We often hear about short-term rentals and their hosts being suspended or removed from STR platforms like Airbnb or VRBO because guests are falsely complaining to STR platforms about the property they rented, lying in the review, and giving it a meager rating. 

Dishonest guests work the system to get a free stay, and hosts are shut out from a platform they count on for sometimes much-needed and relied-on income.

We wanted to continue using platforms like Airbnb and VRBO because, honestly, we have only had a great experience with them and because of their incredible reach. 

However, we still wanted to create a website to showcase our property because, ultimately:

• No more fees for guests
• No more fees for hosts
• Lower prices for guests
• Higher profit for hosts to reinvest
• More autonomy
• Insurance against getting suspended from platform

We wanted to showcase our property using a platform other than big platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, Travel Advisor, Expedia, etc.

Big short-term provider platforms are guest-centric, not host-centric, creating a win-lose situation for hosts. We wanted a win-win—a win for guests and a win for hosts. 

Airbnb and others consistently penalize hosts and reward dishonest guests. 

We wanted to make guests number one without making ourselves number two. We could communicate independently of any third-party short-term rental providers.

The guest wins:

• Has access to the same property
• No platform fees
• Has an opportunity to build long-term loyalty with the host

The host wins:

• No platform fees
• Greater control over their investment
• No cancellation penalties
• Has an opportunity to build a client list and client loyalty.

Most short-term rental hosts are guest-centric and want to serve and give guests in their homes a positive and memorable experience. Unfortunately, some hosts (a minority) should not be in the service business and should be penalized or removed from STR platforms.

We have had an excellent experience with Airbnb and VRBO, but as a business and a host, we also wanted to have a backup to their platform and start developing our own guest list. HolidayNovaScotia.com was the answer for us.