💼 Comprendre les commissions des plateformes de location saisonnière : Airbnb, Booking, Abritel

Short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Abritel (Vrbo) charge varying commissions on each booking. These fees apply to both travelers and hosts, but the way they are distributed differs between platforms. It is therefore crucial to understand how this system works, especially for concierge professionals or owners of multiple properties, in order to optimize profitability.

On Airbnb, two commission models coexist. The most common for private individuals is the split-fee model. In this case, the host pays approximately 3% commission on each booking, while the traveler is charged between 5% and 14% in service fees, depending on various factors (duration, amount, booking conditions). Conversely, for professionals using software like a Channel Manager, Airbnb enforces the host-only fee model: the host pays a 14% to 16% commission, but the traveler pays nothing. This method makes the final price more transparent for the customer while simplifying accounting. In summary, depending on the model applied, the total Airbnb commission ranges from 8% to 17% (split model) or 14% to 16% (professional model).Source: Airbnb – Service Fees

With Booking.com, the system is simpler: only the host is charged. The platform applies a standard commission of 15%, which can rise to 18% in certain cases (especially if the listing includes visibility options or flexible cancellation policies). Travelers are never charged extra fees. This makes Booking highly attractive to customers but can significantly reduce host margins. Booking.com is also known as one of the most demanding platforms in terms of commercial requirements.Source: Booking – Commission Guide

Abritel (Vrbo), a subsidiary of the Expedia Group, uses a mixed model. The host is usually charged around 8% commission per booking. At the same time, the traveler pays 6% to 12% in service fees, depending on the length of stay, price, and other criteria. Notably, Abritel also offers an annual subscription option for owners with high booking volumes, which can be advantageous for concierge services or luxury properties. However, the fees charged to travelers can sometimes lack clarity, which may affect price transparency.Source: Vrbo – Service Fee Policy

Total commissions average between 14% and 20%, depending on the platform and the options chosen. However, the way fees are distributed is a strategic factor: Airbnb splits or centralizes fees depending on the host profile, Booking charges only the host, and Abritel shares the fees while offering subscription alternatives. This structure affects not only the net margin for owners but also how travelers perceive prices — which can influence their choice.

Therefore, for businesses like Blue Ouest Conciergerie, mastering these commission structures is essential to refine pricing strategies. Using a Channel Manager allows for synchronized listings, price harmonization across platforms, and smart margin adjustments based on platform fees. Understanding these commissions is a decisive lever for optimizing profitability in a competitive market.