We understand that some guests have questions about why Hapey Cabin Rentals exclusively uses VRBO for bookings, especially regarding fees. We hear you and want to explain why VRBO is the best choice for both us and you, our valued guests.
But first, let’s compare what you get when you book directly with us versus other cabins in the area—especially if you’re bringing pets.
For Our Guests: Why VRBO and Hapey Cabin Rentals Are a Win for You
1. A Trusted, Established Platform
VRBO, part of the Expedia family, is a globally recognized leader in vacation rentals. It provides an easy-to-use platform where you can search, filter, and book whole-home accommodations—like ours—in popular destinations, including the Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg area.
2. Peace of Mind with Rewards and Protection
- One Key Rewards Program: Earn rewards on your VRBO bookings to save on future trips.
- Book with Confidence Guarantee: VRBO steps in to protect your vacation plans if you face unexpected property issues or trouble reaching us as your host.
3. The Real Cost of Booking: We Stand Out
We did a little research to compare Hapey Memories to other 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom cabins in the area for a March 7–10, 2025 stay (2 guests, 2 dogs). Here’s what we found:
| Cabin | Total Cost | Pet Policy |
| Hapey Memories | $981 | Unlimited dogs (within reason, haha!), any size, fenced yard, NO pet fees |
| Cabin A | $989.67 | $100 per dog, 2 dogs max |
| Cabin B | $1,194.00 | $158 pet fee, 2 dogs max |
| Cabin C | $1,038.00 | $35 pet fee, no fenced yard |
Most competitors charge extra pet fees ranging from $35 to $158 and often limit pets to 2 under 40 pounds. None of these cabins offer fenced yards—which means your dogs have to stay leashed or indoors.
At Hapey Cabin Rentals, we don’t just accept pets—we welcome them!
- No pet fees.
- No weight or breed restrictions.
- Fenced-in yards at ALL of our cabins, so your furry friends can roam freely and safely.
When you compare these offerings to other cabins, it’s easy to see where Hapey Cabin Rentals stands out—offering more value, fewer restrictions, and the ultimate pet-friendly experience.
4. Understanding the VRBO Service Fees
We know the 6%-14% guest service fee can raise questions. Here’s what it covers:
- 24/7 Customer Support
- Secure Payment Transactions
- Website Maintenance and Product Development
Good to Know: As the reservation total increases, the service fee percentage decreases, so for longer stays or larger bookings, you’ll often pay a smaller percentage.
5. Transparency Over Hidden Costs
Some platforms advertise “No Service Fees, No Cleaning Fees,” but those costs are often rolled into higher nightly rates. VRBO takes a transparent approach, clearly itemizing all fees so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
For Us as Owners: Why VRBO Is the Right Fit
1. Simplified Financial Management
VRBO makes managing bookings seamless with tools like:
- Real-Time Calendar Updates: No risk of double bookings.
- Payment Tracking and Tax Reporting: VRBO tracks payments and even files and pays state and city taxes on our behalf, saving us time and ensuring compliance.
2. Secure and Reliable Payment Processing
Handling direct bookings would mean investing in costly, secure payment systems—fees that would ultimately be passed to you. VRBO ensures secure, reliable transactions without extra hassle.
3. All-in-One Convenience
VRBO isn’t just a booking site; it’s an all-in-one solution that:
- Advertises our cabins to millions of travelers.
- Provides secure payment processing.
- Manages reporting and record-keeping for taxes and financial tracking.
This allows us to focus on what we do best: providing you with a relaxing, unforgettable cabin experience.
Our Commitment to You
We chose VRBO because it offers safety, reliability, and convenience for everyone involved. While we understand concerns about fees, we believe the added protections, rewards, and transparency make it worth the cost.
And when you book Hapey Cabin Rentals, you get something truly special:
- Unmatched pet-friendly policies.
- Fenced yards for your dogs’ comfort and safety.
- Clear and competitive pricing—no surprises, no hidden pet fees.
By using a trusted platform like VRBO, we ensure a stress-free, secure booking process—so you can focus on what really matters: making memories at Hapey Cabin Rentals.
Have more questions? We’re always here to help. Thank you for choosing us to be a part of your vacation!
Warm wishes,
Hapey Cabin Rentals
Cabin Owners – See how we can handle bookings for you.