We have been operating short term rental accommodations for going on 12 years now...we did all direct rentals for several years before the rise of rental platforms. Over the years, we've made a few mistakes and learned a lot...about everything relating to this business.
One thing we learned early on was to price our rentals fairly and competitively and keep a vigilant eye on market rates.
In our first years, not knowing what to expect, we would sometimes yield to a discount request...military, budget, kind way of asking, etc. However, after a few experiences with the discounters, we began to see a pattern: they were the most demanding, unreasonable and careless guests we have had.
After several of those experiences, we learned that full price clients are our best clients. Ultimately, we decided that we were not placing enough value on our work, preparation, skills and offering when we discounted. It was as though we were saying to ourselves that our prices, although competitive and reasonable, were not "really" worth it.
Bottom line - when we get a request for a discount, we explain that no additional discounts are available and there are other, less expensive, options in our market if our rate doesn't fit the budget. Said with kindness, naturally.
But we have put a lot of work over these many years into creating and keeping nice spaces. We constantly re-invest in either place...thousands of dollars at a time and lots of effort whenever necessary and sometimes before (we change our wall to wall carpet BEFORE it's worn out, for example).
I love a great value. A good discount and so I understand people asking, but, we do not yield. Our places are worth the price asked and the value received in exchange.
If you are doing this right, believe in yourself!