We list some of our Dubai apartments on Airbnb. We also offer them on our direct booking site. Same apartments, same management team, same quality. The difference is in the fees, the flexibility, and the experience. Here is an honest, side-by-side comparison.
Price
Airbnb charges a guest service fee of 14 to 16 percent on top of the nightly rate. On a 500 AED/night apartment for seven nights, that is roughly 560 AED in fees. On our direct site, the total is the nightly rate multiplied by the nights. No service fee. No hidden charges. The saving is real and significant.
Cancellation Policy
Airbnb standardizes cancellation policies and sometimes overrides host settings. On our direct site, you see the exact cancellation terms before you book, and we honor them without platform interference. Need to modify dates? We handle it directly — no waiting for Airbnb support to mediate.
Communication
On Airbnb, messages go through the platform. Response times depend on the app. Direct booking means you get our WhatsApp number and email immediately. You are talking to the team that manages the apartment, cleans it, and meets you at check-in. Questions get answered in minutes, not hours.
Payment
Airbnb holds your money and pays the host after check-in. Our direct site uses Stripe — you pay securely, we receive it, and the transaction is clean. No currency conversion surprises, no holds on your credit card.
Trust
This is the one area where Airbnb has an advantage for first-time guests. The platform's review system and guest guarantee provide peace of mind. We counter this with verified Google reviews, transparent property photos, and responsive WhatsApp support before you book. Once you have stayed with us once, the trust is built — and the savings make it an easy choice for repeat stays.
The Verdict
If you have never booked with us and want the safety net, use Airbnb for your first stay. After that, book direct and save 15 to 20 percent every time. Same apartment, same team, better price.