Dream Stay Vacations Blog

Most short-term rental owners don’t wake up to a crisis. They wake up to a slow erosion. Bookings still come in. Calendars still fill. But something feels off. Reviews sound different. Guests mention things that shouldn’t need mentioning. The property is described as “fine,” “okay,” or “mostly great”—language that signals tolerance rather than delight. This is how underperformance actually shows up in short-term rentals. Not as a dramatic failure, but as a pattern of small br

There’s something magical about the classic roadside motel: pull-off neon signs, quirky design cues, and a sense of story that begins before  you even step inside. These aren’t just places to sleep — they’re landmarks, conversation starters, and experience machines. In an era where guests can choose from hundreds of listings with a single tap, the properties that stand out are the ones with identity . From retro motor inns on historic highways to boutique motels reinvented fo

Instagram insights: the secret weapon for modern Airbnb hosts. When it comes to growing a short-term rental business, most owners focus on great reviews, beautiful interiors, and smooth guest experiences. Those things matter—but without visibility, your perfect property can still go unnoticed. That’s where social media marketing for short-term rentals  makes all the difference. Platforms like Instagram , Facebook , and TikTok  aren’t just for influencers—they’re essential too

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend products and services I personally use or trust to help vacation rental owners build sustainable direct booking strategies. Many vacation rental owners understand the value of having their own direct booking website — more control , fewer fees, and a stronger brand. But what often gets overlooked is how much time, strategy, and consistency it takes  to make that website actually perform. A successful direct b

Airbnb Instant Booking: Benefits, Risks & Smart Cancellation Tips and Tricks Airbnb’s Instant Booking  feature is both a blessing and a liability for professional hosts. It can supercharge your property’s visibility and occupancy—but it also removes your ability to pre-screen guests before confirming a reservation. For property managers and serious hosts, understanding how to manage this balance is essential. This article explores how to make Instant Booking work for you, mit

The end of Daylight Savings Time, which falls on November 2, 2025, marks more than just moving the clocks back an hour. For every successful Airbnb host  and vacation rental owner , it should be treated as a biannual maintenance holiday. I call it the “Daylight Savings Dividend”  because the small amount of time you invest now pays huge returns in avoiding frustrating mid-stay guest mini-emergencies, preventing property damage, and securing those essential 5-star reviews  mov

Hiring a professional real estate photographer is crucial to capturing your rental in its best light both literally and figuratively. I've completed countless consultations with Airbnb hosts and portfolio managers and we touch on photography in one aspect of my online support. If your listing is dropping in search rank despite perfect pricing and stellar reviews, you may be facing the invisible penalty:   poor image quality . The algorithms on sites like Airbnb and Vrbo do no

Thoughtful reviews are one thing, but keyword rich reviews will help drive the algorithm in your favor. Your Host Response is an SEO Tool: How to Gain Another Algorithmic Edge Guest reviews are often seen as simple social proof—a way to reassure future guests. But for the Elevated Host , every review is a powerful, free algorithmic asset that can dramatically boost your search ranking  🔝 and attract your ideal, high-caliber traveler. If you are treating your host  responses

It’s no secret that unique and themed properties often enjoy higher occupancy rates and better reviews than traditional, “vanilla”...

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, and it's changing the landscape for travelers and accommodations alike. As more...