How We Maintain Over 70% Occupancy Year-Round

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re an Airbnb host—or thinking about becoming one—and you’re looking for ways to keep your calendar packed. Getting consistent bookings is the dream, but with the rise of competition, it can sometimes feel like you’re in a constant battle to stand out. Fear not, fellow hosts. I’m here to share how we’ve managed to keep our occupancy rate over 70% year-round.

Spoiler alert: it's not all about the pictures, but they definitely help.

1. Perfecting the Art of Pricing

If you’re pricing your listing with the hopes of just making ends meet, you’re doing it wrong. To keep your calendar full, dynamic pricing is key. We use Airbnb’s Smart Pricing tool to ensure we’re in line with what’s happening around us. It adjusts based on demand, but we also tweak it ourselves to account for holidays, peak seasons, and those days when the weather’s so beautiful, everyone suddenly wants to come to town.

Here’s a pro tip: Keep an eye on local events and attractions. We recently bumped our pricing up a bit during a big music festival in town. Let’s just say, our rates were festival-ready, and so were our guests.

And yes, pricing isn’t just about high rates—it’s about value. We keep our pricing competitive by offering a great guest experience for the price. That means cleanliness (duh), but also thoughtful touches like a free welcome basket with snacks or a few quirky local guides that make your place feel special.

2. Filling in the Gaps: Flexible Check-In/Out

Nothing drives occupancy more than being accommodating when it comes to check-in and check-out times. Everyone loves flexibility, and guess what? They’ll pay a little extra for it.

If your guests’ flights get in at 10 AM and check-in isn’t until 3 PM, offer them an early check-in (if possible) for a small fee. We’ve had guests specifically choose us because we were willing to let them drop their bags early and get going on their adventures.

We also make sure the place is prepped for check-ins after a long day of travel, meaning we go the extra mile to ensure guests feel welcome from the second they walk in. A comfy couch, some fresh flowers, and a fridge stocked with essentials can make a huge difference.

3. Respond Fast—And Be Human About It

We all know that Airbnb rewards quick responses, but it’s not just about responding fast—it’s about responding well. Guests want to know they’re dealing with a real person, not a robot or a generic “thanks for your message, we’ll get back to you soon” response. So, we make it a point to reply within an hour with helpful, thoughtful answers.

I know, I know. It’s tempting to use canned responses, but trust me—when guests feel like they’re talking to a friendly, knowledgeable person, they’re more likely to book. I even drop in some humor now and then (within reason). A little personality goes a long way!

4. Stand Out with Your Photos (and Edit Them Well)

You’ve heard this one a million times, but the importance of good photos can’t be overstated. I’m not saying you need a professional photographer, but let’s be real—dark, blurry photos from 2003 are a turn-off.

We made sure our listing photos were bright, inviting, and true to the space (but edited to make it look like we’ve got the best lighting in the world). I also added some fun, lifestyle shots. People want to see what it feels like to stay there, so show them: sipping coffee by the window, reading in that cozy corner, or lounging in your spa-worthy bathroom.

Plus, if your space has a quirk, show it off. A neon sign? Let it shine. A bookshelf with a bunch of books that you love? Snap it! Guests love to see personality in a space, and it helps you stand out in a sea of cookie-cutter listings.

5. Reviews Are Everything (But Don’t Freak Out Over Negative Ones)

Nothing is more powerful than a glowing review, but a bad review? Oh no, we don’t want that. Or do we?

Hear me out: it’s tempting to take every negative review personally, but a bad review doesn’t have to be a disaster. Guests tend to trust reviews that are balanced. So, when we get a critique (which, let’s be honest, happens from time to time), we respond politely and professionally. We don’t sweep things under the rug. If there’s a genuine issue, we fix it and communicate that we’ve addressed it. Guests respect that honesty.

That said, we always encourage reviews by offering incentives like small discounts on future bookings. It’s a win-win: they get a deal, and we get more feedback (plus, hopefully, a glowing review that counterbalances that one unhappy camper).

6. Optimize Your Listing Description (But Don’t Be Over-the-Top)

Your listing description should paint a vivid picture, but don’t get too carried away with the flowery adjectives. It’s tempting to say things like, "This place is like the Ritz of vacation homes," but honestly, guests can see through that. Instead, keep it honest, but make it sound welcoming.

For example:

“Cozy up by the fireplace in our two-bedroom cabin, with views that will make you want to stay forever. Just 10 minutes from downtown’s best shops and restaurants (but don’t worry, you’ll get peace and quiet here).”
Or: “Not quite the Ritz, but with a fully stocked kitchen and a memory foam mattress, we think you’ll love it just as much.”

That balance of charm and practicality is what brings guests in.

7. Market Like It’s Your Full-Time Job (Because It Might Be)

Airbnb’s algorithm loves consistency, so we list our property on multiple platforms (MakeMyTrip, Agoda etc.), not just Airbnb. More visibility = more bookings.

But don't just stop there. Take advantage of social media! Share photos on Instagram or Facebook. Guests love seeing what they’re getting into—and let’s be real, if they love your place, they’ll share it. We’ve had more than a few guests tag us in their vacation photos. Suddenly, your listing is getting noticed not just by potential guests, but by the entire social media universe. (Okay, that’s a slight exaggeration, but you get it.)

8. Keep It Clean, Keep It Tidy, and Keep It Fun

At the end of the day, people book with you because they want to feel comfortable and have a great time. This means you need to be on top of your cleaning game. Nothing keeps guests coming back like a spotless place, complete with fresh linens and towels.

But hey, let’s not forget about the fun factor. Guests want to be entertained, so add in a little something extra to keep them engaged. Think of it as a mini-vacation experience. Whether it’s a guestbook with fun local recommendations, a quirky board game stash, or a basket of local coffee beans, small touches make a world of difference.

The Final Word (and the “Don’t Take Yourself Too Seriously” Bit)

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all magic formula to Airbnb success. Sure, we’ve done a lot of things right, but let’s not forget a little bit of good old-fashioned luck plays a part too. Sometimes, a guest just wants to book with you because they like your vibe (who knew that would work?!).

That said, keeping a high occupancy rate isn’t impossible—it’s about working smart, maintaining consistency, and putting the guest experience above all else. And when in doubt, remember: Stay genuine, respond quickly, and don’t be afraid to sprinkle in a little humor (or maybe just a well-placed pun). Because, hey, who doesn’t love a host with a sense of humor?

So, there you have it. Stay consistent, stay adaptable, and keep those bookings coming!