ThinkReservations features a two-way connection to Vrbo. This article will cover our frequently asked questions about Vrbo and will update it from time to time with answers to additional questions.
How do I get started with Vrbo?
See here: Getting Started with Vrbo
Can I connect multiple ThinkReservations accounts to the same Vrbo account or Multiple VRBO accounts to one ThinkReservation account?
No, you must have one Vrbo account connected to one ThinkReservations account.
What are the requirements for listing with Vrbo?
While you typically see a whole home on Vrbo, they also support B&Bs, hotels, condos, etc. The minimum requirement is that you have a kitchen/kitchenette in your rooms OR a kitchen that provides your guests with breakfast. If you are a B&B with a kitchen that provides breakfasts for guests, you may list on Vrbo
I already have listings on Vrbo. Do I have to recreate them again in ThinkReservations?
Yes. Vrbo requires that all listings be created in ThinkReservations.
Your Vrbo onboarding specialist will merge the listings you create in ThinkReservations with existing listings in Vrbo.
What happens to the listings I have on Vrbo that are not in ThinkReservations?
Those listings will be permanently archived. If you would like to keep them on Vrbo, you will need to recreate them in ThinkReservations duing your Vrbo onboarding process.
Vrbo is asking for my ThinkReservations ID. Where do I find my ThinkReservations software ID?
After you create your listings in ThinkReservations, go through the Vrbo onboarding wizard. One step in the wizard will ask you for your User ID.
Your ID is found in ThinkReservations > Settings > Vrbo
The ID is at the top right of the Vrbo listings page.
Vrbo calls this ID by several names:
ThinkReservations User ID
Software User ID
Advertiser ID
A Vrbo reservation needs to be updated. How do I modify or move the Vrbo reservation?
Make the change as usual in ThinkReservations. Vrbo will be updated automatically.
Can I move a Vrbo reservation into a room that is not listed with Vrbo?
No. You can only move reservations to units that are also listed with Vrbo.
A Vrbo reservation needs to be canceled. How do I cancel the Vrbo reservation?
Cancel the reservation as normal in ThinkReservations. Vrbo will be updated automatically.
How do payments work?
Vrbo sends the guest's credit card to ThinkReservations to be retained.
This is sometimes called "hotel collect".
The deposit set in the connected rate type will be charged at the time of booking.
You will need to manually charge the remaining balance at check-in.
What deposit types are supported with Vrbo?
Percent Deposit
Flat Fee
We support “take full deposit if lead time is less than or equal to”
We do not support “take full deposit if number of nights is less than or equal to”
Does Vrbo collect and remit taxes on my behalf?
Not at this time, but that is subject to change.
Does Vrbo support mandatory fees?
A cleaning fee can be configured in the listing inside ThinkReservations. Other mandatory fees, such as resort fees, are not supported.
Does Vrbo support pet fees?
Yes. You must use the default pet fee options configured in the Room settings page. This supports a fee that is per pet, per night.
I have items added to the rate type used with Vrbo. Can items added to the rate type be used?
No. Items added to the rate type will not be added to Vrbo reservations.
A guest wants to purchase items. Can I add items later to the reservation?
Yes, you can manually add items to the reservation that your guest purchases.
What is the commission Vrbo charges for reservations?
Vrbo charges a 5% commission. This is subject to change.
Can I still pre-approve booking requests?
No. Guests can still send booking requests, but you'll need to redirect the guest to book directly from your listing on Vrbo.
What is not supported through the connection?
Post-connection, the following Vrbo features are not yet supported:
Seasonal cancellation policies
Age ranges for children
Custom Rules
Rental Agreements
24-hour Review
Amenity descriptions.
Please let us know if you would like us to add support for these in the future.
What do I have to configure directly with Vrbo?
Business name and address information
Credit card for Vrbo commissions
Owner photo
How you host (Professional Host or Private Host)
Assigning photos to bedrooms, bathrooms, and common spaces
Videos for listings (Optional)
If you already have a video set, it will not be removed once connected.
I made changes to my listing in ThinkReservations. How long does it take to update Vrbo with my changes?
Vrbo updates your listing changes about 24-48 hours later.
Changes to your calendar will update hourly, or when pushed from changes happening in ThinkReservations, such as your availability changing.
I charge a different fee for children than for adults. Can I charge a different fee for additional children than for additional adults?
Yes. The child occupancy rules in the unit programmed in ThinkReservations is used to tell Vrbo how much the additional child fee should be. Vrbo doesn't provide child ages, so we use the most expensive option you have listed in your child occupancy rules.
I don't want to accept instant reservations. Can I use the "Review and Hold" option on Vrbo?
No. All Vrbo reservations through ThinkReservations will be instant bookings like those made on your website, Booking.com, Expedia, etc.
Vrbo would collect and remit my taxes. Does Vrbo collect and remit my taxes when connected to ThinkReservations?
No. Tax information is communicated between ThinkReservations and Vrbo so you can collect and remit taxes.
All IPMs (integrated property managers) are responsible for collecting and remitting taxes. Vrbo only collects & remits for properties not connected to a channel manager (platform users).
Where can I learn more about Vrbo?
The Vrbo Host site has a wealth of information on how best to manage your listings and performance. It can be accessed from any page in your Vrbo dashboard by clicking Help in the top-right corner from the dropdown menu. There you can find tips for making your property more bookable and successful, as well as news and upcoming events.
How do I contact Vrbo support?
Once you are connected to Vrbo, you can access the Integrated Property Management (IPM) Support Team:
Phone: 877-239-2592
Email: pm-support@vrbo.com
Before you are connected to Vrbo, you must use standard Vrbo Support: https://help.vrbo.com/contact