When it comes to vacation rental bookings, too many homeowners fall into the same trap: relying on one big platform to fill their calendar. It feels easy—until the rules change, the algorithms shift, or the guests you get aren’t the right fit. Suddenly, your season looks a lot less predictable.
At Cottage Connection, we’ve seen how risky it can be to “put all your eggs in one basket.” That’s why our booking strategy is built on balance, not blind faith.
What’s an OTA, Anyway?
OTA stands for Online Travel Agency—companies like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. They’re helpful tools for visibility, but they’re not the whole solution. OTAs exist to serve their platforms, not your home. Their fees, cancellation policies, and guest rules can change at any time, leaving you with little control.
Direct Bookings vs. OTA Bookings
Here’s the key difference:
- OTA Bookings: Guests find your home through a third-party platform. You (and your home) are subject to the platform’s rules, fees, and policies.
- Direct Bookings: Guests find you through Cottage Connection’s website or by reaching out directly. We handle everything—screening, communication, and guest support—without extra fees or interference from a middleman.
Focusing on direct bookings isn’t “putting all your eggs in one basket”—it’s building on a strong foundation. With direct bookings, you own the relationship, not the OTA. Pair that with selective OTA use, and you’ve got a healthy, balanced mix.
The Risks of Going All-In on One Channel
- Algorithms Change: One week you’re on page one, the next you’re buried. Visibility isn’t guaranteed.
- Policy Shifts: Cancellation rules, service fees, and guest requirements can change overnight—and not in your favor.
- Quality Concerns: Not all guests are created equal. Rushed bookings through an anonymous platform can mean headaches for you and wear-and-tear on your home.
A Smarter Mix for Maine Homes
Your home isn’t like a condo in Florida or a cabin in Colorado. Our seasonal market has its own rhythm, and success means leaning into it—not fighting it. Here’s how we do it:
- Direct Bookings First: We’ve built a trusted guest base over 30+ years. Many return year after year.
- Local Referrals: From real estate agents to chambers of commerce, we’re rooted in the community and receive referrals you won’t find online.
- OTA Presence (Strategic, Not Exclusive): Yes, we list on the major platforms—but always in a way that serves your home, not the platform’s priorities.
Why This Matters for You
Balanced booking strategies mean:
- More predictable income across the season.
- Better-quality guests who respect your home.
- Fewer surprises from sudden platform changes.
Ready for a Smarter Season?
If you’ve been relying on one big booking platform and wondering if there’s a better way, there is. Let’s talk about how we can diversify your booking mix and keep your calendar strong, season after season.
We’re Cottage Connection. Real people. Right here. Ready when you are.