Look what others are saying about Vacation Rentals by Owner!

Budget Travel, “Think outside the hotel-room box”

"Renting a house, condo, or apartment--or swapping homes--may be better, especially for groups. The Internet has made locating such non-hotel options a million times easier. Three vacation-rental websites: VRBO.com, HomeAway.com...."

-- Erik Torkells & Brad Tuttle, June 2007

Smarter Travel, “The Best Way to Visit Europe”

"Whether for city or countryside, the Internet is full of sites that list European vacation rentals. Among the bigger are Vacation Rentals by Owner and HomeAway, both of which provide listings prepared by property owners and link you to those owners."

-- Ed Perkins, May 18, 2007

Chicago Tribune, “Why get a room when you can rent a house?”

"A vacation-home rental might be the smartest way to spend your vacation dollars. Here's what to consider: "Privacy. A vacation rental's walled-off rooms with doors means adults can steal some "alone time," away from children or other people in the vacation party. And separate rooms can facilitate young children's naps and early bedtimes. Booking vacation rentals has become easier with such Web sites as HomeAway.com and its affiliates, VRBO.com, CyberRentals.com and GreatRentals.com. Though jointly owned, the sites don't contain the same listings and can't be searched together."

-- Gregory Karp, May 13, 2007

CNN Money, “Beach-Rental Bingo”

"You'll have to do some legwork, but it will be well worth the effort. You'll get the full sand-in-the-toes seaside experience without a hotel's cookie-cutter rooms and lack of privacy. You'll have space to spread out - no bunking with the kids. You'll get to imagine that your pied-à-sand is where you live year round. And you may even save money: A rental is typically less expensive than a hotel stay, particularly if you cook your own meals and vacation with three or more people. So how do you find places on your own? First try VRBO.com, which has some 70,000 vacation-rental listings, all posted by owners. That will give you a sense of what kinds of places are available and the price range."

-- Donna Rosato, May 4, 2007

Frommers, “How to Have a Home Away from Home”

"For anyone who has opted for a vacation rental rather than staying at a hotel, I am preaching to the converted -- but novices should begin considering alternate accommodation when traveling to Europe this spring and summer. Why? Well often it can cost considerably less, especially if traveling in a group of more than two people or if you will be staying in a destination for an extended period. It also allows you to immerse yourself more authentically in a neighborhood or area rather than being restricted to a tourist zone in a city. VRBO -- Vacation Rentals By Owner (www.vrbo.com) which has property listings from around the world at various price points from low budget to sheer luxury, features over 70,000 properties."

-- Charis Atlas Heelan, April 12, 2007

USA Today, “Don't Miss the Boat to Martha's Vineyard”

"Prices will depend on what features—such as size, quality, and location—you prefer, so it's best to shop around. Also, as a rule of thumb, homes right on the beach tend to cost more. Good websites to find rentals include Martha's Vineyard Online, a comprehensive source dedicated to the Vineyard, as well as multi-destination sites such as VRBO, HomeAway, and CyberRentals, which all allow you to search by town."

-- Anne Banas, April 4, 2007

Washington Post

"A good Internet spot to scout vacation reservations in Sayulita and Rincon de Guayabitos is Vacation Rentals by Owner, www.vrbo.com."

-- M.L. Lyke, March 25, 2007

Traveler Reviews

We found VRBO's website to be the best and most timely rent by owner site around and for that matter faster than internet travel specialist sites. All of the owners responded, even if those dates were already booked. All of the responses were next day by email and I was able to speak directly to the owners by phone. Above and beyond, two owners forward my request to other owners. What a great system, I wanted to let the owners and the webmaster know. 

--Tammy, vacationer on Florida's Gulf Coast

Hey, I just want to tell you that I am listed on 5 websites, and your program produces more response than any of the others. I am serious when I say to you that I estimate 75% of our inquiries come from VRBO!

--Alice Fort Myers Beach, Florida, USA

About 80-85% of our inquiries are from VRBO, so you are far and away the top website for rentals of our three units. We rent each of our units 30-35 weeks per year, compared to the first year when we were lucky to get 20-25 weeks using a management company. Our ... ocean view unit, is rented every week from January to September and we booked it ... about 40 weeks a year ($45,000+), unbelievable and the only reason we can afford three units (I wish we could afford another unit!). Our hats off to you and your staff, and a big thank you!

---Dick from Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA

We have booked more than 10 guests over the past 11 months...more than $10,000....so we are very happy...

---Dan from Kihei, Maui, Hawaii, USA

I did it! I rented a condo, I have never done this before either on the Internet or by any other means. Your site was great in helping me find what I needed and contacting the owner! All transactions went smoothly and we enjoyed our stay very much! I would strongly recommend your site to others and have!

---Sally Ann, a happy VRBO Renter

I must write you a testimonial. I have 2 rentals already, and my site has only been up for 10 days. Your service is fantastic! VRBO WORKS!!!

---Roxanne from in the French Riviera

As I write this, I am still in disbelief. Early this afternoon, I spent about an hour developing a VRBO listing for my family's new vacation villa on Fripp Island, S.C. I clicked the "Finished" button and didn't give it another thought. Less than two hours later, I received a phone call from a lady hoping to rent our unit next week. She is sending payment by overnight mail, and she and her family will be checking in as our first renters on Monday. I am absolutely amazed by the power of your site... All I can say is thanks -- and WOW!

---Amy Stevens, Fripp Island, South Carolina

We vacation in Florida 3 times a year from the UK and I just had to write and say that your website is 50 times better than all the others out there - the price is right there in the index so no time wasting and the availability calendars will make searching even easier - I always recommend logging onto VRBO first.

--- H. Dixon, a happy VRBO Renter from Leeds England

I just want to say "Thank you". We are so happy we found your website to advertise on. We are just amazed at the hits we have been getting. We've already paid for the ad. AND, we haven't had time to advertise anywhere else!!!!

---Tina from Roatan Island, Honduras

Great results last year by the way; we got at least 90% of our reservations through our 2 VRBO listings - We're also listed with 10 other companies but not much results.

---Micheline from Pikes Peak Area Colorado, USA

We have used your service before with great success. We enjoyed a lovely holiday renting a villa in Caceras, Spain, through VRBO. We wish to rent another villa this year in the South of France.

---Arnie & Lisa - Happy VRBO Renters

(VRBO) does continue to represent our best value/return for promoting (our) Halfmoon Bay Cabin.

---Jim from Halfmoon Bay, British Columbia, Canada

I cannot tell you how impressed I am with your service. This is the first year that I have gone "solo" renting our condo and this ad has done 90% of my rental. Thank you!

--- Marlys from Destin, Florida

Currently use 3 different sites, including VRBO. YOUR SITE IS BY FAR THE BEST. I have had fantastic results from VRBO. [I] commend you for the excellent way you run your business.

---Darryl from Los Cabos, Mexico

I used to rent my... properties via ads, travel agents etc. It was costly, time-consuming and moderately successful. Since starting with VRBO in June last year, I've rented about 30 weeks... I'm inundated with enquiries - I highly recommend VRBO!!

--- Craig from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

I wanted to take a minute to let you know how well the site is working for us. We have only been on it since late January, and we are almost completely booked thru the summer. People are coming from all over the country, as well as the immediate area, and one family from Europe. Some have requested reservations for next year. --- I have made my (investment) back over 100 times so far in confirmed bookings thru August (6 months since we joined your site). We've turned at least as much business away due to unavailability. We are fully taking advantage of this great spot, and tell people about it whenever we can.

---Cheryl from California, USA

Just wanted to thank you for the wonderful service that you've provided us with in getting our rental going. Despite a fairly aggressive advertising approach across different media types, at least 90% of our interest and subsequent rentals have come from your site. My interactions with your support have been wonderful, and I could never have guessed what a response we would get from a single site - and with great pricing to boot! Count me as one very satisfied customer!

---Grantville from Breckenridge, Colorado, USA

It's not even a month since my ad was placed with you, in fact only 3 weeks. I already have 2 bookings and working on 2 more. My ad has more than paid for itself even before my billing has come through for the ad. Thank You for a very good web site.

--- Aileen from Cancun, Mexico

I have had over $9000 in bookings so far in the months I have been with you vs. $3000 last year when I relied on brokers and exterior signage. I will be adding pictures in the next few days and also another unit will be added next month with pictures.

--- Gerri from Laguna Beach, CA, USA

Just a note to say how much I appreciate the usefulness of your web site. I have been wading through pages for HOURS & DAYS! looking for that perfect little cottage for our 2 wk stay on Kauai in Sept. Yours is the best laid [out] one yet & I hope I find my place here. The best thing is - you list the rates on the index page so I don't have to look at any 4BR houses for just my husband and I. You list the location - I had that narrowed down AND you provide PHOTOS for most properties - I won't consider a place without them (please tell the owners who do not have them - as we will be return visitors). I will tell all my friends - many who are also travelers, about your site.

--- Deonne – Kauai vacationer

We have decided not to renew. If anything, the service has been too good, and we just got too many people, such that we never get to use the place ourselves. We are getting close to retirement and need to cut back.

---Gene & Trish from Michigan, USA

I have had several messages, from the USA and Scandinavia, and 4 American guests: it's wonderful. I'm very happy... I have several pages in many sites, for the moment, you are the best (it's not for your pleasure, I wrote that, it's true).

--- Yves from France

I received about 175 requests for more information. Out of those I had 14 confirmed reservations.

--- Susan from Montserrat (Caribbean)

Many thanks for your continued outstanding service! Soon, not only will we be renewing, but also adding another page. You see, byowner is working so well that we are purchasing another home to rent! Also, you may be interested in knowing that I also have pages on other services, but that clients seen to trust "owners" better than property managers. Consequently, the greatest percentage of clients come from byowner. We really appreciate your service

--- Lee from Florida, USA

We do advertise on the net with two other (services) but yours has by far always generated the most inquiries... We are almost booked for this year.

---Kay from Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Just wanted to say thanks for your service. I only joined in November and have been bombarded by requests. Bookings have already easily paid for my fee. I have joined two other sites and so far your site has blown them away in terms of traffic. Thanks.

--- Brent from Okaloosa Island, Florida

I'm in 4 other directories, and so far you're beating them 2 to 1. Thanks for the marketing help.

---Rob from Florida, USA

We have had a most successful summer with VRBO, almost too much so, as we have had to turn down many requests.

---Terry from Málaga, Spain

Can't tell you how SUCCESSFUL our VRBO ad is proving to be! Yikes, I can barely keep up. THANK YOU!

--- Carrie from Summit County, Colorado, USA

We get significant inquiries from this ad.... I am most pleased with the traffic. You could never advertise in newspapers for what you charge and get the coverage. I just renewed with VRBO for another year. I have three listings, and all are active and stay rented.

--- Dean from Barefoot Bay, Florida, USA

In the first year I can tell you your site has generated $6,000 in gross sales for us. Not bad for (what you charge me).

---Ray from Florida, USA

Just to let you know, I have had tremendous success with the web page. The web page for our unit has increased our occupancy rate by approx. 15% which is great since we still have several months to go this year.

-- Mike from Florida, USA

I had been searching for reasonably priced accommodation in Switzerland for my son and I for weeks! I came onto the Internet for the first time last week and within 20 minutes found your site and I have now managed to organize the ideal accommodation... Many Thanks.

--- David from Guernsey, Channel Isles, UK

Even without the photographs, in the short time I have had my listing with you, I have received over a dozen inquiries resulting in six bookings, and the calls just keep coming in. I have to admit, I was once a skeptic. I am now a true believer. Your service is wonderful, and you can quote me on that!

--- Kathleen from Keystone, Colorado

Many people from all over the world have contacted me concerning rental of our house in Provence. It has resulted in about 10 weeks of rental agreements in the summer... with three US families, one of them for a whole month, one Belgian and one English family and we are quite satisfied.

---Preben from Provence, France

I have had such a great response from your listings that I no longer have to offer specials to attract clients. I have no trouble keeping all of my homes fully rented. Keep up the good work!!!!!

--- Fred from Kissimmee, Florida, USA

First of all, I would like to extend a very hearty THANK YOU for your service. Since putting up my own homepage, I received several emails from US citizens for more info about my house, some of them even resulting in a definite rental. This proves that your service works!

--- Hendrik from Belgium

Your program really WORKS!!!

---Rick - Puerto Rico