STR News.

Hostaway introduces AI CoHost, an AI assistant for STR property managers. This tool analyzes portfolio performance, identifies growth opportunities, and automates tasks by processing metrics like revenue, occupancy, and guest reviews. It offers actionable recommendations and can draft communications.

91% of vacation rental property managers agree communication is key to guest reviews. This highlights the critical role of clear, timely guest interactions in shaping the overall guest experience and the resulting ratings.

This article from The AI Journal discusses ResortCleaning, a new housekeeping hub connecting vacation rental operators. It aims to streamline cleaning operations, potentially saving time and effort for hosts. The hub offers a centralized platform for managing cleaning schedules and communication. Hosts can benefit from improved efficiency and potentially better guest reviews with streamlined turnover.

Guest screening is crucial for protecting your short-term rental from damage, fraud, and neighbor complaints, and compliance. This Hostfully article outlines how listing sites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer screening tools like ID verification and guest reviews. Hosts can also use pre-booking forms and automated messaging for stricter screening. Tailoring screening processes to your property type, and the location, and being consistent is key to reducing risk.

Guest reviews are crucial for short-term rental success. Hostfully's article highlights the importance of spotting patterns in reviews, focusing on 3- and 4-star feedback for improvement, and monitoring category performance. It emphasizes the need for operational changes based on insights and how Hostfully's dashboard can streamline this process.

This article discusses the importance of achieving a 4.9-star rating on Airbnb, as it can significantly increase revenue. It highlights four key attributes of top-rated properties and provides insights into creating superior guest experiences and operational strategies. Hosts should review their current guest communication, cleanliness standards, and problem-solving processes to optimize their ratings.

This iGMS article explains the Vrbo guest review system, emphasizing its importance for hosts to increase bookings, build credibility, and warn other hosts. Hosts should prioritize leaving honest and consistent reviews within the 14-day timeframe after a guest submits their review. Hosts can also use software to automate the review process.

VRBO Premier Host standards will become stricter in 2026, and property managers need to be prepared. This update could impact host rankings and visibility, requiring attention to metrics like guest reviews, response times, and cancellation rates. Discover how these changes can influence your short-term rental's success.