The added booking fees were a shock but I found that after a first rental I have always been able to do a direct rental with the owner and save those fees. Our last two rentals we saved $300-$400 each

With that said I would be hesitant to do it the first time renting a place...feel much better on a repeat visit

Renting from an agency you also pay the fee but it is just included in the price and not so obvious