Same properties, same host — just without the middleman taking a cut.
Average Airbnb guest service fee added on top of the nightly rate
Service fee when you book directly through Elm & Oak
Maximum response time — usually much faster. We actually pick up.
On a £1,500 booking, that's over £200 saved.
Airbnb adds a guest service fee of up to 16% on top of the nightly rate. Book direct and that money stays in your pocket — not theirs.
You message Haroon directly — not a platform inbox with automated filters. Questions get answered fast, requests get handled properly.
Need an early check-in or late checkout? When you book direct, we can actually talk about it. Airbnb doesn't let us offer that flexibility as standard.
Coming back? Guests who book direct get priority on availability and can lock in their preferred dates without competing on a platform listing.
Airbnb can cancel stays for policy reasons outside anyone's control. When you book direct, you're protected by our own terms — nothing can pull the rug out.
Platform bookings are transactions. Direct bookings are relationships. We remember returning guests, accommodate genuine requests, and go further because we can.
| Elm & Oak Direct | Via Airbnb | |
|---|---|---|
| Guest service fee | ✓ None | ✗ Up to 16% |
| Direct host communication | ✓ Always | Via platform only |
| Flexible check-in / checkout | ✓ On request | ✗ Fixed times |
| Early access to availability | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
| Booking protection | ✓ Our T&Cs | Airbnb policy |
| Personalised service | ✓ Always | Depends on host |
| Repeat guest benefits | ✓ Yes | ✗ No |
No complicated sign-ups or payment portals. Just a quick message and we'll take it from there.
Browse The Bungalow, The Hideout House, or The Vause and check your dates.
Use the booking form on the property page, drop us an email, or WhatsApp us directly. Tell us your dates and number of guests.
We'll come back within 24 hours (usually much sooner) with availability confirmed and a clear total — no hidden additions.
Pay a deposit to hold the booking and settle the balance closer to arrival. Simple, transparent, no platform in the middle.
Tell us your dates and we'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Three unique properties in Hertfordshire. All available to book direct.