In this article, you'll learn how to create an account directly on the most popular OTAs: Booking.com, Airbnb, and Expedia. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your distribution, here's how to get set up on each platform.
📌 Minimum Listing Requirements (All OTAs)
Before you start on any platform, make sure you have:
🏠 A property to list (hotel, apartment, B&B, etc.)
📍 Exact address of the property
📸 High-quality photos of rooms and amenities
📝 A detailed description and house rules
💳 A valid payout method (bank account or PayPal)
📆 Availability calendar and nightly pricing
How to create an account on Booking.com
How to create an account on Booking.com
If you want to list your property on Booking.com, here’s how to get started step by step:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sign up on Booking.com
Go to https://join.booking.com
Click on "List your property"
Enter your email address and click "Get Started"
Create a password for your account
2. Add your property details
Choose your property type (Hotel, Apartment, B&B, etc.)
Enter the property name and address
Specify number of rooms and capacity
Select bed types and extra sleeping options
3. Set up pricing and availability
Enter your nightly prices
Choose your cancellation policies
Set your availability calendar
4. Upload photos and write your description
Upload high-quality images of rooms, bathrooms, and facilities
Write a descriptive and attractive listing
5. Set your payment preferences
Choose if guests pay online via Booking.com or at your property
Enter your bank account details for payouts
6. Verify your property
Booking.com may send a verification code by post (can take 7–10 days)
You may also need to provide ID documents
7. Final review and go live
Booking.com will review your submission
Once approved, your listing will be published and bookable!
📌 Note
If your property is in a remote location, address verification via post is often required and will delay your listing going live.
⚠️ Warning
Don't advertise the property elsewhere (e.g., social media) until your Booking.com listing is officially live—early bookings may not be honoured.
⏳ How long does it take?
Fastest case: 24–48 hours
With address verification: 7–10 days
With additional checks: Up to several weeks
How to create an account on Airbnb
How to create an account on Airbnb
If you want to list your property and start hosting on Airbnb, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sign up on Airbnb
Go to Airbnb.com
Click “Get Started” or “Become a Host”
Sign up using:
Email
Google, Apple, or Facebook account
Enter your personal details (name, phone number, and profile picture)
Verify your identity (Airbnb may ask for ID, like a passport or driver’s license)
2. Create your listing
Select what type of property you are listing (Entire home, private room, shared space)
Enter your property location (exact address)
Choose the number of rooms, beds, and bathrooms
Describe the amenities (WiFi, kitchen, pool, etc.)
3. Upload photos and write a description
Add high-quality photos of your property (Airbnb recommends at least 10)
Write an attractive description of your space
Set your house rules (pets allowed, smoking policy, etc.)
4. Set pricing and availability
Choose your pricing strategy (manual pricing or Airbnb’s Smart Pricing)
Set minimum and maximum stay lengths
Adjust your availability calendar
5. Set up payment and cancellation policies
Choose how guests will book:
Instant Book (guests book immediately)
Request to Book (you approve bookings manually)
Set your cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict)
Enter your bank details to receive payouts
6. Verify and publish your listing
Airbnb may review your listing before it goes live
Once approved, your listing goes live and you can start receiving guests!
📌 Note
Airbnb recommends uploading at least 10 high-quality photos to boost listing visibility.
⚠️ Warning
Be sure to follow local laws and registration rules—Airbnb may ask for permits depending on your area.
⏳ How long does it take?
Fastest case: 30 minutes to 24 hours
With identity verification: 1–3 days
With additional checks: Up to a week
How to create an account on Expedia
How to create an account on Expedia
If you want to list your hotel, vacation rental, or other property on Expedia, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Sign up on Expedia Partner Central
Click "List Your Property"
Choose your property type:
Hotel or Resort
Vacation Rental (Apartment, House, B&B, etc.)
Other types (hostel, boutique hotel, etc.)
Enter your email address & create a password
Provide contact details (name, phone number, business info)
2. Add your property details
Enter your property name and address
Choose the number of rooms or units
Select the type of property (luxury, budget, boutique, etc.)
Describe the amenities (WiFi, parking, pool, breakfast, etc.)
3. Upload photos and write a description
Add high-quality photos of your property, rooms, and common areas
Write a detailed and engaging description
Set your house rules and policies
4. Set pricing and availability
Choose your pricing strategy (manual pricing or Expedia’s dynamic pricing tools)
Set base rates per night & any extra charges
Adjust your availability calendar
5. Set payment and cancellation policies
Choose how guests will pay:
Through Expedia (Expedia Virtual Card - EVC)
Directly to you (guest pays at check-in)
Enter your bank details to receive payouts
Select your cancellation policy (Flexible, Moderate, or Strict)
6. Verification and approval
Expedia may request verification documents, such as:
Business registration or licences
Ownership documents
Photo ID or passport
Once approved, your listing goes live and is visible across Expedia’s network!
📌 Note
Expedia Group listings may also appear on affiliated sites like Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Travelocity.
⚠️ Warning
Approval may be delayed if submitted documents are blurry or inconsistent—make sure everything is clearly legible and up to date.
⏳ How long does it take?
Fastest case: 48 hours
With address/ownership verification: 5–10 days
With legal/licensing requirements: Up to several weeks
📌 Note
The setup process for other OTAs may vary. To explore which platforms you can connect to via Amenitiz, check out our full list here: How to connect to an OTA via XML .
FAQs
Can I create accounts on multiple OTAs?
Can I create accounts on multiple OTAs?
Yes! Most hoteliers list on multiple platforms to maximise their visibility. Just make sure you can manage the calendars and availability to avoid double bookings.
Do I need a business license to register?
Do I need a business license to register?
It depends on the country and platform. Booking.com and Expedia often require official registration; Airbnb is more flexible but still expects local compliance.