STR News.

Marriott Homes & Villas is a growing vacation rental platform offering professionally managed properties with hotel-like consistency. It provides access to the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program, attracting higher-spending guests and offering longer stays. However, the platform is limited to property managers, has strict eligibility requirements, and lacks guest reviews, which may impact conversion.

This iGMS article from 2026 explores rental arbitrage's viability for entry-level investors, emphasizing the importance of securing landlord consent and adhering to local regulations. It provides data on profitable markets like Charleston, SC, and Salinas, CA, highlighting the significance of a high STR premium. It also outlines essential startup costs, including deposits, furnishings, and a 90-day cash reserve, with a formula for successful arbitrage.

The 2026 Airbnb market is evolving, driven by remote work, short booking windows, and unique stays. Suburban listings are growing faster than urban, while stricter regulations reshape major cities. Hosts can improve performance with Instant Book, professional photos, and core amenities. Understand market dynamics and local regulations to make informed investment choices.

Furnished Finder and Airbnb offer different advantages for short-term rental hosts. Furnished Finder caters to longer stays with lower fees, targeting travel nurses and corporate travelers, while Airbnb provides higher nightly rates but with more workload and stricter rules. Both platforms provide direct communication options, and hosts can maximize occupancy by listing on both. iGMS, a vacation rental software, can help automate daily tasks and prevent double bookings.

Airbnb's age policy dictates guests must be 18 to book, and in some areas, under-25 guests face restrictions on entire-home bookings. Hosts can set age limits and implement strategies like screening services, pre-booking messages, and noise monitoring to prevent unauthorized parties and ensure compliance with local laws. Non-discrimination policies must also be followed.

This iGMS article compares Airbnb and Vrbo, two major platforms for short-term rental hosts, highlighting key differences in property types, target audiences, and service fees. It reveals Airbnb's broader appeal to younger, budget-conscious travelers and Vrbo's focus on families and longer stays, and recommends listing on both platforms for maximum exposure. Hosts can use iGMS tools to sync the calendars across platforms.

This article from the Observer-Reporter discusses crucial safety measures for hosts to consider before listing their property as a vacation rental. It emphasizes the significance of prioritizing guest safety through various measures, covering areas such as fire safety, security, and potential hazards. Understanding these aspects is crucial for a successful and safe hosting experience.

This article from The Times of India explores the anticipated Airbnb costs in host cities during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the article's core is the price differences between cities, it gives hosts market research for pricing strategy. Discovering which markets are the cheapest and most expensive will help with your dynamic pricing strategies and possibly which new markets to enter.

Kansas City is projected to have the highest Airbnb prices for the 2026 World Cup, with nightly rates reaching $539.95. This surge presents a significant opportunity for local hosts but could also strain the market and impact visitor affordability during the event. Understanding these pricing trends is crucial.

Housing inventory is down year-over-year, yet mortgage rates are low and demand remains firm. New listings took a dive after Memorial Day, and price cuts are slightly lower than last year. Hosts should monitor economic data, particularly jobs numbers, and the Iran conflict's resolution to anticipate future rate trends and market shifts.

This article, from 'This is Money,' discusses Airbnb's ongoing efforts to maintain its leading position in the travel industry. The piece likely covers competitive pressures and strategic challenges facing the platform. The impact for hosts could be related to changes in the platform, which could affect their business.

Measure A in San Diego, framed as beneficial for unions, is critiqued for potentially harming the housing market, with implications for STR availability. Hosts should monitor local regulations and their impact on supply.

Airbnb and Mexico City are launching a community-powered exhibition for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This initiative aims to celebrate football heritage and boost tourism. This collaboration offers cultural experiences for visitors and highlights Mexico City as a destination, potentially leading to increased demand for short-term rentals.

This Southern Living article suggests five ways to create a home-like experience for vacation rental guests. These include adding personal touches, offering comfortable amenities, and ensuring cleanliness. Focusing on the guest experience leads to increased satisfaction and positive reviews.

Southwest Harbor, Maine, is seeking public input on short-term rentals, indicating potential regulatory changes. This follows broader trends of local governments addressing the impact of STRs on housing and community dynamics. Hosts should stay informed about potential new regulations and participate in local discussions.

The hotel industry is shifting toward an owner-first approach, driven by rising costs, thinning returns, and asset-light growth models. Minor Hotels focuses on an "asset-right" strategy, blending ownership with management agreements. This shift emphasizes operational efficiency and long-term asset performance, with conversion-led opportunities becoming more prevalent.

Chandigarh is reviewing its draft Bed and Breakfast policy, proposing regulations for short-term rentals. The policy aims to formalize operations, potentially impacting hosts with new licensing and operational requirements.

This article discusses the use of taxpayer funds for short-term rental waste disposal in San Diego. It highlights the potential misuse of public resources for private businesses and likely touches upon related regulatory concerns. Hosts should monitor local ordinances to understand their waste management obligations.

Tokyo apartments are reportedly registering as hotels to bypass vacation-rental regulations, signaling a strategic response to legal restrictions. This adaptation may preserve short-term rental income for affected property owners, but it could also create a complex operating structure. Hosts should investigate local regulations and seek professional guidance to understand the implications of similar changes in their areas.

The city of Huntsville has won a legal battle regarding its short-term rental crackdown, signaling continued enforcement of local regulations. This resolution likely solidifies existing restrictions on STRs, potentially impacting host operations and the availability of rentals. Hosts in Huntsville should review local ordinances to ensure compliance.

West Columbia is considering new regulations for short-term rentals. This suggests potential changes in local rules that could impact host operations, requiring hosts in the area to stay informed to avoid non-compliance and maintain their listings. The new rules could affect how hosts manage their properties.

A Liberty Township home, involved in a short-term rental dispute, is the subject of a DEA search. This highlights potential regulatory issues and legal complications that can arise for hosts. Hosts should ensure they are in compliance with all local regulations to avoid serious consequences like property seizures.

A Liberty Twp. home involved in a DEA search is linked to a short-term rental dispute, according to Yahoo News Canada. This connection highlights potential legal issues for hosts. Further investigation is needed to understand the implications for STR owners and property management in the area.

West Columbia is considering new regulations for short-term rentals, indicating a growing trend of local governments addressing the impact of STRs. These potential rules suggest increasing scrutiny of the STR market. Hosts should stay informed about this local policy change to ensure compliance and avoid potential issues.