Gearing up for a summer vacation? Your pup’s part of the family, so it’s only right they come on your vacation, too. Check out these hot (dog) vacation rentals you’re allowed to bring a furry friend or two along with.
Malibu, CA
For the dog who’s down to catch some waves. Cliffridge is a hilltop home that features panoramic Pacific Ocean views up and down the California coast. Head down to El Matador State Beach, located 3 minutes from the estate, where you can spend time building sandcastles and letting your dog run right through them. Hey, “A” for effort.
Sonoma, CA
For the backyard ball-catchers. Come experience Glen, a Northern California hideaway located in the heart of beautiful Santa Rosa. This stay was made for entertaining. Whether you plan on enjoying a BBQ meal, an evening swim, or laughing at your pup getting all those zoomies out of their system in the backyard – Glen’s a great getaway for all.
Scottsdale, AZ
For the adventurous pupper. Fallbrook is a Scottsdale home features an expansive pup-friendly property with its own private horse stables. Bring your four-legged-friend along on a hike through Tonto National Forest, or take a short drive to town to pamper yourself at one of the many wellness spas in the area. It doesn’t get much better than that!
The Berkshires, MA
For the off-the-grid doggo. Looking for the perfect place to disconnect? You found it at Half Moon. Located among the wooded hills of the Berkshires, this vacation home is the ideal woodsy retreat for you and your pup. Play fetch all day, or take a break and head to the charming town of Great Barrington for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Temecula, CA
For the one in need of a puppy palace. Via del Sur is truly an entertainer’s (and doggo’s) delight with plenty of outdoor dining and seating options, both an outdoor fireplace and pit, a hot tub, and even a telescope for stargazing. These unique features pair well with a glass (or two) of local wine from the vineyards, just a short walking distance away – and you know your dog loves a good w-a-l-k.
Austin, TX
For the fancy Fido in your life. Austin was basically made for dog lovers, and Henley fits right in. With skyline views, a luxe pool, a game room, and an unbeatable location near SoCo, this stylish stay brings plenty of personality to your pup-friendly getaway. And when it’s time to explore, you’re close to some of Austin’s best walkable spots for patios, bites, and people-watching.
Lake Tahoe is a dream for hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts. Out of the entire Sierra Nevada mountains, Lake Tahoe has always been a spectacularly heavenly region. Lake Tahoe is home to some of the US’s best skiing, water sports, and hiking. North America’s largest mountain lake is home to hundreds of miles of hiking trails including on national forest and state park land. Residents and visitors alike would have trouble seeing it all! If you plan on visiting and hiking Lake Tahoe, see 10 of our favorite trails in the northern and southern regions.
Hiking for beginners – Be prepared, and know your limits
Hiking is a popular pastime for a reason – it’s more accessible than other outdoor sports, it brings you out into the most beautiful parts of the outdoors, and it’s especially healthy for anyone who can do it. No matter where you plan to hike, there are basic principles you should be prepared to follow so you can be best prepared to hit the trailhead. Here are some of my own suggestions before you embark on Lake Tahoe:
Pack extra water
Personally, I always carry a 32 oz water bottle with me to stay hydrated. A good rule of thumb is a half liter of water per hour of hiking, but you may need more depending on the weather. Some trails have water sources, but you should always filter your water if you choose to draw from them.
Always bring snacks
Small, handheld snacks are my first choice for hikes. Whether it is a granola bar or a small bag of carrots, you should bring something nutrient-packed that leaves you feeling more energized.
Take breaks
Don’t be in a rush to get to the end of your trail! Hiking can be taxing on your body, and a quick 5-minute break can be a great chance to hydrate, stretch, and have a quick snack.
Leave no trace
Anything that you take with you on a hike should also be leaving with you when you reach your car to head home. Any trash that you leave adds up, especially in a place like Lake Tahoe which gets millions of visitors every year. Don’t add to the problem; in fact, bonus points if you pick up trash on the trail.
Wear the proper footwear and sun protection
I don’t expect everyone to have ankle-protection hiking boots that cost hundreds of dollars, but you still should put some thought into what you wear before you leave the trailhead. If you don’t have hiking boots, tennis shoes or hiking sandals are veritable options as well. Sun protection is another must: wear sunscreen, a hat, and shades when possible!
Have a plan, share your plan
An important part of being prepared for a hike is knowing where you are going, and what challenges you may face. If you are going on a hike, it’s smart to share your plans with others before you go. Let them know where you’re going, when you plan to hike, and when you expect to be in contact again.
Check trail conditions and closures
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you can’t hike if the trail is closed. Nothing is worse than getting to the trailhead after an hour’s drive and finding that it’s closed. Most trailheads managed by national parks or state forests will have information online on trail conditions and closures.
Pack a first-aid kit
Sometimes things go wrong on the trail. I’ve never had to use my own, but it’s a comfort knowing I’m prepared if I or someone with me gets hurt. Know your options when it comes to emergency situations. If you have cell reception, always immediately call 911 if needed.
Hiking in North Lake Tahoe
You will find that North Lake Tahoe has a small mountain town feel to it throughout the region. You can find anything from stroll-worthy trails to leg-busting steep mountain summit trails. We picked out some of the best hikes for you whether your group is new to hiking or outdoor veterans.
Easy Hikes In North Lake Tahoe
If you are visiting Lake Tahoe with a larger group or with kids, you may want to tackle an easier trail. Fortunately, there are several family-friendly options for easy trails near Kings Beach on Lake Tahoe’s northern shore.
Tahoe East Shore Trail
This out & back trail is great if you are looking for a low-effort but beautiful walk. Tahoe East Shore totals 6 miles long and has 11 beach access spots and 16 viewing stops. Take your kids here and let them explore the coves along the shore of Lake Tahoe to enjoy the water!
Access the trail by parking near Tunnel Creek Cafe and Flume Trail Bikes off Highway 28. The trail goes south and passes through a tunnel after a mile before following the shore for the rest of the trail. This is a great easy trail with little elevation change and plenty of opportunities for exploration.
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Trail
Tahoe Meadows Interpretive Nature Trail is a flat, 1.3-mile loop trail on the Nevada side of the region that is accessible for kids of all ages and is wheelchair-friendly. Tahoe Meadows features a raised boardwalk over many of the more fragile meadows and small creeks. Find signs along the trail that can teach you about the meadow’s ecosystem around Mt. Rose.
This trail is at 8,740 feet, but almost completely flat. This is a great short hike choice for groups with varied mobility with beautiful surroundings and a chance to see some local wildlife. Leashed dogs are allowed on this trail.
If you are looking for a long-distance hike, this trail also intersects for a short time with the Tahoe Rim Trail, which circles the entire lake on a 165-mile trail.
Summit Lake Trail
Summit Lake Trail is what you might more traditionally consider a hiking trail–nearly 5 miles out & back with 442 ft of elevation gain. Located near Soda Springs, this is a great introductory hike that will take an average of about 2 hours to complete.
You can reach this trail from both the east and westbound Donner Summit Rest Areas on I-80. The westbound rest area has the direct Summit Lake trailhead. From the eastbound rest area, start on the Glacier Meadow Loop and follow the Pacific Crest Trail to pass underneath I-80. Take a right at the next junction for Summit Lake.
Some of our favorite house stays like the Sparrow are nearby the Summit Lake Trail in Truckee–see our availabilityhere.
Harder Hikes in North Lake Tahoe
There are plenty of options if you or your group are looking for a bigger hiking challenge on the north side of Lake Tahoe. These hikes are moderate to hard with more elevation change, sharper incline, and amazing views.
Picnic Rock
If you’re looking for a short but challenging North Tahoe hike, Picnic Rock is a great choice. Located between Truckee and Kings Beach, this 3.2-mile trail gives you a stunning view after a moderate, uphill hike. Picnic Rock very briefly intersects with the Pacific Rim Trail and has good shade most of the way up with leafy views of the lake. This trail is great for kids and, as suggested by its name, serves as a great picnic spot.
Lola Montez Trail
This 6.3-mile hike is located just off the highway in Soda Springs and is a quite popular moderate trail. You will likely see plenty of others on the trail here, but you should have plenty of time to yourself over the 3 hours it takes to finish on average. The streams are prone to being too high to safely cross in the spring, so the best time to go is July through September. This trail doesn’t necessarily have long-distance views of the surrounding area, but it is a challenging walk through the woods to see Lola Montez Lake.
Five Lakes Trail
Five Lakes Trail is on the western side of Lake Tahoe near Olympic Valley. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a better accessible trail than Five Lakes in the Granite Chief Wilderness. Although the initial climb can be difficult with virtually no shade, summiting the ridge rewards you with a forested view and access to the five sub-alpine lakes. The lakes are great for swimming or sunbathing. Bring lunch for a fantastic day on this 5-mile out & back trail!
If you are looking to stay nearby this trail, we have several house stays in Olympic Valley and Tahoe City like Midnight, a beautiful A-frame nestled between towering fir trees.
Mount Rose
If walking through the Tahoe Meadows Trail wasn’t enough for you, keep heading up the road to the Mount Rose Trailhead. This 10-mile trail starts with a gentle incline and takes you through the woods and wildflower meadows before starting ascending another 1,800 ft. Not everyone continues on to summit Mount Rose, but it is well worth it. You can see everything from Reno to the Tahoe Basin from the summit, and on a clear day, you may even be able to see Mount Lassen in California. Mount Rose is one of the tallest peaks in the Lake Tahoe Area, and this trail peaks at 10,776 ft.
Hiking in South Lake Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe may be more famous for its nightlife than its hiking, but you don’t have to look hard to find some great trails! Don’t forget to browse our vacation homes in Tahoma near these great hikes.
Mount Tallac
Mount Tallac is not as tall as Mount Rose at 9,735 ft, but to climb Mt. Tallac you will scale a staggering 3,400 ft. over 9.8 miles. As punishing as Tallac Trail is, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Lake Tahoe Basin. Plan for this hike to last the whole day so you don’t have to rush and get to take it all in!
Rubicon Trail
One of the most popular hikes along the Lake Tahoe western shore is the Rubicon Trail totaling 16.4 miles round trip. This is your all-day hike that will last on average about 7 hours to complete. The Rubicon Trail is considered a moderately challenging trail and covers most of D.L. Bliss State Park.
Emerald Bay
Emerald Bay State Park is designated as an underwater state park–if you looked beneath the surface of the bay you would find wrecked boats from the early days of this state park and its Emerald Bay Resort. Besides visiting the famous Vikingsholm, you can find several breathtaking hikes around the Emerald Bay.
Eagle Lake Trail
If you’re looking for a hike with stunning views of Emerald Bay, this 2-mile out & back hike gives you several great viewpoints of the Bay on the way to Eagle Lake. Make sure to get to the Eagle Falls Trailhead early, this is a very popular trail for the area.
Cascade Falls Trail
Cascade Falls Trail heads south from the Southern end of Emerald Bay and provides a moderate hike with views of Lake Tahoe, Desolation Wilderness, Cascade Lake, and finally Cascade Falls. At 1.4 miles, it’s a relatively short but beautiful hike. It’s best to visit in the Spring when the waterfalls are at their strongest!
You can find the trailhead for Cascade Falls Trail off Highway 89, behind the Bayview Campground. The parking lot may fill up here, so plan to get there early!
No matter where you choose to hike when you visit Lake Tahoe, AvantStay has a collection of 60+ houses around Lake Tahoe where you can experience an upscale hospitality experience with a home-like feel. Browse our locations in Lake Tahoe to find your perfect vacation spot.
Austin is a great example of a city that balances urban life with natural landscapes, offering beautiful hiking opportunities to city dwellers. Locals have access to great running trails and visitors can see some of Texas Hill Country’s natural beauty from the comfort of Austin! The Colorado river feeds Austin and has been dammed in two places to create Lake Austin and Lady Bird Lake, a popular kayaking and rowing destination! Read more to see some of the best hikes to escape outdoors in Austin parks this Summer.
Hiking Tips – Be prepared, and know your limits.
Hiking is a popular pastime for a reason—it’s more accessible than other outdoor sports, it can take you out into the most beautiful parts of nature, and it’s, of course, a great way of staying fit and healthy. No matter where you plan to hike or the difficulty of the trail, there are basic guidelines you should follow so you can be best prepared to hit the trailhead. Here are some suggestions before you leave for your hike in Austin:
Pack extra water
First and foremost, always pack water! Carrying a 32 oz Nalgene bottle is the best way to stay hydrated during a long day in nature. Some trails have water sources—just be sure to always filter your water if you choose to draw from them.
Always bring snacks
Throw some small, handheld snacks in your backpack for a surefire way to stay energized on your hike. Whether it’s a granola bar or a bag of carrots, you should bring something light to keep you going. You may not need snacks if you’re exploring a shorter trail, but for treks longer than 2 miles, it’s smart to have a stash of something healthy to fall back on in case you get hungry.
Take breaks
Don’t be in a rush to get to the end of your trail! Hiking can be taxing on your body, and a quick 5-minute break can be a great chance to hydrate, stretch, and have a quick snack.
Carry in–Carry out
The items that you take with you on a hike should leave with you when you reach your car to head home. Any trash that you leave behind adds up, especially in a place like Austin, which gets millions of visitors every year. Don’t add to the problem; in fact, bonus points if you pick up trash on the trail!
Wear the proper footwear and sun protection
You don’t need pricy ankle-protection hiking boots, but supportive shoewear makes all the difference when it comes to traversing through Austin’s terrain. If you don’t have hiking boots, tennis shoes or hiking sandals like Chacos are great options as well. Sun protection is another must: wear sunscreen, a hat, and shades whenever possible!
Have a plan, share your plan
An important part of being prepared for a hike is knowing where you are going and what challenges you may face. If you’re going on a hike, it’s smart to share your plans with others before you go. Let them know where you’re going, when you plan to hike, and when you expect to be in contact again.
Hiking in Austin
One of Austin’s most unique qualities is the opportunity for locals and visitors to start their day downtown and spend the rest of their day forest bathing under massive oaks. There are only a handful of urban environments in the US that allow for such easy outdoor escape and Austin is one of the top. Check out our listing of vacation homes in Austin and our list of convenient trails nearby!
Mount Bonnel
This 5.1-acre mountain park isn’t strictly a hiking trail, but it will give you a decent walk by the time you get to the top of Mount Bonnel. Take the stairs to access several viewpoints of Austin and the Colorado River! This popular date spot has a limestone pavilion sitting at 775 ft of elevation gain.
Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
Mayfield Park is a beautiful spot for a stroll on the edge of Austin proper. This is a popular spot for small weddings around the historic cottages and gardens where peacocks free-roam. The nature preserve beyond has 3 easy walking trails among 21 acres. All 3 trails are less than a mile long but are not paved. This nature preserve is a popular spot for birding, so keep an eye out on your way to Lookout Point to see the river!
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
The Ann and Roy Butler trail follows Lady Bird Lake for 10 miles. This urban trail has a crushed granite path and boardwalk over the water that also leads to Zilker Park. Take your dog with you and let them wade in the river when you get to Auditorium Shores on the other end of the trail!
Blunn Creek Preserve
Blunn Creek Preserve is a beautiful stretch of land in South Austin. Follow the Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail for an easy 1-mile loop around the preserve. This trail can get rugged but is mostly shaded while you traverse rocky terrain and a couple creek crossings. You can find wildflowers, cacti, and views of downtown and St. Edwards University from Blunn Creek. Leave your dogs at home this time, there are no dogs allowed on this trail.
Violet Crown Trail
This 3.4-mile hiking trail is the first segment of a regional trail system in development in central Texas. Start at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center to take in the seasonal blooms before heading off on the Violet Crown Trail through the city of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands. The Violet Crown Trail system can take you a whole 13 miles to Zilker Park today, but if you want to stay in the Lady Bird Johnson area you can turn around at the Slaughter trailhead.
Southern Walnut Creek Trail
If you’re in need of a flat-accessible trail run to get some exercise, Southern Walnut Creek Trail in Govalle Park is a great option. The paved path stretches for 10.7 miles in East Austin and is 10 ft wide for plenty of room for bikes, runners, strollers, and wheelchairs. With access from several neighborhoods and off-shoot trails to the YMCA and Austin Tennis Center, this trail is a boon for Austinites to access local recreation.
Slaughter Creek Trail
You’ll find the Slaughter Creek Loop Trail on the other side of Slaughter Creek from the Violet Crown Trail. This 5-mile trail is a favorite for hikers, bikers, and horses alike. While much of this trail is not shaded, you can find a plethora of wildflowers in this area in the spring! Try to go in the morning for cooler weather and avoid crowds on this busy trail. The trail is flat but includes some rocky terrain throughout.
Shoal Creek Trail
The Shoal Creek Greenbelt trail is one of the oldest urban trails in Austin, Texas. Originally built in the 1960s, it connects with the Lady Bird Lake Trail on the Colorado River and follows the Shoal Creek north ending at Seider Springs at 3.7 miles long. This trail switches between gravel, packed dirt, and paved along the entire route, but it passes through Duncan Park and Pease park along the way and is easy enough to hop on and off throughout the trail. Hop onto this trail at Pease Park and use Shoal Creek as a loop trail or challenge yourself to the entire trail starting at Shoal Beach!
Northwest Austin
If you’re more into getting away from urban living, you may be more interested in the trails northwest of Austin. Enjoy sprawling trails with a smaller crowd! If you’re looking to stay in Northwest Austin, browse our house stays to make the most of these trails!
River Place Panther Hollow and Canyon Trail
Strap on your hiking boots for the River Place Nature Trail in West Lake Hills, Texas. Known to many as one of the hardest trails in Austin, you’ll need to bring plenty of water as you encounter plenty of inclines up and down along River Place’s 5-mile out-and-back hike. This trail is managed by the local neighborhood, which charges a $10 trail maintenance fee per hiker. Bring a credit card, they do not take cash!
St. Edwards Park
St. Edwards Park is a gorgeous 80-acre park that is a partial preserve. The non-preserved area is a great dog-friendly hiking spot with fewer crowds but beautiful scenery. If you take Hill Trail you can find cactus patches among the wildflowers and waterfalls along Bull Creek. You can easily fit in a 2-3 mile hike here for a decent escape into a natural area. Take the Hill Trail up to St. Edwards Park Overlook for a view!
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Seated on the western edge of Austin proper, the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve contains 227 acres of natural wildlands that aims to educate visitors on the importance of protecting their local flora and fauna. You can bring your youngsters to the educational attractions along this network including microscopes, bird-watching stations, and more! Visitors can easily access this hidden gem of a preserve from the Capital of Texas Highway to walk the branchwork of trails on the southern end of the preserve.
The outer loop of the network of trails is 1.8 miles long, but I would highly recommend exploring the other trails here. These trails are considered easy with some inclines. Find the basin overlook for a great view of the preserve and follow Bee Creek to find your own gem of a waterfall. Look out for the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, an endangered native species to this preserve! This park does not allow dogs and requires that you reserve a hiking slot for your group ahead of time. Check their website for openings and pricing!
Turkey Creek Trail
Visit Emma Long Metropolitan Park to hike the Turkey Creek Trail! Bring your dog for some off-leash fun along an almost 3-mile out-and-back hike. Follow the creek bed for a couple spots to cool off on your way to explore side trails and see the view from the bluffs! Emma Long Metropolitan Park also has a motocross trail that is mountain bike-friendly.
No matter where you choose to hike when you visit Austin, AvantStay has a collection of unique rentals around the city where you can experience an upscale hospitality experience with a home-like feel. Browse our locations in Austin to find your perfect vacation spot.
If you’re looking for the best tequila cocktails, you’ve come to the right place. With travel in our blood (plus, a hint of lime and salt), we’ve rounded up our top tequila drinks inspired by our favorite destinations. Try making some of these easy tequila cocktails that you could whip up right at home—or your home away from home when you stay with us!
Up in the Mountains
Tahoe Blue Margarita
Inspired by the vibrant blue waters of Lake Tahoe, the Tahoe Blue Margarita is the perfect drink to enjoy out on the lake while soaking up the sunshine. Lucky for you, we’ve got the ultimate place to take in the view—Lakeview by AvantStay. This 5-bedroom vacation rental offers a panoramic sight of Lake Tahoe, making it the perfect spot to sip on your margarita that’s as blue as the view.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Tequila
1 oz Blue Curacao
1/2 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Lime Juice
Salt for the rim
Recipe:
Using a cocktail shaker, add one-half to one cup of ice to your salted glass. Next, pour in 1.5 oz tequila (our favorite is Lo Siento), 1.5 oz of triple sec, 1 oz of lime juice, 1 oz Blue Curacao and shake vigorously.
Out in the Country
Sangriarita
Meet the Sangriarita—where tequila meets wine country! This hybrid of two fan favorites incorporates both sangria and the classic margarita. Enjoy this perfect mashup of a tequila cocktail at our home Via del Sur in Temecula, California.
Ingredients
1.5 ounces tequila
1 ounce Triple Sec
¾ ounce lime juice
Splash of sangria
Garnish with orange slice
Recipe:
Using a cocktail shaker, add one-half to one cup of ice. Next, pour in 1.5 oz of tequila, 1 oz of triple sec, ¾ oz of lime juice, and shake vigorously.
Pour mix over ice leaving space for sangria
Top glass with a splash of sangria of your choice
Garnish with an orange slice
Down in the Desert
Spicy Bloody Maria
We’re heating things up in the desert with our Spicy Bloody Maria. Similar in flavor to the popular Bloody Mary, the Bloody Maria uses tequila rather than vodka. It’s the perfect cocktail to kickstart your day before lounging around in the sun. Stay at our Joshua Tree vacation home, Smoketree, and take a dip into the plunge pool when you need to cool off from the heat.
Ingredients
2 ounces tequila
4 ounces tomato juice
1/2 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
1/2 tablespoon horseradish
2 dashes Tabasco sauce
1 pinch celery salt
1 pinch black pepper
Garnishh with lime wedge, lemon wedge, and cucumber spear
Recipe:
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add tequila, tomato juice, lemon juice, lime juice, horseradish, Tabasco, celery salt and black pepper, and shake vigorously.
Pour mixture over fresh ice
Garnish with lemon, lime, and celery stick
Along the Coast
Tequila Sunrise
This cocktail looks exactly like the sunrises you’ll find at our home Ocean’s Eye in Folly Beach, South Carolina, located right outside the city of Charleston. It may look intimidating, but the Tequila Sunrise is one of the easiest drinks to make. Try out the recipe below and don’t forget to grab the sunblock—this is one drink you’ll love to enjoy when you have your toes in the sand.
Ingredients:
4 oz Orange Juice
2 oz Tequila
1 oz Grenadine
Orange Slices and Maraschino Cherries to garnish
Recipe:
Pour the orange juice and tequila over ice
Add 1 oz of grenadine without stirring (for the sunrise effect!)
Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry
It’s Pride time! Let’s get to it with a super special list of all the best places to stay. Whether you’re attending your hometown’s pride parade, or are making a journey to a special city to see one, this round-up has all the stays to guarantee a rowdy and rockin’ Pride 2025, all the way from April to August.
Gable – Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County Pride is held June 3rd at Santa Rosa’s Courthouse Square. With performances from Spencer Day and Paul’s Drag Race star Miss Rock M Sakura, you’ll be sure to sashay the day away before a night of relaxation at your Sonoma vacation rental, Gable.
Serenity – Key West, FL
Key West Pride is held this year from June 7-11th. Enjoy the sunny island and all its daytime activities. Try a trip to the Key West Butterfly Conservatory or maybe even a sunset sail. After you’ve danced your little heart out, head back home to Serenity or any of our other Key West vacation rentals.
Hollywood Hello – Los Angeles, CA
LA’s Pride is held this year on June 9th and 10th. This year, be extra as hell with a stay a Hollywood Hello in the (duh) Hollywood Hills. It’s got a private pool, a courtyard hot tub, and a luxe firepit lounge tucked near a gorgeous fountain, so after you’ve lost your voice to screaming songs a little too loud, you’re sure to find your zen again with a nice decompression session outdoors.
Bourbon – Nashville TN
From June 24-25 you’ve got full rein to head on down to Nashville’s Pride Parade where you’ll find over 225 vendors for local nonprofits, artists, and businesses celebrating freely! And when y’all have had enough of all that downtown hustle and bustle, head back to this cozy stay at Bourbon – a Nashville vacation rarity where you’re close enough for your Ubers to not be a million bucks.
Peak 8 – Breckenridge, CO
Year of the rabbit so you’re in your snow bunny era, huh? One of the best parts about visiting Colorado in June is the fact that you get to witness all of the trees, flowers, and plants in full bloom. When you’re not visiting one of the many local hot springs, take a day trip from your Breckenridge AvantStay, like Peak 8, and come as you are to Denver’s 14-block Pride celebration! The 2023 Coors Light Denver Pride Parade is held June 25th.
Camden – San Diego, CA
With over 250,000 cheering supporters, the San Diego Pride Parade at the Hillcrest Pride Flag is a truly liberating place to express yourself. From July 8-16th, you’ll find the streets of Hillcrest blossoming with beautiful rainbows from head to toe. After a long day of parading, enjoy your stay at Camden – a beautiful bungalow located in Cardiff by the Sea.
Ramsey – Austin, TX
Austin’s Pride Paradewill be held on August 12th. Everything’s bigger in TX, so this fest features live music, dance, and drag performances and is the largest of all ATX’s parades. When you’ve danced your little heart out, head back to Ramsey where you and your besties will have plenty of room to spread out – from the expansive front yard to the pool and al fresco dining.
Are you on the hunt for a vacation rental management company that goes above and beyond for you and your home? Look no further! When you partner with AvantStay, you’ll receive best-in-class care, guaranteed. To do so, we built a national brand and hospitality platform designed for the way people travel today, all while maintaining a local presence. We provide a hotel-like experience with the comforts of a home, supported by our proprietary, tech-enabled operational dashboards, and an industry-leading ratio of dedicated on-the-ground field teams that keep your home in excellent condition year-round. Keep reading to discover how AvantStay provides an exceptional homeowner experience, premium home care, and a first-class experience for guests.
Exceptional homeowner experience
Our top priority is to simplify the short-term rental process for our homeowners and create lasting memories for our guests. As an AvantStay homeowner, you’ll receive unmatched personalized service and visibility from our dedicated local support teams and tech-enabled platform.
Industry-leading home-to-team ratio
We have a best-in-class ratio of local support to homes with 24/7 dispatching. Each AvantStay home is assigned three main contacts: an Owner Experience Manager, local Area Manager, and a Regional Manager, so you always have a point of contact and quick response times. Our local teams are also available 24/7 for dispatch to your home within 45 minutes, should any issues arise.
Tech-enabled platform
AvantStay homeowners stay in the know with our proprietary tech suite that provides property insights, work order management visibility, and better guest management and home protection. With Lighthouse, our digital owner portal, homeowners can view all information related to property bookings, view revenue information for reservations, access monthly statements, and more!
Premium care for your vacation rental home
To ensure that every AvantStay property is meticulously cared for, we employ a highly trained staff with the highest standards of professionalism and care. At your home, our local operations teams manage maintenance, upkeep, and surveillance, while our housekeeping team professionally cleans after every stay in adherence with CDC cleaning standards and our 100-point cleaning checklist. We also have pre-negotiated rates with top local vendors that we know and trust, saving you money on maintenance costs.
Proactive home care
We like to be proactive, not reactive. Every quarter, we conduct a full inspection and audit with seasonal considerations to prevent issues before they arise, ensuring your home is cared for and maintained. In addition, we perform three indoor/outdoor home inspections between each guest stay: a post-guest checkout inspection, an inspection of clean, and a pre-arrival inspection.
Preferred vendor network
We have local pre-vetted vendors at negotiated wholesale rates, allowing you to increase profits. Our boots-on-the-ground team maintains relationships with vendors in every market, allowing us to deliver consistent, premium service levels.
We’re also able to keep a pulse on quality control with our dedicated vendor management app, Fresh. The app is integrated with our operational processes and systems and provides work order approval flows, instructions, and quality standards for all field operations.
Smart technology package
Our monitoring and prevention (IoT) technology package is added to each home during the onboarding process and installed at no cost to homeowners. This includes a keyless entry system, Ring video camera, and NoiseAware and Party Squasher devices. We can monitor noise levels and ensure our guests don’t engage in any excessive partying that could disturb your neighbors or disrupt your community.
Our technology package is also integrated into our operational dashboard, giving our Guest Experience team real-time insight into what’s happening at each property. Our team is alerted anytime someone calls the customer service line about your home. We monitor any neighbor complaints coming through so we can watch security trends both at your home and in the market to decide if additional measures need to be taken.
First-class guest experience
We set the new standard for vacation rentals by delivering a consistent, high-quality vacation experience. We give guests all the amenities of a hotel, paired with the comfort of a private home. One of the ways we’re able to do this is with our app. Guests can request upgrades and experiences via our app to book a private chef or in-home massages, request fridge stocking, schedule mid-stay cleans, and more. In addition, our local partnerships offer guests an opportunity to experience any destination like a local with personalized recommendations and exclusive discounts.
Partner with the vacation rental experts
Employing a combination of our best-in-class care, streamlined back-end operations and technology, and elevated hospitality brand, AvantStay helps you earn more revenue than any other property management company. We take care of all the work to maximize your home’s returns—it’s that simple.
Every 4th of July, cities across the country celebrate the birth of American independence with vibrant festivals and dazzling fireworks. Many families decide to celebrate the holiday from home, but AvantStay invites you to spend Independence Day with us this year and have a getaway at one of our special destinations. Whether you want to watch firework displays from Florida beaches or on the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston, AvantStay offers premier vacation homes in 35 destinations throughout the country. There are hundreds of places to go for the Fourth of July, so we are here to help you narrow down the list to five cities that offer classic Independence Day celebrations in good old-fashioned American style!
San Diego, CA
San Diego offers a fantastic 4th of July celebration for the entire family in sunny California. The city comes alive with a festive Fourth of July parade and the largest fireworks display on the West Coast. Families can also celebrate together at famous family attractions like Legoland with live music, games, and food.
AvantStay offers a five-bedroom vacation home in the heart of Little Italy, where you can watch the Big Bay Boom fireworks from a private rooftop deck!
Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina, is a Southern city entrenched in history, so what better place to celebrate American independence? Join the party of live music, delicious BBQ dishes, and spectacular fireworks at beautiful Riverfront Park. Or celebrate at the most patriotic location in South Carolina at the historic USS Yorktown aircraft carrier. For the ultimate family fun, checkout some of the beautiful beaches that Charleston offers.
If you are searching for other places to go on the 4th of July in the South besides Charleston, we recommend Nashville. The world-class Music City, it only makes sense that Independence Day is celebrated with live music at the Let Freedom Sing festival. There is plenty of fun for the family here, with kid-friendly activities, games, and music. Nashville will conclude its celebration with the city’s largest July fireworks show ever!
If you want to spend your 4th of July basking in the Florida sunshine, consider taking a road trip to Panama City Beach. This charming beach town celebrates Independence Day all week long with four incredible fireworks shows during the Real Fun Fourth. In addition to the fireworks, you can find plenty of family-friendly dining, shopping, live music, and entertainment to share your Fourth of July celebration together.
Scottsdale, Arizona, offers the perfect 4th of July celebration for families away from the hustle and bustle of Phoenix. The biggest event is the 4th of July celebration at Westworld which offers the ultimate all-American experience. You can watch live performances, feast on barbeque buffets, try bull riding, get your face painted, and play exciting games. The night ends with spectacular fireworks against the picturesque McDowell Mountains.
Looking for Places to Go for the 4th of July? AvantStay Has You Covered!
No matter where you decide to take your family this 4th of July, AvantStay offers the perfect vacation homes for every group. Our properties are designed for large groups and families, fully equipped with anything you might need, including in-app upgrades and experiences like fridge stocking via the AvantStay app. The places to go for the 4th of July are endless when you choose to vacation with AvantStay!
Telluride’s peak season may be winter thanks to its incredible skiing, but we’ve found plenty of reasons why the warmer months are a great time to visit Colorado’s favorite mountain town. From June through September, the sun shines brighter over the San Juan Mountains, the wildflowers bloom in the basins, and the town’s gondola reopens to take you dining and shopping in Mountain Village. With average daily temperatures in the 70s, Telluride’s idyllic summer weather, hiking, and biking are just a couple reasons to be outside. Here are 6 more to get you inspired:
Planet Bluegrass invites you to attend an eco-friendly mountain experience at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival. Dance to live music across various genres, nibble on Sister’s Pantry’s famous dumplings, and leave happily knowing you participated in “Sustainable Festivation” aka “the act of creating a conscious community around a love of music and respect for the planet.”
Come thirsty and leave a little tipsy. The Telluride Wine Festival is a weekend-long celebration of wine and food courtesy of renowned vintners and top chefs from around the world. As you sample a variety of flavors, attend seminars, and enjoy pairing dinners, you’ll also support local culinary & hospitality businesses, as well as regional farmers. Plus, between sips, you get to take in backdrop views of Telluride’s box canyon—cheers!
Every summer, for one week, The Sheridan Arts Foundation hosts 20-25 nationally recognized plein air artists to capture Telluride’s incredible mountain landscapes on canvas. Passerbys, locals, and tourists can observe as they paint “en plein air” (in the open air). At the end of the festival, you can buy one of their paintings and take a piece of Telluride home with you.
Rock ‘n’ roll sounds even better when it’s played against sweeping mountains vistas and forest landscapes. Since its debut in 2012, the RIDE Festival has showcased up-and-coming (at the time) artists like Tyler Childers, The Lumineers, and Nathaiel Rateliff, as well as performances from all time greats, such as Pearl Jam and Widespread Panic.
Nestled against the San Juan Mountains, Telluride’s legendary Town Park venue hosts one of the country’s most scenic music events. Since 1977, the Telluride Jazz Festival delivers three days of world-class concerts, interactive performances, children’s activities, late night club shows, historical walking tours, and all things Jazz within a mesmerizing outdoor setting.
Sometimes, the best summer activity is an AC-infused trip to the movie theater. Sometimes it’s 4 days of that, straight, plus really interesting people to discuss the experience with. Fans of cinema flock to Telluride during film festival week, “embarking on a viewing odyssey, blissfully spending entire days in flickering dark rooms.” Between screenings, filmmakers engage with their viewers for spontaneous conversation about what they just watched—no awards or prizes, just movies and discussions about them!
Our list of reasons to head to Telluride for a summer getaway is just the tip of a (really fun, cool, adventurous, scenic, au naturally beautiful) iceberg. To get the full experience, you’ll have to head there yourself. Book a Telluride AvantStay home to do it right—aka an award-winning house with enough space for all your favorite people, upscale amenities, and 24/7 service.
How do we turn a vacation rental from average to an AvantStay? In our Ask the Expert series, we sit down with different members of the AvantStay team to learn just that. For our first installment of the series, we take a look into how AvantStay transforms vacation rentals with award-winning design services.
We asked our Design Lead, Nic Kay, what it’s like designing for AvantStay, the biggest design mistakes, where she gets her inspiration, and more. Let’s dive in!
1. Where do you get inspiration from when designing a new AvantStay?
My inspiration for each home comes from a combination of the market, the architecture and style of the home, and what kind of guests travel to the area. I always aim for the design to feel localized to the area and authentic to the home, and always keep in mind how our guests can best utilize the space to gather.
Ishan in Joshua Tree
2. Biggest mistake people make when designing vacation rentals?
Lack of seating! In addition to a space being beautiful, it also needs to function for the groups inhabiting it. There should be plenty of comfortable seating and space to share meal around a table.
The Pond Estate in Coachella Valley
3. Favorite home you’ve recently designed?
Ishan in Joshua Tree is a new forever favorite of mine!
Ishan in Joshua Tree
4. How does AvantStay work with homeowners to design their homes?
AvantStay collaborates with homeowners to enhance the function, aesthetic, and experiential aspects of their home. We focus on comfort, gathering spaces, and taking advantage of experiential areas like game rooms, movie theaters, and stunning outdoor spaces. These enhancements improve the guest experience as well as drive ROI for homeowners.
5. What style trends are you seeing in vacation rentals lately?
Color is very on trend! I’ve been seeing a super fun use of paint, murals, and wallpaper. People are embracing some groovy vibes and I’m very much here for it!
Warhol in Temecula
6. How is designing for vacation rentals different from designing for someone’s home?
Vacation rental design is very different from designing a personal home in the way that it needs to appeal to a wide audience, rather than a space someone will live in every day. It’s the same in that vacation rentals should make you feel at home, but they should also give you a little something special that you don’t get to experience every day.
Urban “Angelenos” know that for every urban adventure you can find in Los Angeles, California, there is a trail that can get you away from the city. From Pasadena to Hollywood Hills to Malibu, there are plenty of great hikes to choose from whether you’re just visiting or already live in Southern California. With AvantStay, you can live like a local but enjoy a luxury hospitality experience in between hitting the best hiking trails in Hollywood.
Hollywood – Griffith Park Hiking Trails
I get it, it can be exceptionally hard to get around the traffic in Los Angeles if you’re driving. If you’re looking to hike without leaving the city, some of Los Angeles’s most iconic sights can be found in Griffith Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States! Plan to arrive early to these trails to beat the crowds. Strap on your hiking sandals and bring your movie-junkie friend with you to see some of Hollywood’s iconic film-sets in the outdoors!
Ferndell to Griffith Observatory
Explore Ferndell’s wooded glen that connects to Griffith Observatory’s loop trails. This 2.6 mile loop trail is generally an easy hike, with just over 600 feet of elevation gain overall. Ferndell is a largely asphalt or manicured trail that is most accessible to all potential visitors, but the trail up to Griffith Observatory is a wide, mostly flat trail even as you gain elevation. Expect sprawling views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign as you ascend out of Ferndell! Visitors who may not be able to access the loop trail can drive up to the Griffith Observatory to get in on the scenery! The Griffith Observatory has free admission for visitors.
Runyon Canyon Trail
If you have watched any movie or TV series based in LA, you have probably seen your favorite characters power-walking up and down Runyon Canyon. This trail is a 2.7 mile loop trail that has views of million-dollar mansions, Hollywood Hills, and the elusive Hollywood sign. This isn’t the easiest hike for beginners, but it is accessible to any hiker even if you only have a ball cap and sneakers. There are plenty of vistas along the trail to catch a breather and take pictures of this iconic SoCal trail!
Bronson Caves
This short 0.6 mile round trip trail brings you to the Bat Cave used in the 1960s Batman TV show! Bronson Cave itself has been closed indefinitely due to falling rocks, but Bronson Canyons is a beautiful area worth exploring. It’s a great supplemental hike if you’re already in the area. Besides, why give up the chance to proclaim “To the Batcave!” on the way to the actual Batcave?
If you’re heading to Pasadena for some classy shopping, you should consider heading north past Altadena for some great hiking in the Angeles National Forest!
Echo Mountain
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike that still has a view of L.A. county, look no further than Echo Mountain. This moderately difficult 5-mile round trip hike up the Sam Merrill Trail gains over 1400 feet of elevation at the peak. Echo Mountain has some of the best views in the area, and those that have the chance shouldn’t miss the chance to make their way up the mountain! This trail has a few interesting nearby historical markers. The trailhead starts at the supposedly haunted Cobb Estate and leads hikers to the old Mount Low Railway on Echo Mountain.
Eaton Canyon Trail is a challenging 4 mile round trip hike that leads to a waterfall and small pool whose size varies on the season. Some hikers are able to enjoy a dip under the waterfall, but your experience may vary on whether there is anything to actually “dip“ into. This hike follows fire roads for most of the trail, but does eventually become quite rocky—only wide enough for one at a time—once you reach the canyon, so you should be prepared with good boots! This trail can be a little tricky to navigate, but AllTrails does the best job in describing the best way to complete this hike.
Malibu
Malibu is probably best known for its sandy Pacific Ocean beaches, well-suited for surfers and celebrities alike. The Santa Monica Mountains of Malibu give hikers the chance to see it all, from sprawling views of the Pacific coast to towering mountains and canyons. Need some extra beach time or mountain escapes away from Los Angeles? Check out the house stays AvantStay offers in Malibu.
Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park has a 3 mile loop trail that is considered moderately challenging. Much of this hike follows old fire roads, but you might see why this place has a history in the film industry the longer you hike: Malibu Creek has the classic, timeless look of desolate but beautiful land.
Here’s some trivia for your movie nerd friends: Malibu Creek State Park was once owned by several TV studios and used for movie ranches. The State Park was once home to the set for the movie and subsequent TV show M*A*S*H until the set was burnt down in a brush fire just before the show’s finale. Besides the markers that have been placed since the fire, you will only find a rusted army Jeep and a Dodge ambulance in the naturalized TV set. The TV show Planet of the Apes and dozens of 20th century movies were also filmed in this now-state park.
Paseo Miramar is a 4.9 mile out-and-back trail in Topanga State Park which partially follows a fire road that will take you 1200 feet up, well above the clouds. This is a moderately challenging hike, but at the highest point at Parker Mesa Overlook you will be rewarded by a 360° view of the Santa Monica Bay and the northern mountains. Look for wildflowers here in the Spring! Be prepared with water and snacks for this trail, and plan to get there early. No dogs are allowed. Parking is tricky here, so you should plan to walk a ways from your car to get to the trailhead; there is no parking on Saturday or Sunday, and there is no parking past the 600 block, or the 500 block on red flag days. Check with the fire station on your way to check the conditions.
Escondido Falls
Escondido Falls Trail offers hikers an easy 3.7 mile hike with views of the Pacific coast and, when the weather hasn’t been too dry, Escondido Falls of course! The waterfall tends to dry out during the Summer, but lucky hikers may be able to catch it if they go after rainfall. This trail is still a great option during the dry season, as it is partially shaded and provides plenty more to see. Escondido Falls is a popular biking trail, so stay aware of any incoming traffic! Finish off your hike by heading down to Escondido Beach afterwards to cool off!
(It’s worth the warning to hikers that waterfalls can be extremely dangerous places and deserve your caution. It is not uncommon for hikers to slip and injure themselves or even lose their lives from falling—Escondido Falls is no exception. Don’t take unnecessary risks in these areas.)
You really can’t go wrong with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, but Solstice Canyon is an exceptional 3 mile loop trail with some interesting stops along the way. While this trail can be challenging at times, it is shaded a majority of the way and has several natural stopping points. About halfway through the hike you’ll find Tropical Terrace, the fun-to-explore ruins of a mansion. This trail is also home to the oldest stone structure in Malibu, which was partially destroyed in a fire but is still retained by the US Forest Service. You can take the Rising Sun trail back to the trailhead, but it has no shade compared to the Solstice Canyon trail. If you’re up for it, you’ll get great views of the Pacific Ocean.
Pacific Palisades
Situated just north of Santa Monica, the Pacific Palisades is the perfect middle point between Malibu and Los Angeles. The Palisades hugs Topanga State Park, which has several hikes with all-encompassing views of both LA and Malibu. The proximity to LA makes these trails busier due to locals and tourists, so plan to arrive early to beat the crowds and have a place to park!
This Pacific Palisades based trail gives you such a great view of Malibu, it’s hard to keep it off this list. Temescal Canyon trail is a moderately challenging 4 mile loop hike. You can practically see it all on this trail—you will get some of the best views of downtown LA, Santa Monica, and Malibu on your way up. Plan ahead for this one: get there early to have the best experience on this busy trail.
Will Rogers State Park
This state park provides a great escape from the traffic and noise of LA,. Despite that, an exploration of this park will include seeing the vaudeville actor Will Rogers’ ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, and the Inspiration Point Loop Trail. Inspiration Point is a 2-mile easy hike that will easily fill your ocean view fix. Bring your dog and enjoy the trail before exploring the grounds of Will Rogers’ old estate. You’re likely to see plenty of horseback riders here—Will Rogers was famously known for his love of horses and roping, and that spirit lives on today.
No matter where you choose to hike when you visit Los Angeles, AvantStay has a collection of over 100 houses in the SoCal area, where you can experience upscale hospitality with a home-like feel. Browse our locations in and around Los Angeles to find your perfect vacation spot.
No city in the world offers a music scene quite like Nashville. Music has been the common thread throughout the city’s history, from the early days of fiddle playing to the inception of the Grand Ole Opry and the honky tonks today. This Tennessee city certainly lives up to the moniker “Music City,” with hundreds of music venues and museums around every corner. Learn all about the artists and genres inspired by the city at the music museums in Nashville. From the Country Music Hall of Fame to The Johnny Cash Museum and the National Museum of African American Museum, there is endless music history to discover!
AvantStay offers an impressive collection of Nashville vacation rentals in the heart of the city, so you can easily access local museums such as:
Country Music Hall of Fame
The Country Music Hall of Fame offers the ultimate experience for country music lovers. The museum features galleries, exhibitions, artifacts, instruments, stage wear, recordings, and films of country musicians. You can also plan your visit around one of the upcoming shows at the CMA Theater if you want to catch a show in their state-of-the-art music venue.
The Johnny Cash Museum
photo courtesy of Light AZ
This Nashville museum features the most extensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia worldwide. The collection includes stage costumes, instruments, personal letters, artwork, and handwritten lyrics. After you have explored the life and legacy of the Man in Black, you can head next door to Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ for Southern comfort food and great drinks.
Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum
photo courtesy of Jackson National Twitter
The Musicians Hall of Fame Museum highlights artists from every genre of music with galleries, memorabilia, and rotating exhibits. See the studio where Elvis recorded his biggest hits, Jimi Hendrix’s guitar, and meet the artists who called Nashville home. Your ticket also includes admission to the Grammy Museum Gallery, where you can experience the recording process firsthand.
National Museum of African American Music
This is one of Nashville’s newest museums, and the only museum in the country dedicated to preserving and celebrating Black Music in America. Six galleries feature artifacts highlighting the history of blues, jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop. The galleries tell the story through interactive technology and exhibits that bring the past to life.
Madame Tussauds
Come face to face with Nashville’s music legends at Madame Tussauds. The museum will take you through iconic Nashville music venues like the Ryman Auditorium. Whether you want to snap a picture with The King, meet the greats of jazz, or party with Katy Perry, snap the best vacation photos at Madame Tussauds.
Choose Our Nashville Vacation Rentals with AvantStay®
Start your vacation in Music City by visiting the music museums in Nashville. Then read our AvantStay blog on the 33 Best Things to Do in Nashville for more vacation ideas. We offer over 70 Nashville vacation rentals, whether you are looking for a suite in the heart of the city or a large vacation home for your extended family. Experience the elevated homes and hospitality that make AvantStay different, and book your getaway today!
Despite the recent pandemic, investing in short-term rentals is still a world of opportunity for people looking to generate passive income. According to AirDNA, short-term rentals listed full-time in 2021 earned their highest ever annual revenue at $56,000. This is 35% higher than at the start of the pandemic.
Although it’s been uncharted territory, the future of travel is looking up. 82% of families around the world are still planning to go on a trip sooner rather than later. Airbnb reported its most profitable quarter ever in Q3 2021, with a net income of $834 million.
With the right strategy, investing in short-term rental properties can be entirely rewarding. As with any investment opportunity or new business venture, there’s a lot of research to be done to better understand the industry and the market. Keep reading for our 10 expert tips for investing in short-term rentals.
Tip 1: Compare short-term rental location options
A large part of the success of your vacation rental venture depends on where your property is located. You might think that a secluded lake getaway is ideal for generating that additional income. However, it might be too far from local attractions and not a popular destination for travelers.
Research and track key metrics of potential markets like average daily rates, occupancy rates, and what other homes are selling for in the area.
Consider property appreciation statistics as well. Some properties can increase in value by as much as 25%, depending on what’s happening in the neighborhood and their amenities. This should also form part of your property location decision.
Tip 2: Know the demand for short-term rentals
Once you’ve identified or at least shortlisted some of your potential locations, the next step is to find out if there is a demand for short-term vacation rentals in the area.
Remember that vacation rental demand and long-term, or residential, rental demand are two very different things. For example, people looking for residential rentals might look for things like proximity to schools and hospitals. On the other hand, vacationers might look for proximity to local attractions or amenities included.
Did you know that there are 115,000 vacation rental companies worldwide? The demand for short-term rentals is definitely on the rise. AirDNA is predicting that investor interest will surge with demand rising, and expects a 15% increase in US listings in 2022. There is a demand; you just have to find your place in it.
Tip 3: Understand low-season and high-season fluctuations
Almost every vacation spot has low-season and high-season calendars. These are the times of the year when owners can expect higher numbers for a certain period of time. Less busy times of the year are referred to as low-season.
Not only does this affect your overall income projections, but you may need to be open to flexible pricing depending on the season.
There are markets, like Lake Tahoe, that generate steady income throughout the year with strong winter and summer seasons. Be sure to factor this in when choosing your location.
Tip 4: Have a solid business plan
Just like any new business venture, you should have a solid business plan for your short-term rental. You wouldn’t open a new restaurant without having a business plan. The same goes for investing in short-term rentals.
Your business plan doesn’t only have to include this property. Do you intend on owning more than one short-term rental property? How do you see your business growing in the short and long-term future?
Also, you need to figure out just how much of the business operations you’ll be doing yourself. How involved are you going to be? Will you hire someone to help you with marketing, or someone to take care of maintenance? What about helping with guests’ mid-stay requests? You might want to consider partnering with a vacation rental management company, like AvantStay, that can deliver all of these services and more.
Tip 5: Figure out financials for your short-term rental investment
Deciding how you’re going to finance your new vacation rental venture is key to your overall success. First, you’ll need to have a clear understanding of your investment objectives. Is your goal to have a short-term rental for occasional personal use? Do you want rental income to offset your mortgage? Or are you looking to maximize your cash-on-cash returns?
Once you have an understanding of market performance and your investment objectives, you can begin researching financing options. Three popular options for short-term rentals are traditional loans, asset-based loans, and hard money loans. Chat with different financial institutions and weigh the duration of credit as well as the different interest rates. Go with the option that puts you under the least amount of pressure for repayments.
Tip 6: Identify your ideal guest
When choosing a short-term rental property, envisioning who will stay there is going to inform your overall marketing strategy.
For example, if you purchase a high-end beachside property with modern features, then your ideal guest might be newly engaged couples or retired couples looking for a quiet week-long getaway.
Identify your ideal guest before you consider the property that you want to invest in. These are the people that you’ll want to attract with the right furnishings, decor, and amenities.
Tip 7: Pay attention to rules and regulations
Make sure that you are fully updated and understand the rules and regulations in place for the property, along with the neighborhood and city.
Check with your local city or county government about taxes. You might also need a general business license or short-term rental permit. These ensure your vacation rental is compliant with zoning restrictions and meet the local health and safety requirements. They also ensure neighboring properties know about your rental operation and aren’t taken by surprise.
Your due diligence on local rules and regulations will keep you safe from hefty fines and legal repercussions.
Tip 8: Plan your expenses
Investing in short-term vacation rentals is a great way to generate extra income, but you need to be mindful of both planned and unplanned expenses that may come your way as a property owner.
There are your usual consumables, things like cleaning supplies and toilet paper. Then, you have maintenance on facilities such as air conditioning, swimming pools, and landscaping.
Budget for these expenses so you’re never taken completely by surprise if you need to spend a little extra one month to repair the swimming pool heater.
Tip 9: Budget for insurance
Accidents happen, so make sure your short-term rental is covered when it comes to any breakages or accidents that may come your way.
A good short-term rental policy will cover the loss of income if your property cannot be rented due to damages, and the resulting repairs needed to make it occupancy-ready. If a guest should get injured on your property during their stay, short-term rental insurance can also help cover medical bills or legal fees. If guests accidentally leave a faucet running after they check out, insurance can help with the additional utility cost.
The average cost of short-term rental insurance policies ranges from $1,000 to $3,000 a year. Check with your current insurer to see if they offer any discounts for bundling policies.
Tip 10: Manage your overall expectations
It’s important to manage your expectations as you start the journey into buying a rental property.
Many vacation rental owners think that success will flow in overnight if they pick the right property, but that’s not always the case. Managing a vacation rental yourself can be a heavy lift. There’s handling guest requests, figuring out distribution on listing sites (known as OTAs or Online Travel Agencies), other digital marketing efforts, managing and maintaining your vacation property, and much more that goes into it.
It’s easier to go into the vacation rental industry with realistic expectations. Talk to other short-term rental owners about their experience. Research and understand the industry, the market, and what is required before you anticipate your success or failure.
The simplest way to manage your short-term rental investment
Investing in short-term rentals is not to be taken lightly. As you can see, there are many cogs that make the rental machine work. It can be a rewarding experience both mentally and financially if you can find the right property, with the right target market in the right location.
If you’d rather partner with a vacation rental management company to remove the guesswork from the guest work, AvantStay is here to help. From financials to design to maintenance, we take care of your home as if it were our own. Our proprietary tech suite powers bookings, operationalizes in-field management, and activates an elevated guest experience. We take care of all the work to maximize your home’s income—it’s that simple.
If you’re interested in learning more about how AvantStay can maximize your return on investment, our team is ready to help. Get started with our vacation rental management experts today!
Ready to create a five-star guest experience and increase the return on your vacation rental investment? A great starting point is by adding experiential elements and sought-after amenities to your home. Vacation rental amenities help create an exceptional guest experience, drive more positive reviews, and ultimately increase your rental income. This article is the latest addition in our series breaking down popular amenities and the advantages they create, by market type. Keep reading to discover our top amenity picks for vineyard vacation rentals.
The importance of vacation rental amenities
In competitive markets, like Temecula, the vacation rentals that are going to get more bookings and drive strong returns are the one-of-a-kind and exciting homes that stand out from the rest. If you have unique amenities, like an outdoor kitchen overlooking a vineyard, showcase these in some of the first photos on your listing page to grab guests’ attention. Before we reveal what the top vineyard vacation rental amenities are, let’s cover the benefits of investing in interior design and luxury amenities.
Attract more guests
58% of millennials make their booking decision based on the first five photos of the home. Professionally designed properties with new furnishings, stylish decor, and top-of-the-line amenities attract guests who appreciate and respect the elements that make your home unique.
Earn higher ratings
Homes with thoughtfully designed interiors and amenities are directly linked to higher ratings and referrals from guests. An appealing and comfortable home where guests can gather and entertain has a proven positive effect on the guest experience.
Increase your revenue
Helping homeowners choose and install the right amenities is just one part of how AvantStay maximizes your property’s value and increases your profit by up to 20-30%. You’ll notice a surge in bookings as guests prefer to stay at properties with professionally designed interiors and experiential amenities for the whole group to enjoy.
Best vacation rental amenities for vineyard homes
Vacation rental amenities can make the difference between a four and five-star review. But which amenities are guests looking for? We dove into our data to discover what amenities drive the greatest returns in our vineyard vacation rentals. Below are our findings from one year of performance metrics from our Temecula, Sonoma, and Paso Robles vacation rental homes.
Pools & spas
Allow guests to maximize their time outside with a pool and spa. Adding a pool to your vacation rental is the #1 amenity investment you can make. Vineyard market homes with a pool see these premiums compared to homes without a pool:
68% higher ADRs
64% greater RevPAU (revenue per available unit)
43% more revenue per bedroom
A hot tub is another great amenity for vineyard market homes. However, you won’t see as substantial returns with a hot tub as you will with a pool. Our homes with both a pool and spa do see 22% higher ADRs and 27% greater RevPAU than homes with neither.
Fire pits
Another top (and dare I say “hot”) vacation rental amenity in vineyard markets is a fire pit. Fire pits are the perfect amenity for guests who want to wind down after a long day of wine tasting, as golden hour hangs turn into stargazing. Homes with this amenity see 42% higher ADRs, 69% greater RevPAU, and 57% more revenue per bedroom than homes without a fire pit.
Bonus outdoor experiential features
If you’re looking to improve your amenity offerings, install another outdoor experiential feature instead of an indoor game room. Based on our findings, guests visiting vineyard markets are looking to enjoy the fresh air instead of spending time indoors. Outdoor kitchens and outdoor sport courts are two popular amenity options.
Homes with an option to cook and dine al fresco see 26% greater RevPAU and 29% more revenue per bedroom than homes without an outdoor kitchen and dining setup.
On the activity side, homes with an outdoor sport court see 25% higher ADRs and 32% greater RevPAU than homes without. Cornhole, bocce ball, and horseshoes and great options for vineyard market vacation rentals.
Mountain and vineyard views
While it’s not a tangible amenity, one of the highest ROI drivers for vineyard vacation rentals is an “Instagrammable” view. Homes with a view of the mountains or vineyards (or both) see 55% higher ADRs, 74% greater RevPAU, and 36% more revenue per bedroom than homes without a view. If you’re looking to make your next vacation rental investment in a vineyard market, don’t think twice about securing a spot with a breathtaking view.
Level up your vacation rental with AvantStay
Only AvantStay homeowners have access to our award-winning Interior Design team that elevates homes in under nine days, instantly increasing your home’s equity and maximizing your ROI. We believe the best accommodations are designed to enhance every aspect of a guest’s travels, which is why we transform beautiful homes into incredible experiences that foster unforgettable memories.
We help procure high-quality, durable furniture and upscale amenities, and coordinate delivery and installation on your behalf so you don’t have to lift a finger. Our thoughtfully designed spaces encourage gathering and allow guests to make the most of their time at your home—leaving them recharged and ready to write a five-star review!
Are you looking to upgrade your vacation rental design and amenities? Our interior designers can create a custom, locally inspired space that guests love. If you’re interested in learning more about AvantStay’s design, procurement, and vacation rental management services, our team of experts is ready to help. Get started today!
Winter brings two types of travelers: those who seek fresh powder and mountain views, and those who chase warm sunshine and ocean breezes.
The beauty of winter travel in America is having both options within reach. From ski slopes dusted with new snow to beaches where you can walk barefoot in December weather, the possibilities feel endless.
Planning your winter escape means deciding what kind of adventure fits your mood. Maybe you want cozy nights by the fire after a day on the slopes, or perhaps you prefer sunset beach walks in flip-flops while the rest of the country bundles up.
Either way, picking the right destination makes all the difference between a “just okay” trip and an unforgettable one.
Your Complete Winter Destination Guide
Ready to find your perfect winter destination? Check out these incredible spots for your ideal winter vacation this 2026. We’ve organized these destinations into 2 categories so you can pick if you want snow or snowbirding.
Jump to any section below to explore the places perfect for your travel style.
💡 Looking for a home to stay in this winter? Check out our list of the best cozy winter cabins to experience winter at its coziest.
Snowy Ski Destinations
These mountain towns have the best skiing and winter sports across America. Whether you’re an expert skier or just learning, these spots offer something for everyone.
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge sits high in the Rockies with five peaks and over 300 inches of snow each year. The historic Main Street features Victorian buildings filled with shops and restaurants, while after dark, torchlight parades light up the slopes. Beyond skiing, you can try dog sledding, snowshoeing, or soaking in natural hot springs after a long day on the mountain.
Vail, Colorado
Bringing world-class skiing across more than 5,300 acres of terrain. The European-style villages at the base of Vail provide great dining and shopping that rival any major ski destination. Additionally, the free shuttle system connects all areas, making it easy to explore without needing a car.
Park City, Utah
The largest ski resort in the United States, Park City, has over 7,300 acres of terrain. Historic Main Street runs through the old mining town, featuring galleries and restaurants in preserved 19th-century buildings. In January, the town also hosts the famous Sundance Film Festival, bringing Hollywood stars and film lovers together.
Lake Tahoe, California
Straddling two states, Lake Tahoe offers multiple world-class resorts around one stunning alpine lake. The region receives an impressive 400+ inches of snow, making it one of the snowiest places in America. After skiing, you can explore casinos on the Nevada side or enjoy quieter mountain towns on the California shore while watching the sunset over the crystal-blue water.
These destinations offer beautiful winter scenery without requiring skiing skills. Perfect for families and anyone seeking mountain relaxation with cozy cabin vibes.
Smoky Mountains, Tennessee
The Smoky Mountains can become a winter wonderland when snow dusts the peaks. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge serve as gateways to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where you can hike trails or drive scenic mountain roads. The towns also light up with millions of holiday lights from November through February.
Poconos, Pennsylvania
A classic East Coast winter fun is just two hours from New York City. Multiple ski resorts in the Poconos offer downhill runs, while vast forests provide trails for snowshoeing. The region is famous for romantic resorts and indoor water parks, making it great for both couples and families seeking a winter break.
Berkshires, Massachusetts
The Berkshires bring New England elegance to winter travel. Towns like Lenox and Stockbridge feature white church steeples, historic inns, and cultural attractions, including art museums. While Jiminy Peak offers downhill skiing, many visitors simply come to enjoy the peaceful winter atmosphere and farm-to-table restaurants.
These up-and-coming spots are gaining attention for winter 2026. They offer fresh powder and fewer crowds than traditional resorts.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
North America’s most challenging terrain, Jackson, has 459 inches of snow annually. The town maintains its Western character with wooden boardwalks and authentic cowboy bars, while luxury slope-side properties offer ski-in/ski-out convenience. Nearby, you can visit the National Elk Refuge or take wildlife tours through Yellowstone’s winter landscape.
Big Sky, Montana
Offering vast terrain with minimal crowds, Big Sky spreads skiers across 5,850 acres. The resort receives 400+ inches of snow, while secluded mountain chalets provide privacy away from busy village centers. For added adventure, Yellowstone National Park sits just an hour away with incredible winter wildlife viewing.
Campton, New Hampshire
Emerging as a family-friendly New England destination, Campton is near Waterville Valley and Loon Mountain resorts. This small town offers affordable stays and authentic local restaurants without the commercialization of bigger resorts. The White Mountain National Forest surrounds Campton, providing endless trails for snowshoeing and winter hiking.
Warm Beach & Sun Retreats
These coastal spots offer sunshine and warm weather, perfect for escaping winter’s chill. Swim, surf, or simply relax on the beach while others shovel snow.
Key West, Florida
A tropical paradise and America’s southernmost point, Key West, comes with winter temperatures around 75°F. The laid-back island features colorful houses, roaming chickens, and stunning sunsets celebrated nightly at Mallory Square. Take boat tours for snorkeling, visit Hemingway’s house with its famous six-toed cats, or simply relax on palm-lined beaches.
San Diego, California
Enjoy near-perfect weather year-round in San Diego, with winters averaging 65°F and abundant sunshine. Miles of Pacific coastline offer surfing and beach volleyball, while the city features world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. Different beach communities provide varied vibes from upscale La Jolla to lively Pacific Beach.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Fort Lauderdale features 23 miles of beaches and hundreds of miles of inland waterways, earning its nickname “Venice of America.” Winter temperatures in the mid-70s create ideal conditions for water activities. Take water taxi tours through canal systems, viewing mega-yachts, or explore nearby Everglades National Park on airboat tours.
Miami, Florida
Pulsing the tropical energy and Art Deco architecture of Miami, the winter temps here are around 75°F. South Beach offers sunbathing and people-watching while neighborhoods like Little Havana showcase Cuban culture. The city transforms during Art Basel in December, attracting art collectors and enthusiasts from around the world.
Sunny desert locations provide warm weather with outdoor adventures and relaxation. These spots offer alternatives to beach vacations while keeping you comfortable all winter.
Palm Springs, California
If you want a mid-century modern style and desert beauty with winter temperatures of mid-70s, Palm Springs is another best place to go. The San Jacinto Mountains provide dramatic backdrops while downtown features boutique shops and restaurants. The nearby Palm Springs Aerial Tramway carries visitors from the desert floor to snowy alpine peaks in just minutes.
Sedona, Arizona
Sedona showcases stunning red rock formations enhanced by clear blue winter skies. Temperatures reach comfortable 50s and 60s, perfect for hiking among iconic rock spires. The popular trails include Cathedral Rock and Devil’s Bridge, with some winter days bringing light snow to the red rocks for spectacular photos.
Scottsdale, Arizona
Desert beauty, luxury resorts, and championship golf courses are what you can expect at Scottsdale. Winter temperatures here average 70°F, making outdoor activities comfortable when most of the country freezes. Old Town features Western-themed shops and galleries, while the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers hundreds of miles of hiking trails.
Asheville, North Carolina
Bringing mountain culture to the Blue Ridge, to thriving arts scene, and amazing food. Asheville has winter temperatures that stay mild in the 40s and 50s, making downtown walks pleasant. Visit the Biltmore Estate to tour America’s largest private home decorated for the holidays or explore the city’s 100+ breweries, earning it the title “Beer City USA.”
Southern Cultural Places
Southern cities offer mild winter weather, rich history, and unique culture. These destinations can have the best outdoor activities with cultural exploration.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a coastal beauty with historic preservation and incredible food. Winter temperatures stay mild in the 60s, ideal for strolling through the historic district past colorful houses and hidden gardens. Visit plantations outside the city, take harbor boat tours past Fort Sumter, or explore the City Market for local crafts and sweetgrass baskets.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Thrive in winter, as temperatures hover around 65°F in New Orleans. It is a perfect place for exploring without summer’s heat. The city gears up for Mardi Gras season, starting in January with parades and celebrations leading to Fat Tuesday. Beyond the festivities, experience world-class jazz music, Creole cuisine, and French Quarter architecture.
Savannah, Georgia
Southern hospitality with cobblestone streets and Spanish moss-draped oaks. This is the vibe at Savannah. With winter temperatures reaching comfortable 60s, walking tours are pleasant while avoiding summer humidity. The historic district also features 22 manicured squares surrounded by antebellum homes.
Other Best Places to See Snow in the US
Beyond major ski resorts, many destinations offer beautiful snowy landscapes for those who enjoy winter scenery. Here are other best places to see snow in the US.
Yellowstone National Park: A winter wonderland where snow-covered geothermal features and wildlife like bison stand out against white backgrounds.
Vermont and New Hampshire: Classic New England winter scenes with snow-covered villages and historic inns with crackling fireplaces.
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan: This place receives heavy lake-effect snow, creating winter playgrounds for snowmobiling and ice fishing.
Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State: Some of America’s heaviest snowfall happens here, with accumulations measuring hundreds of inches, creating a spectacular alpine winter scenery.
Where Does It Not Snow in the US?
Several regions across America never or rarely see snowfall, making them reliable winter escapes.
Hawaii tops this list with tropical temperatures year-round, while the entire state of Florida averages zero measurable snowfall, with cities like Key West, Miami, and Tampa remaining snow-free.
Southern California coastal areas, including San Diego and Los Angeles, virtually never experience snow. Additionally, southern Texas cities like Corpus Christi and South Padre Island remain snow-free.
While Southern Arizona, including Phoenix, rarely sees frozen precipitation. The Gulf Coast from Texas through Louisiana and Mississippi also receives minimal to no snow in most years, making it perfect for reliable warm destinations.
Wherever Winter Takes You, Make It A Trip To Remember
The destinations you choose shape your entire winter experience. If you’re looking for snowy mountain adventures or warm beach relaxation, picking the best places makes all the difference.
Now is the perfect time to start planning before prime dates fill up and prices increase for the busy season. Find your winter home away from home. Whether you want slope-side access for ski days or beachfront views for morning coffee, the right rental makes your trip truly special.
Your winter vacation deserves a place that feels like home while providing the features you need. Explore AvantStay’s winter homes across top winter destinations with amenities like hot tubs, fireplaces, and gourmet kitchens perfect for your seasonal escape. Check us out today!
How do we turn a vacation rental from average to an AvantStay? In our Ask the Expert series, we sit down with different members of the AvantStay team to learn just that.
We asked our Product Manager II, Lina Nguyen, about the process of onboarding homes, what it’s like working with homeowners and more.
1. What does your job actually entail?
I’ve been with AvantStay for over 3 years, mostly working as a Product Manager II on many of our proprietary internal tools, including our homeowner portal, Lighthouse. Lighthouse is the one-stop shop for owners to have visibility and control over the management and performance of their home. Lighthouse has been a huge tool and value-add for many of our owners in management agreements.
Over the past few months I have supported our Onboarding initiatives, which include everything in between closing a deal and beginning to get guests in homes. This includes coordinating with our owners and field teams on things like inspections, furnishing, installations, photoshoots, listing creation, and much more.
2. How do you work with homeowners during the onboarding process?
I work with owners to ensure their properties are set up for success and that all their needs are met with respect to what they are looking for in a property manager. While we have general requirements for each onboard, every home in our portfolio is unique and has its own stand-out features, so every onboard can be different from the last. In addition to myself, each owner has a dedicated point-person for everything from design and styling to revenue and listings optimizations.
3. What teams do you work with the most often in this role?
Onboarding is one of the teams that touches every other department. I work very closely with Field Operations as they are the boots on the ground executing the majority of these onboards (shout-out to them!), as well as our Supply Chain, Photo, Listings, and Revenue teams to make sure each home is ready to go live. I also still work closely with our Product and Engineering teams to build experience based on real user needs and ensure our technology is growing to support all of our end-users: guests, owners, and operators.
4. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
AvantStay has grown significantly and quickly over the last 3 years I’ve been here which has allowed me to wear many different hats and build solutions to various different problems. I’m excited to see what we continue to do in the future!
5. What is your favorite part about taking a home live on AvantStay?
A tie between seeing our owners happy and their property performing well, and seeing all our teams’ hard work come to life!
Want to take your vacation rental to the next level with our team of experts? Learn how to list your home with AvantStay here.
You bought your vacation rental to generate income, but are you taking full advantage of the tax strategies available to you? Cost segregation benefits have always been powerful for property owners, but they just became even more attractive with the permanent reinstatement of 100% bonus depreciation. Instead of depreciating your entire property over 27.5 years, you can separate out components like furniture, flooring, and outdoor amenities and write them off much faster. For owners who meet material participation requirements, these accelerated deductions can offset income from any source, turning your vacation rental into a serious tax planning tool.
TLDR:
Cost segregation studies let you reclassify 20-40% of property components for immediate tax deductions instead of waiting 27.5 years.
100% bonus depreciation is now permanent for properties acquired after January 19, 2025, creating immediate first-year write-offs.
Short-term rentals with average stays under 7 days bypass passive loss limits, letting you offset W-2 and business income.
Properties valued above $300,000 typically see 5-10x ROI on study costs, generating $45,000+ in year-one cash savings.
AvantStay’s revenue management algorithm and Marriott Bonvoy partnership drive the high occupancy rates that maximize your depreciation benefits.
What Is a Cost Segregation Study for Vacation Rental Properties
Most vacation rental owners depreciate their entire property over 27.5 years. But here’s what your CPA may not have told you: 20-40% of your property’s components can be written off in 5-15 years instead. That’s the power of cost segregation—and for short-term rentals generating active income, it’s even more valuable than traditional long-term rentals.
A cost segregation study is an engineering-based analysis that identifies which property components qualify for accelerated depreciation. Instead of waiting nearly three decades to claim deductions on furniture, flooring, and outdoor amenities, you can write them off immediately.
For vacation rental owners, this strategy is particularly valuable because short-term rentals generate active income with unique tax treatment. The higher your nightly rates and occupancy, the more you benefit from front-loading depreciation deductions to offset that rental income.
The study produces a detailed report that reclassifies building components based on IRS guidelines. This documentation supports your tax return and withstands IRS scrutiny because it follows established engineering and tax methodologies.
100% Bonus Depreciation Returns in 2026
Congress permanently reinstated 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property acquired after January 19, 2025, creating a significant opportunity for vacation rental owners. This reverses the phasedown schedule that would have reduced bonus depreciation to just 20% in 2026.
For property owners, this means you can immediately deduct 100% of the cost of qualifying assets identified through a cost segregation study in the first year. Instead of waiting decades to claim depreciation on furniture, appliances, and land improvements, you can write off these components entirely when you file your taxes.
The permanence of this change matters. You’re no longer racing against an expiration date or trying to time purchases around temporary incentives. Whether you acquired your vacation rental in early 2025 or you’re planning future acquisitions, the full deduction remains available.
This legislative shift amplifies the value of cost segregation studies. The combination of accelerated depreciation schedules and 100% bonus depreciation means qualifying components generate immediate tax benefits rather than being spread across years or decades. For high-performing vacation rentals generating substantial income, these first-year deductions can create significant cash flow advantages.
The Short-Term Rental Tax Advantage
The IRS draws a critical distinction for vacation rental properties based on average guest stay length. When your property maintains an average stay of 7 days or fewer, it’s not classified as a passive rental activity under tax law. Instead, it’s treated as a trade or business.
This classification fundamentally changes how you can use losses generated by accelerated depreciation. Traditional long-term rentals face passive activity loss limitations that prevent you from deducting rental losses against your W-2 income, business income, or investment income. You’d need real estate professional status to unlock those deductions, which requires 750 hours of material participation annually and more time in real estate than any other activity.
Short-term rentals sidestep these restrictions entirely. If you meet material participation requirements (which we’ll cover in the next section), your vacation rental losses can offset ordinary income from any source. This means the substantial first-year deductions from a cost segregation study combined with 100% bonus depreciation can reduce your overall tax liability across all income streams.
For high-earning property owners, this transforms vacation rentals from passive investments into strategic tax planning tools that actively reduce your tax burden.
Material Participation Requirements for Vacation Rental Owners
The IRS provides seven material participation tests to determine if your vacation rental qualifies for non-passive treatment. You only need to satisfy one of these tests to qualify, and for most vacation rental owners, three tests stand out as the most practical.
500-Hour Test
The 500-hour test is straightforward: spend at least 500 hours during the tax year participating in your rental activity. This includes guest communications, coordinating turnover cleanings, managing pricing and listings, overseeing maintenance, and handling booking inquiries. For owners managing 2-3 properties with high turnover, this threshold is entirely achievable.
100-Hour Test
The 100-hour test requires that you participate at least 100 hours and that no other individual (including contractors) spends more time on the activity than you do. This works well if you handle most operations yourself rather than delegating everything to a property manager. Your hours count, but if you hire a full-time property manager logging more hours than you, this test won’t work.
Substantially All
The substantially all test requires you to perform substantially all of the participation in the activity. If you’re a solo operator handling everything from guest messaging to coordinating cleaners, this test may apply. However, once you bring in contractors or property managers doing significant work, this becomes harder to satisfy.
Document your hours carefully. Track time spent on phone calls with guests, hours managing your listing, time coordinating with cleaners and maintenance vendors, and effort spent on pricing optimization. Keep a contemporaneous log rather than reconstructing hours later. This documentation protects you if the IRS questions your material participation status.
Cash Flow Benefits of Accelerated Depreciation
A cost segregation study typically reclassifies 20% to 40% of property components into accelerated depreciation categories. For a $1 million vacation rental, that means $200,000 to $400,000 in assets can generate immediate tax deductions rather than being depreciated over 27.5 years.
When you combine this reclassification with 100% bonus depreciation, the cash flow impact is immediate. Instead of claiming roughly $36,000 in standard depreciation annually on that $1 million property, you could generate $200,000 to $400,000 in first-year deductions from reclassified components alone. For an owner in the 37% tax bracket, that translates to $74,000 to $148,000 in tax savings in year one.
This isn’t about creating new deductions. You’re simply accelerating when you claim them. The difference is that front-loaded deductions give you cash now when you need it most: right after acquisition when you’re managing closing costs, potential renovations, and initial operating expenses.
You can redirect these tax savings into property improvements that boost nightly rates, acquire additional properties while capital is available, or pay down acquisition debt faster to improve your overall returns.
Components That Qualify for Accelerated Depreciation
Furniture and Appliances
Every piece of furniture qualifies for 5-year depreciation: beds, sofas, dining tables, outdoor furniture, and office equipment. Kitchen appliances including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, and microwaves fall into the same category. This represents substantial value in fully furnished vacation rentals.
Flooring and Specialty Finishes
Carpeting, vinyl, and decorative wall treatments can be separated from the building structure. Upgraded tile work, accent walls, and custom millwork designed to enhance guest experience often qualify as personal property rather than structural improvements.
Lighting and Electrical Fixtures
Decorative chandeliers, sconces, portable lamps, and specialty lighting installations can be reclassified. Track lighting and designer fixtures that aren’t permanently integrated into the building structure typically qualify for shorter depreciation schedules.
Outdoor Amenities and Landscaping
Site improvements including driveways, walkways, fencing, and retaining walls qualify for 15-year depreciation. Pools, hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, and irrigation systems can be separated from the building. Landscaping itself qualifies for accelerated treatment.
Vacation rentals built for guest experience carry significantly more qualifying components than unfurnished long-term rentals, making cost segregation studies particularly valuable for short-term rental portfolios.
Cash Impact of Cost Segregation
Most real estate tax professionals recommend cost segregation studies for properties valued at $300,000 or above. The math is straightforward: studies typically cost between $3,000 and $10,000 depending on property complexity, while the first-year tax savings often deliver returns of 5x to 10x that investment.
The decision becomes less about whether to pursue cost segregation and more about whether your property meets the minimum value threshold. Below $300,000, the study cost may consume too much of the tax benefit. Above that threshold, you’re leaving substantial cash on the table by not pursuing this strategy.
To understand the real cash impact of cost segregation, consider this breakdown of a typical $824,000 vacation rental. Instead of claiming just $22,181 in annual building depreciation, you can generate $215,000 in first-year deductions from qualifying components—creating immediate tax savings of $75,250 at a 35% tax rate:
Asset Category
Price
Depreciation Period
Annual Deduction (Standard)
First-Year Deduction (100% Bonus Depreciation)
Furniture and Appliances
$50,000
5 years
$10,000
$50,000
Flooring and Specialty Finishes
$40,000
5 years
$8,000
$40,000
Lighting and Electrical Fixtures
$25,000
5 years
$5,000
$25,000
Outdoor Amenities (Pool, Hot Tub, Fire Pit)
$50,000
15 years
$3,333
$50,000
Site Improvements (Driveway, Walkways, Fencing)
$30,000
15 years
$2,000
$30,000
Landscaping and Irrigation
$20,000
15 years
$1,333
$20,000
Building Structure (Remaining)
$609,000
27.5 years
$22,181
Not eligible for bonus depreciation
How AvantStay Optimizes Property Performance for Owners
When you’re pursuing cost segregation strategies to maximize vacation rental returns, property performance matters just as much as tax optimization. We’ve built our entire operating model around delivering both.
Our proprietary revenue management algorithm analyzes thousands of data points including local events, seasonal demand, and flight patterns to optimize pricing dynamically. This consistently drives occupancy and rates above local market averages, generating the rental income that makes accelerated depreciation strategies worthwhile.
The Lighthouse owner portal gives you complete transparency into your property’s financial performance. You can access real-time revenue data, occupancy metrics, and operational expenses from anywhere. This documentation becomes valuable when you’re tracking material participation hours or demonstrating active trade or business status to your tax advisor.
Our exclusive partnership with Marriott Bonvoy provides access to 140+ million qualified travelers who can earn and redeem points at your property. This distribution advantage drives higher-caliber guests at premium rates without the inconsistency of unmanaged listings.
For high-net-worth investors pursuing sophisticated tax strategies, we deliver the hands-off institutional-grade management experience you expect while maintaining the documentation and operational rigor your cost segregation benefits depend on.
Final Thoughts on Cost Segregation for Short-Term Rentals
The benefits of cost segregation become especially powerful when applied to vacation rentals that qualify as active trades or businesses. You can redirect first-year tax savings into property upgrades that drive higher nightly rates or use the cash flow to acquire additional properties. With permanent 100% bonus depreciation now locked in, this strategy remains available whether you’re buying today or planning future acquisitions.
FAQ
How much does a cost segregation study typically cost for vacation rental properties?
Studies generally range from $3,000 to $10,000 depending on your property’s complexity, but the first-year tax savings often deliver returns of 5x to 10x that investment, making them worthwhile for properties valued at $300,000 or above.
Can I still benefit from a cost segregation study if I purchased my vacation rental several years ago?
Yes, properties purchased within the last 15 years qualify for look-back studies using IRS Form 3115, which allows you to claim all missed accelerated depreciation as a single catch-up adjustment in your current tax year without amending previous returns.
What’s the minimum number of hours I need to qualify for material participation in my vacation rental?
You need to meet just one of seven IRS tests, with the most practical being 500 hours annually in your rental activity, or 100 hours if no other individual spends more time on the activity than you do.
Does 100% bonus depreciation apply to properties I acquired before 2025?
The permanent 100% bonus depreciation only applies to qualifying property acquired after January 19, 2025, but you can still benefit from accelerated depreciation schedules on earlier acquisitions through a cost segregation study.
How do I prove my vacation rental qualifies as a trade or business rather than passive rental activity?
Your property must maintain an average guest stay of 7 days or fewer, and you must meet one of the IRS material participation tests while keeping contemporaneous documentation of all hours spent on guest communications, pricing management, maintenance coordination, and operational tasks.
Floating weightlessly under the vast desert sky, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Joshua Tree. Unwinding after a day of hiking and adventure. Cooling off from the scorching sun or stargazing from the private hot tub.
Having a dip in the pool in this rugged desert oasis of Joshua Tree is definitely the ultimate luxury. From gems with sleek in-ground pools to charming houses with their own cowboy-chic plunge pools, we’ve rounded up 10 of the coolest Airbnbs in Joshua Tree that are making a serious splash.
Sip craft cocktails by the pool as the sun dips below the horizon or host a pool party under the twinkling desert stars. These poolside retreats let you experience the best desert lifestyle ever – where relaxation, adventure, and pure fun are!
Key Takeaways
In-ground pool: There’s something undeniably alluring about an in-ground pool nestled within a desert oasis. Spend lazy afternoons floating in the cool water, drifting away as the warm breeze caresses your skin.
Yucca Haven
Flora
Harmony House
Chicory
Sky Ranch Noir
Desert Shadows
Lava Rocks
Above-ground pool: Truly a joy as inviting waters tempt you to dive right in and let your cares melt away. Whether it’s a cozy plunge pool perfect for quick dips or a larger, statement-making stunner, these above-ground beauties offer a refreshing escape from the desert heat.
If your idea of a desert escape includes sun-soaked pool days, outdoor entertaining, and plenty of relaxation, then Yucca Haven is calling your name. This stunning modern 4-bedroom, 2-bath retreat offers gorgeous views and resort-style amenities.
Step into a resort-style backyard featuring multiple lounge areas perfect for sunbathing and nooks for stargazing. Gather around the modern firepit at sunset, swing beneath the custom wood pergola, or relax in the hammock beneath native Joshua trees.
Inside, you’ll find an open-concept living area bathed in natural light, with a designer suite and spa-style en-suite bathroom.
Recently featured in Architectural Digest (2023), Flora is a stunning Western-inspired retreat designed for those who appreciate a cozy desert escape. The backyard is an entertainer’s paradise, a very ideal house for large groups, family gatherings, and design lovers alike—there’s something for everyone.
As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit for stargazing and storytelling under Joshua Tree’s breathtaking night sky. This home has been thoughtfully designed for comfort and entertainment at every turn, with impeccably curated interiors, plush furnishings, and a bright, airy ambiance.
Exploring Joshua Tree National Park, visiting the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, or enjoying live music at Pappy & Harriet’s are some of the adventures you can do in the heart of the desert.
Key Amenities:
Private in-ground pool & spa
Full-sized Bocce Ball court
Game room with billiards & horseshoes
Fire pit for cozy desert nights
7 spacious bedrooms & an open-concept living space
Harmony House is your stylish sanctuary in Yucca Valley, where you can experience desert magic. A house that brings people together, gathering them around the sleek dining table for a meal with family and friends.
Get ready for an adrenaline rush by challenging your group to a game on the private pickleball court. This place has everything you need to leave your worries behind, just letting loose and exploring to your heart’s content.
Retreat to serenity for an unforgettable campout under the vast desert sky.
Key Amenities:
Private in-ground pool & spa (heated upon request)
Small in size, big on style—Chicory is a modern desert house that proves great things come in romantic packages. With sleek architecture, meticulous interior design, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with natural light, this desert oasis is straight-up drop-dead gorgeous.
Best for lovebirds, this retreat has a wood fence that surrounds the entire property, ensuring you have total privacy where you and your sweetheart can truly escape the world buzz. As you step outside, you’ll find your private pool and spa, the best way to cool off under the desert sun or unwind beneath the stars.
Located just five minutes from Joshua Tree National Park, this home is the perfect base camp for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat with a touch of luxury.
Key Amenities:
Private in-ground pool & spa (heated upon request)
Wood fence surrounding the entire property for privacy
Fold-out mattress & trifold mattresses for additional sleeping options
A design-forward desert oasis created by executive producer Chris Hanley, Sky Ranch Noir is a cinematic home in the serene Joshua Tree. This single-level compound in North Joshua Tree offers an expansive open-concept layout perfect for groups seeking the ultimate modern desert retreat.
Step outside to discover the true soul of the property: a private resort-like backyard overlooking uninterrupted Mojave vistas. A wraparound patio sets the scene for sunrise yoga or sunset cocktails, while the amenities not only provide fun but also wellness at every turn.
As the sun sets, gather around the fire pit, settle into the hammock, or watch the stars emerge in the famously dark desert skies, just 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park.
Key Amenities:
Private custom pool and hot tub with sun loungers
Sauna, pickleball, basketball court, small putting green
Game room with pool table, foosball, and shuffleboard
Wraparound patio with outdoor seating and dining table
Open-concept layout with modern kitchen and BBQ grill
If you’re looking to recharge, reconnect, or just indulge in a little desert serenity, Desert Shadows is the ultimate peaceful getaway. This lovely single-level retreat is perfectly positioned near Joshua Tree National Park’s entrance, offering beautiful desert views and a private oasis for relaxation.
Cool off in the pool, relax under the shaded patio lounge, or enjoy the whimsical tree swing. The enclosed, beautifully landscaped yard is perfect for outdoor living and unwinding.
After desert adventures, gather for alfresco meals with the gas grill, then enjoy starlit conversations around the gas firepit or soak in the hot tub.
Buckle up, adventure-seekers – because the fun train has officially arrived at Lava Rocks! This sleek, contemporary retreat is a straight-up thrill ride of modern style and outdoor exploration. With so many possible things you can do at this home, it is designed for nonstop enjoyment and adventure.
No desert retreat would be complete without a little exploration. Conquer the hiking trails of Joshua Tree National Park or venture into the rugged beauty of Black Rock Canyon. And as the sun sets, gather around the fire pit with your loved ones and soak up the breathtaking desert night sky.
Experience desert living at its most daring, where you can chase desert sunsets and have the best fun in your desert playground.
Key Amenities:
Private in-ground pool & spa (heated upon request)
Privacy, style, and memories—welcome to Casa De Kota, a boho-chic desert house retreat. With spacious newly remodeled interiors, an expansive yard, and an above-ground pool, this home is the best getaway for families, friend trips, and outdoor adventurers.
Find a fully fenced backyard with a refreshing above-ground pool, hammock, and fire pits—perfect for evenings under the stars. And when it’s time to unwind, retreat to a primary suite with a California king bed and a jetted soaking tub.
In the mood to explore quirky shops? Or do you just want to relax in your private desert hideaway? No problem!
Key Amenities:
Above-ground pool for cooling off in the desert heat
Spacious, fully fenced backyard
Two fire pits
Foosball table & exercise equipment in the game garage
Step outside and get ready to soak up the good life under the desert sun – Carmella is calling your name! Designed for relaxation, outdoor fun, and unforgettable moments with your crew, this home makes every moment feel inviting.
Need some quiet time? Grab a book and sway in one of the hammocks while enjoying the warm desert breeze. Step outside to a spacious backyard made for lounging and play. Sunshine, style, and desert vibes—and cool off in the Cowboy pool.
Carmella is your perfect desert hideaway for making lasting memories with family, friends, and loved ones!
Key Amenities:
Cowboy pool (available May–October only)
Outdoor entertainment space with ping pong & putting green
Hammocks & fire pit
Chef’s kitchen with high-end appliances
Modern, stylish interiors with spacious gathering areas
A boho-chic ranch retreat with unbeatable desert views, Asteroid is the perfect mix of style, seclusion, and adventure. Nestled right on the edge of Joshua Tree National Park, this eclectic home has expansive landscapes, a charming courtyard, and a cowboy pool for cooling off under the desert sun.
Spend your days soaking up the valley sunshine from playful outdoor seating areas or exploring nearby Skull Rock and Arch Walk. As the evening rolls in, gather around the fire pit, dine al fresco at the large outdoor table, and watch the stars light up the night sky.
Whether you’re snapping the perfect shot, Asteroid is your best escape to enjoying the peace of the desert and Joshua Tree’s magic.
The Joshua Tree region is absolutely dominated by its dramatic and otherworldly desert landscape, which provides a jaw-droppingly stunning natural backdrop for our luxury Airbnb rentals in the area.
It is surrounded by a variety of attractions that cater to different interests, from nature lovers to adventure seekers. Here are some of the top nearby attractions.
Joshua Tree National Park
Renowned for its iconic Joshua trees, massive rock formations, and diverse wildlife. You can do activities like hiking, rock climbing, stargazing, and wildlife viewing.
Hidden Valley
A scenic valley surrounded by large boulders, perfect for hiking and exploring. You may also want to take photos of the unique rock formations.
Keys View
Offers panoramic views of the Coachella Valley, especially during sunrise and sunset. It is the ideal spot to watch the sky change colors while picnicking.
Cholla Cactus Garden
Have a nature walk at a dense field of teddy bear cholla cacti, known for their unique appearance and “jumping” spines. Be careful, though!
Skull Rock
A natural rock formation resembling a skull, easily accessible from Park Boulevard, where you can do a short hike and quick picnic.
Jumbo Rocks
Known for its massive rock formations and scenic hiking trails, it features over 100 campsites amidst the rocks.
Arch Rock
A natural arch located near the White Tank Campground, which has a unique shape and bouldering nearby.
Barker Dam Trail
Suitable for families or beginners, it is a short, easy hike that passes by a historic dam and offers views of the surrounding desert.
Indian Cove Nature Trail
This is a popular spot for climbers, with a scenic trail of unique rock formations that shows the natural beauty of Indian Cove.
Pioneertown
A nearby town that offers a Wild West experience with shops, restaurants, and live music for all people visiting Joshua Tree.
Think about it – where else can you find such a wild and wonderful natural wonderland, complete with those iconic Joshua trees, towering granite monoliths, and crystal-clear starry skies…all while enjoying the lap of luxury in your very own private oasis with a sparkling swimming pool?
When you search for the furnishing a 5 bedroom luxury vacation home, you’ll find estimates ranging from $30,000 to over $100,000. That spread exists because most guides treat vacation rentals like residential properties. But you’re not decorating a home; you’re creating an experience that needs to photograph like a boutique hotel, survive commercial-grade use, and support nightly rates that cover your investment. We’re walking through the actual numbers based on what works in competitive luxury markets.
TLDR:
Furnishing a 5-bedroom luxury vacation rental ranges from $30,000 to $100,000+ depending on quality tier and market positioning.
Your communal spaces drive bookings more than bedrooms, so allocate the largest budget share to living rooms and outdoor areas.
Contract-grade furniture with 3-5 year commercial warranties reduces replacement costs and booking interruptions.
Premium furnishing lifts nightly rates 20-40% and typically pays for itself within 18-36 months through higher revenue.
AvantStay manages end-to-end design and furnishing with in-house teams, removing the 60-100 hour DIY time investment.
Total Investment for a 5 Bedroom Luxury Vacation Home
When you’re preparing a 5-bedroom luxury vacation home for guests, the financial commitment extends well beyond picking out sofas and beds. The average cost falls between $30,000 and $60,000, but that baseline assumes a standard residential property. For a luxury vacation rental designed to command premium nightly rates, you’re looking at a higher threshold. Industry furnishing benchmarks show wide variation based on property size and market positioning.
The real number depends on how you define “furnishing.” Your total investment needs to cover furniture for every room, artwork and decor that photographs well, commercial-grade linens and towels for quick turnover, fully stocked kitchenware for group cooking, outdoor furniture and amenities, smart home tech and security systems, and all the initial supplies guests expect on arrival.
We approach this as a revenue-driving investment, not a decorating project. Every dollar you spend should work toward bookings, five-star reviews, and repeat guests.
Budget Tiers for Luxury Vacation Home Furnishing
Not every luxury rental requires the same level of investment. Your budget tier should match your target guest profile and the nightly rates you need to hit your revenue goals.
Mid-Range Investment: $30,000 to $60,000
This entry point works for markets where luxury means clean design and reliable quality over designer labels. You’ll furnish with durable pieces from retailers like West Elm, Crate & Barrel, and Article. The aesthetic is cohesive but not custom. Expect mixed materials, some laminate finishes, and decor sourced from accessible brands. This tier supports nightly rates in the $400 to $700 range depending on your market.
Upscale Investment: $60,000 to $100,000
This tier positions you to compete for high-value group bookings and corporate retreats. You’re selecting higher-end brands like Restoration Hardware, Room & Board, and Pottery Barn, mixing in statement pieces and original art. Finishes are solid wood, stone, and metal. Every room feels intentional. Luxury vacation rentals regularly require $25,000 to $100,000 when targeting high-end guests who compare your property to boutique hotels.
Ultra-Luxury Investment: $100,000+
This is where properties become destinations in themselves. Custom furniture, designer lighting, high-end appliances, and curated art collections create an experience that supports $1,000+ nightly rates. You’re buying for longevity, brand recognition, and the kind of aesthetic that drives social media shares and repeat bookings.
Room by Room Cost Breakdown for Large Vacation Homes
Breaking down your investment by room helps you allocate budget where it matters most for bookings and reviews. Here’s what you should expect to spend per space in a 5-bedroom luxury vacation rental.
Room Type
Cost Range
Key Investment Areas
Primary Suite
$8,000 – $15,000
King bed, quality mattress, hotel-grade linens, seating area, nightstands, lighting
Game tables, bar setup, sound system, extra seating
Your outdoor and living spaces drive bookings more than individual bedrooms, so focus your budget on these areas. Groups spend most of their time gathering together instead of in private rooms, which means your communal spaces deserve the lion’s share of your furnishing budget to maximize guest satisfaction and repeat bookings.
Durability Investment for High-Turnover Properties
Luxury vacation rentals face a durability challenge that residential properties never encounter: hundreds of guests per year sitting on your sofas, sleeping in your beds, and using your outdoor furniture. Choosing pieces that look high-end but fail within 12 months creates a cycle of replacement costs and booking interruptions that erase your profit margins.
Contract-grade furniture carries higher upfront costs but pays back through longevity. Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames with reinforced corner blocks and double-doweled joints. Performance fabrics like Crypton, Sunbrella, and microfiber blends resist stains while maintaining a residential look that photographs well. Indoor-outdoor rugs handle spills better than natural fiber options.
Mattresses deserve special attention. You need commercial-grade support that holds up under 200+ sleep cycles annually while still delivering the comfort guests expect in luxury accommodations. Warranties matter: choose pieces backed by at least 3-5 year commercial warranties instead of residential guarantees.
Outdoor furniture takes the hardest beating. Powder-coated aluminum frames, all-weather wicker, and marine-grade cushions survive sun exposure and weather cycling better than wood or standard patio sets.
How Furnishing Quality Impacts Nightly Rates and Occupancy
Your furnishing choices directly shape your revenue potential in measurable ways. Properties with well-coordinated luxury design produce better listing photos, which increases booking inquiries and conversion rates. These same design investments lead to higher guest satisfaction scores because visitors notice comfortable spaces and thoughtful details.
Quality furnishing drives repeat guests and referrals, and the investment timing is particularly strategic now. Luxury properties are the only price tier expected to see occupancy growth in 2026, with an anticipated increase of nearly 2%, while budget-tier listings are forecast to decline by 3%. Visitors remember properties that stand out, returning for future stays or recommending your rental to friends planning group trips.
View your furnishing budget as a revenue-generating investment instead of a fixed expense, and you’ll see returns within your first year of operation.
Professional Design Services vs DIY Furnishing
Property owners face a choice early on: hire professionals or manage procurement themselves. Each path carries different cost structures and time commitments that affect speed to market.
Interior designers commonly charge 10-20% of the total furniture budget or offer flat-rate packages that can range from roughly $8,000 to $25,000 for full-home projects, depending on size and scope. Some designers receive 20-30% trade discounts from vendors, though how much of that savings is passed on varies by firm.
Professional teams can often reduce timeline friction through vendor relationships and procurement experience, sometimes shortening the furnishing process by several weeks. They also deliver cohesive aesthetics designed to photograph well from day one.
Managing furnishing yourself eliminates design fees but requires substantial time investment. For a five-bedroom property, owners can expect to spend 60-100 hours across sourcing, ordering, delivery coordination, and setup, often more if issues arise.
Calculating Your Furnishing ROI and Payback Period
Your furnishing investment should pay for itself through increased revenue within 18 to 36 months. Calculate your payback period by dividing total furnishing costs by the incremental annual revenue generated from higher nightly rates and improved occupancy.
Vacation rental properties typically deliver 8% to 12% annual returns. Premium furnishings that lift your nightly rate by $100 generate $36,500 in additional annual revenue at full occupancy. A $60,000 furnishing investment would achieve payback in roughly 20 months at that performance level.
Factor depreciation into your planning. Furniture typically depreciates over 5 to 7 years for accounting purposes, though quality pieces often last longer under proper maintenance. Budget 15-20% of your original investment for refresh cycles every 3-4 years to maintain listing competitiveness.
Track your cost per booking and revenue per available night before and after furnishing upgrades to measure actual impact on property performance.
AvantStay’s Approach to Property Design and Revenue Optimization
At AvantStay, we remove the guesswork from furnishing decisions through our award-winning in-house design team. Our designers create bespoke spaces tailored to each market, whether that’s mountain-cabin aesthetics in Colorado or coastal elegance in Southern California. We build properties around experiential elements that drive bookings: outdoor kitchens, entertainment areas, and Instagram-worthy spaces designed to maximize your ADR.
Properties that join our portfolio benefit from data-driven design decisions informed by performance across 2,300+ listings, including insights from our AI-powered Voyage pricing engine that tracks which amenities and design features command the highest rates in your specific market.
Final Thoughts on Furnishing a Five Bedroom Luxury Rental
Your furnishing budget sets the foundation for every review, repeat booking, and revenue milestone your property hits. The properties that perform best balance upfront investment with durability, choosing pieces that look exceptional while surviving hundreds of guest stays. We help property owners through our management services by handling design, procurement, and ongoing maintenance cycles. Start with a clear picture of your target guest and nightly rate goals, and your furnishing decisions become straightforward.
FAQ
How much should I budget per bedroom when furnishing a luxury vacation rental?
Budget $4,000 to $8,000 per guest bedroom and $8,000 to $15,000 for the primary suite, but allocate more to communal spaces like living rooms ($8,000-$18,000) and outdoor areas ($6,000-$20,000) since groups spend most of their time in shared spaces.
What’s the typical payback period for a luxury vacation rental furnishing investment?
Your furnishing investment should pay for itself within 18 to 36 months through increased nightly rates and improved occupancy, with well-furnished properties commanding rates 20-40% higher than comparable homes with generic furnishings.
Should I hire a professional designer or furnish my vacation rental myself?
Professional designers charge 10-20% of your furniture budget but reduce your time to first booking by 4-8 weeks and deliver cohesive aesthetics that photograph well immediately, while DIY saves design fees but requires 60-100 hours of your time for sourcing, ordering, and coordination.
What furniture materials hold up best in high-turnover vacation rentals?
Look for kiln-dried hardwood frames with reinforced joints, performance fabrics like Crypton or Sunbrella, powder-coated aluminum outdoor pieces, and commercial-grade mattresses with 3-5 year warranties that can handle 200+ sleep cycles annually without losing support.
When should I plan to refresh my vacation rental furnishings?
Budget 15-20% of your original investment for refresh cycles every 3-4 years to maintain listing competitiveness, though quality commercial-grade pieces often last longer with proper maintenance and strategic replacement of high-wear items like outdoor cushions and linens.
You’re comparing a $700 hotel room to a $2,800 luxury rental and thinking the hotel wins every time. But that hotel sleeps two people while the rental sleeps ten, flipping the entire calculation on its head. Whether luxury travel makes financial sense comes down to group size, how you’ll use the space, and what you’re actually paying for per person.
TLDR:
Luxury rentals cost $250-$312 per person nightly for groups vs. $350+ per hotel room
Full kitchens save groups $2,000-$3,000 on dining over a four-day trip
Professional management delivers 24/7 support, rigorous cleaning, and consistent standards
Groups of 4+ see better value in luxury rentals; solo travelers should book hotels
AvantStay manages 2,300+ properties with vertical integration and in-app concierge services
The Real Cost of Luxury Travel in 2026
When people talk about luxury travel being expensive, they’re usually comparing apples to oranges. A five-star hotel room might run $600-$800 per night in a popular U.S. destination during peak season. A luxury vacation home or boutique property? You’re looking at anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000+ per night depending on size and location.
At first glance, that feels prohibitively expensive. But here’s where the math gets interesting: that hotel room sleeps two people, maybe four if you’re cramming kids onto a pullout sofa. A luxury rental with five bedrooms sleeps 10-12 comfortably, often more. Per person, the gap narrows dramatically.
The luxury travel market in 2026 is expected to surpass USD 1,828 billion, driven partly by travelers realizing this math works in their favor. The shift isn’t about people suddenly becoming wealthier. It’s about understanding what you’re actually paying for and who’s splitting the bill.
Beyond nightly rates, luxury properties often include full kitchens, which can save $100-$200 per day in restaurant costs for a group. Standard vacation rentals might offer a kitchen too, but luxury properties typically stock higher-end appliances, cookware, and space that actually makes cooking enjoyable instead of a compromise.
Beyond the Price Tag: What Luxury Actually Delivers
Luxury travel delivers measurable differences in daily comfort. Properties maintain strict standards with detailed cleaning protocols and regular audits between each stay. That level of care shows up in how you experience the space from the moment you arrive.
Professional management means someone actually answers when the hot tub stops working or the WiFi drops. 24/7 support resolves most issues within hours, not days. Compare that to messaging an absent host on a standard rental and waiting indefinitely.
Amenities go beyond decoration into real value. Outdoor kitchens, heated pools, fire pits, and game rooms keep groups engaged on-property instead of constantly hunting for entertainment elsewhere. The return shows up in how you actually spend your vacation time.
Property standards matter more than photos suggest. High-thread-count bedding, quality mattresses, water pressure that works, and climate control in every room sound basic until you’ve stayed somewhere without them. Infrastructure investments separate luxury properties from budget rentals in ways that affect your entire stay.
The Psychology Behind Luxury Travel Value
The financial calculation only tells half the story. The other half lives in how you remember the trip five years later.
Research shows that experiences create lasting psychological value that material purchases can’t match. Travel memories actually appreciate over time as you retell stories, share photos, and recall moments with the people who were there. That $3,000 luxury vacation becomes more valuable in retrospect, not less.
The reason comes down to novelty: travel constantly exposes you to new environments, unexpected moments, and sensory input your brain hasn’t processed before. This creates stronger memory formation than routine experiences.
Luxury properties amplify this memory-making process. Waking up in a space that feels exceptional registers differently than adequate accommodations. The pool where your group spent sunset, the kitchen where you cooked together, the fire pit conversations all become reference points for years of future storytelling.
Human brains favor experiential memories over possessions because experiences connect to identity and relationships. The trip becomes part of how you see yourself and your bonds with travel companions in ways a purchased object never does.
Hidden Savings in Luxury Properties
Luxury properties bundle services that hotels charge separately. WiFi, parking, resort fees, and gym access typically add $50-$100 daily at hotels. Vacation homes include these as standard, with no surprise charges at checkout.
Full kitchens create the biggest financial impact. Dining out for a group of eight runs roughly $150-$200 per meal. Three restaurant meals daily over four days costs about $3,200. Groceries for the same group cost around $40 per person across four days, totaling $320 and saving nearly $3,000.
You don’t have to cook every meal to see savings. Even preparing breakfast and lunch while dining out for dinner cuts restaurant expenses by two-thirds. The kitchen becomes a financial tool, beyond simply being an amenity.
Quality construction prevents expensive problems. Reliable appliances, functioning HVAC, and good WiFi mean you’re not losing vacation time troubleshooting issues or paying for workarounds.
When Luxury Travel Isn’t Worth It
Luxury properties stop making sense when you’re traveling solo for a few nights. Paying $500-$1,000 per night for space you don’t need feels wasteful no matter how nice the amenities are. Hotels win here on both price and practicality, unless you’re seeking luxury desert properties.
The same logic applies when you’re barely at your accommodation. If you’re hiking all day, taking photography expeditions at dawn, or wandering cities from breakfast until late dinner, you’re paying for amenities you won’t use. A clean bed and reliable shower are enough. Save the money.
Budget constraints matter more than aspirations. If booking luxury means skipping the trip’s main purpose, or if you’ll spend the vacation stressed about credit card bills, choose something more affordable. Travel should reduce stress, not create it.
Some travelers genuinely don’t care about property quality beyond basic cleanliness and safety. If high-end finishes, designer spaces, and curated amenities don’t register as valuable to you personally, spending extra for them makes no sense. Know what you actually value, not what you think you should value.
When Luxury Travel Becomes Necessary
Certain travel situations make luxury properties less optional and more necessary for the experience to work at all.
Multi-generational family trips need both togetherness and separation. Three generations sharing hotel rooms creates friction. A luxury home with multiple primary suites, varied common spaces, and outdoor areas lets grandparents, parents, and kids coexist comfortably. Everyone stays together without being on top of each other.
Milestone celebrations where the property is the destination require more than basic accommodations. A 40th birthday weekend, bachelor party, or anniversary trip where the group plans to spend most of their time at the property needs pools, outdoor kitchens, entertainment spaces, and aesthetics worth photographing. The location becomes the event venue.
Remote work scenarios lasting a week or longer demand quality infrastructure. Reliable high-speed WiFi, dedicated workspace, good lighting, and quiet areas aren’t amenities when your income depends on them. Trying to work from a poorly equipped rental costs more in lost productivity than upgrading would have.
Professionally Managed Properties: The Middle Ground
Professionally managed properties sit between traditional hotels and independent vacation rentals, combining the consistency of hotel service with the space and economics of whole-home rentals.
AvantStay manages 2,300+ properties directly across 65+ markets, which means every property meets the same standards. That vertical integration matters because nothing gets outsourced to third parties hoping they’ll maintain quality. Design, cleaning, pricing, guest support, and maintenance all run through one accountable system.
The Butler app gives you 24/7 access to support, not an absent host who might respond eventually. Need a private chef, fridge stocking, or mid-stay cleaning? Request it in-app. Check-in instructions, property manuals, and service requests all live in one place instead of scattered across text messages and email threads.
Properties go through rigorous cleaning inspections between every stay, plus quarterly full audits. Smart locks, high-speed WiFi, and noise monitoring come standard. The goal is hotel reliability in spaces built for groups, where per-person costs make luxury accessible.
Group Travel Economics: When Splitting Costs Changes Everything
Group Size
Hotel Cost (per night)
Hotel Cost (per person)
Luxury Rental Cost (per night)
Luxury Rental Cost (per person)
Savings Per Person
2 travelers
$700 (1 room)
$350
$1,500
$750
-$400 (hotel wins)
4 travelers
$1,400 (2 rooms)
$350
$2,000
$500
-$150 (hotel wins)
8 travelers
$2,800 (4 rooms)
$350
$2,500
$312
+$38 (rental wins)
10 travelers
$3,500 (5 rooms)
$350
$2,500
$250
+$100 (rental wins)
12 travelers
$4,200 (6 rooms)
$350
$3,000
$250
+$100 (rental wins)
The math flips when you travel with others. Eight friends booking hotels need four rooms at around $350 each, totaling $1,400 nightly or $175 per person.
A luxury vacation rental at $2,500 per night divides to $312 per person. That extra $137 buys you a full kitchen, shared living areas, a pool, outdoor spaces, and actual time together instead of cramming into someone’s hotel room.
The sweet spot starts at four to six travelers. Below that, hotels win on price alone. Above it, rentals pull ahead financially.
Groups of 10 or more see the best value. Homes sleeping 12-20+ guests often drop below $200 per person nightly for truly luxurious stays. The larger your group, the more financial sense luxury rentals make.
Final Thoughts on Choosing Luxury Travel Wisely
Deciding if luxury travel delivers value requires honest assessment of your situation, not aspirational thinking. Groups of eight or more almost always benefit from luxury rentals both financially and experientially, while solo travelers rarely see the math work out. The properties make sense when you’ll actually use the kitchens, pools, and shared spaces, not when you’re just looking for a place to sleep between adventures. Calculate your real costs including meals and hidden hotel fees, then decide based on your group’s actual needs. The right answer changes with every trip.
How much does a luxury vacation rental typically cost per person?
While luxury properties range from $1,500 to $5,000+ per night, the per-person cost drops significantly with groups. For example, a $2,500/night property split among 8 guests costs $312 per person—often less than booking separate hotel rooms at $350 each.
What size group makes luxury rentals financially worthwhile?
The sweet spot starts at 4-6 travelers, where luxury rentals begin competing with hotel costs. Groups of 10 or more see the best value, often dropping below $200 per person nightly for high-end properties that would cost $700+ per night per hotel room.
Can you really save money by having a full kitchen in a luxury rental?
Yes—dining out for a group of 8 costs roughly $150-$200 per meal, totaling around $3,200 over four days for three meals daily. Groceries for the same group run about $320 total, saving nearly $3,000 even if you only cook breakfast and lunch.
When should you skip luxury travel and book something simpler?
Skip luxury properties if you’re traveling solo for a short trip, spending minimal time at your accommodation due to activities, or if the cost creates financial stress. Luxury makes sense when you’ll actually use the space and amenities, not when you just need a place to sleep.
What makes professionally managed properties different from standard vacation rentals?
Professionally managed properties like AvantStay’s portfolio offer hotel-level consistency with 24/7 support, rigorous cleaning protocols between stays, standardized smart home technology, and in-app services like private chefs or mid-stay cleaning—eliminating the unreliability of absent independent hosts.
The day your master lease tenant files bankruptcy, property, you’re managing a court-supervised financial crisis. Your tenant owes you money, yet the automatic stay blocks collection. They’re occupying your property but you can’t evict them. Meanwhile, they’ve got months to decide whether they’re keeping or rejecting your lease while you wait. Here’s how the assumption and rejection process actually works, what the statutory caps mean for your potential recovery, and why property owners are rethinking master lease structures as commercial bankruptcy filings climb in 2026.
Understanding the Automatic Stay and Its Impact on Your Rights
When a commercial tenant files for bankruptcy, most collection actions come to an immediate halt. The automatic stay under Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code takes effect the moment the petition is filed, barring landlords from demanding past-due rent, initiating eviction proceedings, or applying security deposits without court approval.
The stay is designed to give the tenant temporary relief while the court evaluates creditor claims and determines how the lease will be treated. Even if rent has been unpaid for months, landlords cannot act independently. The stay remains in place until the case is closed, the court grants relief, or the lease is formally assumed or rejected. Violating the automatic stay can result in sanctions, making prompt consultation with bankruptcy counsel essential.
Assumption vs. Rejection: What Your Tenant Will Decide
A tenant in bankruptcy has a limited period to determine the lease’s outcome. In a Chapter 11 case, the debtor generally has 120 days from the petition date to assume or reject the master lease, subject to court-approved extensions.
If the lease is assumed, the tenant must cure all defaults, pay outstanding rent, and continue performing under the original terms. Rejection treats the lease as breached, requiring the tenant to surrender the premises and leaving the landlord with a claim for damages as an unsecured creditor. A third alternative, assumption and assignment, allows the tenant to transfer the lease to a qualified third party that satisfies the lease’s original financial and operational requirements.
Each option carries distinct implications for cash flow, timing, and control of the property.
Lease Option
Landlord Impact
Timing
Financial Recovery
Assumption
Lease continues on original terms; tenant must cure all defaults and pay back rent in full
Decision required within 120 days (subject to extensions)
Full recovery of pre-petition arrears plus ongoing rent payments at contract rate
Rejection
Lease terminates; landlord regains possession after tenant vacates property
Decision required within 120 days (subject to extensions)
Capped at greater of one year’s rent or 15% of remaining term (maximum 3 years); filed as unsecured claim with minimal recovery
Assumption and Assignment
Lease transfers to qualified third party; original terms remain intact
Decision required within 120 days; assignment requires court approval
Full cure of defaults by assignee; landlord receives adequate assurance of future performance from new tenant
Post-Petition Rent Obligations During Bankruptcy
The filing date creates a clear split. Rent that accrued before the petition date is handled through the claims process, while rent that comes due after filing must be paid in full as long as the tenant remains in possession of the space.
A commercial tenant is obligated to pay current rent until the lease is formally rejected. These post-petition obligations are treated as administrative expenses, giving them priority over general unsecured claims if the tenant fails to pay.
If the tenant stops paying rent after filing but before rejecting the lease, the landlord may seek relief from the automatic stay or file an administrative expense claim. While these remedies carry greater priority than pre-petition claims, recovery still depends on court approval and available estate assets.
Careful tracking of rent accruals and payment dates during this period can significantly strengthen an administrative expense claim.
Security Deposits vs. Letters of Credit in Bankruptcy
The type of security you hold when your commercial tenant files bankruptcy matters. Security deposits become part of the bankruptcy estate, subject to claim caps and requiring court approval before you can apply them against damages.
Letters of credit offer better protection. Most bankruptcy courts treat them as outside the estate, letting you draw on them without court approval or cap restrictions. When your tenant files Chapter 11, you can typically access the full amount to cover unpaid rent and damages.
For master lease structures involving substantial properties, requiring a letter of credit instead of a cash deposit gives you faster access to funds and higher recovery potential during tenant bankruptcy.
Filing Your Claim in Bankruptcy Court
You’ll file claims in two categories when your commercial tenant enters bankruptcy. First, submit a proof of claim for pre-petition damages within the court-mandated deadline, typically 70 days after filing. Calculate rejection damages using the statutory cap: the greater of one year’s rent or 15% of remaining lease value up to three years.
Second, file administrative expense claims separately for post-petition rent that went unpaid while your tenant occupied the property before lease rejection. These claims receive higher priority and aren’t subject to damage caps. Missing either deadline can forfeit your recovery rights.
Special Considerations for Master Lease Structures
Master lease arrangements add complexity beyond typical commercial leases. When you lease your property to a master tenant who subleases to end users, their bankruptcy creates unique exposure beyond standard landlord-tenant relationships.
Courts sometimes recharacterize master leases as guaranty agreements rather than true leases, especially when the master tenant operates more like a property manager. This reclassification strips away lease-specific protections and treats you as an unsecured creditor with weaker recovery rights.
Your master tenant collects rent from subtenants during bankruptcy but may not pass it through to you while the automatic stay blocks your collection efforts. You’re watching rental income flow to a bankrupt entity with no guarantee you’ll receive it, and courts must approve any payments to you.
The Rising Bankruptcy Risk Environment in 2025-2026
The bankruptcy environment facing property owners has grown more challenging. Commercial filings rose 5 percent to 31,810 in 2025 from 30,201 in 2024, signaling heightened distress across tenant categories.
Property owners entering master lease arrangements in 2026 face elevated risk that tenants who appear financially solid today could face distress within 12 to 24 months. You need protective measures in place before signing. Requesting letters of credit rather than security deposits, shorter assumption windows, and stronger financial covenants becomes critical when tenant bankruptcy probability is rising across the market.
How AvantStay’s Institutional-Grade Management Protects Property Owners
AvantStay’s vertically integrated management model offers property owners an alternative to master lease arrangements that concentrate bankruptcy risk with a single commercial tenant. When you partner with us, you maintain direct ownership while we handle operations through institutional-grade systems.
Our approach diversifies revenue risk across hundreds of individual short-term bookings rather than depending on one tenant’s financial health, helping property owners maintain strong occupancy even during challenging market conditions. The Lighthouse portal gives you real-time visibility into occupancy, revenue, and property performance, while our proprietary revenue management algorithm optimizes pricing.
With over $5 billion in assets under management and exclusive access to Marriott Bonvoy’s 140 million members, we provide distribution strength and operational accountability that traditional master lease structures can’t match.
Final Thoughts on Master Lease Bankruptcy Exposure
When your master lease tenant goes bankrupt, you’re watching rental income flow through a distressed entity while automatic stays block your collection rights and damage caps limit recovery. Smart property owners in this environment choose protective structures upfront, from requiring letters of credit to partnering with operators who distribute revenue risk across hundreds of individual bookings rather than one tenant’s solvency. You can’t control bankruptcy filings, but you can control how much exposure you accept when structuring your rental agreements. Better decisions at signing mean better outcomes during distress.
FAQ
What happens to rental income if my master lease tenant files bankruptcy but hasn’t rejected the lease yet?
Your tenant must continue paying post-petition rent as an administrative expense until they formally reject the lease, giving you priority collection rights over general unsecured creditors if they default during this period.
How long does my commercial tenant have to decide whether to keep or reject the lease in Chapter 11?
Your tenant typically has 120 days from the bankruptcy filing date to assume or reject your master lease, though courts often grant extensions that can prolong your uncertainty for months.
Can I access my tenant’s security deposit immediately when they file bankruptcy?
No, security deposits become part of the bankruptcy estate and require court approval before you can apply them, but letters of credit typically remain outside the estate and can be drawn without court permission or damage caps.
What’s the maximum I can recover if my commercial tenant rejects a long-term master lease?
Rejection damages are capped at the greater of one year’s rent or 15% of the remaining lease term up to three years, meaning you’ll recover far less than the full contract value as an unsecured creditor.
Why are master lease structures riskier than direct property management during bankruptcy?
Master leases concentrate all revenue risk with a single tenant whose bankruptcy blocks your access to rental income, and courts may reclassify the arrangement as a guaranty rather than a lease, stripping away your landlord protections.
The holidays in December bring that special kind of magic when family gathers under one roof, filling rooms with laughter and creating memories that last a lifetime.
And Christmas getaways offer something: space to spread out, kitchens for baking cookies together, and cozy living rooms where the whole family can watch holiday movies by the fireplace.
But finding the best places to go for Christmas vacations mean more than just booking somewhere to sleep. It’s also about discovering a home where traditions unfold naturally, where kids wake up excited on Christmas morning, and where everyone feels the warmth of togetherness.
Whether you’re planning a multi-generational reunion or a festive escape with friends, the right home transforms your celebration from ordinary to unforgettable.
Ready to discover where your family will celebrate this year? Let’s explore the homes where Christmas magic happens naturally.
Christmas-Ready Airbnbs in USA
These handpicked Airbnbs for Christmas offer everything from beachfront settings to mountain retreats. Each property welcomes you and your families with open spaces, thoughtful amenities, and locations that make it truly special.
Can accommodate up to 8 guests | 3 beds and 2 baths
Salty Peach brings island vibes to your holiday celebration with one of Port Aransas’ largest private pools and an expansive backyard that feels like your own coastal resort. Families trade snow for sunshine here, celebrating Christmas with beach walks and poolside gatherings under the Texas sun.
Best Home Features:
Huge private pool with expansive yard, outdoor dining for 10, fire pit, and shuffleboard
Top deck with cozy porch swing, BBQ grill, and multiple outdoor lounging areas
4-5 blocks to the beach with easy golf cart access to restaurants and shopping
Why You’ll Love Salty Peach: The open-concept living space keeps everyone connected while the shuffleboard and outdoor amenities create endless entertainment for all ages.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“Wow! What an incredible trip to Port A! This being our first Christmas away from home, we opened gifts on Christmas Eve and travelled to the Salty Peach for 6 days of fun! As we drive up, we were already in love with the downstairs and outdoor accommodations. TV, fire pit, games, pool, water toys, outdoor seating, grill, just incredible! Walking upstairs to the house was like viewing it online! Beautifully decorated! Everything as shown! Kids loved the shuffleboard! Bedrooms were spacious and clean. Bathrooms perfect. Bath towels and beach towels ready to use! Gorgeous kitchen, lots of seating and detailed decor to make the place feel so inviting. Neighbors were nice, quiet – dead-end street but easy to locate. We will be back and definitely will seek another AvantStay property. Thanks for making our first Christmas away from home perfect!”– Roneka L.
Can accommodate up to 10 guests | 4 beds and 4 baths
Nestled next to vineyards, Sonoma Sunshine gives your celebration that authentic Sonoma feeling while remaining close to world-class wineries and downtown Santa Rosa. The multiple living spaces here mean adults can enjoy quiet moments while kids explore the expansive grounds.
Best Home Features:
Outdoor pool, hot tub, inner courtyard with fountain, and panoramic countryside views
Piano in the living room, two separate living spaces, fireplace, and gourmet kitchen
20 minutes to Sonoma wineries, 30 minutes to Santa Rosa attractions
Why You’ll Love Sonoma Sunshine: The thoughtful design brings everyone together naturally. Gather around the piano for carols, share meals in the spacious dining area, or watch sunsets over the vineyards.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“The time we spent there was wonderful, the location beautiful everybody had a good Christmas.”– Helle G.
Can accommodate up to 6 guests | 2 beds and 2 baths
For intimate Christmas gatherings, 412 Seascape is the best home to go to. It is where the sound of waves becomes your holiday soundtrack that gives couples or small families privacy and comfort during the festive season.
Best Home Features:
Oceanfront location with the best Atlantic Ocean views and sea breezes
Access to Wild Dunes resort amenities, including pristine beaches and resort dining
Minutes from historic Charleston and Isle of Palms attractions
Why You’ll Love 412 Seascape: Wake up to ocean views, enjoy coffee on your private balcony, and experience Christmas intimately with the peaceful rhythm of coastal living.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“My wife of 45 was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, as her husband I had one thing in mind and that was for her to be able to relax not think about all that comes with the dreaded scheduling and surgery needless to say this was a much needed and appreciated stay. Can’t say enough about the help from staff, view of the condo and the whole experience. Hopefully we will be back next year to celebrate cancer free. Thanks to everyone and Merry Christmas”– Nathan D.
Can accommodate up to 6 guests | 3 beds and 2 baths
Experience classic holiday feeling in the heart of Stone Ridge, where mature trees and natural beauty create a winter wonderland setting. The flower-lined entrance at Historic Modern on Main welcomes you to be cozy and comfortable, while being surrounded by the peaceful wooded landscape that makes Hudson Valley holidays magical.
Best Home Features:
Private backyard with a firepit, pet-friendly home, modern, fully-equipped kitchen
Colorful, inviting interiors with spacious living areas perfect for gathering
Near Mohonk Preserve, Minnewaska hiking, Woodstock, and the Shawangunk Wine Trail
Why You’ll Love Historic Modern on Main: Just walking distance from local cafes, while putting you near holiday activities like exploring snow-dusted trails and Hudson Valley towns.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“It’s a lovely home with comfortable beds and very clean. The kitchen is well appointed, and if we’d had time to use the dining room, it’s quite lovely. There’s a fantastic coffee shop across the street—Black Dot. Loved it.”– Robin S.
Can accommodate up to 7 guests | 3 beds and 2 baths
The best Christmas experiences can also happen if paired with lake views. At Lakeside on Lagunita, this is your home for winter wonderland adventures. Every bedroom has its own balcony where you can drink hot chocolate and watch the snow fall on the mountains. You get peaceful lake time and easy access to ski resorts—the best of both worlds.
Best Home Features:
Private dock with lake access, deck with hot tub overlooking serene water views
Cozy fireplace, BBQ grill, and al fresco dining area
Minutes from Bear Mountain and Snow Summit ski resorts
Why You’ll Love Lakeside on Lagunita: You and your loved ones can wake up to lake views, gather around the fireplace for evening stories, and enjoy the hot tub under starry winter skies.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“We have stayed at this cabin hosted by Avantstay twice in the last 5 weeks. It is a beautiful cabin for a great value and avantstay are very responsive. We will be back soon!”– Bill K.
Can accommodate up to 12 guests | 5 beds and 5 baths
A finalist home in our 2025 AvantStay Awards, Cooperage, is a wine country home that is perfect for Christmas with family and friends. This home has a vineyard out front and a private field out back, creating a retreat where adults enjoy valley vistas while kids can also play and have fun.
Best Home Features:
Vineyard, private soccer field, fire pit, and covered patio
Big outdoor table for al-fresco dinners, BBQ grill, and picnic area
Office with work stations, playroom, wet bar, and a breakfast nook
Open living room with fireplace, chef’s kitchen with island and gas range
10 minutes to downtown Paso Robles wineries and tasting rooms
Why You’ll Love Cooperage: A fancy but comfortable home where you can eat dinner under the stars, visit nearby wineries during the day, and gather around the fire pit to wrap up the day.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“We had a wonderful experience at this beautiful modern Paso Robles property. Large clean rooms easily accommodated our group of 10. We enjoyed comfortable beds, a kitchen with every gadget we could want for cooking, a fully stocked game cabinet, and views from both the front and back of the house. AvantStay’s thoughtful personal touches were the icing on the cake: they provided welcome snacks and coffee; were incredibly responsive to questions; and after learning we were celebrating Christmas, they set up a Christmas tree and decorations for us. I’d give an extra star if we could. Thank you for the fabulous getaway- we will be back!”– Erin G.
Can accommodate up to 10 guests | 4 beds and 4 baths
Perfect for a ski-town themed Christmas, Lucky Bill comes with Jordanelle Reservoir views and easy access to world-class slopes. This three-story mountain cabin has features of winter scenery, plus dedicated spaces for fun indoors. You get outdoor adventures and cozy indoor hangouts, which is everything you need for the holidays.
Best Home Features:
Hot tub with views from 3 multiple decks, private movie theater room
Game room with shuffleboard and pool table for family fun
Just 15 minutes from Park City Mountain Resort and Main Street
Why You’ll Love Lucky Bill: A real mountain home with all the fun extras where you can ski during the day, relax with amazing views, then watch Christmas movies together.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“This was a great space for our family to meet for Thanksgiving. The kitchen has almost everything we needed for a big meal prep and was spacious. We loved the media room for Karaoke night and Christmas movies. The hot tub was a great addition! Joking to the lake was convenient too. Overall, plenty of room for gatherings and activities together as well as quiet moments alone. We had a little trouble getting the projector in the media room to work, but the hosts were very responsive to help us figure it out.”– Heidi H.
Can accommodate up to 15 guests | 5 beds plus loft and 3 baths
Sip, Sip Away turns lakefront living into a holiday celebration destination with its endless ways to celebrate and have fun. This 3/4 acre property has tons of space for big families to spread out and enjoy the holidays together.
Best Home Features:
24’x48′ saltwater pool with water slide, al fresco dining area, and enclosed hot tub room
Private dock with kayak and paddleboard, fire pit, and expansive fenced yard
Game room in the garage with ping pong and air hockey, loft with sleeper sofa
Open living room with lake views, kitchen with two ovens for big holiday meals
Why You’ll Love Sip, Sip Away: This place has everything for kids to play all day, for adults to relax by night, and for everyone who wants to come together for meals and memories.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“A perfect place together with family and friends for Christmas or Summer time.”– Gwendolyn Y.
Can accommodate up to 10 guests per unit | 2–3 beds and 2.5–3.5 baths
Cherokee brings the whole group to Nashville without anyone having to compromise on comfort. This collection of eight chic residences sits just minutes from Broadway’s honky-tonks, the Ryman Auditorium, and Nashville’s best holiday dining — and every unit comes with a chef’s kitchen perfect for Christmas dinner, a record player to set the festive mood, and a spacious living room where the whole group can gather and toast to the season. Book a single 3-bedroom unit for an intimate family Christmas, or combine multiple units for a larger gathering that keeps everyone close while giving each person their own private space. It’s the kind of setup that makes Music City feel like home for the holidays.
Best Home Features:
Mix of 2-bedroom (sleeps 8) and 3-bedroom (sleeps 10) units — bookable individually or combined for large groups
Chef’s kitchens with high-end finishes, elegant dining tables, and record players
Spacious living rooms with plush seating, Smart TVs, and warm contemporary design
Minutes from Broadway honky-tonks, Ryman Auditorium, Nissan Stadium, and Nashville Farmer’s Market
Pet-friendly with private parking on site
Why You’ll Love Cherokee: The flexible unit configuration means you can scale the stay to your group — intimate or grand — while everyone enjoys the same upscale design and walkable Nashville location that makes the holidays feel special.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“Where sophistication and warm contemporary style come together to provide the ideal haven for Nashville family vacations and wayfarings to the exciting Broadway Street.” — Expedia Guest
Can accommodate up to 10 guests | 5 beds and 5 baths
Located in one of Coachella Valley’s most exclusive areas, Rancho Mirage is the best place for high-end desert living for Christmas, mountain views, and warm sunshine instead of snow. This home is where you can also experience desert peace that make Christmas this year feel extra special.
Best Home Features:
Private pool with hot tub, fire pit, putting green, and bocce ball court
Long outdoor table for Christmas dinner, multiple gathering areas
Large kitchen with big island, living room with fireplace
Short drive to El Paseo shopping, golf courses, and Palm Springs fun
Why You’ll Love Rancho Mirage: You can swap snow for sunshine this December while still keeping all the warmth and family time that makes the holidays great.
💡This property is awaiting its first guest reviews. Be the first to create holiday memories here and share your family’s Christmas celebration experience!
Celebrating Christmas away from home might feel a little different at first, but staying in a vacation rental actually gives you the freedom to mix your favorite traditions with fun new ones. Plus, having an entire home to yourselves means you can celebrate exactly the way your family wants.
1. Bring the Festive Spirit
Turn your booked Airbnb into a cozy holiday home. It could be by packing a few simple decorations or booking a Christmas-themed Airbnb. Bringing special ornaments your family loves is a sweet way to make decorating a group activity.
But before you pack everything for your upcoming trip with us, we recommend calling our guest experience team first to ask if the home you booked already comes decorated for the holidays or if we have holiday-ready homes available.
The kitchen is your secret weapon for Christmas. Plan meals ahead so everyone can make their favorite dish. Lots of families say cooking together in a big rental kitchen creates better memories than eating out. Pack your special spices, cookie cutters, or family recipes so you can make everything just right.
But if you want to make meals and feast even easier, and more special, AvantStay offers incredible upgrades. Simply choose by having a:
Private Chef – Enjoy a chef-prepared holiday dinner without lifting a finger. (48+ hours’ notice required.)
Stocked Fridge – We’ll handle the grocery run! Send your list or pick from curated packages like BBQ Night, S’mores, or Salty Snacks.
3. Create New Christmas Traditions
Did you know that new places often bring families closer as you try new things and make new stories to tell. Use where you are to start new traditions your family will always remember. Walk on the beach Christmas morning, hike in the mountains to see snow, or check out local holiday markets.
Avoid holiday delays and transportation headaches! Our transportation services can handle all your rides throughout your stay so you can focus on enjoying the celebration.
4. Keep Communication Open with Your Host
Tell your host about your Christmas plans before you arrive. Many hosts are happy to help with special requests like checking in early to set up, or they can tell you about local holiday events. Some might even offer extras like firewood for the fireplace or tips on where to go, celebrate and see the best Christmas lights.
If you’re staying with AvantStay, our concierge team can help with special requests, reservations, and anything else you need to make your holiday stress-free. Simply send us an email at reservations@avantstay.com.
Need More Christmas Inspiration?
Check out our holiday and winter travel blogs for ideas on Christmas activities, winter getaways, family travel tips, and more.
The holidays only come once a year, and where you celebrate makes all the difference. These Airbnb homes aren’t just places to sleep, but they’re where your family will make memories you’ll talk about for years.
From beach houses where kids learn Christmas can include swimming, to mountain cabins where snow makes everything look like a postcard, each home has plenty of space and everything you need.
Whether you’re getting the whole family together, celebrating with friends, or just want somewhere special for the holidays, these homes are ready for you.
Ready to make this Christmas one you’ll never forget? Check out moreAvantStay holiday homes and book your celebration before these last spots are gone.
Christmas spots fill up fast! And these are the few homes still available for the holidays. Don’t wait and miss out while you’re still thinking about it!
Nashville has become the top destination for bachelorette parties across the country. Music City offers honky-tonk nightlife, Instagram-worthy spots, and a southern feel that makes every bride squad feel like superstars.
The secret to an amazing bach weekend isn’t just the destination, but it’s where you stay. These carefully handpicked Nashville bachelorette Airbnb rentals offer more than just a place to sleep.
These homes are your best base for glam sessions, pregame cocktails, and making lasting memories with your girlies before saying “I do.”
Best Pink Nashville Bachelorette Airbnb Homes
Here are your pink and glam headquarters, where morning starts with champagne, evening begins with getting ready together, and where to crash after Broadway bar crawls.
Can fit up to 12 Guests | 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Putting you in the center of your own pink cowgirl fantasy, Last Rodeo Suite has a stunning design that screams bachelorette party goals. This award-winning retreat features a gorgeous pink theme with disco balls, neon signs, and Instagram-worthy angles throughout every room.
Best Home Features:
Dedicated photo wall with ring lighting, glam backdrop, and props
Stunning rooftop patio with sun loungers, seating area, and outdoor dining table
Just 10-15 minutes from Downtown Nashville and the Broadway
Why You’ll Love Last Rodeo Suite: Every detail in this home was curated specifically for bachelorette parties and girls’ trips. The interior design screams pink, and your bride tribe will definitely love capturing picture-perfect memories here.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“My bachelorette party and I had a wonderful stay here! If I’m being honest, the place was better than we expected. It was so cute and perfect for the weekend having everything we needed! We even ran out of dishwasher tabs and they wasted no time to provide us with more to ensure we kept everything clean! Would definitely recommend this spot as it’s not far from downtown, felt safe and was within walking distance from some great restaurants (Edlys BBQ & Bar Taco). Thanks for such a great, comfortable stay!” – Hannah S.
Can fit up to 10 Guests | 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Doralee channels Dolly Parton’s energy in this multi-story retreat that invites your bride squad into playful lighting and unique decor throughout. The dining area and gourmet chef’s kitchen make it perfect for group brunches and celebrating with champagne.
Best Home Features:
Crown jewel rooftop terrace with BBQ grill, firepit table, and pavilion dining
Mini putting green for an additional entertainment option
Stone’s throw location from Downtown Nashville and Music Row
Why You’ll Love Doralee: The rooftop terrace becomes your private stage for unforgettable bachelorette moments, whether you’re basking in the sun, grilling up delights, or gathering around the firepit for late-night conversations with your bride tribe.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“The house was absolutely beautiful! The neighborhood felt safe, and while it wasn’t necessarily walkable to any main restaurants, all the ubers were so cheap and it was very quick to get places. Everything in the house was super aesthetic and it was great that every bedroom had a bathroom too. We had 7 girls stay here for a bachelorette and it was perfect!” – Ruby C.
Can fit up to 24 Guests | 8 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms
Outrider Bachelorette Escape offers the best Nashville bach experience with an exclusive buyout of two complete units just five minutes from Broadway. Your group will have the perfect backdrop for a full slumber party experience and your final fling before the ring festivities.
Best Home Features:
Communal rooftop perfect for group hangs and sipping cocktails
Two fully equipped kitchens for whipping up group brunches
Just five minutes from Broadway’s neon lights and live music scene
Why You’ll Love Outrider Bachelorette Escape: Designed specifically for bachelorette celebrations with playful, chic, and feminine decor, this massive retreat gives your large bride squad double the space with two glam rooms to get party-ready with hair and makeup stations.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“We stayed in the buy out of 1022 and 1024 for my best friends bachelorette! The units met our needs with 15 guest and check was easy. We had no complaints about our stay.” – Ryann B.
“We had the best time! Definitely would recommend staying here for your bach party!!” – Caleigh MP.
Can fit up to 16 Guests | 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms
Giving your bride squad the comfort of home with way more fun through this stylish townhouse buyout of two units, Hart Suite 8 is a Nashville buyout retreat that includes locally inspired artwork, a record player, and a guitar that add authentic Music City vibes to your bach weekend.
Best Home Features:
Full kitchen and laundry facilities with fun details like record player and guitar
Spacious, comfortable bedrooms perfect for post-Broadway recovery
Easy 10-minute drive to Broadway Street’s lively bar scene
Why You’ll Love Hart Suite: The 2-story townhouses’ layout gives your group plenty of space to spread out while maintaining that cozy feeling where everyone can gather for group bonding and bach party sessions.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“Great stay at this stylish spot! Just a short Uber to Broadway and 12th Avenue—perfect location for exploring Nashville. The place was clean, comfy, and had fun touches like a record player that added to the vibe. Would definitely stay here again!” – Deanna B.
Can fit up to 14 Guests | 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Be glitter-filled and burst with bold colors and playful accents at the Wildest Dreams Loft. And channel different T.S. eras while giving your bride squad the perfect stage to celebrate. This chic retreat features vibrant murals, plush sofas, and photo-ready backdrops throughout every room.
Best Home Features:
Pink neon signs, cowboy hat accents, and a mini game nook
A glam vanity framed with glowing lights and has big mirrors
Located in a walkable area with The Gulch, SoBro, and Downtown
Why You’ll Love Wildest Dreams Loft: You’ll feel like living straight out of an album cover, as this home has statement décor and backdrops. It is perfect for capturing you and your group’s pop-star energy and a bach party that everyone will remember forever.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“This was an absolutely stellar stay from start to finish. From the time we booked until after we checked out, communication was incredible. We received full, clear instructions on everything about the stay. We also received a ton of recommendations for all types of vacation options nearby and in the Nashville area. From dining to drinking to attractions, & everything in between, we had ideas about things to do our entire stay. The space had easy parking and was very accessible. Inside it was very spacious, and we accommodated nine very easily. There were great common spaces and private rooms, and a fantastic outdoor terrace. The entire space was super clean, and there were a number of amenities provided, from drinking glasses to cookware, paper towels, and bathroom needs (even a guitar + record player!). Anytime we had any questions, the hosts were ultra-responsive (we’re talking minutes) even on the weekend, and they answered all of our needs just as quickly. Couldn’t recommend more!” – Scott S.
Can fit up to 12 Guests | 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Experience Victorian and 19th-century vibes at The Magnolia. This two-story home has red-brick exteriors and is located in a historic part of town. Your bach squad can explore converted warehouse boutiques and indulge in incredible restaurants right outside your door.
Best Home Features:
Elegant furnishings with a fully equipped kitchen and in-suite laundry
Board games for indoor fun and a shared courtyard for outdoor relaxation
Prime Germantown location and just a 10-minute Uber drive away from Broadway
Why You’ll Love The Magnolia #1: The neighborhood here puts your group in the heart of Nashville’s culinary scene, where you can discover local flavors like brisket at Butchertown Hall and oysters at Henrietta Red without traveling far from your bach headquarters.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“The place was excellent and exactly how it was listed. The communication with host was impeccable. The location is close to a lot of nice restaurants, bars, clubs and parks. Had parking right in front which made it so easy to unload. The place was clean and pleasant. I’ll definitely recommend it to other friends and family members, and I’ll for sure come back as well. Thank you” – Simoní S.
Can fit up to 14 Guests | 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms
Just a 5-minute Uber to Broadway’s excitement, Conway D204 is your Music City getaway home. The two living areas let your bride squad spread out while the modern kitchen with island seating becomes perfect for group meals and champagne toasts.
Best Home Features:
Private rooftop patio with outdoor lounging and dining setup
Two living areas and a modern kitchen with a breakfast nook
Heart of Downtown location within walking distance to local bars and restaurants
Why You’ll Love Conway D204: The rooftop area provides a private and all-day space where your bach party can gather for alfresco dinners, and end nights telling stories while sipping evening cocktails, with stunning city views as your backdrop.
What Our Past Guests Are Saying:
“We had the most amazing girls’ trip this past weekend! The property was absolutely perfect — spacious, clean, and super comfortable. There were six of us, and we never once felt crowded. The home had everything we needed and more, which made our stay incredibly easy and enjoyable. The location was a huge bonus! Just 10 minutes from Broadway Street, great restaurants, and plenty of shopping — it couldn’t have been more convenient. We were all so impressed and truly felt right at home. Highly recommend this place, and we will definitely be booking with them again for our next trip!” – Mary K.
Nashville has earned its nickname “Nashvegas” for good reason, as this city knows how to show bach parties an unforgettable time. To make sure your soon-to-be-bride gets the most out of every moment, start by knowing the essentials first, such as the best things to do in Nashville or this quick guide below.
Getting Around Music City
Music City has a vibrant nightlife with incredible food and that famous southern hospitality that makes every visitor feel welcome. And most Nashville bachelorette activities happen within a small area spanning Downtown, Broadway, The Gulch, and nearby neighborhoods.
Walking works well during daytime exploring, but comfortable shoes are essential since Nashville involves lots of walking between venues. The city’s free Music City Circuit buses connect major areas, though most bach parties prefer rideshares for convenience and group travel.
Rideshare services work great for bachelorette parties, but expect higher prices during peak nightlife hours on weekends. Many groups also rent party buses instead for bar crawls to keep the celebration going between stops.
Nashville’s bachelorette season runs year-round, but spring and fall offer the best weather for rooftop parties and outdoor activities. Summer brings the hottest nightlife scene but also the biggest crowds on Broadway. Winter bach parties get cozy fireside vibes and fewer tourists competing for the best spots.
Our best tip is to book your Nashville Airbnb at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for spring weekends and major Nashville events like the CMA Music Festival. The best bach-friendly properties fill up quickly because Nashville hosts thousands of bachelorette parties every year!
Broadway Street offers the classic Nashville bach experience with multi-level honky-tonk bars featuring live music and dancing. Popular stops include Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, The Stage on Broadway, and Honky Tonk Central for that authentic country music vibe your bride squad came for.
Beyond Broadway, plan group activities like pedal tavern tours, rooftop bars with skyline views, and photo sessions at Nashville’s famous murals. The Country Music Hall of Fame also offers bach-friendly group experiences, while neighborhoods like The Gulch provide upscale dining and sophisticated nightlife options.
Your bride-to-be deserves a celebration as special as she is, and these carefully curated rentals provide the glamorous home base where your bach weekend dreams become a reality.
From Broadway’s neon-lit bars to rooftop cocktails with skyline views, Nashville has the best bach-friendly and pink and glam properties.
Don’t wait until the last minute, as these rentals book up fast, especially during peak bachelorette season. Secure your Nashville bachelorette Airbnb today!
BBook now and experience the best bach with AvantStay!
You’ve been calculating group trip costs wrong, and it’s costing everyone more money than necessary. Cheapest way to vacation with groups flips the script on per-room pricing and focuses on per-person rates instead. When eight people need four hotel rooms at $150 each, you’re spending $75 per person just for a place to sleep with no shared space. Book one vacation rental at $400 and everyone pays $50, gaining a full kitchen, living areas, and $200 in group savings that can go toward activities or meals.
TLDR:
Vacation rentals cost $50-80 per person versus $85-90 per person for hotel rooms when traveling in groups.
A $2,000 villa split among 8 people runs $250 each, less than a single mid-range hotel room.
Full kitchens save groups $800+ on a 4-day trip by cooking just breakfast and two dinners.
Book 90+ days out and during shoulder season to drop rates 20-30% below peak pricing.
AvantStay manages 2,300+ properties with 4+ bedrooms designed for group travel.
The Per-Person Economics of Group Travel: Why Hotels Don’t Add Up
When you’re planning a trip for eight people, the hotel math gets painful fast. Four couples need four separate rooms, and even at a modest $150 per night, you’re looking at $600 total. That’s $75 per person just for a place to sleep, with no shared space to actually hang out together.
Now picture a vacation rental at $400 per night for the whole property. Split eight ways, that’s $50 per person. You’ve saved $200 as a group, and you get a full kitchen, living room, outdoor space, and the ability to actually spend time together without cramming into someone’s hotel room.
Vacation rentals win on pure economics when you’re traveling with friends or family. The more people you add, the better the per-person rate becomes. A $2,000 luxury villa that sleeps 12? That’s about $167 per person, often less than a single mid-range hotel room.
Understanding the True Cost of Hotels for Large Groups in 2026
Hotels cost more than ever in 2026. Mid-range hotels average $171 per night across the USA, with peak season rates jumping to $318 per room.
For your group of 10 needing five rooms, you’re looking at $855 per night at average rates. During high season, that climbs to $1,590 nightly. A long weekend costs $4,770 before anyone eats breakfast or plans an activity.
These prices exclude resort fees and parking. You’ll also deal with scattered rooms across different floors and hotel common areas that close at 10 PM, forcing your group to coordinate whose room to gather in.
Vacation Rentals: The Budget-Friendly Alternative for Groups
Vacation rentals solve the group travel puzzle that hotels can’t. 56% of travelers say vacation rentals work better for larger groups or families, and the reasons go beyond just price.
You get actual living space where everyone can gather without feeling cramped. Multiple bathrooms mean no morning lineup. Bedrooms spread across different floors give couples and families privacy while keeping the group under one roof. Full kitchens let you cook breakfast together or prep snacks without ordering room service for 10 people.
Accommodation Type
Average Cost Per Person
Shared Common Space
Kitchen Access
Group Capacity
Best For
Hotels (Multiple Rooms)
$85-90 per night
Limited to lobby and common areas with restricted hours
None, must eat out or order room service
Unlimited but rooms scattered across property
Business groups needing individual privacy with minimal shared time
Vacation Rentals (AvantStay)
$50-80 per night
Full living rooms, dining areas, outdoor patios, game rooms
Fully equipped kitchens with appliances and cookware
4-30+ guests in single property
Families and friend groups wanting quality time together with hotel-level amenities and management
Hostels (Private Group Rooms)
$30-50 per night
Shared communal spaces with other guests, limited privacy
Basic shared kitchens with limited equipment
6-12 guests per private room
Budget-focused young travelers willing to sacrifice comfort and privacy
Campground Cabins
$15-40 per night
Outdoor areas only, minimal indoor gathering space
None, communal facilities separate from cabin
6-12 guests with basic shelter
Outdoor enthusiasts prioritizing nature access over indoor comfort
The real shift happens when you stop thinking per-room and start thinking per-bedroom. A six-bedroom rental sleeping 12 people costs the same total whether it’s three couples and six kids or 12 college friends. Split that nightly rate by bedrooms or by heads, and luxury becomes accessible.
How to Calculate Your Per-Person Cost for Group Accommodations
Start with the nightly rate of your rental, then divide by the number of people. That’s your per-person accommodation cost. Compare that number to what each person would pay for their share of hotel rooms.
For six people needing three hotel rooms at $171 each, you’re spending $513 total, or $85.50 per person. A three-bedroom rental at $350 per night drops that to $58 per person, saving $27 each or $162 as a group per night.
Scale up to 10 people and five hotel rooms cost $855 ($85.50 per person). A five-bedroom rental at $600 per night runs just $60 per person, pocketing your group $255 in savings daily.
With 15 people, eight hotel rooms run $1,368 total ($91 per person) while an eight-bedroom estate at $1,200 per night works out to $80 per person. Larger groups unlock better rates because you’re spreading fixed costs across more travelers.
The Hidden Value of Shared Amenities in Group Rentals
Vacation rentals save money beyond the nightly rate through amenities hotels charge extra for. Full kitchens cut the need to eat every meal out. For a group of eight over a four-day trip, cooking just breakfast and two dinners saves around $800 compared to restaurant prices.
Vacation rental guests cite cost savings and kitchen access as top motivators. You can prep morning coffee, pack snacks for outings, and cook group dinners without dropping $200 every time everyone gets hungry. In-unit laundry means packing lighter and rewearing clothes without paying hotel laundry fees. Game rooms, pools, and fire pits become free entertainment instead of paying for group activities every evening.
Booking Strategies to Secure the Best Group Rental Rates
Book at least 90 days out for the best selection and rates. Popular destinations fill up fast during peak season, and early booking locks in lower prices before demand spikes. Off-peak and shoulder season travel can drop rates 20-30% compared to summer or holiday weekends.
Check multiple booking channels. Direct booking sites sometimes offer better rates than OTAs, while other times third-party sites run promotions. Compare rates across Airbnb, Vrbo, and partner sites to find the best deal for your dates.
Filter by bedroom count and maximum occupancy to find properties sized for your group. Look for listings with multiple primary suites, which give couples and families privacy worth paying slightly more for. Properties with standout amenities like pools, game rooms, or outdoor kitchens deliver better per-dollar value because they keep your group entertained on-site instead of paying for activities elsewhere.
Large Capacity Properties: More Bedrooms, Lower Cost Per Person
Properties with six or more bedrooms seem expensive at first glance. A 10-bedroom estate at $3,000 per night sounds like a splurge until you realize it sleeps 20 people. That’s $150 per person, competitive with budget hotels that offer a fraction of the space and amenities.
The counter-intuitive truth: bigger properties cost less per person. An eight-bedroom home at $1,800 per night splits to $112 per person for 16 guests, while a four-bedroom at $800 splits to $100 per person for just eight guests. You’re getting double the space and amenities for barely more per person.
AvantStay manages properties that sleep 30+ guests, where groups split costs down to $75-$100 per person while enjoying private pools, game rooms, and outdoor entertainment spaces that would cost thousands to access separately.
Alternative Accommodation Options Beyond Traditional Vacation Rentals
If you’re willing to trade comfort for savings, hostels with private group rooms can run $30-50 per person per night. You’ll share bathrooms with other guests and lose access to kitchens and common areas, which makes group bonding harder.
Campground cabins at state parks and private sites offer basic shelter for groups of 6-12, typically priced between $100-250 nightly. These come with minimal furnishings and communal facilities, but they suit outdoor-focused groups who don’t need home comforts.
Some travelers book entire motel floors or cluster RV rentals at glamping sites. While creative, these options lack the shared kitchens and living spaces that actually bring groups together during downtime.
For groups who refuse to choose between price and experience, whole-home vacation rentals remain the sweet spot. You get privacy, full amenities, and per-person pricing that undercuts hotels while keeping everyone comfortable under one roof.
The Group Travel Boom: Why More People Are Choosing Shared Trips
Group travel isn’t a passing trend. Bookings rose 21% in Q1 2025 as families and friend groups shifted away from solo trips toward shared experiences.
The reasons go beyond saving money. After years apart, people want to celebrate milestones together: birthdays, graduations, weddings, and reunions. Groups of 8-15 now book entire homes for Friendsgiving weekends and multi-family getaways that were once considered rare.
Younger travelers especially view group trips as the norm. Splitting a rental among seven friends costs less than separate hotel rooms while creating better memories. The shared kitchen, living spaces, and private outdoor areas matter more than individual privacy.
This shift continues to grow as more groups realize the math: dividing rental costs by people instead of rooms makes luxury vacations surprisingly affordable.
How AvantStay Delivers Premium Group Experiences at Per-Person Prices That Beat Hotels
We manage 2,300+ properties built for groups who want quality without the hotel price tag. Every home includes 4+ bedrooms, multiple primary suites, and amenities like pools and game rooms that you’d pay extra to access elsewhere.
The per-person math works in your favor. A $2,000 villa split among eight people runs $250 each, often less than a single hotel room. You get professional management, consistent cleanliness standards, and 24/7 support through our Butler app.
Our properties maximize shared value through fully stocked kitchens, outdoor patios and fire pits, and layouts designed for groups to actually spend time together. You get premium group travel at per-person rates that beat hotels.
Final Thoughts on Group Travel Economics
The difference between hotel clusters and whole-home rentals becomes obvious once you divide by people. Group vacations without hotel rooms costs less per person while giving you more space, better amenities, and actual time together. Your group saves money on rooms and meals while gaining the kind of shared experiences that make trips memorable. Check availability for your dates and group size to see how the per-person rates compare to what you’re used to paying.
FAQ
How much can a group actually save by choosing a vacation rental over hotels?
For a group of 10, you’ll typically save $255 per night by booking a five-bedroom rental at $600 versus five hotel rooms at $171 each. That’s over $1,000 in savings for a four-night trip, plus you get kitchen access to cut meal costs by hundreds more.
What’s the ideal group size to get the best per-person rate on a rental?
Groups of 8-16 people hit the sweet spot where per-person costs drop to $75-150 per night in properties with premium amenities, making luxury surprisingly affordable compared to budget hotels at $85+ per person.
When should I book a group rental to get the lowest rates?
Book at least 90 days before your trip to lock in lower prices and better selection, and consider shoulder season travel to save 20-30% compared to peak summer or holiday rates.
Can cooking in a vacation rental really make a difference in trip costs?
Yes, and cooking just breakfast and two dinners for a group of eight over four days saves around $800 compared to eating every meal at restaurants, making the kitchen one of your biggest money-saving amenities.
How do I know if a larger property will actually cost less per person?
Divide the nightly rate by maximum occupancy to get your per-person cost: an eight-bedroom home at $1,800 sleeping 16 people ($112 per person) often beats a four-bedroom at $800 sleeping 8 ($100 per person) while giving you double the space and better amenities.
Step into a city where history whispers from every cobblestone street and southern charm flows as freely as sweet tea on a summer porch. From the famous Rainbow Row with its colorful historic houses to the enchanting Spanish moss draped over ancient oak trees, Charleston is the South Carolina gem that offers visitors a true taste of the Old South with modern sophistication.
Experience the elegant antebellum architecture, world-class dining, and breathtaking coastal beauty. And if you’re drawn to horse-drawn carriage tours through historic districts, award-winning restaurants, or stunning beaches are just minutes away. Indeed, Charleston creates magic at every turn.
This coastal city transforms beautifully throughout the year, giving travelers different experiences depending on when they choose to explore its treasures. Each season brings its own special appeal to the Holy City, from blooming azaleas in spring to perfect beach weather in summer.
Stroll through historic plantations, sample incredible Lowcountry cuisine, or simply soak up the charm of the French Quarter. Here’s your complete guide to choosing when to visit Charleston for your perfect Southern adventure.
About Charleston, SC
Charleston sits beautifully on South Carolina’s coast, where the Ashley and Cooper Rivers meet the Atlantic Ocean. This city is famous for its historic charm, incredible food scene, and friendly Southern hospitality. The Historic District alone has over 2,800 historic buildings, making it one of America’s best-preserved colonial cities.
Charleston enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. Temperatures typically vary from 43°F to 89°F and rarely go below 30°F or above 94°F. The city gets plenty of sunshine year-round, though summers can feel humid and sticky.
Charleston Travel Seasons at a Glance
Learning Charleston’s seasonal patterns helps you pick the perfect time for your Southern getaway. Here’s when the city gets busy and when you’ll have more space to explore.
Peak Times: March to May and October
Spring brings perfect weather and blooming gardens, making it Charleston’s busiest tourist season. October offers ideal fall weather without summer’s heat and humidity. Hotels book up early and prices reach their highest during these popular months.
Great Times: September, November, and February
These shoulder months offer nice weather with fewer crowds than peak season. You’ll find better hotel deals and shorter lines at popular attractions while still enjoying comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
Quieter Times: December, January, June to August
Winter months have the fewest tourists and best hotel prices, though some attractions may have shorter hours. Summer brings hot, humid weather that keeps some visitors away, but it’s perfect for beach activities.
Why Visit Charleston?
Charleston offers way more than just historic tours and southern food, though those are amazing, too. You can explore incredible museums like the Charleston Museum, America’s first museum, or spend your day at beautiful beaches like Folly Beach and Isle of Palms.
The city’s food scene goes far beyond traditional southern cooking. You’ll find everything from innovative farm-to-table restaurants to cozy cafes serving perfect shrimp and grits. Charleston’s different neighborhoods each offer unique experiences – from the trendy Upper King Street area to the romantic French Quarter.
Charleston loves the outdoors with beautiful parks, harbor tours, and nearby plantation gardens. The city’s location means you’re always close to both history and nature. Charleston also serves as a perfect base for exploring the South Carolina Lowcountry with its stunning landscapes and charming coastal towns.
The mild climate supports outdoor activities most of the year, with festivals, markets, and outdoor dining happening across the seasons.
Charleston in February: Mild temperatures return, still quiet, great for museums
Charleston in March: Spring begins, gardens start blooming, crowds increase
Charleston in April: Perfect spring weather, peak garden season, busy tourist time
Charleston in May: Beautiful warm days, Spoleto Festival season, ideal temperatures
Charleston in June: Summer heat starts, humid weather, fewer tourists
Charleston in July: Hottest month, very humid, great for beach activities
Charleston in August: Peak summer heat, most rainfall, perfect swimming weather
Charleston in September: Heat starts easing, fewer crowds, nice for exploring
Charleston in October: Perfect fall weather, comfortable temperatures, popular time
Charleston in November: Cool, comfortable days, fewer tourists, beautiful weather
Charleston in December: Cool winter weather, holiday decorations, quiet season
When Is the Best Time to Visit Charleston?
The best time to visit Charleston is March through May and October through November. During these months, temperatures stay comfortably between the 60s and 80s, making it perfect for walking tours, garden visits, and outdoor dining. You get beautiful weather, manageable crowds, and great conditions for all the activities Charleston offers.
These shoulder seasons give you many benefits, like comfortable weather, reasonable crowd levels, and the best conditions for experiencing Charleston’s outdoor attractions and historic sites.
Visiting in Spring (March to May)
Spring shows Charleston at its absolute best. The city comes alive in the spring with perfect weather and gorgeous blooming gardens everywhere. Daily temperatures reach comfortable highs around 80°F, with nights rarely dropping below 50°F, and rainfall stays moderate.
This season offers perfect conditions for Charleston’s outdoor attractions, from walking tours through the Historic District to visiting famous plantations and their stunning gardens. The pleasant temperatures make spring ideal for carriage rides, outdoor dining, and rooftop bar visits without summer’s intense heat and humidity.
Spring weather makes every Charleston activity more enjoyable. Garden tours become spectacular as azaleas, camellias, and other flowers bloom throughout the city. Walking tours through historic neighborhoods are comfortable without summer’s oppressive heat.
The comfortable temperatures make spring perfect for exploring different areas like the French Quarter, King Street shopping, and waterfront parks. Spring evenings are ideal for harbor cruises, outdoor concerts, and romantic dining on restaurant patios.
Charleston Events in Spring
Charleston Wine + Food Festival (March) – Major culinary celebration with famous chefs
Charleston Fashion Week (March) – Fashion shows and designer events throughout the city
Cooper River Bridge Run (April) – Major 10K race across the iconic bridge
Spoleto Festival USA (May-June) – World-renowned performing arts festival
Local Eats in Charleston During Spring
Spring offers perfect weather for exploring Charleston’s incredible food scene outdoors. Restaurant patios and outdoor dining areas provide ideal settings, while the comfortable temperatures make it easy to walk between different neighborhoods, sampling everything from shrimp and grits to she-crab soup.
Charleston Travel Tips During Spring
Spring attracts many visitors, especially during festival season, so book hotels and popular restaurants well ahead of time. Pack layers as temperatures can change from morning to evening. This is the best time for first-time visitors to experience Charleston’s famous charm and hospitality.
Visiting in Summer (June to August)
Summer brings hot, humid weather with highs regularly reaching the upper 80s to low 90s and lows staying in the comfortable 70s. The season gets the most rainfall, especially in August. This time offers long daylight hours for sightseeing and perfect conditions for beach activities.
Summer provides great beach weather and many outdoor events, though it also brings intense heat, humidity, and afternoon thunderstorms. You’ll enjoy extended daylight hours and warm evenings perfect for outdoor dining, once the heat eases.
Summer activities focus on Charleston’s beaches and indoor attractions during the hottest parts of the day. Folly Beach and Isle of Palms offer perfect conditions for swimming, surfing, and beach relaxation. Many indoor attractions, like museums and historic houses, provide air-conditioned relief.
The warm weather is great for harbor tours and sunset cruises. Many restaurants expand their outdoor seating with fans and misters. Summer evenings are perfect for outdoor activities once temperatures cool down after sunset.
Charleston Events in Summer
Folly Beach Sea and Sand Festival (June) – Beach celebration with live music
Charleston Harbor Fest (July) – Waterfront festival with food and entertainment
MOJA Arts Festival (September-October) – Celebration of African American and Caribbean culture
Sunset Serenade Concerts (June-August) – Free outdoor concerts in Marion Square
Local Eats in Charleston During Summer
Summer dining focuses on refreshing foods perfect for hot weather. Many restaurants offer expanded outdoor seating with cooling systems, while beachside spots create perfect casual dining experiences. This is a great time for enjoying Charleston’s famous sweet tea and frozen cocktails.
Charleston Travel Tips During Summer
Summer requires planning around heat and humidity. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing and always carry water. Plan indoor activities during peak heat hours (noon to 4 PM) and save outdoor exploring for early mornings and evenings.
Visiting in Fall (September to November)
Fall represents one of Charleston’s most pleasant seasons, especially October and November. The weather becomes more comfortable with moderate temperatures, lower humidity, and manageable crowds. This season offers some of Charleston’s most perfect conditions with beautiful weather and reasonable tourist levels.
Fall keeps comfortable temperatures perfect for all outdoor activities, while the oppressive summer heat and humidity begin to fade. The season offers great value with moderate crowds and gorgeous weather for city exploration.
Fall provides excellent conditions for all Charleston activities. Walking tours become comfortable again, and garden visits are pleasant without summer’s heat. Cultural attractions and historic sites offer perfect environments for visiting without summer crowds.
The stable weather makes fall ideal for neighborhood exploration, from French Quarter strolls to King Street shopping excursions. Fall evenings are perfect for outdoor dining and harbor cruises with stunning weather conditions.
Charleston Events in Fall
Charleston Food & Wine Festival (October) – Another major culinary celebration
MOJA Arts Festival (September-October) – African American and Caribbean cultural festival
Ghost Tours Season (October) – Popular haunted history tours throughout the city
Charleston International Film Festival (November) – Independent film celebration
Local Eats in Charleston During Fall
Fall dining showcases seasonal ingredients and comfortable outdoor dining conditions. Restaurant patios provide perfect settings, and the pleasant weather makes it easy to explore Charleston’s diverse neighborhoods and their unique food offerings.
Charleston Travel Tips During Fall
Fall offers great weather and crowd balance, with October being especially popular. Pack light layers for temperature changes throughout the day. Take advantage of shoulder season rates and less crowded attractions during this ideal time.
Visiting in Winter (December to February)
Winter brings mild conditions with average temperatures from the 40s to mid-60s. The city experiences its driest season with occasional cool spells. This season offers unique experiences like holiday decorations and cozy indoor attractions.
Winter provides comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and cultural activities. The season offers great value with the smallest crowds and lowest hotel rates of the year.
Winter activities take advantage of mild temperatures and clear air. Museums and historic houses become especially appealing, while walking tours offer comfortable conditions without summer heat. Many outdoor activities remain possible during Charleston’s mild winter days.
The comfortable conditions make winter perfect for exploring antique shops, art galleries, and cozy restaurants. Winter evenings are perfect for intimate dining experiences and indoor entertainment.
Charleston Events in Winter
Charleston International Antiques Show (January) – Premier antiques and art show
Lowcountry Oyster Festival (January) – Celebration of local oyster culture
Charleston Restaurant Week (January) – Special menus at top restaurants
Holiday Festival of Lights (December) – Beautiful light displays at James Island County Park
Local Eats in Charleston During Winter
Winter dining features hearty comfort foods and cozy restaurant experiences throughout Charleston’s neighborhoods. Many places offer special winter menus, and the mild weather still allows for enjoyable patio dining on warmer days.
Charleston Travel Tips During Winter
Winter offers excellent value with the smallest crowds and reasonable hotel rates. Pack layers for temperature changes and light rain gear for occasional showers. Take advantage of cultural events and indoor attractions during the cooler season.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Charleston (By Interest)
Charleston’s diverse attractions and generally favorable climate make timing important for getting the most out of specific experiences. Here’s when to visit based on what you want to do:
For Smallest Crowds: January to February and Weekdays Year-Round
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Fewest Crowds
Winter months provide the most space at popular attractions. Visiting Tuesday through Thursday during any season helps you avoid weekend crowds at historic sites and popular restaurants.
For Perfect Weather: March to May and October to November
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Ideal Weather
These periods offer optimal temperatures, moderate rainfall, and comfortable humidity levels without summer’s oppressive heat or winter’s occasional cool spells.
For Beach Activities: May to September
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Swimming and Beach Fun
Warmest temperatures and longest days make these months perfect for Folly Beach, Isle of Palms, and other nearby beaches for swimming, surfing, and beach relaxation.
For Festival Experiences: March and May to June
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Major Events
Charleston Wine + Food Festival in March and Spoleto Festival USA in May-June represent Charleston’s biggest cultural events, bringing world-class experiences to the city.
For Garden Tours: March to May and October to November
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Gardens and Plantations
Perfect temperatures and blooming seasons create ideal conditions for exploring Charleston’s famous gardens at Magnolia Plantation, Middleton Place, and throughout the city.
For Best Value: December to February and June to August
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Budget Travel
Off-peak periods offer big savings on hotels and attractions while still providing enjoyable weather and experiences, though summer brings heat and humidity.
For Historic Tours: March to May and September to November
Best Time to Visit Charleston for Walking Tours and History
Comfortable temperatures and pleasant weather create perfect conditions for exploring Charleston’s historic district, taking carriage tours, and visiting historic sites.
Where to Stay in Charleston
Find places to stay that perfectly capture Charleston’s unique historic charm and luxury while providing stunning views and exceptional amenities. Here are incredible Charleston vacation homes available to rent with AvantStay:
Haven – Beachfront gem on the Atlantic coast with stunning ocean views.
Windward House – Mediterranean-inspired Folly Island retreat with saltwater pool.
Jessamine – Bright, airy beach house with complete amenities, perfect for groups.
Lighthouse – A coastal home right in front of Folly Beach with direct beach access.
Create Your Charleston Itinerary
Ready to plan your Southern adventure? Let our experienced team handle every detail of your Charleston experience! Our concierge service can arrange historic tours, restaurant reservations, and unique local experiences that showcase the real Charleston.
Simply contact us or download the AvantStay App to book additional experiences, get insider tips from locals, and manage your entire stay through one easy platform.
No matter when you choose to visit, Charleston’s incredible historic charm, amazing food culture, and warm hospitality will create unforgettable memories. The city’s perfect mix of old-world elegance and modern sophistication means every visit offers new discoveries and authentic Southern experiences.
We have the ideal Charleston sanctuary waiting for you. Book with AvantStay today and discover how incredible Southern adventures can be when you experience Charleston’s legendary charm, history, and coastal beauty.
FAQs
Is Charleston expensive to visit?
Charleston can be costly during peak seasons (March-May and October) when hotel prices go up because of high demand and perfect weather. However, you can find great value during winter months (December-February) when you’ll get lower rates, smaller crowds, and mild weather perfect for exploring the city’s historic attractions and cozy restaurants.
How crowded does Charleston get?
Peak seasons bring big crowds, especially during major events like Spoleto Festival, when downtown areas, popular restaurants, and historic sites can become very busy. For more relaxed experiences, visit during shoulder seasons (September, November, February) or explore Charleston’s charming neighborhoods and lesser-known attractions during weekdays.
When to avoid Charleston?
Summer months (June-August) bring intense heat and humidity that can make outdoor activities uncomfortable during midday hours, though this is the perfect time for beach activities. March through May sees the biggest crowds and highest prices due to perfect weather and blooming gardens. However, Charleston’s generally pleasant climate and rich culture make it an enjoyable destination year-round with proper planning and realistic expectations about weather and crowds.
Allowing pets in your vacation rental can be a rewarding decision. It’s no surprise that Americans love their furry friends and loyal travel companions—66% of US households own a pet and since November 2022, over 3 million pets have stayed at an Airbnb. So, why not tap into this large market to fill up your booking calendar and increase your rental income? If you’re on the fence about making your vacation rental pet-friendly, we’ll cover the perks, how to protect your home, and how to drive more bookings from pet owners.
Why you should allow pets
There are many benefits that come from allowing pets in vacation rentals. When you partner with AvantStay, your pet-friendly rental will shine on our platform. Only 37% of AvantStay homes allow pets, and we showcase these properties with a dedicated filter and “pet-friendly” icons (check out our pet-friendly vacation rentals collection that makes it easy for travelers to find the perfect pad for their pooch). In addition, owners with pet-friendly homes often enjoy:
Increased earning potential
Not all vacation rentals allow pets, so you can charge higher ADRs for this special accommodation. You can also charge guests non-refundable pet fees—for example, AvantStay charges $150 per pet
Guests booking longer stays
Because guests won’t have to leave Fido at home, they’ll likely book longer stays without the stress of boarding or finding a pet sitter.
More repeat guests
Finding the perfect pet-friendly vacation rental can be tough, so guests will likely be eager to book again after having a positive experience at your home.
How to make your vacation rental pet-friendly
While you may be dwelling on the cons and what-ifs of allowing pets in your vacation home, there are simple measures you can take to protect your rental property and create an exceptional experience for guests and pets alike.
Keep it clean
Hire a reliable housekeeping team who will thoroughly clean between each stay. Add extra steps to your cleaning checklist for pet-friendly vacation rentals, like deep cleaning the floors and furniture.
Prepare your space
Pet-proof your home as much as possible so your vacation rental can go the distance. Invest in HEPA air purifiers to reduce odor and dander, opt for tile or laminate flooring over carpet, purchase washable area rugs, and choose furniture with easy-to-remove (and wash) coverings. In addition, make sure your backyard is secured so pets can enjoy themselves off-leash.
Update your house rules
Update your house rules to reflect your pet policy. Be sure to include the number of pets allowed, any weight or breed restrictions, and off-limit areas for animals. If you have any fees or security deposits that cover pet accidents or damages, list those here as well.
Provide pet-friendly amenities
Impress your guests and reel in five-star ratings by supplying pup-approved amenities. Make sure you include these on your listing page or pre-check-in communications so guests don’t waste time packing them themselves. Consider providing:
Water and food bowls
Dog bed
Waste bags
Chew toys
Leash
Grooming supplies
Treats
Stain and odor removers
How to boost bookings from pet owners
Once your vacation rental is equipped to welcome pets, showcase it to the world. These simple tips can help you reach more pet owners and increase bookings.
Update and optimize your listing
When updating your headline and description, incorporate search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to further boost your reach to pet owners. Research search terms (“keywords”) that are popular in your market and add those to your listing. Some examples could be “dog-friendly Joshua Tree vacation rental” or “private beachfront cottage – pets allowed.”
In addition, entice potential guests to click “book now” by showcasing your pet amenities and listing nearby dog-friendly activities and attractions. Include these in your welcome book and pre-check-in communications so guests can easily access them.
Market to pet owners
Give your marketing strategy a revamp to make your pet-friendly rental shine; these tactics can help you target more pet owners.
Leverage niche listing sites
While you should list your home on all of the top distribution platforms, you can reach more pet owners by using pet-friendly listing sites. A popular option is BringFido, a pet travel and lifestyle brand that connects pet owners with more than 500,000 pet-friendly places, including vacation rental homes.
Tap into social media
Social media is a great way to reach new audiences and keep your past guests engaged. Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest are popular among travelers looking to plan their next trip, so be sure to show off your home and its pet-approved amenities across these sites. Also, ask guests to capture photos of their pets enjoying your vacation rental so you can share them across your accounts.
Use paid advertising
Social media ads can amplify your reach to pet owners. Facebook and Pinterest make it easy to narrow your target audience. You can choose to show your ads to your ideal guest by using filters like location, age, interests, and more.
Pet-friendly vacation rentals by AvantStay
Making your property pet-friendly can be rewarding, but can also take a lot of work and is not without its risks. We set the new standard for vacation rentals by delivering a consistent, high-quality vacation experience for both homeowners and guests. One of the ways we’re able to do this is with our experiences and upgrades. Guests can use our app to schedule mid-stay cleans, request amenities like treats, toys, and dog beds, ask for custom pet-friendly itineraries and local recommendations, and much more. This level of service drives some of the highest ratings in the industry, repeat guests, and allows us to charge premium daily rates.
For homeowners, you have the choice to allow pets in your vacation rental or not, but you’ll always receive best-in-class care with AvantStay. At your home, our local operations teams manage maintenance, upkeep, and surveillance, while our housekeeping team professionally cleans after every stay in adherence with CDC cleaning standards and our 100-point cleaning checklist—say goodbye to unwanted pet hair!
Although guests are responsible for treating your property respectfully, there may be instances in which damages or pet accidents occur. We ensure any issues are fixed promptly and work with guests to determine what happened and collect the necessary payment.
Employing a combination of our best-in-class care, streamlined back-end operations, and elevated hospitality brand, AvantStay helps you earn more revenue than any other property management company. We take care of all the work to maximize your home’s returns—it’s that simple.
You filter by guest count and see a place that looks great in photos with a ‘family-friendly’ badge and good reviews. Then you arrive and realize the property has one bathroom for every six people, no ground-floor bedroom for your parents who struggle with stairs, a kitchen with counter space for one cook maximum, and eight people eating meals on the couch because the dining table only seats four. The specific features that make or break a multi-generational vacation rarely show up in standard listings. When you’re looking at what matters in family vacation properties, you need to know about ensuite bathroom counts, accessibility for older relatives, whether the kitchen can handle feeding your group without constant trips to restock groceries 40 minutes away, and if the layout prevents a 6 a.m. baby meltdown from waking the entire house. Most booking decisions focus on bedroom counts and proximity to attractions while ignoring the details that determine whether everyone enjoys the trip or just tolerates it.
TLDR:
Look for multiple primary suites with ensuite bathrooms, beyond bedroom count
Verify safety features like pool fencing, stair gates, and smoke detectors before booking
Check kitchen size, dining seating, and parking limits hidden in fine print
Choose properties with secondary gathering spaces so families can separate when needed
AvantStay manages 2,300+ properties with 24/7 Butler app support and verified safety standards
Room Configuration That Actually Works for Multi-Generational Groups
A property that sleeps 12 might sound perfect until you realize it has two bedrooms and ten twin beds crammed into bunk rooms. The raw guest count tells you almost nothing about whether the space will work for your family.
Multiple Primary Suites Matter More Than Total Bedrooms
When you’re traveling with grandparents, in-laws, or multiple families, the number of primary suites (bedrooms with private attached bathrooms) matters more than total bedroom count. Look for properties where at least half the bedrooms include ensuite bathrooms. Larger properties should feature three to five primary suites so adults aren’t competing for shared hallway bathrooms.
Bathroom Ratios and Ground-Floor Accessibility
A good rule: aim for one bathroom per four guests minimum. Pay attention to bedroom placement, too. If grandparents struggle with stairs, a ground-floor primary suite is a necessity. Check floor plans for bedroom distribution across levels and whether any suites offer step-free access from parking areas.
Property Feature
What to Look For
Why It Matters for Multi-Generational Groups
Primary Suites
At least half of bedrooms should include ensuite bathrooms; 3-5 primary suites in larger homes
Prevents adults from competing for shared hallway bathrooms and provides privacy for multiple family units
Bathroom Ratio
Minimum one bathroom per four guests with ensuite options
Eliminates morning bottlenecks and accommodates different schedules across generations
Ground-Floor Accessibility
At least one primary suite on ground floor with step-free access from parking
Critical for grandparents or relatives with limited mobility who struggle with stairs
Kitchen Capacity
20+ cubic feet refrigerator, full-size dishwasher, counter space for two cooks, group-sized cookware
Lets you cook meals for large groups without constant grocery runs or kitchen bottlenecks
Dining Seating
Table that seats your entire group comfortably
Allows everyone to eat together without forcing some guests to eat on couches
Common Areas
At least two distinct gathering zones plus secondary spaces like dens or media rooms
Supports both group bonding and separation so different ages can enjoy activities simultaneously
Parking Capacity
One space per 3-4 guests with clear overflow parking options
Accommodates multiple families arriving separately without coordination hassles
Safety Features You Won’t Find in Standard Listings
Standard vacation rental listings rarely mention safety details beyond a quick checkbox. When 76% of families view travel as the best way to make memories together, those memories shouldn’t include preventable accidents.
Every property should have functioning smoke detectors on each level and carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas. Ask hosts directly about detector placement and testing schedules. Properties managed by full-service operators typically maintain quarterly inspection logs, while individual hosts may be less consistent.
If the property includes a pool, ask about fencing with self-latching gates and whether a safety cover is available during off-hours. Many jurisdictions require pool barriers, but enforcement varies widely. Hot tubs should have locking covers when not supervised.
Look for stair gates at both top and bottom of staircases, outlet covers in common areas, and furniture anchored to walls in bedrooms where young children will sleep. Few hosts proactively mention these details, so request photos or confirmation before booking if you’re traveling with toddlers.
Kitchen Equipment and Layout That Handles Group Cooking
Group meals are one of the biggest reasons families choose vacation rentals over hotels. In fact, 71% of travelers with children say the ability to cook their own meals is a major factor in booking a rental property. But not all kitchens can handle feeding 10 people breakfast at once.
Look for full-size appliances, including a refrigerator with at least 20 cubic feet of capacity and a dishwasher large enough to handle multiple place settings. Double ovens are a bonus when you need to prep multiple dishes simultaneously. Counter space should accommodate at least two cooks working together without bottlenecks.
Check whether the property includes cookware sized for groups: large stockpots, roasting pans, serving platters, and enough plates and utensils for everyone. Properties with a second refrigerator or beverage cooler in a garage or utility room make storing groceries far easier.
The dining table should seat your entire group comfortably. A 12-person property with seating for eight forces some guests to eat on the couch. Preparing meals in-house cuts costs and lets you accommodate allergies, dietary preferences, and picky eaters across three generations.
Common Areas Designed for Togetherness and Separation
Family vacations work best when the property supports both group bonding and personal space. You need at least two distinct gathering zones: a main living area plus a secondary den, loft, or media room where teenagers can decompress separately from toddlers, or where part of the group can watch movies while others play board games.
Properties with basement recreation rooms, detached casitas, or separate wings give everyone breathing room. A quiet reading nook or covered patio lets someone escape the chaos without leaving entirely. Open floor plans photograph well but can backfire when a crying baby wakes the whole first floor at 6 a.m. Properties like the Coastal Cottage in Panama City Beach balance open living spaces with private retreat areas that work well for multi-generational groups.
Check how traffic flows between bedrooms, bathrooms, and living areas. Properties where you must walk through one bedroom to reach another create privacy issues. The layout should let different family units move through morning routines without constant collisions.
Policies and Occupancy Limits That Impact Your Booking
Most families focus on bedrooms and amenities but overlook the fine print that determines whether your reservation actually works. Occupancy caps, parking limits, and minimum stays often appear only at checkout or in a decline message.
Maximum occupancy is non-negotiable. A property listed for 12 guests means 12 people total, regardless of age. Some hosts count infants, others allow children under two without penalty. Confirm the age cutoff before assuming your baby doesn’t count toward the limit.
Parking restrictions can shrink your effective group size. If a property allows eight guests but has only three parking spaces with no street parking permitted, you’ll need carpools or ride shares. Ask about garage spots, driveway capacity, and overflow parking nearby.
Minimum night requirements spike during holidays and peak seasons. A property that books two-night stays in April might require seven nights over Thanksgiving. Pet policies vary just as widely. One property might welcome dogs under 40 pounds with a fee while the next bans animals entirely.
Review these terms before booking to prevent surprises when your group arrives.
Location Considerations Beyond “Near Attractions”
Proximity to theme parks sounds great until you realize the nearest grocery store is 40 minutes away and you’re feeding 12 people for a week.
Full-service grocery stores with delivery options matter when provisioning for large groups. Properties located 15 minutes or more from major supermarkets add unexpected driving time and limit your ability to restock forgotten items quickly. Urgent care clinics and pharmacies become relevant when traveling with young children or elderly relatives who may need medical attention outside regular hours.
Residential neighborhoods often enforce noise ordinances and parking rules stricter than tourism districts. Properties in quiet suburbs may prohibit gatherings after 10 p.m. or limit outdoor amplified music entirely. Check local regulations if your group plans evening patio dinners or pool activities.
Walkability depends on your group composition. Families with teenagers may want restaurants and coffee shops within walking distance. Multi-generational groups with limited mobility need properties where cars can access entrances directly and parking sits adjacent to front doors.
Technology and Communication Tools for Smooth Check-In
Smart locks eliminate the key exchange hassle when your group arrives in three cars across four hours. Digital access codes let everyone enter independently without coordinating handoffs in parking lots. Look for properties that send unique codes per reservation instead of static codes shared across multiple guests.
Property management apps should deliver check-in instructions at least three days before arrival, not the morning you leave home. You need time to review parking details, entry procedures, and alarm codes before you’re juggling luggage and tired kids. Apps with built-in messaging let you ask questions and receive answers within hours, not days.
WiFi capacity becomes critical when 12 people try streaming, video calling, and working remotely at once. Ask about internet speed and whether the router can handle 20+ connected devices without throttling. Properties with mesh networks or multiple access points across floors perform better than single-router setups.
Property managers who respond within two hours during business days and offer 24/7 emergency lines prevent minor issues from derailing your trip. A broken dishwasher is manageable if someone takes care of it same-day. Three days of ignored messages turns frustration into vacation regret.
How AvantStay Solves Group Travel Challenges Other Properties Miss
We manage 2,300+ properties across 65+ markets, each designed with the primary suites, kitchen capacity, and common spaces families actually need.
Our Butler app provides 24/7 support in your pocket. Request a private chef for family dinner, arrange pre-arrival grocery stocking, or schedule mid-stay cleaning when the game room gets messy. No phone tag or unanswered emails.
Every property follows the same 100-point cleaning checklist with quarterly audits. Smart locks, high-speed WiFi, and verified photos remove the uncertainty that comes with most vacation listings.
You can book at AvantStay, earn Marriott Bonvoy points, or redeem Capital One Travel rewards. Group travel shouldn’t mean guessing whether photos match reality.
Final Thoughts on Booking Group Vacation Rentals That Deliver
Finding a family vacation property beyond basic kid-friendly listings requires asking questions most travelers skip. Ground-floor accessibility, bathroom placement, and dining table size determine whether your rental supports connection or creates friction. You can book properties with verified features and skip the surprises that come with generic vacation listings. Group travel gets easier when someone already thought through the details that matter to families traveling together.
How many primary suites should I look for when booking for a multi-generational family?
Aim for properties where at least half the bedrooms include private attached bathrooms, with three to five primary suites in larger homes so adults aren’t competing for shared hallway bathrooms.
What’s the minimum bathroom-to-guest ratio I should target for group rentals?
You should aim for at least one bathroom per four guests to prevent morning bottleneck situations and keep everyone comfortable throughout your stay.
Can I count my infant toward the property’s maximum occupancy limit?
Occupancy policies vary by property—some hosts count infants while others allow children under two without penalty, so you need to confirm the specific age cutoff with your host before booking.
What kitchen features actually matter when cooking for 10+ people?
Look for a refrigerator with at least 20 cubic feet of capacity, a dishwasher large enough for multiple place settings, adequate counter space for two cooks, and group-sized cookware like large stockpots and roasting pans.
How far should my vacation rental be from a full-service grocery store?
Properties located more than 15 minutes from major supermarkets add unexpected driving time and limit your ability to quickly restock forgotten items when feeding large groups for multiple days.
Delivering a consistent, first-class vacation experience for every guest is the standard at which we operate. We give guests all the amenities of a hotel, paired with the comfort of a private home to create a top-notch guest experience. By going above and beyond for our guests, we receive more five-star ratings than the competition, drive more bookings, and increase our homeowners’ revenue.
Guest-ready homes
A fantastic guest stay starts with a well-stocked home. We ensure that each home is stocked with anything guests might need during their stay, including an array of high-quality consumables and thoughtful localized welcome packages. If guests need additional supplies or want to begin their stay with a fully-stocked fridge, they can easily request that upgrade via our app.
Upgrades and experiences via the AvantStay app
In addition to fridge stocking, guests can request mid-stay cleans, book a private chef or in-home massage, and arrange at-home or local outdoor activities through our app. In addition, our local partnerships offer guests an opportunity to experience any destination like a true local with personalized recommendations and exclusive discounts.
Some fan-favorite activities we’ve planned for our guests include:
At-home spas
Wine tours
Snorkeling cruises
Paint parties
Casino nights
Snowmobile adventures
Dog sledding
Deep sea fishing
Yoga and sound baths
And more!
Interactive spaces designed for the way people travel
We believe the best accommodations are designed to enhance every aspect of a guest’s travels, which is why we transform beautiful homes into incredible experiences that foster unforgettable memories. We style and equip homes with high-quality features to attract top-tier guests who trust our brand and treat your property with respect.
All AvantStay homeowners have access to our design and procurement services. Our interior designers create custom, locally inspired spaces that guests love. We also help procure high-quality, durable furniture and upscale amenities, and coordinate delivery and installation on your behalf so you don’t have to lift a finger. Our thoughtfully designed spaces encourage gathering and allow guests to make the most of their time at your home—leaving them recharged and ready to write a glowing review!
Around-the-clock guest support
AvantStay guests have access to 24/7 live support via SMS, email, or phone, and we troubleshoot every issue to ensure they are well cared for so you can sit back and relax. By resolving 90% of guest issues on the first call, we receive higher ratings and better guest satisfaction scores than any other manager in the space.
Earn more with an optimized home and top-notch guest experience
A high-quality guest experience is the backbone of a successful vacation rental business. Why not partner with the leading hospitality platform to bring that to your vacation rental?
AvantStay offers end-to-end, flexible management programs to give you peace of mind. From financials to design to maintenance, we take care of your home as if it were our own. Our proprietary tech suite powers bookings, operationalizes in-field management and provides premium guest care. We take care of all the work to maximize your home’s income so you can sit back and relax—it’s that simple.
The first snowfall dusts the mountain peaks. Lights twinkle along charming Main Streets. The air carries the scent of pine and woodsmoke, and there’s that unmistakable feeling that magic is in the air.
December is the season for celebration, togetherness, and creating memories that last long after the new year begins. Whether you’re planning a white Christmas with the whole crew or a cozy post-holiday reunion filled with board games and hot chocolate, these eight destinations deliver the perfect backdrop for the most wonderful time of the year.
Each spot features spacious AvantStay homes designed for holiday gatherings with big dining tables for family feasts, fireplaces for storytelling, hot tubs for snowy evening soaks, and cozy corners perfect for unwrapping presents or toasting the end of another year.
1. Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge in December is pure holiday magic. Fresh powder blankets the slopes, twinkling lights illuminate Main Street, and the mountain town transforms into a winter wonderland straight out of a holiday card. The early snowfall creates perfect conditions for skiing, while the town’s festive spirit makes every moment feel special.
Top Activities:
Hit the slopes at Breckenridge Ski Resort for fresh December powder
Watch the lighting of Breckenridge and explore the Ullr Fest parade
Take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through snowy mountain trails
Where to Stay:River Rock – A cozy alpine house with a hot tub and plenty of outdoor spaces for winter memories.
Curl up with cider by the fire, take peaceful snow walks, and enjoy a historic holiday charm. The Hudson Valley embraces the holiday spirit in December with festive markets, snow-dusted trails, and historic towns dressed in twinkling lights. The region’s cozy charm makes it perfect for a peaceful Christmas getaway or a low-key group retreat surrounded by winter beauty.
Top Activities:
Tour the decorated mansions at Staatsburgh and Vanderbilt estates
Browse local Christmas markets and antique shops in Rhinebeck
Ice skate at the Kingston rink or enjoy snowy hikes at Minnewaska State Park
Where to Stay:Charcoal Chalet – A moody house nestled amidst towering trees. It is designed for comfort with fireplaces and countryside vibes.
Sleighbell serenades, luxury mountain slopes, and alpine elegance at every turn. Vail delivers an upscale take on the winter holiday with postcard-perfect alpine villages, elegant boutiques, and some of the best skiing in the country. If you’re carving down pristine slopes or cooking holiday meals together in your rental, Vail elevates every moment of the season.
Top Activities:
Ski Vail Mountain’s famous back bowls and groomed runs
Stroll Vail Village’s festive shops and enchanting light displays
Indulge in spa days and fine dining for a luxurious twist on holiday bonding
Where to Stay:Sunvail – A rustic yet modern condo with the best mountain views. Designed for snow-season celebrations, this home is just near Lionshead Village.
Have the best family ski days, breathtaking snowy lake views, and fireside game nights at Lake Tahoe. Turning into a winter playground in December, it offers skiing, sledding, and cozy lakeside cabins perfect for multigenerational family reunions. With activities for every age and stunning snow-capped mountain views, it’s a classic destination for creating holiday memories.
Top Activities:
Ski at Heavenly, Northstar, or Palisades Tahoe resorts
Go sledding or tubing at Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
Take in the stunning views from snow-blanketed Emerald Bay
Where to Stay:Timberline – A family-friendly and elevated chalet near hiking trails and slopes. With vaulted windows and modern architectural design, it is perfect for group gatherings and adventures.
Experience authentic cabin life, starlit mountain nights, and pure holiday comfort with the best Instagram-worthy spots in the Smokies. With twinkling holiday lights and cozy cabins, perfect for gathering with loved ones, December in the Smoky Mountains means peaceful nature walks and starry nights. Complete with board games, warm fires, and family feasts.
Top Activities:
Visit Gatlinburg’s Winter Magic Lights and Anakeesta’s Enchanted Winter displays
Hike to Laurel Falls or enjoy a scenic drive through snow-dusted Cades Cove
Cook holiday meals and host movie marathons in your private mountain lodge
Where to Stay:The Artful Craftsman – A private log cabin in the woods built specifically for cozy holiday gatherings.
Enchanting sleigh rides, pristine snowy slopes, and festive Main Street energy. This is Park City, which embodies winter fun with world-class skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and historic Main Street charm wrapped in holiday lights. It’s the ultimate destination for an active, snow-filled holiday, adventure, and festive mountain town magic.
Top Activities:
Ski Park City Mountain Resort or the luxury slopes of Deer Valley
Enjoy snow tubing and winter activities at Woodward Park City
Browse the boutiques and restaurants along Historic Main Street
Where to Stay:Juniper Landing 3 – A 3-BR townhome with slopeside access and plenty of space for après-ski celebrations. Plus, it’s just walking distance to the Frostwood Gondola!
If your group prefers palm trees to pine trees, Palm Springs offers a sun-soaked escape with iconic mid-century style. Poolside holiday celebrations, mid-century modernist charm, and sunset toasts. You may also check out our best pick of what to do in Palm Springs. Spend Christmas by the pool or keep the festivities bright and warm—no snow boots required.
Top Activities:
Take the Aerial Tramway for snow-dusted mountain views above the desert
Enjoy festive holiday dinners on warm outdoor patios
Explore Palm Canyon Drive decorated with holiday lights and desert charm
Where to Stay:Zanjero – Vibrant and modern home with a private courtyard inviting you to snuggle in and be warm by the fire.
Beloved holiday traditions, cozy mountain cafés, and stunning Blue Ridge beauty. Asheville has an artsy spirit and festive mountain energy. The Biltmore Estate is absolutely dazzling with holiday decorations in December, while the downtown buzzes with warmth, live music, and seasonal treats. Check out our guide on the best things to do in Asheville for more ideas!
Top Activities:
Experience the magical Christmas at The Biltmore Estate celebration
Stroll through the enchanting Winter Lights at NC Arboretum
Explore local shops, independent bookstores, and artisan cafés in downtown Asheville
Where to Stay:Rock Daisy – A cozy condo best for couples looking for a romantic getaway this holiday. Comes with mountain views and cozy fireplaces for the perfect Appalachian retreat.
Traveling during the busy holiday season requires extra caution and preparation to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are key safety tips focusing on general precautions you want to take note of:
1. Prepare Your Vehicle Thoroughly
Before you hit the road, and if you are driving a car to the home you rented, make sure your vehicle is fully prepared for winter conditions and mountain driving. This is crucial because icy roads, snow, and steep slopes can challenge even experienced drivers.
Check oil, fuel levels, and tire condition, including pressure and tread depth. Replace worn tires and consider winter tires or snow chains if traveling in snowy or icy areas.
Test your battery, brakes, and windshield wipers, and top up windshield washer fluid. Clean headlights and taillights to maintain visibility.
Schedule a professional service check to catch any potential issues before your trip.
2. Avoid Drowsy and Impaired Driving
Driving at all times demands complete attention and alertness, but it’s especially crucial in winter conditions. Fatigue and impairment heighten the risk of accidents, particularly on slippery or winding roads. To ensure safety:
Never drive when feeling tired. Take frequent breaks, stretch, and switch drivers if possible.
Avoid alcohol or any impairing substances before driving. Holiday celebrations can be tempting, but safety must come first.
Plan your travel times to avoid peak traffic hours, reducing stress and the chance of collisions.
3. Plan Your Route and Stay Focused
Knowing your route ahead of time helps reduce distractions and stress on the road. Plan your route in advance and familiarize yourself with the roads to avoid distractions while driving.
Input destinations into your GPS or phone before departure.
If traveling with others, have a passenger assist with navigation so you or the driver can concentrate fully on the road.
Avoid distractions such as texting, phone calls, or fiddling with GPS while driving.
5. Weather and Seasonal Considerations
Mountain and winter destinations during December can have unpredictable weather. Always monitor forecasts before and during your trip.
Be prepared for winter conditions such as ice, snow, or sudden temperature drops.
Dress in layers and carry warm clothing.
Know local emergency procedures and evacuation routes if traveling to areas prone to natural disasters.
Adjust driving speed and behavior according to weather and road conditions to maintain safety.
6. Pack an Emergency Kit
When packing for your December holiday trip, tailor your essentials to the climate and activities of your destination. Winter holidays often mean busy schedules and stress, which can affect your health and safety. To stay well and be prepared, you can include packing an emergency kit.
Your emergency kit should include warm blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, non-perishable snacks, a first-aid kit, and ice scrapers.
Pack enough prescription and over-the-counter medications for your entire trip, plus extras in case of delays. Include essentials like hand sanitizer and a basic first-aid kit.
Having jumper cables, a spare tire, and a jack is also essential for unexpected breakdowns.
This approach to holiday travel safety not only protects you and your loved ones but also enhances your overall trip experience, letting you truly relax and savor the magic of the season.
Unwrap Your December Dreams
December is about more than just the destination—it’s about the moments that make the season magical. Whether it’s snowball fights in the mountains, family feasts around a big dining table, or quiet firelit evenings sharing stories, this is the time to bring everyone together.
These eight destinations make it effortless to reconnect, celebrate, and create joy in comfort and beauty. With AvantStay’s thoughtfully designed homes built for groups, your holiday gathering has found its perfect setting.
Ready to make this December unforgettable? Start your search and book with AvantStay for the best holiday escape.
Celebrate Each Season with AvantStay
Planning a year-round adventure and a year of unforgettable experiences? No matter the month, our monthly guides reveal the best places to visit for every month and season.
Conference hotels charge you twice: once for rooms, again for meeting space. A villa rental for corporate retreats offers an alternative to conference hotels where those costs collapse into one number. Book a property for $3,000 per night, split it among 12 people, and you’re at $250 each with zero extra fees for the spaces your team will use all day. The kitchen is yours for extended working lunches. The outdoor area works for evening sessions without venue minimums. Your leadership team can brainstorm product launches by the pool without wondering if competitors three floors up are listening in the lobby. That level of privacy isn’t something hotels can offer when they’re booking the conference room next door to another company.
TLDR:
Villa rentals cost $250/person/night vs. $700/room at hotels when split among teams of 12+
Private estates give your team full control over meeting spaces and eliminate confidentiality risks
Book 3-4 months ahead for standard dates, 6+ months for peak season in markets like Palm Springs
AvantStay manages 2,300+ properties with dedicated trip specialists and 24/7 Butler app support
Why Corporate Teams Are Choosing Villa Rentals Over Conference Hotels
Conference hotels have dominated the corporate retreat space for decades, but that’s changing. Companies are finding that generic ballrooms and shared conference spaces don’t create the environment teams need to connect and collaborate.
The shift is already happening. The global corporate retreats market reached $31.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to hit $73.7 billion by 2034. That growth reflects a search for something different from the standard hotel experience.
Private villas give corporate teams what hotels can’t: real privacy, flexible spaces, and an environment that feels less like work and more like a shared experience. Instead of booking three conference rooms and hoping the schedule works, you get an entire property where meetings happen organically around a dining table, by the pool, or in a living room that seats everyone comfortably.
Hotel conference spaces feel transactional. Your team shows up, sits through presentations in a windowless room, then disperses to separate floors. A villa keeps everyone together in one space, which changes how people interact. Conversations continue after sessions end. Ideas surface over coffee in the kitchen, outside of scheduled breakout times.
Corporate clients who return year after year aren’t looking for another hotel ballroom. They want a home base where their team can work, eat, relax, and actually get to know each other without the formality that comes with traditional conference settings.
The Hidden Cost Advantage of Villa Buyouts vs. Multiple Hotel Rooms
The math is simple. Book hotel rooms for a team of 12, and you’re looking at $400-700 per room per night. That’s $4,800-8,400 nightly before adding conference room rentals, which can run $500-2,000 per day based on revenue management strategies.
A villa buyout changes the equation. A $3,000/night property split among 12 people is $250 per person, with no separate meeting space fees, catering minimums, resort fees, or parking charges.
According to retreat planning data, the average retreat spend per employee for companies with 21-50 people was $3,692, including flights and accommodations. That budget stretches further in a villa where shared spaces are included.
The flexibility matters too. Extended working lunch? Your kitchen is stocked. Evening happy hour? The outdoor space is yours without hourly rental fees or venue minimums.
Five Core Amenities Your Corporate Villa Needs for Productivity
Choose a villa where the WiFi can handle 20 people on simultaneous video calls without lag. You need connectivity that supports screen sharing, cloud collaboration, and back-to-back presentations across multiple devices. Look for properties that advertise multi-user bandwidth capacity.
Smart TVs configured for wireless screen mirroring let anyone connect a laptop and present without hunting for adapters. Your team can run through slide decks in the living room instead of renting AV equipment for a conference ballroom.
Properties with large dining tables seating 10-12 people create natural spaces for full-team sessions. Living rooms handle breakout discussions. Outdoor patios work for informal brainstorming. The layout adapts based on your agenda without booking separate meeting rooms.
Dedicated workstations give team members space to take calls or catch up on email between sessions without disappearing into a bedroom for two hours.
How Private Estates Solve the Privacy Problem Hotels Cannot
Hotel lobbies don’t respect confidential conversations. Your leadership team discusses Q4 strategy over coffee while competitors staying three floors up walk past. Shared conference spaces mean other companies book the room next door.
Private estates remove that risk completely. When you book the entire property, you control who has access with clear house rules. No other guests. No random travelers in common areas. Your team can discuss product launches, restructuring plans, or acquisition strategies around the pool without wondering who’s listening from the next lounge chair.
For executive retreats where board-level decisions happen, that privacy isn’t optional. You need a space where strategic conversations continue through meals, evening sessions, and impromptu hallway discussions without editing what you say based on who might overhear.
Planning Your Retreat Timeline: When to Book and How Far in Advance
Start booking three to four months before your planned retreat date. That timeline gives you decent selection and room to negotiate. But if you’re eyeing peak season between May and September, move that window earlier.
Popular countryside venues book six months ahead, sometimes more for prime dates. The best properties in high-demand markets like Palm Springs, Big Bear, or 30A disappear fast during holiday weekends and summer months.
Shoulder seasons offer better availability and pricing. October, November, March, and April give you more options with fewer scheduling conflicts. You’ll also see lower rates since demand drops between summer travel and winter holidays.
Booking early locks in your preferred dates and gives your team time to plan travel. Last-minute bookings limit your choices and push you toward whatever’s left, which usually means compromising on location, size, or amenities you need.
Group Size Considerations: From Leadership Teams to Full Company Buyouts
Leadership teams of 10-20 people need properties with 5-7 bedrooms where everyone sleeps under one roof. These retreats work best in spaces with a single large dining table for core discussions and enough living area that breakout conversations don’t send people to separate floors.
Mid-sized department offsites bringing 30-50 people require either very large single estates or multi-villa compounds where sleeping quarters spread across connected properties but shared spaces bring everyone together for meals and sessions. Look for properties with 12-16 bedrooms or complexes with multiple structures on one parcel.
Full company buyouts for 100+ attendees need specialized inventory. These properties function as private resorts where your entire company occupies the space without splitting across hotels or separate locations.
Match your headcount to realistic capacity, not maximum occupancy. A villa listed for 40 guests often means couch pullouts and tight quarters. For corporate comfort, book properties at 70-80% of stated capacity so everyone gets actual beds and breathing room.
Location Selection Strategy: Accessibility, Activities, and Atmosphere
Pick destinations within 90 minutes of major airports when your team flies in from multiple cities. Direct flights matter more than scenic drives. Properties near Palm Springs, Austin, Nashville, or San Diego cut travel friction that eats into retreat time.
Consider what happens between sessions. Beach markets like 30A or Destin work for teams that recharge outdoors. Mountain locations like Breckenridge or Big Bear suit groups who hike or prefer cooler weather. Desert settings in Scottsdale offer pools and year-round sunshine.
Match the environment to your retreat’s purpose. Strategic planning sessions benefit from quieter countryside estates where distractions stay minimal. Team-building retreats in places like Coachella Valley or Lake Tahoe give you built-in activities like hiking, water sports, and wine tasting that keep energy high.
Customizable Spaces That Conference Hotels Simply Cannot Offer
Conference hotels lock you into fixed layouts. The main ballroom seats 50 in rows. Breakout Room B fits 12 around a boardroom table. Your agenda has to fit their floor plan.
Villas flip that script. You decide where each activity happens based on what your team needs that hour. Morning strategy session around the dining table. Afternoon breakouts split between the living room, outdoor patio, and kitchen island. Creative brainstorming by the pool where people can move around instead of staying planted in conference chairs.
Multi-day retreats need variety to keep energy up. Day one in the main living area, day two moves outside, evening sessions happen around the fire pit. The environment changes without packing up and relocating to a different venue.
You can also run parallel tracks. Leadership discusses budget in one space while the product team workshops roadmaps in another. Everyone reconvenes for meals without coordinating room bookings or worrying about schedule conflicts with other hotel guests.
Concierge Services and Add-Ons That Enhance Team Experiences
Private chefs solve group dining logistics by delivering restaurant-quality meals on your schedule. Your team stays together for breakfast during morning sessions, lunch between workshops, and dinner that adapts to your agenda instead of restaurant booking windows.
In-villa massage and wellness services let team members decompress without leaving the property. Offer afternoon sessions after intensive workshops or evening slots as optional perks.
Fridge stocking covers essentials before arrival. Coffee, snacks, and breakfast staples are waiting when your team arrives. Mid-stay cleaning maintains shared spaces throughout multi-day retreats.
Curated local experiences like wine tastings, guided hikes, or hot air balloon rides provide structured activities without requiring your staff to research and coordinate vendors.
Why AvantStay Properties Are Built for Corporate Retreat Success
We manage every property directly, so your team gets the same quality standard across all 2,300+ homes in 65+ markets. Small leadership teams of 12 can book properties with multiple primary suites. Larger offsites needing space for 100+ guests can reserve estates with dozens of bedrooms.
You’ll work with a dedicated trip specialist from our vacation rental management team who matches your team to the right property layout and handles special requests before arrival. The Butler app gives your group 24/7 access to support and service requests without phone tag. Need a private chef or mid-stay cleaning? Request it directly through the app and get a response within minutes, not hours.
Final Thoughts on Finding the Right Space for Your Next Corporate Retreat
Your next retreat doesn’t have to follow the conference hotel playbook. A corporate retreat villa gives you control over the environment, better value for your budget, and space where your team can work and recharge without the constraints of traditional venues. The properties exist, the logistics work, and your team will notice the difference. Start planning now so you get the dates and location that fit your needs instead of settling for what’s left.
FAQ
How far in advance should you book a corporate retreat villa?
Book your villa three to four months before your retreat date for solid selection, but if you’re planning during peak season (May through September) or targeting holiday weekends, start looking six months ahead to secure the best properties.
What’s the real cost difference between a villa buyout and booking multiple hotel rooms?
A $3,000/night villa split among 12 people costs $250 per person with no extra fees for meeting spaces, parking, or resort charges, compared to $400-700 per hotel room per night, plus $500-2,000 daily for conference room rentals.
How many bedrooms do you need for different corporate team sizes?
Leadership teams of 10-20 people fit comfortably in properties with 5-7 bedrooms, while department offsites of 30-50 people need 12-16 bedrooms or multi-villa compounds; book at 70-80% of stated capacity so everyone gets actual beds instead of pullouts.
Can you host confidential strategy sessions at a villa rental?
Yes. When you rent the entire property, you control all access with no other guests, lobby traffic, or adjacent conference rooms, giving your leadership team complete privacy for sensitive discussions about product launches, restructuring, or acquisitions.
What WiFi capacity do you need for a corporate retreat property?
Look for properties that advertise multi-user bandwidth capacity strong enough to handle 20+ people on simultaneous video calls, screen sharing, and cloud collaboration without lag or dropped connections during presentations.
The vacation rental is paid for, everyone’s excited, and then it happens: one person can’t go. Suddenly you’re dealing with angry texts, confused property managers, and a growing bill that nobody wants to split. Knowing when someone drops out last minute means moving fast on the financial piece, getting everyone aligned on next steps, and finding options you probably didn’t know existed when you first booked.
TLDR:
Contact your property manager within 24 hours to check on guest count reductions or transfers to smaller properties without penalties.
Calculate per-person costs immediately and use split-payment tools like Venmo or Splitwise to redistribute expenses based on room assignments.
Screen replacement travelers through direct calls to discuss costs, itineraries, and compatibility before confirming.
Buy trip insurance within 14-21 days of booking to recover 50-75% of costs if future dropouts occur.
AvantStay’s Butler app and 24/7 support team help you modify bookings, adjust payments, and find solutions when group plans change.
Assess the Financial Impact Immediately
When someone drops out, you need to understand the financial picture right away. Pull up every booking confirmation: the vacation rental, flights, car rentals, and any pre-paid activities or restaurant reservations. Make a quick list of what’s refundable versus what’s locked in.
Start with your property booking. Check the cancellation policy and deposit terms. Most vacation rentals have a 60-day cancellation window, but policies vary widely. If you’re inside that window, find out whether reducing the guest count triggers fees or if modifications are possible. A 2025 survey by Amadeus found that 79% of travelers want flexible cancellation policies when booking, which shows why these terms matter when plans shift.
Contact your property manager or host within 24 hours. Ask whether you can reduce the guest count without penalty, if the security deposit will change, and if partial refunds exist for downsizing to a smaller property.
Calculate the per-person breakdown next. If your dropout already paid, determine whether that money covers a non-refundable portion or can be redistributed among remaining guests.
Scenario
Timing
Best Option
Expected Outcome
Dropout 60+ days before trip
Outside cancellation window
Full refund or free modification
Minimal financial impact; easy to find replacement or downsize property
Dropout 30-60 days before trip
Inside cancellation window
Find replacement traveler or redistribute costs
Partial refund possible (25-50%); property transfer may incur fees
Dropout 7-30 days before trip
Late cancellation period
Redistribute among group or file insurance claim
No refund; split $400-800 per remaining guest depending on group size
Dropout less than 7 days before trip
Final payment/check-in approaching
Keep original booking and absorb costs
Zero refund; focus on payment redistribution and using extra space
Medical/family emergency with insurance
Any time with documentation
File trip insurance claim immediately
Recover 50-100% of costs with proper documentation within 30 days
Understand Your Cancellation and Refund Options
Once you know the financial picture, dig into what’s actually recoverable. Refundable bookings give you the most flexibility, but they often cost more upfront. Non-refundable rates lock in savings but leave you exposed when someone backs out.
Travel insurance becomes relevant here. About 25% of all travel insurance claims stem from trip cancellations, showing just how often group plans fall apart. If your dropout has a covered reason like illness or family emergency, file a claim quickly. You’ll need documentation: medical notes from a doctor, death certificates for family emergencies, or employer letters for work-related cancellations.
Standard trip cancellation coverage only pays out for specific, pre-approved reasons. Cancel for Any Reason policies cost 40-60% more but let you recover 50-75% of prepaid costs without proving hardship. Read your policy’s fine print on group bookings, since some insurers treat each traveler separately while others cover the lead booker’s total cost.
Communicate Transparently with Your Group
Tell everyone the same day you find out. Group text, WhatsApp, or Slack work fine for the initial alert, but schedule a 30-minute video call within 48 hours so everyone can react, ask questions, and solve the problem together in real time.
Start by sharing the facts: who’s out, what the financial impact looks like, and which options you’ve already looked into. Keep emotion separate from logistics. You might feel frustrated, but leading with blame creates tension. Instead, frame it as “here’s what we’re dealing with.”
When you discuss money, be direct. Try: “Sarah’s portion was $600. The property won’t refund it, so we need to either split her share among the five of us or find a replacement.” Let people process before pushing for answers.
Take notes during the call. Assign one person to track who agreed to what, then send a written recap within 24 hours. Misremembered agreements cause more conflict than the dropout itself.
Find a Replacement Traveler
Start with people who already know your group. Friends who’ve mentioned joining future trips or those who share similar travel styles make the smoothest additions. When someone already has a connection to at least one person going, group dynamics stay intact.
Use niche online communities that match your trip’s focus. Wine enthusiast groups for Sonoma visits, snowboarding forums for Tahoe weekends, or music festival communities for concert trips. Include exact dates, per-person cost, and what’s covered in your post.
Review your original planning conversations for people who showed interest but couldn’t commit initially. These potential travelers have already expressed compatibility with the group and destination.
Screen replacements with direct conversation. Share your full itinerary, house expectations, and cost details immediately. A brief phone call reveals compatibility factors that messaging can’t capture. Discuss sleep habits, food needs, and preferred activity levels before confirming.
Contact your property management team to update the guest list. Most vacation rentals require legal names and contact information for all guests at least 72 hours before check-in. Confirm the replacement doesn’t exceed maximum occupancy and adjust security deposits if the booking requires individual deposits per guest.
Adjust Your Booking to Accommodate Fewer People
Contact your property manager right away when someone drops out. Explain the situation and ask whether moving to a smaller property saves money. Vacation rental companies handle these modifications regularly, particularly outside cancellation windows.
Ask three key questions: Can you transfer your deposit to a smaller property? What’s the cost difference? Will switching trigger cancellation fees that eliminate savings?
Calculate the actual savings first. If seven people drop to six in an eight-bedroom house at $3,200/night, the per-person difference might not be worth moving to a six-bedroom at $2,800/night once you factor in transfer fees.
Staying put often makes sense. Extra bedrooms become workspace for remote work, private workout areas, or breathing room. The per-person cost changes minimally, and you skip the rebooking hassle.
Redistribute Costs Fairly Among Remaining Travelers
When redistributing costs, start with room assignments instead of splitting everything equally. Someone who reserved a primary suite should carry a different share than two people sharing a bunk room. Weight the dropout’s portion based on the actual space and amenities each remaining traveler uses.
Use Venmo, Zelle, or Splitwise to track adjusted payments. Create one clear transaction thread labeled “Adjusted Trip Cost” or “Sarah’s Share Redistribution” and set a seven-day payment deadline to keep things moving.
If someone can’t absorb the increase, talk privately before bringing it to the full group. Consider payment plans, room swaps to lower their share, or staggered installments that spread the difference across two payments instead of one lump sum.
Keep a shared spreadsheet with each person’s name, original payment, new total, payment method, and confirmation date. Update it as money comes in so nobody second-guesses the math.
Don’t force identical splits when situations vary. The person who invited the dropout or benefits most from their vacated space might volunteer to cover more. Let people offer instead of assigning equal burdens across unequal circumstances.
Consider Trip Insurance for Future Group Travel
Trip insurance stops dropout chaos before it starts. Standard policies cover medical emergencies, family deaths, and documented work conflicts. Cancel for Any Reason coverage costs more but lets anyone exit without proving hardship, recovering 50-75% of prepaid expenses.
Expect to pay 4-10% of your total trip cost for standard coverage and 40-60% more for CFAR. On a $4,000 group vacation rental, that’s $160-400 for basic protection or $224-560 for full flexibility.
Insurance makes sense when booking expensive properties six-plus months out or traveling with people who have unpredictable schedules. With group travel up 21% in Q1 2025, more travelers face these coordination challenges.
Buy coverage within 14-21 days of your initial deposit. Some insurers require every group member to purchase during this window to activate group benefits. Send one email with the insurance provider link, deadline, and coverage details so everyone buys the same policy level simultaneously.
Work with Professional Vacation Rental Management
When someone drops out, professionally managed vacation rentals like AvantStay offer structured support that independent hosts can’t match. You get responsive teams and clear policies instead of waiting on owner replies.
Our Butler app gives every guest access to booking details, check-in instructions, and property information. When someone exits, remaining travelers can manage their portion separately, making payment redistribution straightforward without chasing down login credentials.
Our support team responds within minutes through call, text, or in-app messaging. We’ll review your options: switching to a smaller property, adjusting guest counts, or restructuring payments. We handle group changes regularly and know which modifications stay flexible versus which trigger fees.
Split-payment tools and Affirm installment plans let remaining guests redistribute costs without scrambling for lump sums. Our 60-day cancellation window provides breathing room when plans shift unexpectedly.
Final Thoughts on Last-Minute Group Trip Changes
Dealing with someone dropping out of your group trip tests your planning skills, but it doesn’t have to ruin everything. Transparent communication, flexible property management, and fair cost splits keep your group together and your vacation alive. You’ve got the strategies above to work through changes quickly. The trip you’ve been planning can still happen, just with a few adjustments along the way.
What happens to the security deposit when someone drops out of your group?
The security deposit typically remains unchanged if you keep the same property, since it’s tied to the booking rather than the guest count. Contact your property manager within 24 hours to confirm whether reducing guests affects the deposit amount or if individual deposits are required per person.
How quickly should you tell your group when someone cancels?
Tell everyone the same day you find out, then schedule a video call within 48 hours to discuss financial options and next steps. Quick communication prevents confusion and gives your group time to find a replacement or adjust costs before deadlines hit.
Can you switch to a smaller property after someone drops out?
Yes, but savings often aren’t worth it once you factor in transfer fees and rebooking hassles. Contact your property manager immediately to ask about deposit transfers, cost differences, and cancellation fees—staying in the original property usually makes more financial sense unless the price gap is significant.
When should you buy trip insurance for group travel?
Purchase coverage within 14-21 days of your initial deposit to activate group benefits and qualify for Cancel for Any Reason coverage. Expect to pay 4-10% of your total trip cost for standard protection, which covers medical emergencies and family deaths without requiring everyone to exit.
How do you fairly split costs when someone drops out?
Base the split on room assignments rather than dividing everything equally—someone in a primary suite should pay more than two people sharing a bunk room. Use payment apps like Venmo or Splitwise with a seven-day deadline, and keep a shared spreadsheet tracking each person’s original payment and adjusted total.
