Airbnb vs Booking.com vs direct bookings: which is best for Cornish hosts?

Airbnb vs Booking.com vs direct bookings

If you're renting out a holiday home in Cornwall, especially in a popular spot like Falmouth, choosing where to list your property is a big decision. Airbnb, Booking.com, and direct bookings each have their strengths — but which is best for you?

At Guested, we specialise in Airbnb property management in Falmouth and across Cornwall. We manage properties on multiple platforms to maximise visibility and revenue. Here’s a breakdown of how each option compares and what to consider.

Airbnb: trusted and user-friendly

Pros:

• Massive global reach, especially with younger travellers

• Easy to use for hosts and guests

• Strong community feel, with reviews and messaging built in

• Good for unique stays and local experiences

Cons:

• Commission is typically 15–18%

• Guests expect a “home from home” feel — more effort on hosting style

• You’re often competing with a wide range of price points

Best for: hosts who want steady bookings, are open to a more social hosting style, and prefer a user-friendly platform.

Booking.com: volume and visibility

Pros:

• Very high visibility on Google and across travel websites

• Often used by older guests and international travellers

• Great for calendar filling — last-minute bookings are common

• Less guest communication needed before check-in

Cons:

• Higher commission (15–20% depending on plan)

• Fewer controls over guest types or expectations

• Cancellation policies can be stricter to manage

Best for: maximising occupancy, especially in off-peak seasons. Also ideal for more “hands-off” hosting.

Direct bookings: more profit, more control

Pros:

• No commission — more money in your pocket

• Full control over guest communication and rules

• Builds loyalty and repeat bookings

• Easier to promote extras (early check-ins, hampers, etc.)

Cons:

• Harder to get noticed without marketing

• You need a website or booking platform (we can help with this)

• You’re responsible for guest screening and payments

Best for: hosts looking to grow a brand, build direct guest relationships, and boost long-term income.

What we recommend at Guested

In our experience, the best strategy isn’t picking just one platform — it’s using a multi-channel approach.

We list properties on Airbnb and Booking.com to capture a wide audience.We encourage direct bookings through email follow-ups, guest reviews, and local SEO.Our dynamic pricing tools help us adjust rates across platforms in real time, ensuring you stay competitive and profitable.

This approach works particularly well for holiday lets in Cornwall, where seasonal demand and guest expectations vary. Our Airbnb property management in Falmouth ensures that each home is positioned for success — no matter which platform a guest uses to find it.

Want more bookings without the stress?

Let Guested take care of listings, guest communication, pricing, cleaning, and more. Whether you’re new to holiday letting or ready to scale up, we’ll help you make the most of your Cornish property.

📩 Get in touch today to learn more.