Airbnb in an empty market

[Philip Cook]

I have an offer in on a property that is currently a motel. The plan is to convert it into apartments, studio and 1 bed. In looking at Airbnb and VRBO there are clusters 20 miles north and south, but nothing local. It's a town of about 9,000. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth doing Airbnb with a unit or two. I believe it would be more of a hotel alternative than a destination vacation business model. County ordinances do limit me to a 2 night minimum though. Has anyone has success with this type of situation?

[Glenna Wood]

Are you planning to mix STR and LTR in the same motel complex? Look really hard at that and make sure you can meet the needs of both clients. Vacationers who want to drink beer and play music at midnight doesn't mix well with people who need to get up and go to work. Consider parking, potential noise, access to amenities, etc. If I was using ABnB to rent and find out it's just a room in a motel, not sure how happy I would be over that. Just get all expectations including yours on the table so everybody stays happy.