- mountainwoodcottag
- Apr 29

"Welcome back, fellow Mentone adventurers! In my blog post dated March 24th, we uncovered the golden rule of saving money on your mountain getaway: booking directly with the owner and bypassing those hefty platform fees. But the burning question remains: how do you Sherlock Holmes your way to these direct booking opportunities when they're often listed on sites like VRBO and Airbnb? Fear not, intrepid traveler, for I have more secrets to share!
1. The Art of the "Look But Don't Book":
Think of yourself as a savvy detective as you navigate the listings on Airbnb and VRBO. Enter your criteria – number of guests, location (Mentone or Valley Head, of course!), pet-friendly requirements, and so on. As the search results populate with enticing rentals, it's time for some meticulous reading. Scrutinize every word of the description. Often, thoughtful owners will leave subtle clues, little breadcrumbs, to guide you to their direct contact information. For instance, you might see something like, "Our charming two-bedroom cabin, MountainwoodCottages, offers stunning views..." Notice how I cleverly wrote mountainwoodcottages? That's often your first clue leading you to MountainwoodCottages.com!
Don't stop at the description! Become a picture pro. Zoom in on every image. Does a photo on the VRBO or Airbnb description reveal a sign with a phone number? Perhaps a mailbox displaying an address or the unique "name" the owners have lovingly given their cabin? Many owners brand their rentals with names, and this name, often found in the description, is another valuable hint.

Now, put on your detective hat and head to Google. Search the cabin's name, the potential website address, any phone numbers you've spotted, or even the address if available. You might be surprised at what you uncover – a direct website, a Google Business Listing with contact details, or even a Facebook page.
Why all this detective work? Because most professional owners understand the win-win of direct bookings. They save on hefty platform commissions, and you, the savvy guest, avoid those pesky booking fees – which even means saving on taxes since the total cost is lower! It fosters a more direct relationship and often a more personalized experience.
Many dedicated owners will have their own websites or active Facebook pages. Additionally, they might list on regional tourism sites. For those dreaming of a Mentone escape, keep an eye out on Alabama's tourism website, "Sweet Home Alabama," for unique listings. Similarly, in Florida, you might find gems on sites like "Emerald Coast by Owner." Importantly, many of these regional sites do not charge booking fees.
Once you've unearthed this direct contact information, reach out! However, be prepared that not all owners will be set up for direct bookings. They might prefer the convenience of the platforms or lack the infrastructure. If that's the case, don't despair – simply move on to the next promising rental. After all, are those extra fees and taxes truly worth it?
Keep an eye out for Part 2! We're sharing MORE of our secrets for affordable vacation rentals in Mentone and Valley Head, Alabama. Coming up, "Mastering the Art of Rates".