Celebrating 8 years of listing on RentMichiganCabins.com.
For Cabintimers seeking Muskegon, Michigan cabins near the water, Bill & Stella’s By The Lake Michigan Shore offers a welcoming home base just steps from Lake Michigan and the Muskegon Channel. This three-bedroom, 1.5-bath vacation rental accommodates up to six guests and has been a trusted listing on RentMichiganCabins.com for eight years. Booking directly with owner Gary means no service fees, no middleman, and direct access to local insights.
A Comfortable Stay with Thoughtful Amenities
The home features a spacious living room and a fully equipped kitchen with modern appliances, including a dishwasher, griddle, blender, and ice maker. Additional conveniences like laundry soap, paper products, and a selection of spices are provided. The attached garage, off-road parking, and wheelchair ramp ensure easy access for all guests. Beach essentials such as chairs, towels, picnic baskets, and a cooler are also available.
Prime Location for Outdoor Activities
Located across from Margaret Drake Elliott Park, guests can enjoy open spaces for yard games and a scenic walkway along the Muskegon Channel leading to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum and the Muskegon lighthouse. A short walk brings you to Pere Marquette Park, known for its white sand beach, and Harbour Towne Beach on Muskegon Lake. The area offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, sailing, and golfing. In winter, the Muskegon State Park Winter Sports Complex provides activities like ice skating, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and luge sessions.
Explore Muskegon’s Attractions
Muskegon offers a variety of attractions to enhance your stay:
Michigan’s Adventure: The state’s largest amusement and water park, featuring over 60 rides and attractions.
Muskegon State Park: Offers two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, hiking trails, and winter sports facilities.
USS Silversides Submarine Museum: Explore a historic World War II submarine and learn about naval history.
Pere Marquette Park: A popular beach destination with a lighthouse and scenic views.
Local Festivals: Experience events like Muskegon Bike Time, Taste of White Lake, Michigan Irish Music Festival, and Snowfest.
Book Direct and Save
By booking directly with Gary through RentMichiganCabins.com, you avoid service fees and gain access to personalized recommendations for local dining, events, and activities. This direct connection ensures a more tailored and cost-effective vacation experience.
Whether you’re planning a summer beach trip or a winter adventure, Bill & Stella’s By The Lake Michigan Shore offers a comfortable and convenient stay in Muskegon. Join the It’s Cabin Time® community and discover authentic cabin experiences across Michigan and beyond.
Booking directly with vacation rental owners or local property managers continues to offer significant advantages over going through large Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) like Airbnb or Vrbo. Here’s a detailed update, covering what’s still true, what’s changing, and new benefits:
1. Cost Savings (Still a Major Benefit, but evolving):
Lower Fees: This remains the biggest draw. OTAs tack on hefty service fees (often 10-20% on top of the rental cost). Booking direct eliminates these, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars, especially on longer stays.
Negotiation Potential: Direct booking opens the door to negotiation, especially during off-peak seasons or for longer stays. Owners are often more flexible when they don’t have to split revenue with an OTA.
Reduced Security Deposit: Some owners are willing to lower or waive security deposits when booking directly, building trust through direct communication.
However… OTAs are increasingly trying to match direct pricing. Some owners are forced to list similar prices on both platforms to maintain visibility. It’s still worth comparing, but the gap isn’t always as large as it used to be.
2. Better Communication & Personalized Service (Increasingly Important):
Direct Access to Local Expertise: Owners and local property managers are invaluable resources. They can provide insider tips on restaurants, activities, hidden gems, and local events that you won’t find in generic OTA guides.
Faster & More Responsive Communication: No more going through a middleman. You can get quick answers to your questions and address concerns directly with someone who knows the property intimately. This is crucial for pre-trip planning and during your stay.
Flexibility & Customization: Direct booking allows for more flexibility in requests. Need a late check-out? Want to arrange for a grocery delivery? Owners are often more willing to accommodate reasonable requests.
Personalized Recommendations: Owners can tailor recommendations to your specific interests and needs, creating a more customized vacation experience.
3. More Accurate Property Information & Transparency (Becoming More Critical):
Up-to-Date Details: Owners are more likely to keep property descriptions, photos, and amenities lists current. OTAs can sometimes have outdated information.
Honest Representation: While not always the case, owners generally have a stronger incentive to accurately represent their property. They rely on positive reviews and repeat business.
Clearer Policies: Direct communication allows for a clearer understanding of cancellation policies, house rules, and other important details. Avoid surprises!
Avoiding “Hidden” Rules: OTAs sometimes have platform-wide rules that owners may not fully control or disclose. Direct booking allows you to discuss all rules upfront.
4. Supporting Local Economies (Growing in Appeal):
Directly Benefit Owners: Your money goes directly to the person who owns and maintains the property, supporting local families and businesses.
Community Investment: Local property managers often contribute to the local economy through hiring and partnerships with other local businesses.
Building Rapport: Talking directly with the owner builds trust and allows you to assess their responsiveness and professionalism.
Secure Payment Options: While OTAs offer payment protection, many owners now use secure payment platforms like Stripe or PayPal, offering similar safeguards. Always verify the payment method is secure.
However… Scams do exist. Be cautious and follow these safety tips (see below).
Where to Find Direct Booking Options:
Google Search: Search for “[Destination] vacation rentals” and look for websites that aren’t Airbnb or Vrbo.
Destination-Specific Websites: Some regions have websites dedicated to local vacation rentals.
Social Media: Facebook groups and local tourism pages can connect you with owners.
Word of Mouth: Ask friends and family for recommendations.
Important Safety Tips When Booking Direct:
Verify Ownership: Confirm the owner actually owns the property (check property records if possible).
Secure Payment:Never pay with cash, wire transfer, or untraceable methods. Use a credit card or a secure payment platform.
Read Reviews (Even if not on OTAs): Look for reviews on Google, Facebook, or the owner’s website.
Get a Written Contract: A detailed rental agreement outlining all terms and conditions is essential.
Trust Your Gut: If something feels off, don’t proceed.
The Bottom Line:
While OTAs offer convenience and a wide selection, booking directly with owners or local property managers often provides a more affordable, personalized, and authentic vacation experience. It requires a little more effort, but the potential rewards are well worth it.
Vacation Rental Owners and Property Managers:Ever wonder what to tell your guests when they say they are “afraid” to book direct?
Big booking websites can’t bamboozle Millennial & Gen Z travelers forever. We posed as a cabin owner and asked ChatGPT this question: “Hi ChatGPT, I’ve been told by some younger guests that they fear booking cabins directly with vacation rental owners because websites like vrbo and airbnb tell them it is not “safe”. However, guests have been booking vacation rentals directly with the owners for decades, well before the internet even existed. How can I tell my guests that it is actually safer to book directly with me? Plus, I’m a professional when it comes to promoting the things to do in my area – Vrbo and airbnb don’t live here, but I do.
HERE’S THE REPLY FROM CHATGPT:
Absolutely, it’s completely understandable that guests might have concerns, but there are many solid reasons why booking directly with you is a safe and beneficial choice. Here’s how you can communicate that:
1. Personal Touch and Local Expertise:
Remind them that you are the local expert. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO might not have the insider knowledge about your area that you do.
Highlight your ability to provide personalized recommendations tailored to their interests, ensuring they make the most of their stay.
2. Direct Communication:
Emphasize the direct line of communication. Booking directly means they can reach out to you easily with any questions or concerns.
Mention your prompt responses and willingness to assist before, during, and after their stay.
3. Cost Savings:
Let them know that booking directly often means avoiding additional fees charged by third-party platforms. It’s a win-win—they get the same great experience without the extra cost.
4. Flexibility and Special Requests:
Point out the flexibility you can offer. Direct bookings may allow more room for negotiation on check-in/out times and special requests, creating a more personalized experience.
5. Trustworthy Reviews:
Share positive reviews from previous guests who booked directly. Genuine testimonials can build trust and showcase the positive experiences others have had.
6. Secure Payment Processes:
Assure them of the security of your payment processes. If you have a secure and reliable payment method in place, let them know that their financial information is handled safely.
7. Local Ownership:
Emphasize the fact that they are supporting local business. As a cabin owner living in the area, their booking directly contributes to the local economy.
8. Exclusive Offers:
Consider offering exclusive perks for direct bookings, such as discounts, additional amenities, or special packages. Make them feel like they’re getting a unique and valuable deal.
9. Build Personal Connections:
Showcase the human side. Let them know you’re not just a faceless entity but a fellow traveler and enthusiast who understands their needs.
10. Showcase Your Professionalism:
Highlight your professionalism in managing bookings and providing a seamless experience. Share any relevant credentials or certifications you have.
Remember, building trust is crucial. Provide clear information, showcase your professionalism, and assure them that booking directly with you is a decision that enhances their overall experience.
Then we followed up with this second question to ChatGPT (we’re referencing our WI site, but we have 12 regional sites): “As a Wisconsin cabin owner, I know I can list on websites like vrbo and airbnb, but my goal is to maximize direct bookings so I can maximize my rental revenue. Does it make sense to list on these big booking websites and ALSO list on websites like RentWisconsinCabins.com that encourages booking directly with owners and local managers?
HERE’S THE REPLY FROM CHATGPT:
Yes, it makes sense to list your cabin on both big booking websites like VRBO and Airbnb, as well as on niche platforms like RentWisconsinCabins.com that encourage direct bookings. Here’s why:
1.Maximize Visibility:
Listing on major platforms like VRBO and Airbnb gives you exposure to a large audience actively searching for vacation rentals. This can significantly increase your visibility and attract potential guests.
2. Tap into Different Markets:
Each platform caters to a diverse audience. By listing on various platforms, you have the opportunity to tap into different markets and reach a broader range of potential guests.
3. Establish Credibility:
Presence on well-known platforms can add credibility to your rental. Guests often trust booking through recognized platforms due to their established reputation.
4. Leverage Direct Booking Platforms:
Listing on platforms like RentWisconsinCabins.com allows you to tap into a market that specifically encourages direct bookings. This can help you build a loyal customer base and maximize revenue by avoiding third-party fees.
5. Diversify Revenue Streams:
Having your cabin listed on multiple platforms diversifies your revenue streams. In case of fluctuations or changes in the industry, you have different sources contributing to your income.
6. Optimize Marketing Strategy:
Utilize different platforms to complement your marketing strategy. Major platforms may attract guests looking for convenience, while niche platforms appeal to those seeking a more personalized and local experience.
7. Capture Local Audience:
Platforms like RentWisconsinCabins.com may attract a local audience who prefers to book directly with owners. This allows you to establish a connection with guests who value the local touch and may become repeat visitors.
8. Strategic Pricing:
Implement strategic pricing to balance the fees associated with major platforms. You can adjust your rates accordingly to account for the fees on those platforms while offering competitive rates for direct bookings.
9. Build Direct Booking Incentives:
On your own website or through direct booking platforms like RentWisconsinCabins.com, you can offer exclusive incentives to guests, such as discounts, special packages, or additional amenities. This encourages guests to book directly with you.
10. Adapt to Market Trends:
Stay adaptable to changing market trends. Monitor the performance of your listings on different platforms and adjust your strategy based on where you see the most success in terms of bookings and revenue.
Remember to effectively manage your listings and respond promptly to inquiries on all platforms to provide a positive experience for potential guests, regardless of where they discover your cabin.
OUR TAKEAWAY: We will proceed full steam ahead with growing our regional websites that help vacation rental owners, resort owners, and property managers boost their direct bookings. Owners/managers of all sizes should consider a diversified marketing approach that includes supporting regional websites that promote: #bookdirect.
We hope you found inspiration, insights, and a touch of joy within these words. Your thoughts matter, so share them with us in the comments below. Don’t forget to subscribe for more adventures and musings. Connect with us on [Facebook] for weekly doses of Cabin Time vibes.
Cheers to growth, learning, and the beauty of the journey!
It’s Cabin Time® Blog 