Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com are convenient, but that convenience comes with a price tag you don't always see. Platform fees typically add 12–18% on top of the nightly rate before you even check out. When you book directly with us, that markup disappears. You get the same properties, the same quality, and the same service for at least 15% less — guaranteed.
We manage vacation rentals in two very different places: the pine forests of Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica . Both destinations attract guests who care about where they stay. Our direct booking discount is one of the best reasons to skip the platforms entirely — no service fees, no hidden charges, no fine print. Just a lower rate on the same great properties.
Costa Rica: Jungle, coast, and real value
Our Costa Rica vacation rentals sit in Garabito and Herradura, close to Jacó and the central Pacific coast. Herradura is one of the most sought-after spots on Costa Rica's Pacific side: calm bay waters, easy marina access, and a short drive to Jacó's surf breaks, national parks, and some of the best sport fishing in the country. The portfolio ranges from private cabinas perfect for couples to larger villas that sleep a group of 13.
Jaco Costa Rica rentals on the major platforms carry platform fees that can add $150–$300 to a week-long stay before you've even packed. Book direct and that saving is yours. Here's what's available:
- Casa Rivera — 4 bed / 3 bath, sleeps 8. A full house with room for the whole group.
- Condo Brisa — 3 bed / 2 bath, sleeps 6. Comfortable, well-equipped, and easy on the wallet.
- Condo Jadura — 2 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 5. A solid mid-size option at a price that makes sense.
- Zenergy Casa & Cabinas — 6 bed / 5 bath, sleeps 13. The biggest option on the property, great for retreats or large families.
- Cabina Plumeria — 1 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 3. Quiet, private, and priced for a couple or solo traveler.
- Cabina Hibiscus — 1 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 2. A cozy cabina steps from the action in Herradura.
- Cabina Bamboo — 1 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 2. Simple, clean, and right-sized for two.
- Zen Den — 1 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 2. A calm, well-designed retreat for two.
- Rose Room — 1 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 2. Intimate and affordable.
- Sunflower Suite — 1 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 2. Bright and cheerful, great for a short escape.
On a week-long stay at Casa Rivera, booking direct versus a major platform typically saves $200–$400 depending on the season. That's a dinner out every night of your trip. Our Herradura vacation rentals are already priced competitively for the area — the direct booking discount makes them genuinely hard to beat. [Browse all Costa Rica vacation rentals.]
Pinetop-Lakeside: Mountain cabins, honest prices
Pinetop-Lakeside sits at 7,000 feet in the White Mountains of Arizona, about three hours from Phoenix and four from Tucson. It's cooler in summer, snowy in winter, and genuinely beautiful year-round. White Mountains cabin rentals have become increasingly popular — and with that popularity, platform prices have crept up. Our Arizona mountain cabin rentals are priced to stay competitive, and booking direct saves you at least 15% on top of that. Our four Pinetop-Lakeside vacation rentals cover everything from a romantic two-bedroom to a five-bedroom setup that sleeps 14.
- Cozy Cottage Lakeside — 2 bed / 2 bath, sleeps 6. Right on the lake, with the kind of morning view that makes you want to stay another night.
- Cozy Cub Log Cabin — 2 bed / 1 bath, sleeps 5. A proper log cabin with a fireplace. Book it in winter and you'll understand why people keep coming back.
- Hillside Hangout — 3 bed / 2 bath, sleeps 8. The deck at sunset is worth the drive on its own.
- Hillside Hangout and Cozy Cottage — 5 bed / 4 bath, sleeps 14. Both properties together for groups who want space without splitting up.
Pinetop cabin rentals on the platforms carry the same fee markups as everywhere else. Book direct here and you keep that 15%+ in your pocket — enough for a full day of ski passes at Sunrise Park Resort, a guided fishing trip on Hawley Lake, or a couple of nights' worth of groceries for the whole group. If you've been searching for White Mountains Arizona vacation rentals and comparing prices, check our direct rate before you book anywhere else. [Browse all Pinetop-Lakeside vacation rentals.]
Why the price difference exists
Platforms charge guests a service fee and charge hosts a commission. Both costs get baked into what you see on the listing page. When you book directly, neither fee applies. We pass that saving straight to you — no coupon codes, no loyalty programs, no fine print.
The properties are identical. The experience is identical. The price is just lower. Whether you're looking at Costa Rica vacation rentals, Pinetop-Lakeside cabin rentals, or anything in between, the direct booking discount is the same: at least 15% off what you'd pay on Airbnb or VRBO.
If you've been comparing our listings on the platforms and thinking they look good, check the direct rate before you commit. On a longer stay — a week in Herradura or a long weekend in the White Mountains — the difference adds up to real money. Book direct, save on vacation rental costs, and spend what you saved on the trip itself.
By Pines & Beaches Vacation Rentals · November 4, 2026