The same house. A better price. Booked direct.
Thirty-two vacation rentals from Corolla to the Coachella Valley, booked straight with the family that looks after them. Private pools, hot tubs, game rooms and a local team on call all stay.
Save about 10% vs Airbnb and Vrbo on a like-for-like booking, with no platform fees and every term shown before you pay.
★★★★★ 4.93 average guest rating · Airbnb Superhost · Vrbo Premier Host · 24/7 guest support
Check dates & pricing
Pick your dates and a destination and we will show every home that is open, with the direct-booking price.
Secure Stripe checkout · No platform fees · Questions? (949) 407-7448
Where would you rather be?
Beach weeks on the Outer Banks, pool days in the Coachella Valley, desert escapes in Arizona and easy California getaways. Pick a place and see every home we manage there.
Featured vacation rentals
Every home is professionally managed and cleaned by our own team, stocked for real families and priced for direct booking. Pick dates above to see live availability.
Why stay in a hotel when you can have your own space?
Enjoy the privacy, comfort and convenience of a fully equipped home, with more room to relax, cook and make memories. Book it here and you also get the perks the platforms cannot offer.
Best price, booked direct
The same home is about 10% less here than on Airbnb or Vrbo for a like-for-like flexible booking, with no platform service fee.
Early check-in & late check-out priority
When the calendar allows it, direct guests go first for an early arrival or a slow morning on departure day.
Exclusive offers & perks
Returning-guest rates and seasonal offers we only share with people who book with us.
Personalized service
You message Al, Elissa and our team directly, before you book and the whole time you stay.
Trusted, secure booking
Encrypted card processing through Stripe. Every fee and term is on screen before you pay.
Greater flexibility
Clearer and often more flexible cancellation terms than the platforms, shown before you commit.
Want the numbers? Read booking direct vs. Airbnb and Vrbo, with the cancellation terms spelled out.
Real stays. Real names. Straight from our inbox.
Every review below was left by a guest who stayed in one of our homes in the last few weeks.
“Elissa was amazing and responsive. I let her know our Keurig wasn’t working and within an hour one was delivered to our door. The home is absolutely beautiful, exactly like the photos. So great for our big family. The pool is amazing and the backyard is immaculately landscaped. We will be back!”
KerryOasis Del Sol, Palm Springs · Aug 2026
“We loved this home! Truly one of the best stocked airbnbs we have ever stayed in, with a lot of thoughtful touches. Beds were comfortable, extra linens, plenty of amenities and very clean. We felt right at home.”
ToniKing Tide Rising, Avon NC · Sep 2026
“The home was absolutely beautiful, it came with games for the kids, little welcome snacks, everything was clean. The customer support was amazing, great hospitality, they respond quickly. I felt like I was at home.”
JuliaHygge High Point, NC · Aug 2026
Where personalized hospitality meets exceptional short-term rentals
We are Al and Elissa, the husband-and-wife team behind Rather Be Properties. We believe the best vacations are about more than where you stay; they are about the memories you make. That is why every home we manage is thoughtfully stocked, cared for by our own team and backed by real people from booking to checkout.
We have personally been in every house, and we are always happy to point you toward the right one.
Own a vacation home? See where it could be leaving money behind with a free Revenue Rescue Audit, delivered in writing within five business days.
Plan your trip
Honest guides from the people who manage the homes: which town to pick, where the locals eat, which pools are heated and when the desert gets good again.
Frequently asked home rental questions
How do I book a stay?
Book directly on this site for the best rate and exclusive perks, with no hidden platform fees. We are also listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, Expedia, Booking.com, Marriott Homes & Villas, Lake.com, Glamping Hub, Hopper and Google Vacation Rentals. Wherever you book you get the same service, but booking direct gives you more value and flexibility.
Is the home professionally cleaned?
Yes. Every property is professionally cleaned and sanitized before each stay to the highest standard, and inspected by our local team.
What is your cancellation policy?
Cancellation policies vary by property and booking platform. Direct bookings often come with more flexible terms, and every term is shown before you pay. Contact us for specifics on your dates.
Do you allow pets?
Many of our homes are pet-friendly. Check the property listing or contact us to confirm the pet policy for your stay.
Is early check-in or late check-out available?
We do our best to accommodate early check-in or late check-out requests when possible, and direct guests get priority. Reach out in advance and we will let you know if it is available.
What is included in the home?
All of our properties come fully furnished with the essentials: linens, towels, kitchenware, toiletries and high-speed Wi-Fi. Many also include extras like hot tubs, game rooms or EV chargers.
Is the pool or hot tub heated?
Hot tubs are always heated and included. Pool heating is optional at some homes and carries a daily fee, which is listed in the property description or available on request.
What if I need help during my stay?
We offer 24/7 guest support. Whether it is a maintenance issue or a quick question, our team is always here to help.
How do I get the address and check-in details?
Once your booking is confirmed we send detailed check-in instructions by email or through the platform you booked on, including the address, access codes and local tips.
Do you offer long-term stays or remote-work amenities?
Yes. Many of our homes are equipped for extended stays with work-friendly spaces, fast Wi-Fi and even office setups. Contact us for monthly rates and availability.
More answers in our full guest FAQ.
Ready when you are
Pick your dates, choose your destination and book direct. Our team is here around the clock once you arrive.
Because there’s no place you’d rather be.