What can short-term rentals learn from holiday parks and hotels

Short-term rental (STR) operators face a big challenge: how to stand out, deliver exceptional guest experiences, and drive more direct bookings. The truth is, success isn’t just about listing on Airbnb or Booking.com. It’s about creating a smooth booking journey, leveraging technology, and learning from other hospitality sectors.

On the latest episode of Host Planet Podcast, I shared some insights on what STR operators can learn from holiday parks and hotels, the lean tech stack every operator needs, and simple strategies to boost direct bookings. Here’s the ultimate guide based on that conversation.

Holiday parks deserve more attention

Holiday parks often fly under the radar in industry discussions, but they’re masters of guest experience.

“Holiday parks focus heavily on entertainment and guest satisfaction. They deal with seasonality, high and low periods, and even cater to digital nomads looking for unique stays.”

One standout example? A park operator who offered luggage transfer between sites in their portfolio for guests on multi-day hikes. This simple service not only enhanced the guest experience but also generated extra revenue. STR operators can take inspiration: think beyond accommodation and create memorable, personalised touches.

Small details can make a big difference in guest experience

I recently travelled to Dubai with a toddler and stayed in an STR. Discovering a high chair in the property completely transformed our stay. STR hosts already excel at thoughtful gestures like welcome notes or birthday cakes, but consistency is key.

Ask yourself:

What small amenities could make a big difference for your target guests?
How can you anticipate needs before they arise?

Ancillary revenue: The untapped goldmine

Holiday parks are experts at upselling – from bike hire to curated experiences. There's no reason why STR operators cannot do the same. One of our UK clients, Buckingham & Lloyd offers services like personal training, nanny care, and even yacht charters. These extras not only delight guests but also boost revenue.

Tip: Start small—partner with local businesses for experiences like wine tours or spa treatments. Guests crave authenticity and local flavour – and they’ll pay for it.

Spa treatment can be a great source of ancilliary revenue for STR

Automation: Your secret weapon

Seasonality means holiday parks handle huge check-in volumes efficiently through automation. STR operators often manage these tasks manually, but technology can simplify everything:

Automated messaging for FAQs like Wi-Fi codes.
Digital check-in to eliminate queues.
AI chatbots for instant guest support.

Automation isn’t just about convenience – it frees you to focus on what matters most: creating unforgettable stays.

What STRs can learn from hotels

Hotels excel at consistency. Standard operating procedures (SOPs) ensure every guest enjoys the same quality experience. STR operators can adopt similar practices for cleaning, check-in, and crisis management.

Hotels also lead in revenue management. Dynamic pricing tools, often built into property management systems (PMS), help maximise occupancy and profit. Even small STR operators can use these features without investing in complex systems.

What hotels and parks can learn from STRs

The learning goes both ways. STRs shine in authenticity – qualities hotels now try to emulate through local décor and partnerships. STRs also dominate social media marketing, turning Instagram-worthy spaces into booking magnets. In markets like the UAE, our STR clients are driving significant business through Instagram and TikTok. Visual storytelling works. Holiday parks, with their stunning locations, should follow suit.

Flexibility is another STR advantage. Guests love the option of early check-in or late checkout. Hotels and parks still cling to rigid schedules, but adapting here could boost satisfaction and loyalty.

Short-term rental guests love the flexibility and the options for early check-in or late check-out. Hotels and parks could boost satisfaction by adapting

Building the ideal lean tech stack

My advice for STR operators when it comes to building an ideal tech stack

Property Management System (PMS): The backbone of operations.
Channel Manager: Sync calendars and avoid double bookings.
Payment Automation: No manual links or delays.
Guest Messaging Tools: For smooth communication and upselling.

Make sure all of these integrate with your PMS, or you'll forever be updating records manually and missing out on automation benefits.

For growing operators, consider revenue management systems to optimise pricing. But keep it simple – many PMS platforms integrate these features, so you don’t need ten different tools.

Top strategies for more direct bookings

Direct bookings mean higher margins and stronger guest relationships. Here are Zen’s top tips:

Offer a reason to book direct: Discounts, perks, or exclusive experiences.
Create a seamless web experience: Make booking as easy as Airbnb or booking.com
Own the guest journey: Use automated emails and SMS to nurture repeat stays.
Leverage social media: Showcase your property and engage with potential guests.

Final thoughts

“Tech moves fast, but data-driven decisions are key. AI is reshaping hospitality, but it relies on clean, quality data.”

Whether you’re a single-property host or managing a portfolio, understanding your guest data – who they are, what they want, and how they book – is critical for growth.

Short-term rentals are evolving rapidly. By learning from holiday parks and hotels, embracing automation, and building a lean tech stack, STR operators can deliver exceptional experiences and win more direct bookings.

Want to dive deeper? Book some time with my team.

Watch the full episode with Host Planet Podcast below 👇