What the platform fee actually costs you
On a typical 4-night family stay, the OTA service fee alone adds up to a nice dinner out — or a night at the ballpark. Here's the math on a real-world example:
Booked on a platform
- 4 nights × $350$1,400
- Cleaning fee$200
- Platform service fee (~15%)+$240
- Total$1,840
Booked direct with us
- 4 nights × $350$1,400
- Cleaning fee$200
- Platform service fee$0
- Total$1,600
You save $240 — before any returning-guest perks.
What booking direct gets you
The best rate, guaranteed
Airbnb and Vrbo add a service fee of roughly 14–16% on top of the nightly rate. The same nights, booked here, simply don't have that fee. If you find our homes cheaper on a platform for the same dates, tell us — we'll match it.
Talk to the people who actually run the home
Early check-in, a crib in the kids' room, pool heating for your dates, restaurant advice — when you book direct you message us, not a platform inbox. We answer fast and we can actually say yes to things.
More flexibility
Need to shift dates, add a night, or coordinate two homes for a bigger group? Direct bookings get first priority on calendar changes and multi-home coordination.
Returning-guest perks
Guests on our list hear about open dates, seasonal rates, and World Cup 2026 availability before we publish them anywhere else — plus repeat-stay pricing you won't see on the platforms.
Same protection, real accountability
Secure payment processing, a written cancellation policy, and a local team whose name is on the door. If anything goes wrong, you call us — not a support queue.
You support the people, not the platform
Every direct booking keeps more of your stay with the people who clean, maintain, and care for these homes. It's how small hospitality businesses stay great.
Booking direct, answered honestly
Is it really cheaper to book direct?
Yes. OTAs like Airbnb and Vrbo add a guest service fee of roughly 14–16% on top of the nightly rate. When you book direct with Walt Stays, that fee doesn't exist — same home, same dates, lower total. If you ever find our homes listed cheaper elsewhere for identical dates, message us and we'll match it.
Is booking direct safe?
Yes. Payments are processed securely (we use Stripe, the same infrastructure as the major platforms), you receive a written confirmation and cancellation policy, and you have a direct line to the team that manages the home. You can verify us on Airbnb and Vrbo — we list there too; we'd just rather pass the platform fee savings to you.
What is your cancellation policy when booking direct?
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before check-in — the same or better than what the platforms offer on our listings. The full policy is on our cancellation policy page, and it applies exactly as written.
Can I still book through Airbnb or Vrbo if I prefer?
Of course. Our homes are listed on the major platforms and those bookings are welcome — they just include the platform's service fee. Booking direct is simply the better deal for the same stay.
Do direct guests get anything extra?
Yes: priority on early check-in and late checkout requests, help coordinating multiple homes for larger groups, and — if you join our list — first access to open dates and repeat-stay pricing, including for World Cup 2026.
How do I book direct?
Pick your home on our properties page, choose your dates in the booking calendar, and check out — that's it. Questions before you book? Message us through the contact page and a human replies.
Get first access to open dates
Join the list for seasonal rates, last-minute openings, and World Cup 2026 availability — sent to subscribers before we publish them anywhere else. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.