VRBO Rentals vs Hotel

We have rented via VBRO twice (once in Paris and once in Italy), Very happy both times. I checked for properties with multiple reviews . Pros- more space (as apt has living room), able to have some dinners in, as well as breakfast . Cons- a little nerve racking until you arrive, no frontdesk as a resource .
I would definitely rent again - but I am travelling with a family and we would appreciate the space
Have fun

Thanks Diane. Sorry, VBRO not VRBO. It is obvious I am a virgin renter. LOL :)

Steve, you were right the first time: it's VRBO!

We haven't rented any VRBO properties abroad yet but we have in the U.S. and been really happy with them. I only choose those I can pay for with a credit card, and carefully read the fine print about cleaning fees and taxes (which can add up if you don't pay attention). Also, look for those with lots of reviews: read those carefully too for indications that they were written by different people.

We've loved having the extra room and amenities we use versus those we don't. Laundry equipment abroad may be quite different than those in the U.S. Not sure about Spain but renters in other places reportedly have had washer/dryer combo units with dryers that don't work very well, or no dryers at all. Utilities in Europe are expensive so more care is taken to conserve electricity, water, heat, etc.

We started with VRBO in about 2006. It was founded in Colorado by a friend of a friend - originally for folks who had ski cabins they wanted to rent out when they weren't using them. Since then, we have rarely stayed in hotels in Europe or the U.S. except for one-nighters. Many VRBOs offer two-night stays. Occasionally it's a little more hassle to get checked in than in a hotel. But in our opinion the extras space, washing machine and kitchen more than make up for that. Once in a while the place won't be as nice as we thought it was going to be, but nothing "bad" has ever happened. This encompasses approximately 40 stays in different places. The one thing we would warn against is studio apartments that may have noisy refrigerators. Those can keep us awake all night! We have learned to opt for a place that has a separate bedroom with a door! Sometimes there are extra perks: like the Rome landlord who picked us up at the train station!

on an 8 night trip this summer, we stayed 2 nights each in 4 different locations, and I must say the apt thru VRBO was the best. one of our group rents out a property in the US, so she knew how to shrewdly read the listings......all of the things folks say above are solid advice.

We've rented places through VRBO and Airbnb several times - both in Europe and in the US. The most important thing is to read the reviews carefully. Make sure that you are clear on how to get keys, contact the owner, whether there is parking, and any other details that are important to you such as AC. If you're OK not having room service or a concierge then you should try an apartment. I really love living more like a local - a hotel creates some separation between you and the culture. Some people like that but I prefer to immerse myself as much as possible with I'm in another country.

Both websites are virtually the same idea...simply listings of rentals by private owners. That's why reviews are so important - there are no centralized standards. What you see is what you get! The nice thing is that you can usually pay via the website which eliminates the need to exchange cash or other payment methods with the owner, which can sometimes cause difficulties in Europe.
We rented a small apartment in Rome one summer - there weren't many pictures but the reviews were good so we booked it. It turned out to be an "attico con terrazo" right behind the Vatican. The apartment was tiny but the terrace was over 2000 square feet and sat just a couple of buildings back from the dome of St. Peters. Sitting out there at night with a glass of wine with the dome all lit up was simply magical. The owner met us when we arrived and arranged for a car to take us to the airport at the end of our one week stay. Every other experience we've had with apartment rentals has been just as terrific!

We use VRBO all the time, and occasionally other less-known agencies. Have never been really disappointed and usually we are extremely pleased! We are early riser and like running our own show: coffee in the apartment, etc. One thing I have learned is to ask questions about things that have been problematic in the past. What floor is it on? How many stairs if there is no elevator? A fifth floor walk-up gets old even if it is lovely!

Have not used AIRbnb. Seems to me they have gotten over-priced and are a little less professional than VRBO. Another source in some cities, including Barcelona, is Cross-Pollinate.com. Very reputable, carefully researched properties.

Don't concentrate too much on the source of the listing. Many, many apartments are listed on multiple sites. If it were me I would look for clues that indicate that you are dealing more with a business and less with a hobby. That I believe will give you a better chance of finding quality. The clues are multiple listings on multiple sites (VRBO, Flip Key, Airbnb, etc), and a stand alone website where you can deal directly with the management company or the Owner.

The big deals for me are:
Apartments can be in great areas where you can live among the populace and get another view of the place you are visiting.
The laundry can help you reduce the amount of clothing you bring on the trip
The extra space, WIFI, Cable TV, air conditioning all add value
The cost can be exceptional

Down side?
None unless you pick the wrong apartment. There is always that risk.

Here is another recent thread on the same topic: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/general-europe/hotel-vs-apartment-your-comments-please

I've rented through VRBO many times. Mostly in Europe, but also in the U.S. I used AirBnB last fall in London and Provence. All my experiences have ranged from fantastic to average. I haven't regretted any of them. I have rented apartments from 2 night stays to 10 nights. I prefer an apartment, especially for longer stays. I like having a washer (a dryer is a bonus) and a place to have the ability to eat in if I choose. I especially like being able to have a cup of tea or eat breakfast without having to get dressed first.

Many of the people you rent from can provide information or help to you if needed. Most of the places I've rented come with a notebook or information sheet regarding the rental and the area, including nearby restaurants and attractions.

I like to rent places with at least a few reviews. That said, probably my favorite apartment was in Paris, and there were no reviews on it when I found it. Unfortunately it has now become too expensive for me.

As for VRBO vs. Airbnb, there are several things to consider. Airbnb requires payment when you make your reservation. They also include a fee that goes to the company. VRBO and their sister company Homeaway is different. You rent directly from an individual person or sometimes a management company. Each place has a different policy towards deposits, payments, etc. Some allow payment by credit card, some require cash. I always disregard any place that requires a money transfer.

I rented a very reasonably priced apartment in Barcelona that I can recommend. It's a 2 bdrm 1 bath for €95 per night in the summer. They may discount the price for such a long stay. It doesn't hurt to ask. Let me know if you'd like more information.

Edit - I forgot to mention that the apartment in Barcelona is run by a management company. Even though we arrived too early to get into the apartment, we were able to go to the office. We checked in, stored our bags, and off we went to have lunch and explore a bit before getting into the place.

Thanks for all the replies. I am leaning towards VRBO as I will be away for 10 days. I think I enjoy the idea of living like a local.

As for VRBO vs. Airbnb, there are several things to consider. Airbnb requires payment when you make your reservation. They also include a fee that goes to the company. VRBO and their sister company Homeaway is different. You rent directly from an individual person or sometimes a management company. Each place has a different policy towards deposits, payments, etc. Some allow payment by credit card, some require cash. I always disregard any place that requires a money transfer.

Both VRBO and Airbnb take a cut of the rental amount. Both charge the same. In both instances the apartment owner doesn't get the full amount. You might get a better rate or you might get a better reception if you can track down the actual owner website and contact them directly outside of the VRBO and Airbnb loops. It generally isn't too difficult to find the owner. Most apartments run as a business have a name like "Pauls Retreat" or "Fawlty Towers". Google it and you will get hits at everyone of the listing companies, not just VRBO and Airbnb; and hopefully the home web page as well. Compare the various rates at each site while you are at it. If they don't have their own web page it might be an indicator that its more of a hobby than a business and you might want to take that into consideration.