How to Cut Cottage Rental Costs: Smart Ways to Avoid Unnecessary Fees
Cottage rentals have become the go-to escape for families, couples, and groups seeking nature, privacy, and quality time together. But while the serenity may be priceless, the extra fees that come with booking a cottage often aren’t.
From platform charges to cleaning and guest fees, vacationers are frequently surprised by how quickly the costs add up. Whether you're booking a lakefront retreat in Muskoka or a cozy cabin near Lake Simcoe, here are practical ways to cut cottage rental costs by avoiding unnecessary fees—without sacrificing the experience.
Common Cottage Rental Fees
Before diving into money-saving tips, it’s important to understand the most common fees associated with cottage rentals:
Service Fees – Charged by platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo for booking convenience.
Cleaning Fees – Often higher for cottages due to larger outdoor spaces and seasonal deep cleans.
Pet Fees – Many Ontario cottages allow pets but charge extra for them.
Additional Guest Fees – Applied if your group exceeds the stated number of included guests.
Security Deposits – Refundable, but can range from $300 to $1,000+ depending on the property.
Amenity Fees – Extra costs for use of things like hot tubs, paddleboards, or firewood.
Fee Breakdown: Airbnb vs. Vrbo (Cottage Edition)
Airbnb
For Guests:
Service Fee – Up to 14.2% of the subtotal (before taxes).
Cleaning Fee – Determined by the host and often higher for cottages due to size, location, or outdoor areas.
Extra Guest Fees – May apply for large groups, pets, or extended stays.
For Hosts:
3% standard service fee (unless using a host-only pricing model, which can go up to 16%).
Vrbo
For Guests:
Service Fee – Typically 6–15% of the subtotal.
Cleaning & Amenity Fees – Set by the host, often similar to Airbnb.
For Hosts:
Pay-Per-Booking – 5% commission + 3% processing fee.
Subscription Option – $499/year for unlimited bookings, popular with professional cottage managers.
By comparing listings across platforms, you can sometimes find the same cottage listed for less—just with a different fee structure.
7 Smart Ways to Save on Cottage Rentals
1. Book Direct with the Owner or Manager
Many cottage owners in Ontario list on Airbnb or Vrbo for exposure—but offer better pricing when you book directly through their website or social media.
Tips:
Find the listing, then search the name of the cottage online.
Contact the owner directly to confirm rates and avoid platform fees.
Always verify the listing’s legitimacy through reviews or references.
For a comprehensive guide on building the perfect vacation rental listing, check out How to List a Vacation Rental Property: Building the Perfect Listing.
2. Travel Off-Peak (Spring or Fall)
While summer is prime cottage season, traveling during shoulder months like May, June, September, or October can significantly reduce nightly rates and cleaning fees.
Why It Works:
Less demand = lower prices and more flexibility.
Nature is just as beautiful—without the crowds.
Many cottages still offer access to water activities, hot tubs, or saunas even in cooler months.
3. Negotiate Cleaning & Pet Fees
Many owners are open to waiving or reducing fees, especially for respectful guests or longer stays.
Try This:
Ask for a breakdown of fees and offer to bring your own linens or clean before checkout.
If you're staying multiple nights, request a discounted cleaning rate.
Mention that you’re repeatable or referred by a past guest.
4. Join Email Lists or Loyalty Programs
Some cottage management companies or owners offer exclusive discounts for repeat guests or email subscribers.
Look For:
Early-bird deals for summer
Winter getaway specials
Free-night promotions (e.g., book 3, get 1 free)
5. Use a Travel Credit Card for Booking
Credit cards like American Express Cobalt or Scotiabank Gold offer points, travel insurance, and even cashback for short-term rentals.
Benefits Include:
Earning points for future getaways
Built-in trip cancellation or damage protection
Exclusive deals with select platforms
6. Choose Simpler Stays
Not every getaway needs a luxury boathouse or home theatre. If you’re just looking to unplug, opt for simple cottages that meet your core needs.
What to Avoid:
Paying for hot tubs or motorboats you won’t use
High cleaning fees on massive cottages for a small group
“Luxury premiums” that don’t align with your trip goals
For insights on essential amenities and optimizing your rental, explore The Top 10 Airbnb Must Haves.
7. Compare Platforms & Use Aggregators
A cottage listed on Airbnb might also be on Vrbo, CottagesInCanada, or the owner’s website—with very different pricing.
How to Do It:
Search the cottage name or address across platforms
Use websites like Google Travel, HomeToGo, or Cozycozy to compare listings
Always check the total cost, not just the nightly rate
Final Thoughts
Cottage getaways are meant to be peaceful, not painful on your wallet. By understanding where fees come from and how to work around them, you can unlock better rates and maximize the value of your vacation.
Whether you're booking for a family summer trip or a quiet fall retreat, these strategies will help you save more—so you can relax more.
For more detailed insights on managing your Muskoka Airbnb efficiently, don't miss The Ultimate Guide to Managing Your Muskoka Airbnb: Tips for Success.
