When travellers start planning their next getaway, whether it’s a family holiday at the beach, a weekend escape to a cosy mountain cabin, or a city stay in a self-catering apartment, Google is almost always where their journey begins.
Having your holiday rental pop up right when potential guests are searching is one of the best ways to keep your calendar full. That is where Google Vacation Rentals comes in! It gives self-catering properties a direct path to showcase their live rates and availability on Google, sending travellers straight to your NightsBridge Booking Engine to book with you directly.
Here is our guide to how Google Vacation Rentals works, how it differs from Google Hotels, and how it helps you win more direct bookings.
What is Google Vacation Rentals?
Google Vacation Rentals is a feature that helps travellers discover, compare, and choose self-catering holiday accommodation when searching on Google.
When someone searches for places to stay in a specific destination, Google displays a rich preview of eligible holiday rentals, complete with photos, location details, real-time rates, availability, and direct booking options.
How Google Vacation Rentals works with NightsBridge
NightsBridge connects your eligible self-catering property directly to Google Vacation Rentals, sharing your live rates, availability, and accommodation details automatically behind the scenes.
When a traveller spots your property on Google and decides to book, selecting your NightsBridge option sends them straight into your online booking process. They can select their stay dates, view your available units, and complete their reservation directly with you.
It’s another simple, hassle-free way to put your accommodation in front of global travellers!
How is Google Vacation Rentals different from Google Hotels?
While both tools help travellers find places to stay on Google, they are tailored for two distinct types of accommodation:
- Google Hotels is designed for traditional hotel-style properties where guests book individual rooms—such as hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, and lodges.
- Google Vacation Rentals is created specifically for self-catering and holiday rental spaces—such as holiday homes, cottages, villas, apartments, cabins, and chalets.
Google automatically decides where your accommodation appears based on the property setup and details provided through your NightsBridge connection.
Is Google Vacation Rentals an online travel agency (OTA)?
No, not at all! Google Vacation Rentals works quite differently from traditional booking sites like Airbnb or Booking.com.
Google does not act as a booking agent. Instead, it serves as a search engine that helps travellers discover accommodation options across the web and compare them in one place. Through your NightsBridge link, guests who find you on Google get a direct route to complete their reservation right on your own booking engine.
The Guest Journey: From search to confirmed booking
Here is how a guest moves from a quick Google search to a confirmed reservation on your calendar:
- Searching for a stay: A traveller searches for holiday accommodation in your area or destination on Google.
- Discovering your property: Your self-catering accommodation appears alongside key details like photos, location, live rates, and available dates.
- Exploring the details: The traveller clicks on your property preview to check out your space and explore available booking options.
- Selecting direct booking: When they select your NightsBridge option, Google directs them straight to your online booking page.
- Completing the booking: The guest completes their reservation through your secure NightsBridge checkout, and the booking drops straight onto your calendar!
Which properties can appear on Google Vacation Rentals?
Google Vacation Rentals is intended specifically for self-catering and holiday rental accommodation, including:
- Holiday homes
- Self-catering cottages
- Apartments & flats
- Villas
- Cabins and chalets
- Other eligible self-catering units
Note: Google determines final property eligibility and how your accommodation is displayed based on its own requirements and the information provided through NightsBridge.
Keeping your property details up to date
Because Google uses the information sent from your NightsBridge setup to display your listing, keeping your details accurate and up to date is essential!To ensure your property looks its absolute best when travellers find you, make sure your NightsBridge account has:
- Accurate property & room details
- Up-to-date rates and calendar availability
- Clear, high-quality photos of your accommodation
Do You Need a Google Business Profile?
Unlike Google Hotels (which relies on a claimed Google Business Profile), Google Vacation Rentals works differently.
Your holiday rental information is supplied directly to Google through your NightsBridge connection, and Google uses this feed to determine how and where your accommodation appears. You don't need to manage a separate Google Business Profile listing just to feed your vacation rental data.
Ready to continue?
Learn how the NightsBridge connection to Google Vacation Rentals works and what you need to do to make your accommodation available on Google.