Unlocking New Opportunities: Creative Uses for Your STR
If you’re a short-term rental owner, chances are you’ve focused primarily on hosting vacationers seeking a getaway. While this traditional use is valuable, it’s time to expand your perspective!
Your property has the potential to serve more than just travelers on holiday. By exploring alternative uses, you can tap into new markets, increase your booking rates, and maximize your investment.
Here are some innovative ways to use your STR that go beyond tradition:
1. Business Meetings and Intensives
Remote work has shifted how businesses operate, with professionals now seeking unique spaces for meetings, workshops, and team-building retreats. A well-designed short-term rental can offer a fresh and inspiring alternative to traditional conference rooms. If you have an appropriate space, consider marketing your property as a venue for:
- Executive meetings
- Creative brainstorming sessions
- Team-building getaways
To attract this audience, equip your rental with high-speed internet, a comfortable workspace, and consider additional presentation tools like a whiteboard or projector. Highlight the privacy and ambiance your property offers for focused productivity.
2. Photo and Video Shoots
Content creation is booming, and creators are constantly on the lookout for visually appealing spaces for their projects. Your short-term rental could be the ideal backdrop for:
- Brand photoshoots
- Social media content
Investing in stylish and unique decor will make your property more appealing to photographers, influencers, and businesses. Make sure to highlight your property’s lighting, aesthetic features, and any Instagram-worthy corners in your listing.
For Example: Check out this instagram-worthy zone in The Riverside Retreat Games Room, professionally designed by our team!
3. Podcast and Recording Sessions
Podcasters and other audio creators often require quiet, comfortable spaces to record their content. If your property is located in a low-noise area and has excellent acoustics, it’s an easy pivot to cater to this niche. Consider offering amenities like soundproofing materials, a small desk setup, and comfortable seating to make it podcast-friendly.
4. Wellness Retreats
Short-term rentals with calming aesthetics, outdoor spaces, or proximity to nature can serve as the perfect venue for wellness-focused events. These might include:
- Yoga or meditation workshops
- Small fitness retreats
- Therapy intensives
Adding amenities like yoga mats, essential oils, or a guide to local wellness attractions can enhance the appeal of your property for this audience.
5. Small Celebrations and Intimate Gatherings
Not every celebration needs a banquet hall. People are increasingly looking for cozy, intimate spaces for small-scale events like:
- Baby showers
- Anniversary dinners
- Micro weddings
- Proposals
Ensure your property has adequate seating and decor options to cater to these gatherings. If you don’t want to offer the decor yourself, consider partnering with local businesses to provide your guests with options.
For Example: The Rosé House hosts many events, and partners with local decor companies, as it's specifically designed to attract groups for bachelorettes, birthday parties, and more.
Pro Tip: If you have any concerns about hosting these events, a clear policy on guest limits and noise levels will help keep things manageable.
6. Corporate and Creative Retreats
Creative teams, startups, and small businesses often organize retreats to foster collaboration and innovation. Your property could be marketed as a retreat space for these groups, especially if it’s in a peaceful location. Highlight nearby attractions, local restaurants, and activities to make it an all-in-one retreat experience.
7. Product Launches
Partner with brands looking for spaces to host pop-ups or product launches live on social media with influencers. Stylish and versatile short-term rentals can make a strong impression for these events, and this will bring you even more free advertising when pictures are taken in your space!
How to Make the Shift
Adapt Your Marketing: Update your listing to target these specific audiences. Use keywords like “content creation,” “business retreat,” or “yoga getaway.”
Create a Direct Booking Website: Set up a direct booking website for your STR, and clearly communicate that your property can host these events. Include instructions on how to book and showcase any partnerships that enhance the guest experience.
Communicate Clearly: Set clear guidelines for non-traditional bookings. Specify limits on noise, guest numbers, and permitted activities to maintain your property’s integrity.
Adjust Your Space: Small touches like a ring light for content creators or blackout curtains for corporate guests can go a long way.
Expanding the purpose of your short-term rental can open doors to a wider range of guests while setting your property apart from the competition. With a few strategic adjustments, you can transform your rental into a multi-functional space that serves diverse needs – and keeps your calendar full year-round.
Ready to make your short-term rental work harder for you?
Let’s chat about how Pink Wall Designs can help tailor your space to attract these new audiences. Book a complimentary consultation with us today, and we can discuss all of the possibilities!