If you’ve found a place you love on Airbnb, here’s something most travellers don’t realise: you can often book the exact same property directly with the host — and get a better deal.
Here’s why it’s worth taking the extra step.
You Skip the 15% Airbnb Guest Service Fee
Airbnb adds a guest service fee on top of the nightly rate at checkout — typically around 15% of the booking. When you book directly with us, that fee disappears. Same apartment, same hosts, same standard — just no platform fee on top.
For a 5-night stay at €100/night, that’s about €75 back in your pocket — money you can spend exploring Lisbon instead.
You Get Direct Communication
On platforms, messages go through a middleman. When you book direct, you’re in touch with your host from day one. Need a late check-in? Want restaurant recommendations for your anniversary dinner? We can sort things out quickly and personally.
Flexibility That Platforms Can’t Offer
Platform policies are rigid. Direct bookings give us room to be flexible:
- Early check-in or late check-out when the calendar allows
- Special arrangements for celebrations or family needs
- Custom stay lengths that don’t fit platform minimum-night rules
- Last-minute changes handled with a quick WhatsApp message
Better Cancellation Terms
We offer clear, fair cancellation policies. No platform fine print, no hidden service fee deductions. Cancel up to 30 days before check-in and get a full refund — on Airbnb, the same window only gets you a 50% refund. Simple.
You Support Independent Hosts
When you book through a platform, a significant chunk of your payment goes to a tech company. When you book direct, more of your money goes to the people who actually maintain your apartment, stock it with fresh linens, and care about your experience.
Is It Safe to Book Direct?
Yes. Our direct booking site uses the same secure payment processing (Stripe) that major platforms use. Your payment is 256-bit SSL encrypted, and you receive instant booking confirmation.
We’re the same Superhosts you see on Airbnb — with the same properties, the same five-star reviews, and the same commitment to your experience. The only difference is the price.
How to Book Direct
- Browse our apartments at explorelisbonstays.com
- Pick your dates using our availability search
- Book securely with instant confirmation
- Message us on WhatsApp for any questions
It takes less than 5 minutes, and you’ll save money from the very first night.
Ready to try it? Search availability now and see how much you save compared to Airbnb.