As a beginner host I can tell you, booking.com IS a ripoff. They charge several times more than airbnb (15%), so hosts reflect this to higher price. So far I ha

As a beginner host I can tell you, booking.com IS a ripoff. They charge several times more than airbnb (15%), so hosts reflect this to higher price. So far I haven't seen the option to actually send the money to me, it seems I have to collect it on spot (hopefully not). I am 3 weeks into account opening process with them, and it's not yet done (because they fail to send me a mail with which I confirm whatever - this is internet company in 2016!). Airbnb was done in 15 minutes in super-intuitive manner. They deserve competition desperately, either improve or die. The only reason why it's still in existence is they were first, any many people are used to them. But as with all internet technologies, this will change over time.