Are One-Night Stays Worth It for Airbnb Hosts?

Starting as a new Airbnb host was, in a word, exciting.

Eager to get those first bookings and build credibility, I opened the doors at Issa Suites wide open – especially for those quick one-night stays.

They brought in cash, filled gaps in the calendar, and helped rack up those all-important early reviews. And if you’re an Airbnb host, you know just how essential reviews are for building trust and moving toward that coveted Superhost status.

But there’s more to one-night stays than meets the eye. If you’re thinking about offering them yourself, let’s dive into the ups and downs, and I’ll share how I adjusted my hosting strategy after learning a few valuable lessons along the way.

The Upside of One-Night Stays

One-night stays were perfect for building momentum right from the start. Here’s what I found most beneficial:

• Quick Calendar Fills: Those shorter bookings filled up open days fast, which kept the income flowing in those early days.
• Review Building: With each new guest, I gained reviews that bolstered Issa Suites’ credibility, inching me closer to Superhost status.
• Boosted Visibility: One-night stays can play well with Airbnb’s algorithm, giving listings a visibility bump (something other hosts like Janet have benefited from tremendously).

The Downside of One-Night Stays

But one-night bookings can also be a whirlwind. Here’s what eventually made me reconsider them as my go-to strategy:

• High Turnover: Constant cleaning and frequent guest turnovers were a drain on energy and time.
• Higher Risk for Issues: More guests meant a higher chance of wear and tear, and occasional guest behavior issues.
• Limited Connection: Shorter stays often meant less opportunity to build rapport with guests, which is something I value.
• Potential for Disruptive Guests: One-night stays occasionally attracted partygoers or last-minute, high-maintenance guests.

It was only after hosting a serene nine-night booking that I experienced the ease and profit of longer stays. Less cleaning, lower stress, and ultimately, more consistent income. That’s when I began to shift my hosting strategy.

How I Pivoted to Attract Longer Stays

Realizing that longer bookings made for a more enjoyable hosting experience, I adapted Issa Suites’ listing to cater to guests looking for extended stays. Here’s how I did it:

• Customized Promotions: I offered a 20% discount for month-long bookings and 10% for weekly stays. Incentives like a 5% discount for four or more nights also encouraged guests to extend their stay. This not only cut down on cleaning fees (those P500 cleaning costs add up!) but also simplified the booking flow.
• Selective One-Night Availability: Inspired by hosts like Janet and Erika, I limited one-night stays to weekdays and left weekends open for longer bookings. This approach still allows for flexibility while minimizing the back-to-back turnover that comes with weekend bookings.

Tips for Offering One-Night Stays Strategically

If you’re still interested in offering one-night stays, here are some of my favorite strategies for making the most of them:

1. Weekdays vs. Weekend: Open for one-nighters during the week but prioritize longer bookings on weekends to manage turnover.
2. Adjust Cleaning Fees: Make sure your cleaning fee reflects the time it takes to turn over one-night stays. Plus, don’t forget Airbnb’s AirCover policy lets you charge for any excess mess – a tip I learned from other Visayas hosts!
3. Target the Right Guests: Consider who would find a one-night stay ideal in your area. Mine were often travelers with early flights, professionals taking board exams, or family members visiting relatives nearby.
4. Screen Carefully: Review guest profiles and past reviews to get a sense of who you’re hosting. Consider allowing bookings only from guests with a solid track record to mitigate potential risks.
5. Streamline Check-In and Cleaning: Efficient check-in and cleaning processes are essential. My go-to strategy? Start with the least-used areas and work your way to the bathroom. This saves time and keeps things manageable.

Finding the Right Balance

Experimenting with one-night stays can be a game-changer, but finding the right balance is essential. You can adjust settings, target your ideal guests, and prioritize your well-being while still reaping the benefits of those early, one-night booking reviews.

What’s your experience with one-night stays? I’d love to hear your approach and any tips you’d like to share!