Severe lack of bookings

21

I’m across the Bay, in Oakland. As I have not yet experienced my second winter hosting, I don’t have a comparison, but my bookings look similarly iffy. Mine is just a guest room in my house.

  1. Agree: Economy. “Boomtime” is over?
  2. SF rep as “overpriced” - not my opinion, just often given as a reason guests come to Oakland & commute the 20 minutes from my place. Or fear coming at all
  3. Homeless “everywhere” - again, not my opinion as our situation is the same
  4. Fires & floods
  5. Fires & floods
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22

It’s probably a problem common to most of these OTAs like OYO…

  1. Low prices,
  2. Higher commissions and fees

Several hotel associations said Oyo had now canceled or cut the payments. Some also said Oyo had deeply discounted room rates and increased its commissions and fees

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23

Hey
Sorry to hear that, it’s a tough economic climate at the moment and people seem to be a bit worried about putting their hand in their pocket. Some great ideas already mentioned e.g. checking what the competition are offering and adjusting prices accordingly.

It’s definitely worth searching Airbnb to see if your place is visible enough on the listings. You can also cast a critical eye over your description and pics (plus a catchy title can boost interest). Sorry - you’ve possibly explored all of this already!

Maybe add a video for a 360-look at what you have to offer? You could also link up with local attractions / businesses to offer an Airbnb experience? Not sure what your local area has but add value with a painting workshop, cookery school, dance lessons etc.

For January you could offer a detox deal (prep for the coming year) and February a loved up package (target the valentines crowd) . You could secure discounts with spas, restaurants etc in exchange for promoting their business.

Are there any gigs/conferences or anything similar happening nearby? Think someone mentioned a military training academy was near their place and they secured bookings via targeting the people attending courses - top idea.

Hope things pick up for you soon.

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