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Connect VRBO API

Lorena Pamplona
Updated

In 1995, Vrbo introduced a new way for people to travel together, pairing homeowners with people looking for places to stay. Vrbo's purpose: To give people the space they need to drop the distractions of everyday life and simply be together.

Vrbo has grown into a global community of homeowners and travelers with unique properties in 190 countries. The channel offers homeowners and property managers exposure to over 750 million visits to Expedia Group sites monthly. 

Things you should know before getting started

 Use this guide to connect to the Vrbo API connection if:

  • You are new to Vrbo, currently using the Vrbo iCal, or switching from another software provider connected to the Vrbo API.
  • If you are already listed on Vrbo, you don't need to create a new Vrbo account/listing in their extranet. Follow this guide to link your existing account afterward.

Check the VRBO API FAQ to learn more about supported features and additional details.

 Disclaimers:

  • All listings will become Instant Booking once connected to Cloudbeds PMS.
  • Cloudbeds only syncs Base Rates with Vrbo API.
  • You cannot officially kick off onboarding with Vrbo until you have completed all the content steps in the Vrbo API channel on Cloudbeds PMS. Once you have completed all the steps, you will be provided with the Cloudbeds User ID/Vrbo Advertiser ID to move forward.

Connect VRBO API

Step 1 - Getting Started

  1. From your AccountAccount menu.png, click on Settings Settings.pngand go to Distribution Distribution icon.png
  2. Search for Vrbo (API) on the Discover tab and click on View channel.

  1. Click to Begin Setup to configure your account.

Step 2 - Configure your connection to VRBO API

In this step, you must review all information in your account to move forward with the connection. Some of the fields will be auto-populated from Cloudbeds PMS information.

1 - Configure Connection

  1. Select one of the options under Is your property already listed on Vrbo?

Your answer is...

Yes

  Understanding Master Brand Requirements for Vrbo Integration

Vrbo integrates with various brand sites, each with specific language and currency requirements. When setting up your integration, it's essential to adhere to the requirements of your primary ("master") brand site. Learn more here: VRBO API FAQ.

  1. Select Master Brand: The master brand you select here MUST match the brand that you have already been assigned by Vrbo. If you do not know your master brand, contact your Engagement Manager.
  2. Listing Currency: Your rates will be sent to Vrbo using this currency. When you set your currency with your Vrbo Account Manager, make sure it is the same as what is selected here.
  3. Listing Language
  4. Check the box to agree that during this setup process, Vrbo requires all free text listing content to be provided in the language selected above and click Continue.

No, I want to create a new listing on Vrbo
  1. Listing Currency: Your rates will be sent to Vrbo using this currency. When you set your currency with your Vrbo Account Manager, ensure it is the same as selected here.
  2. Listing Language: Your listing language is preselected based on currency selection.
  3. Select Master Brand that you would like to use as your main brand.

  Understanding Master Brand Requirements for Vrbo Integration

Vrbo integrates with various brand sites, each with specific language and currency requirements. When setting up your integration, it's essential to adhere to the requirements of your primary ("master") brand site. Learn more here: VRBO API FAQ.

  1. Check the box to agree that during this setup process, Vrbo requires all free text listing content to be provided in the language selected above and click Continue.

 If the channel status is pending or enabled and you want to change currency or language, reach out to support to request any updates.

2 - Contact Information

Review your mandatory Contact Information (auto-populated from Cloudbeds PMS):

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Email Address
  • Languages Spoken

3 - General Property Details

Review/configure the General Property Details:

 Provide as much information as possible on this step and throughout the setup process. Not all fields are required, but you will reach a wider audience by supplying more information.

  1. Property Information:
    • Property Name
    • About the host/property owner
    • Why you love the location/neighborhood?
    • What makes this property unique?

  1. Property Location:
    • Address
    • Is a car required to access the property?

4 - General Rules and Policies

Make sure to review/configure your policies:

  1. Guest policy:
    • Does primary guest need to meet a minimum age requirement?
    • Minimum age
    • Booking Cutoff Period
    • Are events allowed?
    • Are pets allowed?
    • Are children under 18 years old allowed at your property?
    • Is smoking allowed?

  1. Custom House rules:
    • Here, you can add any specific rule that your property uses.

5 - Local Attractions and Activities

Select the available attractions and activities within 15 minutes of your property.

6 - Accommodation Details

All of your Cloudbeds accommodations are listed in the table below. Each accommodation has its own sub-steps for details and photo uploads.

  1. Click to Configure each accommodation - you will have to configure one by one.

  1. Select Accommodation Details or Images to edit.

  1. Configure each accommodation detail following these instructions:

General Settings:

You must fill out all required fields marked with an asterisk. We also recommend checking the Maximum Overnight Guests section to provide accurate information.

Rooms and Spaces:

Bathrooms

  1. Click to Add new bathrooms. 
  2. Fill out the bathroom details
  3. Save.
  4. You can edit it by clicking the pencil icon if needed.

Bedrooms

  1. Click to add a new bedroom
  2. Fill out the bedroom details
  3. Save.
  4. You can edit it by clicking the pencil icon if needed.

Other Areas

  1. Fill out the details about other areas and Save

Images

Provide at least 6 images to pass the content check and click Save.

  • Minimum resolution: 1024 x 683 px; Recommended: 3840 x 2160 px
  • Horizontal landscape display
  • Must be less than 20MB in size
  • Supported file formats: JPG or PNG

Disable and Re-enable Listings

  You can disable and re-enable listings at any time. It may take up to 24 hours to disable or re-enable a listing on VRBO websites.

In the Accommodation Details step:

  1. Select Disable in the three dots menu
  2. Confirm that you want to disable it

  1. Select Enable to re-enable previously disabled listings.
  2. Confirm that you want to re-enable the listing.

7 - Rate Plan Mapping

  Vrbo (API) does not support the ability to sync multiple rate plans via API; only the channel's Standard Rate plan may be updated.

You must map at least one rate plan per channel accommodation type to ensure proper rate sync.

8 - Listing Amenities

Switch the toggle ON to select all amenities that apply to your rooms/units.

  Custom amenities are not supported by channels.

9 - Taxes & Fees

  1. Use the Reservation Sources page to configure taxes and fees for the Vrbo (API) third-party source.
  2. Once you have completed tax and fee configuration for the Vrbo (API) third-party reservation source, you may continue the channel listing setup and map your taxes.

If you do not wish to set up taxes and fees for this channel, you can move to the next step.

10 - Accepted Forms of Payment

Select the payment options you will accept on Vrbo.

  Vrbo provides guests with two payment options during the booking process:

  1. Credit/Debit Card (Recommended): Allow travelers to pay with a credit card at the time of booking. Vrbo will provide credit card information in the reservation sent to Cloudbeds. Note: This option requires you to have a payment processor integrated with the Cloudbeds PMS (supported processors).
  2. Invoice: Guests can select a “Bill Me” option at the time of booking, which will allow them to provide payment after booking in the form of credit/debit card, cash, check, bank transfer, PayPal, etc. Vrbo will not provide credit card information in the reservation sent to Cloudbeds.

You can elect to support one or both payment methods, but Vrbo highly recommends that you do not accept Invoice payments if you are able to support the Credit/Debit option. For more information, please reach out to Vrbo or your Vrbo Onboarding Manager.

11 - Arrival, Payment, and Cancelation Policies

  You can edit most pre-populated fields to create Vrbo (API) customizations. We recommend using the same information across both systems, as edits will not save to your Cloudbeds profile.

Configure your:

  1. Check-in/check-out policies
  2. Payment terms: These are determined by your Cloudbeds Deposit setting and your Cloudbeds Payment Processing selection for the Vrbo API source.
  3. Cancelation policy and click Continue to save the changes.

  1. Go to Payment Options if you use Payment Processing.

12 - Base Rate Adjustment

  1. Add Base Rate Adjustment for each room type, if needed.
  2. Click Continue when completed or to skip this step.

Your listing is configured. Follow Step 3 to go live.

Step 3 - VRBO Self-Service Onboarding Form

  1. VRBO Onboarding Form: Do not fill out this form until you have completed all steps on Cloudbeds and reached the confirmation step pictured below. The form will require information to be provided to Vrbo, which is only generated upon completion of all setup steps.

 During this stage, you will see the Vrbo Advertiser ID, which is the same as your Cloudbeds PMS account ID. You will need this code to complete the Vrbo Self-Service Onboarding form or provide it to the Vrbo Onboarding team.

  1. The VRBO Onboarding team will reach out to you to finalize the steps on their side.

VRBO API listing almost ready.png

If you have multiple Cloudbeds properties and need corresponding Vrbo accounts, contact our Support Team to verify each property's unique Vrbo Advertiser ID.

  To learn more about the Vrbo Advertisement ID and how to find it in the Cloudbeds PMS, click here.

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