If you own a property that you let out short-term, chances are you’ve asked yourself: “Should I just stick to Airbnb, or focus on getting more direct bookings?” It’s a fair question — and the answer isn’t always as simple as one or the other. At Blok Property Management, we work with both platforms every day, so here’s our breakdown of the pros, cons, and how to get the best of both worlds.

The Power of Airbnb

Airbnb has become a household name — and for good reason. It brings:

• Largely spread visibility: Millions of people search Airbnb daily. It’s a great way to get your property in front of guests you’d never reach otherwise.
• Guest confidence: The platform’s reputation gives new guests a sense of security.
• Built-in tools: Payments, reviews, messaging — all in one place.

But, there are downsides too:

• Commissions: Airbnb takes a slice of every booking (and it adds up).
• Competition: You’re one of thousands of listings in your area. Standing out isn’t always easy.
• Less control: Pricing, branding, and guest experience are shaped by Airbnb’s rules, not yours. They change pricing without instruction or authorisation & restrict the information you message to guests if they see it will take a booking away from them & directly into you.

The Benefits of Direct Bookings

Direct bookings are exactly what they sound like — guests book with you directly, often through your own website, referral, or repeat relationship.

Why we love them:

• No commission fees: What guests pay, you keep. Simple, no string attached.
• Stronger relationships: Direct bookings often come from repeat guests who already know and trust you.
• More control: You set the tone, the branding, the pricing, and the guest experience without being boxed into someone else’s platform.
• Long-term growth: Building a base of loyal, returning guests creates stability and predictable income.

Of course, direct bookings require work:

• Marketing: You need a strong online presence, from your website to social media otherwise people won’t find you.
• Systems: Payment processing, booking calendars, and guest communication all need to run smoothly.
• Patience: It takes time to build momentum compared to the instant visibility of Airbnb.

So… Which is Better?

The truth is, they both have their place. For many property owners, Airbnb is an incredible starting point — it gets your property seen, builds reviews, and fills gaps in your calendar.

But long-term success? That’s where direct bookings shine. By reducing commission costs and building repeat relationships, you keep more profit in your pocket while creating stability for your business.

The BLOK Approach

At BLOK, we believe in balance. We leverage platforms like Airbnb to drive visibility while also investing in direct booking strategies — from professional websites to guest retention programs. It’s why last week alone, we secured over £45,000 in direct bookings for our clients, much of it from repeat guests who trust us year after year.

For property owners, the real win isn’t choosing between Airbnb or direct bookings — it’s learning how to use both strategically. That’s where the right property management partner makes all the difference.

Ready to explore how direct bookings could work for your property? Get in touch with the team at Blok today.