RedAwning Adds a Struggling VaycayHero to Its Branded Vacation Rental Network
Photo Credit: One of the vacation rentals that property managers distribute via RedAwning's platform to channels like Expedia. Red Awning
Skift Take
Airbnb, Booking.com, and other giants in vacation rental bookings aren't providing the branding and technology needed by professional property managers in resort destinations. RedAwning's model points to one of several ways to fill the gap.
RedAwning is doing to branded vacation rentals in North America and Europe something similar to what OYO Rooms is carrying out with branded budget hotels in India — trying to provide a consistent booking experience for travelers.
But Emeryville, California-based RedAwning also is a technology play. Just as hotels use channel manager software to distribute their rooms to online and corporate travel agencies, RedAwning acts as a technological middleman that lets property managers list their properties — up to 100,000, at last count — on Airbnb, HomeAway, Expedia, Booking.com, FlipKey, and other channels.
RedAwning is still tiny. Last year it processed only 50,000 transactions.
But the concept it has hit upon represents a possible path forward for several players in the still-developing vacation rental ecosystem.
First, RedAwning has created a soft brand.
What consumers associate with the RedAwning brand name is a consistent contract no matter where the property is lo
