We run two pool homes in Murrells Inlet, SC, on Airbnb, Vrbo, Wander and direct, and we’re weighing Booking.com. I keep hearing two things: it brings more bookings, but the guests are rougher, there's nothing like AirCover, and issues and damage claims are a nightmare to sort out. I know Booking now has its free Host Property Insurance and liability coverage, but I’d love real-world experience.
For those running whole homes on Booking: How’s guest quality compared to Airbnb and Vrbo? Have you actually filed a damage claim, and how did it go? Which settings made it work for you (request to book, security deposits, cancellation policy)?