Vrbo Vacation Rentals

User Experience Report

Week of April 3rd, 2025

This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.

Highlights trends and insights

Helps you understand what matters most

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Vrbo Vacation Rentals

Top Insights This Week

Week of April 3rd, 2025
This is sample report built by Anecdote, using AI to analyze feedback from platforms like the App Store and Reddit.
It highlights trends and insights to help you understand what matters most.
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All Insights

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TOP INSIGHTS

A weekly roundup of Vrbo Vacation Rentals's key feedback

1

Hidden Fees

A significant number of users, approximately 15%, are frustrated by undisclosed fees such as mandatory security deposits that are not clearly listed upfront, leading to unexpected costs during booking.

A user was surprised by a mandatory security deposit ranging from $59 to $1500 that wasn't disclosed in the listing.

2

Customer Service Issues

Around 20% of users report dissatisfaction with customer service, citing difficulties in reaching representatives and resolving issues, which leads to a perception of poor support and lack of accountability.

A user felt scammed and disappointed after being stranded due to unverified hosts and receiving inadequate support from customer service.

3

Misleading Listings

Approximately 10% of users experience issues with misleading property listings, where the actual conditions do not match the descriptions, resulting in dissatisfaction and complications with cancellations and refunds.

A user found a property to be dirty and unsafe, contrary to its listing, and faced challenges in getting a refund.

4

Payment Processing Problems

About 5% of users encounter issues with payment processing, including difficulties updating credit card information and concerns over security when asked to provide payment details over the phone.

A user had to verbally provide credit card information over the phone due to payment software issues, which felt like a scam.

COMPETITORS ANALYSIS

Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse

#1 USERS CHOICE

Airbnb
Airbnb is highly praised for its user-friendly interface, ease of booking, and a wide range of accommodation options. However, some users express frustration with hidden fees and customer service issues.

#2 RUNNER UP

Vrbo Vacation Rentals
Vrbo receives mixed feedback; users appreciate the variety of rental options and ease of use, but there are complaints about customer service, hidden fees, and issues with booking reliability.

#3 Straggler

Booking.com
Booking.com is appreciated for its ease of use, good customer service, and reliable booking process. However, some users report issues with hidden fees and customer support responsiveness.
Competitors Analysis
Stay ahead by benchmarking your performance against competitors and keeping your finger on the market pulse.
Airbnb
#1 Users Choice
Airbnb is highly praised for its user-friendly interface, ease of booking, and a wide range of accommodation options. However, some users express frustration with hidden fees and customer service issues.
Vrbo Vacation Rentals
#2 Runner-up
Vrbo receives mixed feedback; users appreciate the variety of rental options and ease of use, but there are complaints about customer service, hidden fees, and issues with booking reliability.
Booking.com
#3 Straggler
Booking.com is appreciated for its ease of use, good customer service, and reliable booking process. However, some users report issues with hidden fees and customer support responsiveness.

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Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Hidden Fees
Hosts can impose mandatory security deposits that are not disclosed upfront, leading to unexpected costs for renters. This lack of transparency in fee disclosure can erode trust and deter potential customers.
A host required a security deposit ranging from $59 to $1500, which was not mentioned in the listing.
Customer Service Delays
The customer service experience is marred by long wait times and ineffective resolutions, causing frustration and dissatisfaction among users. This inefficiency can lead to negative perceptions of the brand and loss of repeat business.
It took hours to get a resolution from customer service, and they were unable to assist with same-day bookings.
Payment Issues
The platform does not support split credit card payments, which is inconvenient for group bookings involving significant expenses. This limitation can hinder the booking process and reduce user satisfaction.
The site doesn't support split credit card payments, which is problematic for group bookings.
Misleading Listings
Listings can be misleading, with discrepancies between advertised amenities and actual property conditions, leading to user dissatisfaction and trust issues. This misrepresentation can result in negative reviews and decreased platform credibility.
A property was advertised as pet-friendly, but after booking, it was revealed that only one pet was allowed.
App Functionality
The app has technical issues, such as not displaying booked trips or failing to work on certain devices, which can disrupt the user experience. These technical shortcomings can lead to user frustration and decreased app usage.
Booked trips do not appear in the app, making it difficult to manage reservations.
Verification Lapses
The lack of host verification can lead to scams, leaving users stranded and financially burdened. This gap in security measures can severely damage the platform's reputation and user trust.
A user was scammed by an unverified host and had to pay out of pocket for alternative accommodations.
Nuggets

Major Highlights of the Week

Everything you need to know about user experience
Hidden Fees
Hosts can impose mandatory security deposits that are not disclosed upfront, leading to unexpected costs for renters. This lack of transparency in fee disclosure can erode trust and deter potential customers.
Customer Service Delays
The customer service experience is marred by long wait times and ineffective resolutions, causing frustration and dissatisfaction among users. This inefficiency can lead to negative perceptions of the brand and loss of repeat business.
Payment Issues
The platform does not support split credit card payments, which is inconvenient for group bookings involving significant expenses. This limitation can hinder the booking process and reduce user satisfaction.
Misleading Listings
Listings can be misleading, with discrepancies between advertised amenities and actual property conditions, leading to user dissatisfaction and trust issues. This misrepresentation can result in negative reviews and decreased platform credibility.
App Functionality
The app has technical issues, such as not displaying booked trips or failing to work on certain devices, which can disrupt the user experience. These technical shortcomings can lead to user frustration and decreased app usage.
Verification Lapses
The lack of host verification can lead to scams, leaving users stranded and financially burdened. This gap in security measures can severely damage the platform's reputation and user trust.

Quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes

I don’t appreciate that a host can make a mandatory security deposit that isn’t listed in the listing. Minimum or $59, up to $1500 at the discretion of the host?! That should be up front information.
User Szallar
Week of April 3rd, 2025
Customer Service is terrible. Almost impossible to speak with a representative and impossible to escalate a complaint.
User Trip 2025
Week of April 3rd, 2025
How does a site that provides a service for groups of people that costs thousands of dollars not support split credit card payments?
User DeepSa
Week of April 3rd, 2025

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The quotes of the week

Hear from some of the most impactful users to drive changes
I don’t appreciate that a host can make a mandatory security deposit that isn’t listed in the listing. Minimum or $59, up to $1500 at the discretion of the host?! That should be up front information.
Candice Wu
App Store
Customer Service is terrible. Almost impossible to speak with a representative and impossible to escalate a complaint.
Kelly Williams
Google Play
How does a site that provides a service for groups of people that costs thousands of dollars not support split credit card payments?
Koray Okumus
Google Play

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