VTrips Review [2023]: Worst Homestay Booking Platform?

If you're a proud multiple-property owner, renting your space must have crossed your mind at least once. But you may have been deterred by the potential issues of managing properties and dealing with troublesome tenants. 

Then again, you may be a frequent traveler who sometimes needs help renting a property. Because of this, quite several vacation rental sites offer travelers and property owners an opportunity for seamless collaboration.

In the same way, VTrips claims to have tackled the difficulties tagged with renting and created a reliable system for both parties. But does it make a traveler's life easier? 

I explore all aspects of VTrips rental and whether it's truly the ultimate homeowner rental manager in this article. 

What Is VTrips?

VTrips is a relatively new player in the market and has been in operation since 2002. Based in Florida, USA, it's a rental manager that tends to properties in vacation destinations all across the United States. 

VTrips, formerly known as Vacation Rental Pros, was rebranded in 2018. Its CEO, Steve Milo, decided after he believed the brand was being mixed up with other businesses with similar names. 

The name, logo, website, slogan, and marketing strategy were simultaneously altered. But, their innovative and technological solutions remained the same. 

VTrips curate a personalized plan, taking into account the owner's and guests' unique requirements and vision. This personalization sets it apart from the competition. 

It's even received multiple awards, including the 2018 Best Property Management Company award from the Vacation Rental Housekeeping Professionals (VRHP) Association.

Now, VTrips claims that once you get signed up, you can rest assured that your property and safety are in the right hands. But is it really?

Is It a Free Service?

Partially, yes. VTrips offers various free services along with several paid perks. A percentage of rental income generated is deducted as commission for every listing, which can be high or low depending on the property's location and specifications. 

Free sign-up is available on their app and website, where you can log in and get custom package prices. 

What Are the Free Features?

Free Features for Guests

• 24/7 customer service 
• Online reservation and management
• Check-in through the app or website
• Access to helpful articles, property details, and local recommendations
• Guided vacation planning and itinerary recommendations

Free Features for Property Owners

• Assistance in setting up the property for rent, including price and marketing 
• Website and app listing
• Management tool access for efficient organization of the rental procedure
• Revenue optimization, which fluctuates the pricing based on season, location, and profit demand 

What Are the Paid Features?

Paid Features for Guests

• Insurance and damage protection plans
• Housekeeping services
• Flexible early check-ins and late check-outs
• Airport transportations
• Additional services like grocery delivery

Paid Features for Property Owners

• Additional property management services like cleaning, repair, and maintenance
• Professional property photography and editing
• Payment processing for payment, refunds, and cancellations
• Customer screening
• Dedicated account manager

Where Does VTrips Operate?

VTrips has offices in several locations, and it provides vacation services in these different areas:

• Alabama
• Florida
• Georgia 
• Hawaii
• and more
  

How Does VTrips Work?

As a guest, you can book a property directly through their website or over the phone with a local vacation planner. 

Once you have booked, you'll receive an email with insurance details and an online agreement, which will need an e-signature. Other information, such as check-in time and the digital key, will be provided 3 to 5 days before the check-in date. 

You may contact VTrips at any time to pay for an upcoming reservation. Still, the balance has to be paid 45 days before your arrival. That said, if you book 45 days earlier before your check-in, a down payment of $300 is required.

Look at their help pages for property listing eligibility criteria for owners and booking information for guests. 

Benefits

Screening Services

VTrips conducts a background check and screens guests to ensure a reliable tenant or property owner. This provides peace of mind for both parties, and there's a low chance of scams.

Personalized Listing

The customization features are well appreciated by its users. Owners can list, price, and even blackout days when the property isn't available. As a customer, you can also conduct personalized searches to find your ideal property.

Help From Professionals 

VTrips offers assistance from a team of dedicated professionals who help you throughout your journey. 

From cinematic videography to engaging house listings, there isn't anything it doesn't cover. It even manages your revenue and helps you market your property, maximizing your profit. 

The Downside

Customer Service and Support 

Despite their claims of 24/7 highly proficient customer service, that doesn't seem to run true. The service isn't only extremely slow but also very vague. 

Not to mention, guests don't find it helpful. Many users have also faced difficulties in getting a refund even though it's part of their policy. 

Poor Maintenance and Service Quality

VTrips relies heavily on third-party services, and as a result, the quality fluctuates. You never know which end of the spectrum you end up on, though an overwhelming majority on the internet has been on the bad end. 

Multiple VTrips reviews have complained about the unsanitary conditions in the houses. Occasionally, guests found dead bugs in the property despite ordering deep cleaning services.

Spontaneous Cancellation

Multiple users have had VTrips cancel on them at the last minute, even as late as an hour before arrival! As expected, it affects the entire itinerary and can ruin the vacation. 

In cases where the owner decides to no longer rent their property, VTrips remains helpless as their policies don't cover this aspect fully. So there's no reliability or assurance for guests or owners. 

Is VTrips Worth It?

The blunt answer is no. The bar is extremely low when it comes to VTrips. From high repair rates and ghosting on refund demands to last-minute cancellations and clickbait, it's not worth the risk of ruining your vacation. None of their outrageous claims hold up practically.

Most of its customers have had unsatisfactory experiences, so you'll find primarily negative VTrips reviews online. From the reviews, you'll rarely find customers satisfied with their services, be they guests or owners. 

It's safe to say overall that this service, although revolutionary in theory, is not loved or useful. The company might improve with time, but I wouldn't recommend it for now, especially when compared to major competitors like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Vacasa.

My Rating: 1.8/5

Pros:

• Large network of vacation rentals 
• Tons of free and paid features
• Personalized services

Cons:

• Below-par customer support 
• Poor maintenance and service quality
• Spontaneous cancellations

A Reliable Vacation Experience With Pilot!

VTrips may be largely unreliable, but that doesn't mean all booking providers are alike. Explore your options before locking it in on Pilot.