Minimum stay for beach property

[Andre M.]

Hey guys

What is your minimum stay requirement for beach properties? Does it change by season (e.g. one week minimum for summer, but any amount of nights in the off peak)? I am about to launch my property, and I am trying to get it right? If you do change minimum stay based on seasons, what do you consider prime season? April-September? 

My condo is in Orange Beach

Thanks!

[Ross Kerne]

I have a condo in Orange Beach in Gulf Shores. We use a local PM and the minimum night stay you can book through them is 3 nights. Most places offer a discount for booking more than 6+ days. It takes more work, but if you offer shorter bookings, your net daily rate can be higher if you fill up your calendar. We do end up with some holes in the calendar, but we use a personally run FB page to advertise those days. If you refer folks to you PM, they take less commission. I'll let someone book for 1 night if the rate is right. The cost per night for the guest is higher because of booking and cleaning fees. It doesn't cost the owner any more money.

In short, you can make more money from shorter min bookings, but it can be more work.