How to Rent Out Houseboats on Airbnb

How to Rent Out Houseboats on Airbnb

about 6 years agoScore: 75
Growth & Marketing
Unique Stays
Airbnb
OTA Strategy
Guest Communication
Market Research

Summary

This article discusses a Superhost's experience renting out houseboats on Airbnb, highlighting how unique experiences and strategies like 'date nights' can attract bookings. Hosts with unique properties near water can leverage this open market, focusing on regulations, providing lasting guest memories, and utilizing platforms like Groupon to increase bookings.

Key Insights

  • The host's houseboat listings on Airbnb include a 37-foot Holiday Mansion (sleeps 2) opened in March 2017 and a 50-foot Gibson (sleeps 6) opened in July 2019.
  • The host's calendar is full on weekends, holidays, and events, indicating high demand.

Action Items

  • Explore using Groupon or Airbnb Experiences to increase bookings, and provide a unique sensory experience in time blocks.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium
  • Focus on providing little things to create memorable experiences for guests, such as providing fishing poles or Polaroid cameras.
    Effort: low
    Impact: medium
  • Consider offering 'date nights' or similar unique experiences to attract bookings during the week, especially if you have a unique property.
    Effort: medium
    Impact: medium

Tools & Resources

  • Groupon Merchant Center: The article mentions Groupon Merchant Center.
  • Airbnb Experiences: The article mentions Airbnb Experiences.

Watch Out For

  • Avoid going out on the water for liability reasons.
  • Be aware of local government regulations, including taxes and water treatment considerations.

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