All Forum Posts by: Mark Miles

Airbnb just dropped their Q4 numbers, and something caught my eye that hosts need to pay attention to: while they're raking in $2.5B in revenue (up 12%), they're dumping massive resources into platform "improvements" - 535 of them to be exact.

As someone who follows the hosting space closely, here's what's interesting: they're clearly betting big on AI and tech upgrades, but what does this mean for hosts' bottom lines? Are these changes going to help you get more bookings, or are they just making the platform more complex?

Veteran hosts - have you noticed any impact from these updates on your booking rates or revenue? And for those thinking about jumping into hosting in 2025, with Airbnb's stock jumping 14% pre-market, is this the signal you've been waiting for, or does all this platform tinkering make you nervous?

The growth numbers are impressive, but I'm more interested in hearing from the people actually powering this platform. How are these changes playing out in your day-to-day hosting operations? 🏠

P.S. If you want more insights in the STR Market make sure to get our newsletter to stay up to date: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcasts/short-term-rental

Hey @Mark Miles, I haven't done it and it doesn't seem to hamper my bookings, but I am assuming that more info is better.

If potential guests can get a better feeling of the space, then mores the better. Photos, no matter how good they are, don't often convey how the space flows etc.

If it is cheap, why not! I wouldn't spend 2k on it or anything.

If all goes well with Monday's post-repairs inspection, we should close later in the week on a cabin that we want to use as a getaway for us + STR when we're not using it. It was a new build, shown completely furnished and the builder listed it for use as a STR after we saw it. We knew the place was special, that's why we jumped with a full-price offer. We had no idea just how many other people would think it's special.

The next available weekend is June 6th! There are bookings for the other weekends in June and only five random open days in March. While this is a good problem to have, I'm starting to stress about it for a few reasons I'll put below. I want to note that bookings will transfer, but we're under no contractual obligation to honor them. I'm trying to figure what the best thing is to do moving forward.

Reasons why I'm stressing:
1) There's a drone photo showing no other cabins around. It looks completely isolated. Except that this spring there's going to be a cabin built next door. By fall there might be others. Imagine showing up to a cabin you thought was isolated and finding construction going on?
2) I don't like the idea of renting out a cabin I haven't stayed in myself. I don't know if there's anything missing. It will be a royal PITA to do a one-night stay on a random Wednesday, but it could be done.
3) It's currently listed as pet-friendly with only a $30 pet fee. I'm highly allergic to cats (like super-allergic) and also allergic to most dogs. An extra $30/stay isn't enough for me to have to make myself a zombie on Benadryl in order to sleep there and not wake up with my eyes swollen shut because someone let their dog sleep in the bed.
4) I think it's been priced too low. It's led to incredibly high occupancy rate in the off-season, but I'd rather have a slightly lower occupancy rate in order to reduce wear and tear and leave some weekends open for personal use.

I'm at a loss on what to do about this. On one hand I like that it will probably cash flow (we expected to break even at best) and know there's issues with canceling reservations. On the other hand, I want to be able to enjoy this place too. Any suggestions? How have you handled it when you've purchased a popular existing STR?

If your vacation rental is designed for everyone, it speaks to no one. A generic space might attract one-time guests, but a strategically designed rental tailored to your ideal guest type builds loyalty, commands higher rates, and keeps your calendar booked.

But it’s not just about aesthetics—choosing the right amenities can significantly boost your ROI, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. What works for a beachfront bungalow won’t necessarily work for a downtown loft.

Your design and amenity choices should be tailored to your:

👉🏾 Property

👉🏾 Location

👉🏾 And—most importantly—your ideal guest.

So, who is your ideal guest? Here are 6 common guest types and the amenities that attract them:

1️⃣ Business Travelers – They need high-speed Wi-Fi, a dedicated workstation, blackout curtains, and a coffee bar to stay productive.

2️⃣ Families & Groups – Safety, durability, and functionality are key. They look for open layouts, kid-friendly amenities, and smart storage solutions. Essentials include pack ’n plays, high chairs, safety gates, and easy-clean surfaces (no white sofas!).

3️⃣ Luxury Seekers – These guests expect an experience. Spa-like bathrooms, high-end bedding, statement decor, and concierge-style extras (welcome baskets, in-house spa services, etc.) help justify premium rates.

4️⃣ Adventure Travelers – They want gear storage, outdoor-friendly spaces, and rugged yet stylish design. Think an outdoor shower, fire pit, and durable, easy-to-clean furniture that can handle wear and tear.

5️⃣ Special Occasion Travelers – Whether it’s a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary, these guests are looking for a memorable, "Instagrammable" stay. Details like mood lighting, cozy nooks, a romantic balcony setup, and a “wow” factor make all the difference.

6️⃣ Digital Nomads – Comfort meets function. They need a well-designed workspace, ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and long-stay conveniences like a washer/dryer and a fully equipped kitchen.

Why This Matters for Your ROI:

When your STR feels tailor-made for a specific type of guest, it stands out in a crowded market—leading to higher occupancy, better reviews, and repeat bookings. Investors who take the time to define their ideal guest make smarter design and amenity investments—which can directly impact ROI by up to 53%.

👉🏾 Which guest type best fits your STR? What amenities have made the biggest impact on your bookings?

Many investors tell me they’ve hired designers who either ignore practical needs (like cleaning) or just critique their space without a strategy. The problem? Not all designers understand vacation rentals. You need someone who designs for both beauty and profitability.

Here are 10 Must-Haves When Hiring an Interior Designer for Your Vacation Rental:

1. Data-Driven Approach – Design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about ROI. Choose a designer who understands what attracts high-paying guests and maximizes your revenue.

2. Proven Track Record – Experience in vacation rentals matters. Ask for case studies, metrics, or before-and-after results. You need more than a pretty space—you need profitability.

3. Understands Your Ideal Guest – Not all guests are the same. Your designer should be able to determine and understand your ideal guest, and curate a space that speaks directly to the clientele you want to attract. In other words, their design should attract ideal guests.

4. Function Meets Design – A stunning rental is useless if it doesn’t function seamlessly for guests. Look for a designer who prioritizes durability, ease of use, turnovers and guest experience.

5. Budget-Conscious, ROI-Focused – A great designer knows where to splurge and where to save. The goal? Maximum impact without unnecessary overspending.

6. Scalability & Longevity – Trends fade. You want a design that stays relevant, withstands high turnover, and doesn’t require constant costly updates.

7. Seamless Project Execution – A well-run design process minimizes downtime. Time is money—choose someone who can execute efficiently without disrupting your revenue.

8. Understands Hospitality Mindset – Vacation rental design isn’t just home design. Your designer should think like a host, ensuring guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and eager to return.

9. Clear Communication & Transparency – Delays, hidden costs, and unclear expectations can kill your investment. Work with someone who keeps you informed every step of the way.

10. Marketing-Ready Design – Your rental should look as good on camera as it does in person. A designer with an eye for branding and listing photos gives you an edge in a crowded market.

The right designer doesn’t just decorate—they elevate your investment. Choose wisely.

Have you worked with a designer before? What was your experience like? What do you wish they had understood better about vacation rentals?

 What if you live in Eugene, OR and are a Duck fan?  :-)

I manage short-term rentals in the Sarasota area, and I'm always looking for innovative ways to boost occupancy rates year-round.

From your experience, what marketing strategies have had the biggest impact on keeping your properties booked? Whether it's optimizing listings on OTAs, leveraging social media, running targeted ads, or using dynamic pricing tools—I'd love to hear what’s working for you.

Some strategies I’ve been exploring include: Enhancing property listings with professional experience photography and compelling descriptions, leveraging Instagram and Facebook ads to attract more direct bookings, and utilizing email marketing to engage past guests.

What’s been a game-changer for your vacation rental business? I am looking forward to your insights and suggestions!

I get where you're coming from, and I think you make some good points about the challenges of the short-term rental (STR) market right now—high housing prices, mortgage rates, and fierce competition. However, I think there are some nuances to consider, especially for those still interested in STRs or real estate in general.

1. Tax Savings:
While it’s true that the stock market has been strong, real estate offers unique tax advantages that aren’t available with other asset classes. Specifically, short-term rentals can help you get REPS status. Helping you to shield W-2 income, making STRs a great option for high-income earners looking for ways to reduce their tax burden.

2. Long-Term Investment Perspective:
You’re right in noting that the market can seem saturated now, but it’s important to take a longer-term view. Rents generally rise over time, and while mortgage rates are high now, they won’t necessarily stay there forever. Inflation and the eventual rise in rents could provide significant cash flow advantages down the road. In addition, if housing prices do dip (they inevitably cycle), having real estate in your portfolio could be a big win.

3. Real Estate is Still a Tangible Asset:
The stock market is great, but it’s more volatile and sometimes feels less "real" than tangible assets like real estate. With real estate, you’re owning a physical asset that’s less subject to daily fluctuations. If you’re strategic about locations, management, and financing, STRs can still offer decent returns in the right market.

I totally agree that it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in real estate right now, but if you’re strategic—especially with tax savings and a long-term focus—real estate can still be a viable option alongside other investments.

AirDNA published their annual list, and the markets topping it are: 

1. Peoria, IL

2. Fairbanks, AK

3 Akron, OH

4. Columbus, GA

You can go look up the remaining 21 markets, but you get the idea. The industry is mature and margins have properly compressed. If you want real yield or cashflow, you have to buy in a non-vacation market that is not top of mind for an STR. It's the boring places that probably won't appreciate above the rate of inflation that will provide real month to month income.

I've said this before, but I would contend that we are in a "What can you do that is really hard?" market. You have to make a deal rather than buy a deal, be more appreciation focused, and be more patient. STR feels more like a strategy to break even or eek out a meager return on a great asset than a strategy to cashflow. Or you have to take a value add approach to make it worth the hassle. It kind of feels like the rest of the market - you kind of have to pick a lane between cash flow and appreciation.

Does that make sense?