Flipkey Reviews
Flipkey Customer Reviews (12)
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Flipkey Features and Benefits
FlipKey is an online vacation rental marketplace with over 830,000 properties for rent all over the world. Here are some of its key features and benefits:
- Free to List: Listing on FlipKey is free and uncomplicated.
- Worldwide Exposure: Listing on FlipKey automatically lists you on Tripadvisor, the largest travel platform in the world, along with its 860 million reviews and opinions as well as ratings.
- Easy Communication: The platform facilitates direct communication between travelers and property owners.
- Simple Fee Structure: FlipKey has a straightforward fee structure for both guests and hosts.
- Variety of Cancellation Policies: The platform offers a range of cancellation policies to choose from.
- Payment Options: Multiple payment options are available for convenience.
- Taxes: The platform provides guidance on tax obligations for hosts.
- Mobile Accessibility: FlipKey is accessible on mobile devices, making it easy to manage bookings on the go.
For property owners, FlipKey offers a comprehensive set of tools designed to manage bookings, communicate with potential guests, and optimize listing performance. The platform's analytics and insights help owners make informed decisions to improve their listings' appeal and profitability.
Known for its affordability, diverse rental choices, and crowd-vetted experience through Tripadvisor traveler reviews, FlipKey is an excellent platform for hosts looking to reach a broad audience in various locations. It offers travelers access to a wide range of vacation rental properties, including private islands, ski chalets, beach houses, city-center studios, and more. It makes booking accommodations easier by connecting travelers directly with property owners.
Remember, the features and benefits can vary based on the location and type of property. It's always a good idea to read the property description and reviews before making a booking.
Flipkey Pricing
FlipKey is an online marketplace for vacation rentals. It offers over 830,000 options in almost every country in the world. The process to rent a vacation home is simple. Enter the destination and travel dates in the main search box on the home page. The search results include a list of properties and a map. The search can be narrowed by the number of nights, the number of bedrooms, rental type, and more.
For each property, the listing provides information such as price per night, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, number of guests allowed, reviews, owner’s response time, and any awards received.
FlipKey charges a booking fee of 8-16% of the total reservation from guests and a commission of 3% on all reservations from hosts. Guests are refunded the booking fee only if they cancel within 24 hours of booking and not later. The booking fee generally ranges from 8% to 16% of the total booking value (excluding taxes) and goes directly to FlipKey. The property managers or owners also pay 3% of the booking cost to the platform.
Remember, the prices can vary based on the location, size, and amenities of the property. It's always a good idea to compare prices and read reviews before making a booking.
Payment Method
FlipKey.com offers several payment methods for both travelers and property owners:
For Travelers:
Guests can pay for their bookings using:
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express)
- PayPal
For Property Owners:
Hosts can receive payments through:
- Bank account transfers (takes 3-5 business days)
- PayPal account (takes 1 business day)
Payment Protection:
FlipKey offers TripAdvisor Payment Protection for guests who pay online using their platform. This protection covers up to $10,000, £7,000, or €7000, depending on the booking currency.
Fees:
- Guests are charged a booking fee of 8-16% of the total reservation
- Hosts pay a commission of 3% on all reservations
Payment Options:
Property managers can choose for guests to either:
- Pay the entire reservation amount upfront
- Pay a deposit upfront and the balance at a later date
Currency:
FlipKey is available in multiple international currencies, including:
- US Dollar
- British Pound
- Euro
- Australian Dollar
- Canadian Dollar
- Swiss Franc
- Swedish Krona
- Thai Baht
- South African Rand
To ensure coverage under the Payment Protection plan, guests must pay using the FlipKey payment platform and not through direct bank transfers.
Flipkey FAQs
How To Open A Flipkey Account?
To open an account on FlipKey.com, follow these steps:
1. Visit the Website
Go to the FlipKey.com homepage.
2. Sign Up
Look for a "Sign Up" or "Create Account" button, typically located in the top right corner of the page.
3. Choose Account Type
Select whether you're creating an account as a traveler or a property owner/manager.
4. Provide Personal Information
Enter your personal details, including:
- Full name
- Email address
- Password (create a strong, unique password)
5. Verify Your Identity
Complete the identity verification process, which may include:
- Confirming your email address
- Providing a phone number for SMS verification
6. Accept Terms and Conditions
Read and accept the website's terms of service and privacy policy.
7. Complete Your Profile
After creating your account, you may be prompted to:
- Add a profile picture
- Provide additional contact information
- Set your communication preferences
8. For Property Owners
If you're listing a property:
- Click on "List Your Property"
- Follow the prompts to add your property details, including location, amenities, and pricing
9. Confirmation
Once these steps are completed, your FlipKey account will be active and ready to use.
Flipkey Return Policy?
FlipKey.com offers several cancellation and refund policies for guests:
Cancellation Policies
FlipKey provides five different cancellation policies that property owners can choose from:
- Relaxed: Full refund if cancelled at least 2 weeks before check-in
- Flexible: 50% refund if cancelled at least 4 weeks before check-in, 25% refund if cancelled 2-4 weeks before check-in
- Moderate: 50% refund if cancelled at least 4 weeks before check-in
- Strict: 50% refund if cancelled at least 8 weeks before check-in, 25% refund if cancelled 4-8 weeks before check-in
- Super Strict: No refunds issued
The default policy is Moderate unless changed by the host.
24-Hour Grace Period
Guests can cancel their reservation within 24 hours of booking for a full refund, including the booking fee, if the reservation is over 60 days ahead.
Refund Process
- Refunds are processed automatically within 24 hours of cancellation
- PayPal refunds typically appear within 24 hours
- Credit/debit card refunds can take up to 10 business days
TripAdvisor Payment Protection
Guests who pay through FlipKey's platform are eligible for TripAdvisor Payment Protection, which offers:
- Full refund up to $10,000, £7,000, or €7000 if denied access to the rental or if the property is substantially misrepresented
- Claims must be made on the first day of check-in
- Not valid if the guest stays overnight
Property Owner Refunds
Property owners can offer full or partial refunds outside of the cancellation policy through their inbox, up to the amount they are due to receive for the booking.
Booking Fee
The booking fee (8-16% of the total reservation) is generally non-refundable except during the 24-hour grace period.
Flipkey Alternatives
Based on the search results, here are the top 10 FlipKey.com alternatives:
1. VRBO
VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) offers over 2 million rentals worldwide and is known for its comprehensive search tools and suitability for group travel.
2. HomeToGo
HomeToGo is an aggregator that searches multiple rental sites, including Tripadvisor and Booking.com, providing a wide range of options for all travel budgets.
3. Vacasa
Vacasa professionally manages vacation rentals across the United States, ensuring high standards of comfort and cleanliness.
4. Booking.com
With over 28 million listings, Booking.com offers a vast selection of accommodations, including vacation rentals, in 226 countries.
5. Airbnb
While not explicitly mentioned in the search results, Airbnb is a major player in the vacation rental market with over 7 million listings worldwide.
6. TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor, which owns FlipKey, offers vacation rentals along with its well-known review platform.
7. Plum Guide
Plum Guide specializes in luxury vacation rentals, catering to those seeking high-end accommodations.
8. OneFineStay
OneFineStay focuses on luxury properties and provides professional hospitality services for discerning guests.
9. Agoda
Agoda is particularly strong in the Asian market but operates globally, offering 9 million listings including vacation rentals.
10. RentalTrader
RentalTrader aims to make vacation rentals cost-effective for both hosts and guests, with no fees for guests and low fees for hosts.