The Power of Direct Bookings for Short-Term Rentals with Eric Goldreyer

In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Eric Goldreyer, the CEO and Founder of Savvy, to discuss the direct booking revolution. With a career spanning nearly three decades in the vacation rental space—including the founding of bedandbreakfast.com and key roles at TurnKey Vacation Rentals—Eric brings unparalleled insights into the evolving dynamics of short-term rental (STR) distribution across booking platforms.

The conversation explores how property managers can reduce reliance on online travel agencies (OTAs), lower booking fees, and create a more personalized guest experience through direct booking. Eric shares how Savvy provides a no-fee marketplace designed to help STR operators build a sustainable and profitable business.

Here’s what you can expect from this episode:

• Why direct bookings matter: How eliminating high OTA fees can increase revenue for property managers.
• How Savvy is different: A no-fee model that lets hosts book direct vacation rentals without commission-based pricing.
• The future of short-term rental distribution: How professional STR operators can shift booking direct strategies to maximize profitability.
• The power of brand loyalty: Why repeat guests and direct relationships lead to long-term success.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to leverage direct bookings to improve your bottom line while offering a superior guest experience.

Episode Highlights

The Evolution of Direct Bookings

Eric reflects on his journey in the vacation rental space, starting with bedandbreakfast.com in the 1990s. He discusses the early challenges of marketing short-term rentals, the shift from flat-fee listing sites to high-commission OTAs, and why property managers today need a direct booking strategy to stay competitive.

What Makes Savvy Different?

Savvy is a direct book marketplace that allows property managers to list their vacation rentals with no commission fees. Unlike traditional OTAs that take a percentage of every booking, Savvy gives hosts full control over pricing, branding, and guest communication.

Key benefits of Savvy’s model: 

• No commission fees—hosts keep 100% of their booking revenue. 
• Premium placement options—property managers can boost visibility when needed. 
• Greater guest control—without an intermediary, hosts can personalize the booking process.

The Challenges of Competing with OTAs

While direct booking vacation rentals is a growing movement, Eric acknowledges that OTAs still dominate the market. He discusses strategies for attracting direct bookings, including:

• Improving direct booking websites with seamless UI/UX.
• Leveraging guest data for personalized marketing.
• Building strong brand recognition to drive repeat business.

The Future of Short-Term Rental Distribution

Eric envisions a future where property managers reduce dependence on OTAs and shift to direct booking models. He shares how Savvy aims to reshape the landscape by providing a cost-effective alternative that benefits both property managers and travelers.

“If we can help property managers move even 10-20% of their bookings off OTAs, that’s a game-changer for their profitability,” says Eric. 

Actionable Takeaways for Hosts & Property Managers

• Prioritize direct booking to reduce reliance on third-party platforms. 
• Improve your website to offer a seamless booking experience. 
• Leverage guest data to build personalized marketing campaigns. 
• Explore platforms like Savvy that offer book direct vacation rental solutions.

Ready to optimize your direct booking strategy? Listen to the full episode now!

Resources & Links

Explore Savvy: savvy.com

Eric Goldreyer on LinkedIn: Eric Goldreyer 

Read More: How to Book Direct Vacation Rentals 

Learn with AirDNA: Direct Booking Glossary Entry

Connect with Us

Jamie Lane on LinkedIn: Jamie Lane
Follow AirDNA for more insights: LinkedIn | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok