News

Stay updated with the latest STR industry news and regulations

Airbnb Lets You Add a Private Chef to Your Rental. Your Host Might Not Like It. - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal

Airbnb's new feature allows guests to add private chefs to their rentals. This could potentially disrupt host-guest dynamics, as hosts might not be informed. This change raises questions about host control, cleaning fees, and potential damage risks, adding complexity to the hosting experience.

7 months ago78
Airbnb host takes heat over house not being ideal for obese guests: “My house didn’t perfectly accommodate the - Diario AS

An Airbnb host faced criticism due to their property not adequately accommodating obese guests, raising questions about inclusivity in short-term rentals. This highlights the importance of considering accessibility in listing design and guest experience, potentially impacting host reviews. Hosts should evaluate their properties and consider modifications to improve inclusivity.

8 months ago75
Imagine Sipping Drinks By A Pool That’s Shaped Like Texas, Enjoying This Beautiful View - Radio Texas, LIVE!

This article discusses a unique amenity: a swimming pool shaped like the state of Texas. It highlights the aesthetic appeal and potential guest interest in such a feature, specifically focusing on the experience of enjoying drinks by the pool. This type of amenity can set a listing apart.

8 months ago75
Dog-Friendly Beach Vacation Guide - Gulf Shores & Orange Beach

This article is a dog-friendly guide for vacation rentals in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Hosts in the area should ensure their listings are dog-friendly and highlight relevant amenities to attract pet-owning guests.

8 months agoGulf Shores, AL75
Life lessons learned from a sweet old couple we met through Airbnb who now feel like family - Business Insider

This Business Insider article, while not directly about STR operations, highlights the positive impact of building relationships with guests. The story features an Airbnb host's experience in connecting with a sweet older couple, fostering a sense of family. This underscores the importance of a welcoming and hospitable environment for a successful STR business.

8 months ago75
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What Kitchen Essentials Do You Need in Your Vacation Rental?

This article from Beyond Pricing outlines essential kitchen items to include in your short-term rental to improve guest satisfaction and boost reviews. It emphasizes the importance of a well-equipped kitchen as a key factor in attracting bookings and providing a home-like experience. Hosts should review their kitchen inventory to ensure it includes appliances, cookware, tableware, and cleaning supplies to meet guest expectations.

8 months ago82
'I left my phone in here': Woman checks into Airbnb near French quarter. Then the host warns her about vampires in a handwritten note - The Mary Sue

This article details a peculiar guest experience in an Airbnb near the French Quarter, where a host left a handwritten note warning about vampires. While seemingly humorous, it highlights the importance of guest communication. The incident subtly touches upon the guest experience and the potential for creating memorable, albeit unconventional, stays for guests.

9 months agoNew Orleans, LA65
From scuba to Airbnb: Military plane originally meant for scuba-diving site diverts Liberty Road traffic - Baltimore Sun

This article discusses a military plane being repurposed for a scuba-diving site and its impact on traffic. While seemingly unrelated to STR hosting, consider the potential for unique stays and the importance of understanding local community impact when developing your property.

9 months agoBaltimore, MD65
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Vrbo expands accessibility features - shorttermrentalz.com

Vrbo is expanding its accessibility features, a move that benefits both hosts and guests with disabilities. These enhancements likely include improved search filters, clearer property descriptions, and features that enhance the booking and stay experience for guests with specific needs. This update underscores Vrbo's commitment to inclusivity within the short-term rental market.

9 months ago75
Vrbo Rolls Out Improvements Geared Toward Travelers With Disabilities - Disability Scoop

VRBO is rolling out improvements to their platform, focusing on enhancing the travel experience for guests with disabilities. While specific details are scarce from the provided context, the move indicates a focus on inclusivity and potentially addresses accessibility standards. This initiative could improve listing visibility for hosts who meet accessibility criteria and attract a broader guest demographic.

9 months ago75
An Airbnb Host Tells a Guest That Hot Water Is "Not an Amenity" - 94.5 The Buzz

This article discusses an Airbnb host's perspective on amenities, specifically the host's assertion that hot water is not an amenity. Hosts should review their listing descriptions and communication to accurately reflect what they offer, and avoid potential guest dissatisfaction.

9 months ago75
“This is horrendous”: Airbnb host tells guest hot water wasn’t part of the deal (updated) - The Daily Dot

An Airbnb host's failure to provide hot water to a guest sparks a public dispute, highlighting the importance of clear communication and accurate listing descriptions. The incident emphasizes the need to detail all amenities, including essential utilities, to avoid misunderstandings and negative reviews. Hosts should proactively ensure guests' expectations align with their offerings to enhance the guest experience.

9 months ago78
Bay Area woman gets refund, apology from Airbnb over rental ordeal - NBC Bay Area

An Airbnb guest in the Bay Area received a refund and apology from Airbnb following a negative rental experience. While details are not provided in this specific article, such resolutions are common in the industry and demonstrate the importance of guest satisfaction. It underlines the need for hosts to ensure a positive experience and quickly address guest issues.

10 months agoBay Area78
Airbnb adds catering, massages, personal training and more in new 'Services' business - PhocusWire

Airbnb is expanding its offerings by adding new services like catering, massages, and personal training for guests. This update suggests hosts may need to consider how to integrate these services into their listings or partner with local providers to enhance the guest experience.

10 months ago75
Become an Otaku Hottie with Megan Thee Stallion - Airbnb Newsroom

This Airbnb Newsroom article announces a themed stay with Megan Thee Stallion, linking her persona with an 'Otaku Hottie' experience. While not directly related to STR operations or profitability, the article showcases Airbnb's marketing efforts and could offer inspiration for unique listing ideas. It highlights the platform's focus on experiences and collaborations.

10 months ago65
Photo of Airbnb Host’s Superglued Hand Soap Goes Viral—But There’s a Twist - Newsweek

An Airbnb host's photo of superglued hand soap went viral, but the situation has a twist. While the image sparked online discussion, the article focuses on the guest experience and potential implications for hosts. Discover best practices and learn how to manage guest expectations, ensuring a positive stay.

10 months ago75
The Short-Term Rental Hosts Spending Big to Trick Out Their Vacation Properties - The Wall Street Journal

This Wall Street Journal article highlights the trend of short-term rental hosts investing significantly in their properties. The focus is on how hosts are spending to enhance their vacation rentals, potentially impacting guest experience and market competition. The article’s impact is likely to affect how hosts approach property improvements.

10 months ago75
The Short-Term Rental Hosts Spending Big to Trick Out Their Vacation Properties - The Wall Street Journal

This Wall Street Journal article highlights the trend of short-term rental hosts investing significantly in property upgrades. It explores the strategies hosts are using to enhance guest experiences. The article implies increasing competition and the need for hosts to invest to attract bookings in a competitive market.

10 months ago78
The Short-Term Rental Hosts Spending Big to Trick Out Their Vacation Properties - The Wall Street Journal

This Wall Street Journal article explores how short-term rental hosts are investing heavily to upgrade their properties. Focusing on amenities and design, it reveals a trend towards higher-end offerings. This includes detailed information about market trends and ways hosts can differentiate their listings to attract more guests.

10 months ago78
The Short-Term Rental Hosts Spending Big to Trick Out Their Vacation Properties - The Wall Street Journal

This Wall Street Journal article highlights the trend of short-term rental hosts investing significantly in property upgrades. They are focusing on amenities and design to attract guests and stand out in the competitive market. This increase in spending signals a focus on enhancing guest experience and potentially boosting occupancy and revenue.

10 months ago78