Do you set a minimum number of nights for bookings?

[Paula]

Hello hosts 😊

There are many strategies to implement when trying to get as many bookings as possible. One of them is setting a minimum number of nights per stay.

Some of you allow one-night bookings, while others suggest a 2-night minimum. Some hosts even prefer much longer stays.

What is your strategy? Feel free to share it in the comments and let us know why you decided on that specific number of nights per booking.

Regards,

[John8790]

It depends on what you want to accomplish. When I first started, I did not have a minimum as I wanted to get guests in to get a better feel for what I was doing. Now I have a 3 night minimum. I find it attracts more serious guests (fewer cancellations) and anything less would make the cleaning fees too much for a guest. 

[Hilal37]

Hi John, 

I agree with your strategy, and that's my plan as well to allow any number of stays with minimum as of now as still I am new in this business but my plan to keep the three nights minimum in the future to attract more series guests and to minimize the cleaning fees.. 

Regards, 

Hilal

[Paula]

Hello @Hilal37, please keep us posted on how everything goes for you 😊

[Paula]

Hello @John8790, interesting to read that your experience has been very similar to what @Gail1050 shared in this thread. How long have you had this 3-night requirement?

[John8790]

I just started it this year and all seems to be going well so far.

[Ilze53]

Hello. I understand that it's more profitable if people book more than one night, but everything depends on the location, price, the accommodation itself, and reviews. My accommodation isn't in the most convenient location, and I understand that. That's why I start with one-night stays, even though it's more work, and I'm always available to accommodate guests. Good luck to you.

[Gail1050]

Hi Paula

My place has always been a 3 night minimum primarily to attract guests looking to experience the area rather than just as a means to attend an event, party or sports match. 

Most of my bookings are 4 nights to over a month.

[Paula]

Great to hear this, @Gail1050! Have you tried a 2-night minimum? Reading this thread, many hosts have opted in for that option.

[Henry937]

I mainly set my 2-night minimums to Fridays. I've learned that theres a huge market for single-night stays Monday -Thursday so I don't set any minimums for those days. There's are often concerts, weddings, short business trips during the week. There's a market for single night stays. Sure it requires a bit more cleaning, but I'm okay with that as the cleaning isnt as intensive as they stay was so short. I once had someone checking in at 9pm and left and 8am the following day. 

[Joana490]

I allowed one night stay at the beginning as I was just getting started. This is my personal experience, but I felt people who booked for a min of two nights or more, were more serious and always treated my home better. I do 2-nights min now. If someone asks for an exception, I might allow it, depending on the reason. You will do what feels right right for you❤️ 

[Paula]

This is a great approach, @Joana490, thanks for sharing! Do you also host long-term stays?

[Joana490]

I am starting to experiment with that too. During slow months I rent it for 1-3 months. Last winter it was too slow for me. Depends on the market and what you feel more comfortable. Thank you for asking these questions. It’s great to see different perspectives coming from different people ❤️

[Jim448]

For us, the minimum stay requirement depends on the season of the year. During our most busy seasons, we require a two or three night minimum. And we also adjust our prices to fit the level of demand, but during most of the year, we allow one night stays, though the guest must pay the full cleaning fee. Our average stay is 2.3 nights.

[Ivo755]

Depends on the price you can get per 1 night (2 nights). If you can still earn something after all expenses - service charge, water, gas, electricity, internet, cleaning, washing, transport.. plus repairs, then why not?