High Season Hosting Checklist: Don’t Miss These 3 Essentials
As the summer rush approaches, most hosts assume their listings are good to go. Calendars are open, rates are set, and cleaners are on standby.
But high season is not the time to coast. It’s the time to optimize.
At Host & Stay, we’ve reviewed and revamped thousands of short-term rental listings, and time and time again, we see hosts overlooking the same critical details. And these aren’t minor issues. They’re the difference between a fully booked summer and one filled with gaps (and headaches).
Here are three small-but-mighty details you don’t want to miss this high season:
1. Outdated Listing Photos
📸 Your outdoor space might be amazing, but if it’s not in the photos, guests won’t know!
Guests don’t book what they can’t see. If your listing photos are more than a season old, chances are they don’t show the best version of your property. Did you upgrade your patio furniture? Add string lights? Install a BBQ or fire pit? Even a simple touch like outdoor cushions or planters can elevate your curb appeal, but only if it’s captured in your visuals. Summer is a visual season, and your guests are imagining themselves outside. Make sure your photos reflect that.
2. Flat Pricing Strategy
💰 Set it and forget it pricing leaves money on the table.
Many hosts still rely on a single base price for their listing year-round, adjusting occasionally for weekends or holidays. But high season demands a more refined approach. A flat pricing strategy won’t cut it when demand, booking windows, and guest behavior fluctuate constantly.
Instead, use dynamic pricing tiers based on:
Local demand and competitor activity
How far in advance the booking is
Minimum stay rules during peak periods
Adjustments for orphan gaps or last-minute availability
The result? Higher occupancy, better nightly rates, and a listing that performs stronger in Airbnb’s search algorithm!
3. Missing Message Flow
📩 Guests need more than a booking confirmation.
Booking is just the beginning of the guest experience. How you communicate in the days leading up to their stay can influence reviews, reduce issues, and even improve your operational efficiency.
We recommend hosts have an automated message flow that includes:
A welcome message right after booking
A check-in reminder with parking/access info
A friendly note during their stay to check in
A checkout reminder with instructions
This kind of guest support leads to fewer questions, better reviews, and a smoother process for everyone involved.
Ready to Optimize Your Listing?
We work with hosts and property managers around the world to refine their listings, boost visibility, and increase revenue—all without adding more to your plate.
If you're looking for support this high season, we’d love to help.
👉 Contact us for a free estimate!
