If your vacation rental portfolio includes luxury properties, you’ll know how important it is to list them on the right channels. High-end travelers don’t use the same vacation rental sites as the average guest. Relying solely on mainstream channels like Airbnb and Vrbo may not be enough to establish your brand in the luxury space. Fortunately Avantio customers can benefit from our connection to a portal that appeals to the luxury traveler: Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
The world-renowned hospitality brand has forged a niche in the short-term rentals market with a platform dedicated to private, luxury home rentals. Listing on Homes and Villas by Marriott means you’ll be part of a carefully curated selection of homes with access to a range of benefits, including increased exposure to the luxury travel market and the ability to attract more high-end customers.
Only property managers with the most unique and desirable properties that offer a top-tier level of service should apply.
If your properties fit the bill, this article will explain everything you need to know about this new luxury travel channel.
What is Homes and Villas by Marriott?
Launched in 2019, Homes and Villas by Marriott is an exclusive channel for professionally managed luxury properties.
Marriott Bonvoy brings its expertise and reputation for excellence to the short-term rentals market with this booking channel for high-end travelers.
All properties are carefully vetted before being included in this curated selection of luxury short-term rental homes, and Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy have strict criteria that all their listings must meet.
How is Homes and Villas by Marriott different from other channels?
Homes and Villas is not like other channels.
For a start, you won’t find any studio flats or shared homes on the platform. They only work with professional management companies that offer premium and luxury private homes.
In order to pass the approval process, every home is evaluated in person or digitally to ensure it meets the brand’s high standards. Property managers will also have to maintain a higher level of service in accordance with the brand’s guidelines.
Guests who book with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy can choose from a wide selection of unique private homes. According to their FAQ page, the channel offers everything from:
“Beachfront bungalows, sprawling villas, grand chateaus, cozy cabins, ski chalets, and characterful townhouses, flats, apartments, and penthouses. We have castles, too!”
From hidden gems in undiscovered locations to city center penthouses with spectacular views, there’s something to cater to all tastes. Every property is bursting with original character and offers a one-of-a-kind, unforgettable experience to the discerning traveler.
How does Homes and Villas work?
The company works with national, regional, and market-specific property management companies in hundreds of destinations around the world.
They select property managers based on their expertise and experience, the quality of the homes, and the standard of service offered to both homeowners and guests.
Properties are subject to the same rigorous standards in design, comfort, safety, and service expected of Marriott Bonvoy.
If you think that your properties may qualify, you can check through some of these requirements for listing on Marriott Homes and Villas:
- At least one bedroom – no studio apartments.
- Instantly bookable or bookable with 24-hour confirmation on certain luxury products.
- Minimum 3-night stay.
- 24/7 guest support.
- In-person welcome, or self-check-in.
- Premium quality linens and bathroom amenities.
- Fully-equipped kitchen and laundry facilities with home essentials provided, like cooking and cleaning products.
- High-speed internet connection.
- A premium or luxury design aesthetic.
- Professionally cleaned and in good condition.
- Fire safety equipment, including smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.
Why should you list your property on Homes and Villas by Marriott?
The first Marriott hotel opened its doors in May 1927. Since then, the company has become a trusted brand in the hospitality industry that’s synonymous with quality and luxury.
Listing your properties on Marriott Homes and Villas lets you benefit from that reputation.
You’ll also gain access to a market of affluent travelers. The Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program has more than 147 million members around the world, and these travelers can earn points from staying in your properties listed on Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
Plus, advertising your properties on this luxury channel means exposing your property to a new market of travelers that don’t make reservations using the typical OTAs.
What it’s like to list on Homes and Villas?
Property managers with listings on Marriott Homes and Villas must be prepared to maintain a higher standard of property management to meet the channel’s requirements.
It’s essential to consistently provide outstanding experiences, both for guests and homeowners. You need to maintain a good reputation for fast response times, customer satisfaction, and attention to detail.
You’ll be responsible for ensuring that your calendar and pricing are always kept up to date. However, with Avantio as your channel manager, you can rest assured this will always be taken care of.
Marriott Homes and Villas provide all their property managers with a dedicated account manager who will help you optimize your performance on the platform and ensure you keep up with all the requirements.
They’ll also give you access to exclusive training courses in hospitality, operations, and cleaning standards, and you can claim discounts on premium amenities and supplies.
How to list on Homes and Villas?
If you’re a property manager with a portfolio of unique, luxury properties, and you’re willing to provide a high level of service that meets Marriott’s strict standards and guidelines, you can get in touch with the company.
To be considered, you’ll have to describe your company and explain why your properties are suitable for the platform.
Our customers have an advantage when it comes to getting their properties listed on this luxury channel. Avantio is a select channel connectivity provider working with Marriott Homes and Villas.
In fact, we were one of the first channel managers to partner with the brand and connect to the channel through API.
Thanks to their Channel Connectivity Program, property managers can connect faster and more reliably to the platform through a channel manager like Avantio.
“Customer interest in our home rental offerings has been extremely strong and reservations for homes have grown significantly over the last year,”
said Jennifer Hsieh, Vice President of Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
“Opening our API through the Channel Connectivity Program enables us to meaningfully scale our inventory to meet demand. This will also provide property management companies with personalized support and service, ensuring their homes are presented to our customers, including members of Marriott Bonvoy, in the best light possible.”
Create the perfect distribution strategy for your luxury vacation rental properties
Every property management company has different needs when it comes to choosing the best combination of channels for your listings.
Luxury vacation rental marketing requires a different approach, and at Avantio we understand how important it is to distribute your listings effectively to maximize bookings.
Want to know how you can better market to the luxury traveler? Check out our Vacation Rental Marketing Plan: The Ultimate Luxury Rental Playbook!
