Are your Airbnb bookings down? (Episode 454)

Are Your Airbnb Bookings Down? Let’s Talk Data, Strategy & Staying Competitive

If you’ve found yourself staring at your Airbnb calendar lately wondering, “Where did the bookings go?” — you’re not alone. On this Hosting Hotline episode, a host named Courtney called in with a concern we hear often: fewer bookings and more cancellations. But is it just her? Or is something shifting across the short-term rental landscape?

Let’s dig into the data, address the fears, and arm you with practical strategies to not only survive but thrive as a host.

First, Take a Breath — Then Ask Better Questions

When it comes to STR success, data is your best friend. While it’s easy to get swept up in the headlines or social chatter, your best insight comes from two things:

  1. Your own numbers — year over year, month over month.
  2. Trusted tools that analyze your market.

Feelings can be loud. But facts — like pacing reports, booking windows, and comp sets — are what help you take action instead of panicking.

Noticing Fewer Bookings? Ask Yourself:

  • Are you comparing your current performance to your own past data?
  • Have you looked at your market pacing? Are you behind or on par?
  • Are you using dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs?
  • Have you checked your availability settings or minimum night requirements?
  • Have you reviewed your listing photos and descriptions with fresh eyes?
  • Are you following up with previous guests to invite them back?

One of our TFV members recently had their highest-grossing month ever in Phoenix — a saturated, competitive market. Another rebooked a canceled guest at a higher nightly rate. Your calendar might not be broken. It might just need a tune-up.

Feeling the Sting of Cancellations?

Cancellations can be frustrating — but let’s get curious:

  • Are they concentrated around a certain date or event?
  • Are guests booking far in advance and backing out later?
  • Can you identify a trend in platform, time frame, or guest type?
  • Are you proactively rebooking cancellations — or just waiting?

You might find that what feels like a downturn is simply a shift in booking behavior or guest expectations.

Is It Time for a Listing Refresh?

Let’s be honest: a lot of listings out there need a glow-up.

  • Are your photos professionally shot?
  • Does your hero image match the season or time of year?
  • Is your description compelling and clear?
  • Are you consistently getting 5-star reviews?

We always say: your photos are your first impression, and your listing is your best salesperson. If you’re not investing in these areas, you’re leaving money on the table.

Use Your Tools — Don’t Just Have Them

Dynamic pricing software is not set-it-and-forget-it. Your listing should be treated like a living, breathing entity. Are you:

  • Checking your comp sets weekly?
  • Adjusting minimum night stays based on seasonality and events?
  • Updating listing titles, images, and descriptions to stay relevant?

If not, now’s the time.

Bonus Tip: Think Like a Business Owner

Slow seasons happen. So do economic shifts, political changes, and evolving guest behavior. That’s not failure — that’s business. But here’s the upside:

  • You’re building equity in your property.
  • You’re writing off strategic business expenses.
  • You have the opportunity to reinvest and level up.

Want support doing that? Our next Priced & Profitable Bootcamp is coming up soon, and it’s your opportunity to dive deep into pricing strategy, comp sets, and creating a data-driven plan that works.

You’ve Got This, Host

You’re not alone — but you’re also not powerless. The bookings haven’t disappeared. They’re going to hosts who are staying curious, staying flexible, and treating their listings like the businesses they are.

Ready to sharpen your pricing, visibility, and guest experience? Join us in our upcoming bootcamp and let’s take the guesswork out of growing your revenue.!
Get on the waitlist here: thanksforvisiting.com/bootcamp to double-check and dig deeper.

Have More Questions? We’d love to hear from you! Submit your hosting questions to the Hosting Hotline and tune in to the podcast for answers. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more tips: @thanksforvisiting_.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources:

Together, Annette & Sarah are the dynamic duo behind the wildly popular podcast Thanks For Visiting, co-creators of the Hosting Business Mastery Method, & seasoned short-term-rental hosts.

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