Booking.com charges 15-25% commission on every reservation. For an average apartment, that means €2,000 to €8,000 per year. Here is the exact math.
How Booking calculates commission
Standard commission is 15%. But there is more — the Genius program (which you must use or lose visibility) means an extra 10% discount you pay for. Preferred Partner adds another 5%. Your real commission can be 22-25%.
At €100 per night, Booking takes €15-25. Over 100 nights per year, that is €1,500-2,500. Two apartments? Double it.
Hidden costs you don't see
Booking controls guest communication — you can't give them a business card or ask them to book directly next time. The guest belongs to Booking, not you.
Booking can change the rules tomorrow — and you have no choice but to comply.
The math of direct bookings
If you convert 30% of 100 nights to direct — that is 30 nights × €20 commission = €600 saved. Every year.
A personal website costs €150/year. It pays for itself after 8 direct nights. The rest is pure profit.
How to start with direct bookings
You don't need to leave Booking — complement it. A guest who finds you on Booking first can book directly on your site next time.
You need three things: your own website with direct booking, a Google Business profile (free), and a business card in the apartment with a QR code to your site.
Calculate your savings → Build your own website in 5 minutes. Aparto — €150/year, 0% commission.
