News

This article from NerdWallet explores Airbnb's refund policy when guests experience issues during their stay. It covers the different scenarios where a refund might be warranted, the process for requesting one, and the factors Airbnb considers when making a decision. Understanding the policy is crucial for both guests and hosts to navigate potential problems effectively.

Airbnb is hosting an exclusive table tennis tournament, the Marty Supreme Invitational, in New York City. While this event is not directly related to STR hosting operations, it highlights Airbnb's focus on creating unique guest experiences, a trend hosts can learn from.

A recent article reveals a guest's outrage over a four-page cleaning checklist demanded upon checkout. This highlights a potential area of friction in the guest experience, potentially impacting reviews and satisfaction. Hosts should consider the impact of detailed cleaning expectations, and seek feedback to balance thoroughness with guest convenience.

This Lodgify article discusses the importance of setting up house rules on VRBO listings. Hosts should review and implement clear house rules to protect their property and ensure a positive guest experience.

This article from Lodgify will help you optimize your Vrbo listing by providing a checklist of essential amenities. By accurately reflecting your amenities, you can improve guest satisfaction and attract more bookings.

Airbnb's Newsroom announces 'Elphaba's Retreat,' a uniquely themed listing inspired by the musical Wicked. This initiative demonstrates Airbnb's ongoing effort to diversify listings and attract guests with memorable experiences. It encourages hosts to consider themed offerings for guest appeal, potentially enhancing listing visibility.

This article from Hostfully discusses how to build a successful eco-friendly vacation rental business. It highlights the growing demand from green travelers, the key features they look for, and provides actionable steps and resources to attract and cater to this market, potentially increasing both revenue and guest satisfaction.

Vrbo is enhancing its platform by adding guest photos to property reviews and galleries. This update is designed to enrich the guest experience and provide potential renters with more visual insights into a property before booking. This change could boost booking conversions.

VRBO introduces VRBOCARE, setting new quality standards for vacation rentals. This indicates a potential shift in platform expectations regarding host performance and guest experience. The initiative likely aims to enhance guest satisfaction and brand reputation, potentially influencing host ranking and visibility on the platform.

This article discusses Vrbo's evolution and how traveler expectations are shaping the short-term rental industry. Rising expectations for amenities, seamless booking, and personalized experiences are driving changes. Hosts need to adapt to offer a superior guest experience and stay competitive in the market.

Airbnb faces scrutiny due to safety concerns. The article suggests transparency in areas like security measures and emergency protocols could increase traveler confidence. The impact highlights that addressing safety issues can enhance the guest experience and potentially increase bookings.

Airbnb is launching social features for Airbnb Experiences, allowing guests to connect with each other before, during, and after their trips. This update focuses on enhancing the community aspect of Experiences, fostering connections among travelers. Airbnb aims to improve the overall guest experience, creating more engaging and interactive travel adventures.

Airbnb and Historic Houses of Ireland are announcing the winners of their 2025 Capacity Awards. This news highlights the platform's focus on unique stays and could signify shifts in property preferences. Hosts of unique properties should learn what contributes to winning these awards to improve their listings and marketing strategies.

VRBO and BabyQuip are partnering to offer discounts on baby gear rentals. This collaboration aims to provide a convenient solution for families traveling with young children, potentially increasing bookings for VRBO hosts who cater to families. The partnership underscores a trend of enhancing guest experience through curated partnerships.

This article from PureWow showcases 17 Harry Potter-themed Airbnbs. It provides inspiration for unique listing design, helping hosts stand out from the competition. Hosts can use the article as a visual guide, generating ideas for themed decor, amenities, and overall guest experience to boost their bookings and ratings.

A bride's viral TikTok highlights the potential risks of Airbnb cancellations. The host's response, covered by FOX 26 Houston, likely addresses the situation and its impact on the guest. This situation underscores the importance of clear communication and cancellation policies in short-term rentals.

A bride's Airbnb reservation was canceled on her wedding day, causing significant distress and going viral on TikTok. This incident highlights potential risks with platform reliance and the importance of backup plans. Hosts should review cancellation policies and consider strategies to mitigate similar issues, ultimately impacting guest trust and reputation.

This article discusses the shifting market trend towards ultra-luxury short-term rentals. Hosts should consider whether their properties align with this growing demand and potentially consider upgrades to cater to this segment.