Google recently updated its structured data documentation for vacation rentals, requiring more precise data—a move that clarifies rather than changes the requirements. This update occurred without a formal announcement or notation in the developer pages changelog.
Vacation Rentals Structured Data
Specific structured data types make vacation rental information eligible for rich results unique to such listings. However, this is not accessible to all websites. Vacation rental owners must be connected to a Google Technical Account Manager and have access to the Google Hotel Center platform.
VacationRental Structured Data Type Definitions
The main changes were made to the structured data property type definitions, where Google defines the required and recommended property types.
The updates to the documentation focus on the Recommended properties section, representing a clarification of recommendations rather than a change in requirements.
Address Schema.org Property
While subtle, this change is important as it now advocates for more precise data.
Previous Recommendation:
- "streetAddress": "1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy."
Current Recommendation:
- "streetAddress": "1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy, Unit 6E"
Address Property Change Description
The most significant update is in how the "address" property is described, becoming more detailed about what is recommended.
Before the Change:
- PostalAddress: Information about the street address of the listing. Include all properties that apply to your country.
After the Change:
- PostalAddress: The full, physical location of the vacation rental. Provide the street address, city, state or region, and postal code for the vacation rental. If applicable, include the unit or apartment number. Note that P.O. boxes or other mailing-only addresses are not considered full, physical addresses.
This clarification is also reflected in the section for the address.streetAddress property.
Previous Recommendation:
- address.streetAddress Text: The full street address of your vacation listing.
Current Recommendation:
- address.streetAddress Text: The full street address of your vacation listing, including the unit or apartment number if applicable.
Clarification and Not a Change
Although these updates do not alter Google’s guidance, they are crucial as they provide clearer instructions, reducing ambiguity around what is recommended.
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