBO Stay Is Unique
We’ve had stays that went off without a hitch—and others that needed a quick call to the management company (like when the front door lock battery died). Some owners have even checked in via text or sent us beach photos ahead of our trip to get us excited.
And honestly? That personal touch is what makes VRBO so exciting.
What About You?
Have you booked a stay through VRBO? What were your experiences like—good, bad, or somewhere in between? I’d love to hear about it!
Some of our other VRBO experiences:
The Summit, Panama City Beach Florida
Tidewater Resort, Panama City Beach Florida
Dunes of Panama, Panama City Beach Florida
We have stayed in and love this beautiful mountain cabin in California.
We love using VRBO and AirBNB for all the same reasons. We don’t necessarily have a preference between the two and use both. And unless one of them wants to sponsor us I will continue using both services.
Everything you need to know when booking with VRBO
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