Break Free
For owners who are ready to rely less on the platforms — and keep more of what they earn.
The platforms are taking more, every year
Running costs are rising. Platform fees are growing. And the margin between a thriving property and a struggling one has never been narrower.
The good news: most owners are losing bookings in places they can’t see yet. That’s exactly where I start.
The Problem
The financial squeeze is real…and it’s getting tougher.
Running costs are rising on every front. At the same time, platforms are taking a cut of every booking, and they’re growing more powerful and more expensive.
For independent owners, the margin between a thriving property and a struggling one has never been narrower.
Why I started this
If I’m honest, what really lit the fire under Gîte Lab was watching the big booking platforms tighten their grip on independent owners year after year. Commission rates creep up, algorithms favour the properties that pay to play, and meanwhile the cost of running a holiday rental keeps rising.
Whether you’re a single-property owner wondering why your calendar isn’t filling up, or a larger operation starting to feel the squeeze from every direction, you deserve more than a listing — you deserve a strategy.
That’s what I’m here to help you build.
It’s already happening for other owners
“We’d been on Airbnb for three years and couldn’t understand why we weren’t getting more bookings. Richard analysed everything — our listing, our photos, our Google presence — and within weeks of following his recommendations we had our best summer ever. We now get over 60% of our bookings direct. Honestly wish we’d done this sooner.” — Sarah & Tom, Dordogne
“After fifteen years managing our château through the platforms, we finally decided to take back control. The Gîte Lab audit was honest, detailed and — if we’re being truthful — a little humbling! But the action plan was clear and the results have been remarkable. Our direct bookings have doubled and we’re spending far less time dealing with OTA administration. A brilliant service.” — Annette & Philippe, Loire Valley
I’m already on Airbnb and Gîtes.fr — should I bother with direct bookings?
OTAs are a great source of discovery, but every booking through them costs you commission and hands your guest relationship to the platform. Direct bookings mean more money per stay, guests who are loyal to you, and a business that isn’t at the mercy of an algorithm change.
You don’t have to leave the platforms altogether to benefit — even a handful of direct bookings a season adds up. The audit shows you exactly where those opportunities are.
It starts with the same €95 review (normally €150) — what you do with it is your call.