Why We Love Airbnb & VRBO — And Why Many Guests Book Direct the Second Time

We love Airbnb and VRBO.

They've helped millions of travelers — including thousands of our own guests — feel comfortable booking vacation rentals for the first time. They make it easy to discover homes, compare reviews, and book with confidence.

In fact, if you've never stayed with Great Stays before, we're happy if you book through Airbnb or VRBO.

But once you know and trust Great Stays, booking direct usually makes the most sense.

After your first stay, you're no longer booking an unfamiliar property. You already know the home, you've experienced our service, and you know what to expect. At that point, there's simply no reason to pay a third party to book the exact same stay.

What Does "Book Direct" Mean?

Booking direct simply means making your reservation through Great Stays instead of through Airbnb or VRBO.

You're staying in the exact same home with the same amenities, professional cleaning standards, and guest experience. The only difference is that you're booking directly with the company that professionally manages the property.

Why Our Repeat Guests Book Direct

Save Money

Airbnb and VRBO provide an incredible service by helping travelers discover unique places to stay. Like any marketplace, they charge fees to make that possible.

Once you've already found us, though, those marketplace fees often become unnecessary.

That's why many of our returning guests choose to book directly with Great Stays instead.

Found one of our homes for less somewhere else? Let us know. We'll match it — or beat it.

Our goal is simple: booking direct should never cost you more.

The Same Home. The Same Great Stays Team.

Whether you reserve through Airbnb, VRBO, or directly with Great Stays, you're staying in the same professionally managed home.

The same Great Stays team coordinates every reservation, cleaning, inspection, maintenance request, and guest stay.

Booking direct doesn't change who takes care of your visit — it simply changes how you book it.

More Flexibility

When you book directly with us, we often have a little more flexibility than we do with third-party reservations.

Depending on availability, repeat guests may qualify for benefits such as:

Complimentary early check-in
Complimentary late checkout
Discounts on longer stays
Repeat guest offers
Greater flexibility when travel plans change

While we can't guarantee every request, booking directly allows us to work with you more personally whenever possible.

Is Booking Direct Safe?

Absolutely.

That said, we completely understand if you're more comfortable booking through Airbnb or VRBO for your first stay. They've built trusted platforms that help travelers book with confidence, and we're grateful they introduce so many guests to Great Stays.

After you've stayed with us once, though, you're no longer booking an unfamiliar property. You're booking a home — and a team — you already know and trust.

Great Stays is a licensed Michigan property management company that has welcomed thousands of guests across Detroit and Ann Arbor. We offer secure online payments and the same commitment to every reservation, whether it comes through a booking platform or directly through our website.

Airbnb & VRBO vs. Booking Direct

Airbnb & VRBO	Book Direct with Great Stays
Great for discovering new places	Ideal for returning guests
Third-party marketplace	Book directly with Great Stays
Same professionally managed home	Same professionally managed home
Same guest experience	Same guest experience
Standard platform policies	More flexibility when possible
Great for first-time stays	Great for repeat stays

How to Book Direct

Browse our homes at greatstays.co/properties.
Select your travel dates.
Reserve securely through our website.
We'll take care of the rest.

Not sure which property is right for your trip? Reach out — we're happy to help you find the best fit.

If you're still comparing options, you may also enjoy our guide to Detroit Airbnb alternatives.

Why It Matters

Great Stays is locally owned and operated.

When you book directly, more of your money stays in the communities where you're traveling. It helps us invest in our homes, support our local operations, and continue creating exceptional places to stay throughout Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Booking direct means you keep more money in your pocket, we avoid paying marketplace commissions, and together we can invest more into maintaining beautiful homes and creating an even better guest experience.

Use Airbnb to find us. Use Great Stays once you know us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to book directly with Great Stays?

Usually, yes. Since there isn't a third-party marketplace involved, many guests pay less by booking directly. And found one of our homes for less somewhere else? Let us know — we'll match it or beat it.

Is booking direct safe?

Yes. Great Stays is a licensed Michigan property management company offering secure online payments and professional management backed by thousands of successful guest stays.

Am I staying in the same property?

Absolutely. Whether you book through Airbnb, VRBO, or directly with Great Stays, you're reserving the exact same professionally managed home.

Do repeat guests receive any special perks?

Sometimes. Depending on availability, returning guests who book directly may qualify for complimentary early check-in, complimentary late checkout, extended-stay discounts, or other special offers.