Well, this has been our longest season yet, but I think we’re finally going to have a break mid January. (This because we haven’t had a new booking inquiry in two weeks. That usually signals the end of my season, though maybe Christmas messes with that equation.)
I usually shut down the listing from mid November to mid April.
I’m usually exhausted by November, but this year i’m not. I kind of want to keep the room open (maybe take a week to repaint, but not 3 months).
I’m curious, hosts who have a slow season and stay open:
How long do you take off to reset the space, or do you do it fairly evenly through your slow season, doing bits in between bookings? Is there a reason it works better for you that way, whichever way you do?
Do you lower your rates? If so, is it a %? Or based on what other hosts are charging? Or the minimum you need to cover your costs?
I noted someone else said that during the slow season they dropped their price but increased the minimum nights required.
Despite having done this for 5+ years, I don’t have any slow season experience, so I have to do some research to see what my neighbors are charging.
I allow instant booking and occasionally same day, so i’m curious to see if I get more last minute bookings… or just crickets for the next 3 months.
Anyway, thought I’d throw this out there in case anyone has clever advice for staying booked through the slow season often enough to not feel silly.
My high season is 4-5 bookings/ month, average 3-4 nights (So… 18-20 nights/month). I’d like to continue to host 10 nights/ month. More if I drop my prices a lot.
Also, knocks on wood it looks like I just might make Superhost. I’m curious if that changes how often i’m booked or guest expectations.
Would love commiseration on that, as well…