How to Attract Long-Term Guests to Your STR
Long-term guests can be a game-changer for your short-term rental (STR) business. While most STR owners focus on short stays, attracting longer-term guests during slower seasons or for specific target markets can provide consistent income, reduce turnover costs, and simplify property management. In this guide, we’ll explore strategies to market your STR for long-term stays, tailor your property for these guests, and optimize your pricing for extended bookings.
Why Attract Long-Term Guests?
1. Ensures Consistent Income
Long-term bookings fill calendar gaps and stabilize cash flow, especially during off-seasons.
2. Reduces Turnover Costs
Fewer check-ins and check-outs mean lower cleaning and maintenance expenses.
3. Appeals to Diverse Markets
Long-term stays cater to remote workers, relocating families, traveling nurses, and more.
4. Simplifies Operations
Managing fewer bookings reduces administrative workload and streamlines guest communication.
Target Markets for Long-Term STR Stays
1. Remote Workers and Digital Nomads
Why It Works:
The rise of remote work has increased demand for flexible, comfortable accommodations.
What They Need:
Reliable high-speed internet.
Dedicated workspaces with ergonomic furniture.
Long-term discounts.
Pro Tip:
Market your property as “remote work-friendly” in your listing description.
2. Relocating Families
Why It Works:
Families in transition need temporary housing during moves or home renovations.
What They Need:
Spacious layouts with multiple bedrooms.
Fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.
Proximity to schools, parks, and amenities.
Pro Tip:
Highlight family-friendly features, such as cribs, high chairs, and kid-safe spaces.
3. Medical Professionals
Why It Works:
Traveling nurses and other healthcare workers often seek accommodations for 3-6 months.
What They Need:
Proximity to hospitals or clinics.
Affordable monthly rates.
Quiet, relaxing environments.
Pro Tip:
List your property on platforms like Furnished Finder, which cater to traveling professionals.
4. Extended Vacationers
Why It Works:
Retirees or snowbirds often look for long-term stays in warm climates during winter.
What They Need:
Comfortable, home-like environments.
Easy access to local attractions and activities.
Discounts for multi-month bookings.
Pro Tip:
Use seasonal promotions to attract extended vacationers.
How to Tailor Your STR for Long-Term Guests
1. Provide Essential Amenities
Ensure your property is fully equipped for longer stays.
Must-Have Amenities:
Kitchen Essentials: Stock cookware, utensils, and basic pantry items.
Laundry Facilities: Include a washer, dryer, and detergent.
Storage Space: Provide closets, dressers, and additional storage options.
Pro Tip:
Add small touches like a vacuum cleaner and cleaning supplies for guest convenience.
2. Offer Flexible Booking Options
Long-term guests appreciate flexibility in booking terms.
What to Offer:
Monthly rates with discounts.
Flexible cancellation policies.
Options for early check-in or late check-out.
Pro Tip:
Use pricing tools like PriceLabs to adjust rates dynamically based on length of stay.
3. Create a Comfortable Living Environment
Long-term guests want a “home away from home.”
Enhancements to Consider:
Upgrade furniture for comfort, such as plush sofas and high-quality mattresses.
Add decor that creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
Provide entertainment options like smart TVs, streaming services, and board games.
Pro Tip:
Include outdoor furniture for guests who enjoy spending time outside.
4. Ensure Reliable Connectivity
Strong internet and mobile connectivity are non-negotiable for long-term guests.
What to Provide:
High-speed Wi-Fi with clear instructions for access.
Backup options, like a mobile hotspot, in case of outages.
Pro Tip:
Mention your internet speed in your listing to attract remote workers.
Marketing Your STR for Long-Term Stays
1. Update Your Listing
Tailor your STR listing to highlight long-term stay features.
What to Include:
Emphasize monthly discounts or extended-stay packages.
Highlight amenities like full kitchens, workspaces, and laundry facilities.
Use keywords like “long-term rental,” “extended stay,” or “monthly rates.”
Pro Tip:
Update your headline to reflect your focus on long-term stays (e.g., “Perfect for Remote Workers—Discounted Monthly Rates”).
2. Leverage Long-Term Rental Platforms
Expand your reach by listing on platforms catering to long-term guests.
Popular Platforms:
Furnished Finder.
Airbnb (with long-term stay discounts enabled).
VRBO (for monthly or seasonal bookings).
Pro Tip:
Include all utility costs in your pricing to simplify the process for long-term renters.
3. Run Targeted Ads
Advertise your property to audiences likely to book long-term stays.
Where to Advertise:
Google Ads: Use keywords like “monthly rental in [location].”
Facebook Ads: Target specific demographics, such as traveling professionals or retirees.
Pro Tip:
Highlight perks like “all-inclusive pricing” and “work-from-home-friendly” in your ad copy.
4. Build Local Partnerships
Collaborate with businesses that cater to your target market.
Examples:
Partner with relocation companies to provide housing for their clients.
Collaborate with local hospitals to offer housing for traveling nurses.
Work with real estate agents to attract families waiting for permanent housing.
Optimizing Pricing for Long-Term Stays
1. Offer Tiered Discounts
Encourage longer stays by providing greater discounts for extended bookings.
Example Pricing Structure:
Weekly: 10% discount.
Monthly: 25% discount.
Pro Tip:
Use dynamic pricing tools to automate tiered discounts.
2. Include Utilities in Your Pricing
Simplify the process for long-term guests by bundling utilities into the rental rate.
What to Include:
Electricity, water, and gas.
Internet and cable TV.
Pro Tip:
Clearly state what’s included in the listing to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Monitor Competitor Rates
Stay competitive by comparing your rates to similar properties in the area.
Tools to Use:
AirDNA for market analysis.
Mashvisor for rental comparisons.
Pro Tip:
Adjust rates seasonally to align with demand fluctuations.
Case Studies: Success with Long-Term Guests
1. Urban Condo in Chicago
Target Market: Traveling nurses.
Strategy: Offered monthly discounts and listed on Furnished Finder.
Result: Achieved 90% occupancy during the winter months.
2. Beach House in Florida
Target Market: Snowbirds.
Strategy: Marketed the property as a winter retreat and provided multi-month discounts.
Result: Secured three consecutive monthly bookings during the off-season.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overpricing
High rates may deter long-term guests.
Ignoring Maintenance
Long-term stays require regular property inspections to ensure quality.
Lack of Flexibility
Strict policies can discourage long-term bookings.
Conclusion
Attracting long-term guests to your short-term rental provides consistent income, reduces costs, and diversifies your business. By tailoring your property to meet the needs of long-term renters, marketing effectively, and optimizing your pricing, you can turn your STR into a sought-after destination for extended stays. With the right strategies, long-term guests can become a reliable and profitable addition to your STR business.
