STR News.

New York City hotel housekeepers' pay is set to increase to $61/hour, surpassing $100,000 annually due to a negotiated contract, representing a 50% increase over eight years. This benchmark could impact other cities, influencing labor costs in the hospitality industry, potentially increasing overall operating expenses for STR hosts. Understanding labor costs is key to setting effective pricing and maximizing profitability.

Travel costs are rising dramatically, with lodging costs up 4% and overall travel expenses up 7.8% year-over-year. Rising fuel prices drive these increases, impacting short-term rental profitability through increased operational expenses. Hosts must adapt to rising costs to maintain margins.

Albany County will implement a short-term occupancy tax on Airbnb and VRBO rentals starting in 2026. This tax will impact hosts in the county and is a new cost of doing business. Hosts should begin to plan for these additional expenses, taking into account any potential impact on their pricing strategies.

Vacation rental accounting software is crucial for managing income, expenses, and owner payouts, especially with more than five properties. Hostfully's 2025 survey showed accounting frustrations increased dramatically. The guide evaluates various tools, including Clearing, VRPlatform (Ximplifi), QuickBooks Online, Accountable, and FreshBooks, based on PMS integration, trust accounting support, owner reporting, and expense tracking. Learn how to choose the right software for your business size and needs.

The airline industry is facing soaring fuel costs, up 56% since the Iran war started, significantly impacting fares. This is leading to fare increases across the board. While not directly about STRs, it's impacting travel expenses, possibly affecting demand and impacting host's guests' travel costs.

Wyndham is betting on AI to help its franchisees navigate rising costs. The hotel chain anticipates AI tools will offset growing expenses like labor and distribution costs. The aim is to boost profitability for budget and mid-market hotel owners, who are currently struggling to keep pace with inflation. This move highlights the industry's shift towards AI-powered solutions for financial resilience.