A Final Case for Listing on Airbnb & VRBO: Why Now Is the Time

After seven deep dives into the opportunity that short-term rental (STR) platforms like Airbnb and VRBO offer to hoteliers and resorts, one thing is clear: this is no longer an experiment. It’s a business imperative.

You’ve seen the data, longer stays, higher margins, non-cannibalizing bookings, and a new generation of experience-driven travelers who increasingly rely on STR platforms as their go-to discovery tool. You’ve seen how competitors are already moving. And how optimized listings with the right pricing, content, and guest strategy are delivering outsized returns.

Let’s zoom out and answer the bigger question: Why now?

The Market Has Moved — Have You?

The hospitality landscape has shifted. STR platforms are no longer fringe, they’re fundamental. Airbnb now accounts for more than 20% of nights booked in the U.S., and VRBO is seeing steady momentum among vacation-seeking families and extended-stay guests.

Properties that move quickly enjoy the benefit of early visibility, stronger review velocity, and momentum in search ranking algorithms. Waiting means losing share to more nimble competitors.

The Myths Have Been Busted

You don’t need to be a quirky beach shack to succeed on Airbnb or VRBO. Today, branded hotels, resorts, and multi-unit properties thrive on these platforms, particularly those with kitchens, larger floor plans, or a boutique vibe.

Even hotels with traditional layouts are seeing success, as long as they’re positioned thoughtfully with experience-driven content, guest-forward messaging, and STR-aligned pricing.

Longer Bookings. Better Margins. Less Friction.

STR channels deliver a fundamentally different type of guest. They stay longer, book further in advance, and spend more time using in-unit amenities, especially kitchens. These factors combine to increase booking value and reduce operational churn.

That means fewer turnovers, fewer cleans, and less pressure on your teams, while generating more revenue from fewer guests.

It’s not just about more bookings. It’s about smarter bookings.

You Don’t Have to Go It Alone

Yes, STR platforms operate differently from hotel OTAs—and the learning curve can be steep. But you don’t need to figure it out solo.

Jetstream exists to solve these exact pain points. From listing creation and merchandising to rate mapping, guest communications, and compliance, we help hotels and resorts win on Airbnb and VRBO without rebuilding internal systems or hiring new teams.

In under three weeks, our partners are live and receiving bookings from completely new guest segments.

Grow Smarter on Airbnb and VRBO

Thousands of properties are already maximizing their revenue by optimizing how they list on short-term rental platforms. Want to see what’s possible for yours?