STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Hospitality.FM
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Whether you're on your first property or your 100th, having the right market data is crucial to starting and scaling your short-term rental business. Join Travel Economist Jamie Lane as he provides trusted insights and delves deep into the numbers that drive this multi-billion dollar industry.

  1. Airbnb’s 2026 Product Drop: AI, Hotels & the Future of STR Demand

    1D AGO

    Airbnb’s 2026 Product Drop: AI, Hotels & the Future of STR Demand

    Airbnb is no longer just a marketplace for stays—it’s becoming a fully integrated travel platform. In this special episode recorded live from Airbnb’s 2026 Summer Product Release in San Francisco, Jamie Lane sits down with Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, Dave Stephenson, to unpack what these changes really mean for hosts, property managers, and the broader STR ecosystem. At the center of it all is AI. From personalized listing pages to smarter review insights and improved comparison tools, Airbnb is quietly reshaping how guests discover and book properties. Instead of generic search results, guests are moving toward highly customized experiences—where each listing dynamically adapts to what matters most to them. For hosts, that raises the stakes: the quality, structure, and specificity of your listing data has never been more important. But the bigger story may be Airbnb’s expansion beyond homes. With hotels, services, and experiences now deeply integrated—and a bold 15% hotel credit creating a powerful loyalty loop—Airbnb is building a travel flywheel designed to capture demand at every stage of the journey. The result? More travelers entering the ecosystem, and more opportunities for hosts to win bookings—if they’re positioned correctly. You don’t want to miss this episode. Key Takeaways for Hosts & Operators: AI is reshaping conversion: Airbnb is using AI to personalize search results, highlight specific listing features, and guide booking decisions—meaning optimized listings will outperform more than ever. Your listing is now dynamic: Different guests may see different aspects of your property first (e.g., pool, design, location), so clear, detailed, and well-structured content is critical. Hotels = more demand, not just competition: Airbnb’s hotel push (with a 15% credit incentive) is designed to bring more travelers into the ecosystem—benefiting hosts through increased exposure. The “travel flywheel” is real: With services, experiences, and stays all connected, Airbnb is aiming to own the full trip—keeping users on-platform and driving repeat bookings. Big events still favor STRs: For major demand drivers like the FIFA World Cup, group travel and price-per-person value continue to give short-term rentals a strong edge. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy  ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Dave Stephenson, Chief Business Officer at Airbnb Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-stephenson-856729/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 182

    18 min
  2. STR Market Update: April Trends, Rising Rates & World Cup Demand Surge

    MAY 15

    STR Market Update: April Trends, Rising Rates & World Cup Demand Surge

    What happens when strong travel demand collides with rising costs and global uncertainty? April’s data gives us a clearer picture—and it’s more nuanced than you might expect. In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane and Bram Gallagher break down the latest U.S. short-term rental performance and what it signals for the critical summer season ahead. On the surface, the numbers look solid: ADR growth is outpacing inflation, demand continues to climb, and booking trends remain resilient. But beneath that strength are important signals hosts and operators can’t ignore—elevated inflation, persistent interest rates, and a shifting supply landscape that could reshape competition in the months ahead. The conversation also dives into one of the biggest demand drivers of the year: the upcoming World Cup. While expectations may have started sky-high, the real story is how demand is spreading—not just across host cities, but into nearby “spillover” markets benefiting from longer stays and regional travel patterns. The result? A summer that’s shaping up to be strong—but not without complexity. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways: ADR growth remains a bright spot: Existing operators are seeing ~6%+ year-over-year rate growth—outpacing inflation and signaling continued pricing power. Supply is accelerating (again): New listings are ramping up, especially in World Cup host markets, which could increase competition heading into peak season. Demand is steady—but not explosive: Overall demand is growing, though slightly trailing supply, leading to relatively flat occupancy levels. World Cup impact goes beyond host cities: Nearby and drive-to markets are seeing major “spillover” demand as travelers extend stays and explore multiple destinations. Macro factors still matter: Elevated inflation, high energy costs, and interest rate uncertainty could influence traveler behavior—especially for international bookings. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy  ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Bram on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bram-gallagher/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 181

    25 min
  3. AI Is Rewriting the STR Playbook: From Dashboards to Autonomous Revenue Management

    MAY 7

    AI Is Rewriting the STR Playbook: From Dashboards to Autonomous Revenue Management

    What if the dashboards you rely on today are already obsolete? In this forward-looking conversation, AirDNA CEO Rohit Bezewada joins Jamie Lane to unpack how AI is fundamentally reshaping the short-term rental industry—from how software is built to how hosts operate day-to-day. This episode goes beyond the hype. Rohit breaks down what “AI-native” actually means (and why most tools aren’t there yet), how agents and MCPs are changing the way hosts interact with data, and why the future of STR tech may not live inside traditional platforms at all. The conversation also dives into AirDNA’s latest moves—from launching an AI-powered pricing tool to rebuilding its entire data architecture to support a new generation of decision-making. For hosts, property managers, and investors, the takeaway is clear: AI isn’t just another feature—it’s redefining how you analyze deals, set pricing, and run operations. Those who learn how to leverage it effectively will have a meaningful edge in an increasingly competitive market. You don’t want to miss this episode. Key Takeaways: Dashboards are giving way to AI interfaces: Instead of static reports, the future is dynamic—hosts can query their data directly and get tailored insights instantly through AI agents. “AI-native” tools require more than a chatbot: True AI-native platforms are built across multiple layers—data ownership, normalization, memory/context, model flexibility, and user interface. Most tools today only scratch the surface. Agents are becoming your operational co-pilot: From pricing adjustments to performance tracking, AI agents can handle repetitive, analytical tasks—freeing up hosts to focus on guest experience and hospitality. The STR tech stack is consolidating: Expect fewer point solutions and more all-in-one platforms that combine market data, pricing, listing optimization, and performance tracking into a single ecosystem. Human touch still wins in hospitality: While AI can automate operations and analytics, guest experience remains a key differentiator—personalization and service still drive reviews and repeat bookings. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy  ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Rohit Bezewada, CEO at AirDNA LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rohit-bezewada-3010b48/ ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode180

    38 min
  4. AI Is Changing STRs Fast

    APR 30

    AI Is Changing STRs Fast

    What if the biggest threat to your short-term rental business… is also your biggest opportunity? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with returning guest Mark Simpson to unpack how AI is rapidly reshaping the STR landscape—and what hosts and property managers need to do right now to stay ahead. From London conference “carnage” to real-world AI experiments generating thousands in bookings, Mark shares a front-row view of how operators are no longer just using tech—they’re building it. The conversation dives into the rise of AI-powered workflows, custom-built tools, and “AI chiefs of staff” that can analyze, optimize, and even run parts of your business. The result? A shift from reactive hosting to proactive, data-driven growth. But this isn’t just about automation—it’s about strategy. As OTAs continue to dominate, Mark makes the case that direct bookings aren’t dead—they’re evolving. With AI lowering the barrier to entry, hosts now have unprecedented access to tools that can drive repeat guests, unlock new revenue streams, and personalize guest experiences at scale. The question isn’t whether AI will change your business—it’s whether you’ll adapt fast enough to benefit. You don’t want to miss this episode. Key Takeaways AI is eliminating traditional barriers to growth Lack of time, money, or technical expertise is no longer an excuse—hosts can now build powerful workflows and tools with minimal effort. Direct bookings aren’t dead—they’re entering a new phase With smarter targeting, personalization, and AI-driven outreach, operators can reclaim repeat guests and drive more direct revenue. Your “AI Chief of Staff” is closer than you think By connecting your PMS, CRM, and tools to AI, you can get real-time insights, automate decisions, and run your business more efficiently. The real revenue opportunity goes beyond the stay Upsells, services, and partnerships (like private chefs or local experiences) are becoming critical profit drivers—not just nice-to-haves. Not all AI tools are created equal—buyer beware Many flashy tools are just “AI slop.” Look for real functionality, proven results, and tools that actually integrate into your workflow. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy  ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Mark LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrmarksimpson/        ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 179

    50 min
  5. How AI & No-Code Automation Are Redefining 5-Star Short-Term Rentals

    APR 23

    How AI & No-Code Automation Are Redefining 5-Star Short-Term Rentals

    What if you could guarantee five-star reviews—without being on-site, glued to your phone, or buried in repetitive tasks? In this episode, AirDNA’s Jamie Lane sits down with Sean McGregor, Founder of NoCodeSTR.com to unpack how automation, no-code tools, and AI are transforming what’s possible in short-term rental operations. Sean McGregor helps short-term rental hosts and property managers “Automate the Annoying” parts of their business using NoCode tools, automation, and AI — so they can run leaner, deliver better guest experiences, and get their time back. He’s the founder of NoCodeSTR.com (has hosted over 5,000 groups on Airbnb, and has maintained a 4.98★ rating since 2018. He even offers a 5★ Guarantee — meaning he doesn’t take a commission if a guest leaves anything less than a 5-star review. All while running his business remotely from 40+ countries with his family). Sean shares how he went from manually managing a growing STR portfolio to building fully automated systems that deliver consistent, high-quality guest experiences—even while traveling internationally. By focusing relentlessly on guest satisfaction and eliminating friction through proactive communication, he created a system so reliable that he offered a bold guarantee: no five-star review, no commission. The conversation dives deep into the evolving tech stack—from tools like Airtable and Zapier to AI-powered messaging and custom-built workflows—and what it means for hosts and property managers today. Whether you’re managing one listing or scaling to hundreds, this episode explores how to think about automation strategically, balance tech with hospitality, and unlock new levels of efficiency without sacrificing the human touch. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways for STR Hosts & Managers Automate proactively, not reactively: Anticipate guest needs (like check-in details or local recommendations) before they ask to prevent issues from turning into negative reviews. Use “second-day check-ins” to protect reviews: A simple automated message during the stay can surface problems early—giving you a chance to fix them before checkout. Centralize your data to unlock automation: Tools like Airtable can act as the brain of your operation, connecting bookings, messaging, maintenance, and guest insights. Start small, then layer complexity: Even a basic automation (like sending booking data to a spreadsheet) can spark momentum and lead to more advanced systems over time. Balance AI with human touch: Automate repetitive tasks, but stay personally available for high-touch moments—hospitality still matters. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy  ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Follow Sean on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanmcgregor/ NoCodeSTR.com ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 178

    43 min
  6. March Market Review: Navigating Energy Shocks, Economic Ambiguity, and the World Cup Surge

    APR 16

    March Market Review: Navigating Energy Shocks, Economic Ambiguity, and the World Cup Surge

    How resilient is the short-term rental market in the face of a "camel’s back" economy? In this month's episode of the STR Data Lab, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane and Director of Economics and Forecasting Bram Gallagher peel back the layers of a complex March performance. While headlines grapple with energy price shocks and an ambivalent labor market, the underlying data reveals a sector that is proving remarkably robust. This conversation is essential for any host or manager looking to separate temporary "noise"—like the recent snow drought that skewed seasonal averages—from the long-term trends shaping the summer ahead. From the surprising strength of urban markets like Philadelphia and Chicago to the early booking signals of the 2026 World Cup, Jamie and Bram provide the clarity you need to optimize your rates and expectations for the high season. You don’t want to miss this deep dive into the data driving the next six months of STR performance! Key Takeaways Look Beyond the Headline Occupancy: While national occupancy saw its 10th consecutive month of decline (down 0.3%), the data shows that excluding mountain and lake resorts—which suffered from a massive "snow drought"—occupancy actually increased across all other location types. Monitor Urban Market Resurgence: Urban occupancy is trending upward (up 1%), with cities like Denver, Chicago, and Nashville showing positive growth, signaling a healthy return of business and group travel interest. Prepare for the "Halo Effect" of Major Events: World Cup demand isn't just hitting host cities; markets near national parks and secondary cities like Austin and Buffalo are seeing elevated pacing as international travelers plan extended "once in a lifetime" American tours. Factor in Energy-Driven "Drive-To" Shifts: High energy and gas prices may actually benefit regional "drive-to" markets as travelers recalibrate international flight plans in favor of domestic coastal destinations. Existing Hosts Hold the Pricing Power: While new listings may feel pressure to lower rates, the Repeat Rent Index (RRI) remains strong, suggesting that established operators with high-quality listings are successfully maintaining their pricing power despite inflationary worries.  Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Scott on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 177

    29 min
  7. AI Is Reshaping STR Operations: How One Host Automated 90% of Guest Messaging

    APR 9

    AI Is Reshaping STR Operations: How One Host Automated 90% of Guest Messaging

    What happens when the biggest bottleneck in your short-term rental business—guest communication—gets automated almost entirely? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Jay Ullrich, CEO and Co-founder of HostBuddy AI, to unpack how AI is transforming the way hosts and property managers operate at scale. From missed bookings due to slow responses to overwhelmed virtual assistants, this conversation dives into a pain point every STR professional knows too well—and shows what’s possible on the other side. Jay shares his journey from managing 30+ properties in San Diego to building a tool born out of necessity—one that now handles up to 90% of guest communication automatically. But this isn’t just about saving time. It’s about unlocking better reviews, higher occupancy, and more efficient teams. As guest expectations rise and response times shrink, AI is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s becoming foundational to staying competitive in today’s STR landscape. The conversation also tackles the bigger picture: Are AI tools just “ChatGPT wrappers”? How should operators evaluate new tech? And what does the future look like when automation approaches 100% of guest interactions? Whether you're managing one property or scaling a portfolio, this episode offers a grounded, operator-first perspective on where the industry is headed—and how to adapt. You don’t want to miss this episode! Key Takeaways Speed = Revenue: Responding even an hour late can cost you bookings—AI ensures instant replies and captures demand in real time. 80–90% Automation Is Achievable Today: With the right setup, most guest communication can be fully automated, freeing teams to focus on higher-value tasks. Better Communication = Better Reviews: As AI adoption rises, guest satisfaction scores—especially for communication—are improving across the industry. AI Isn’t Just Support—It’s a Sales Tool: Automated messaging can proactively upsell gap nights and drive incremental revenue that’s often missed manually. Specialization Wins in Tech: The best tools aren’t trying to do everything—they focus deeply on one problem (like messaging) and integrate with the rest of your stack. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Scott on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 176

    50 min
  8. The Future of STR Tech: AI, OTAs, and the Rise of the Operating System

    APR 2

    The Future of STR Tech: AI, OTAs, and the Rise of the Operating System

    What happens when AI, massive tech consolidation, and shifting guest behavior all collide at once? In this episode, Jamie sits down with industry veteran Richard Vaughton who’s seen every cycle of short-term rentals—from early spreadsheets to today’s AI-powered ecosystems. Together, they unpack a rapidly evolving landscape where yesterday’s tools are becoming obsolete, and tomorrow’s winners are being shaped right now. At the center of it all is a fundamental shift: the move from fragmented tech stacks to powerful, enterprise-level “operating systems” that could redefine how property managers run their businesses. Meanwhile, AI is no longer a buzzword—it’s quietly automating pricing, guest communication, and even operations, raising a critical question: what does a property manager actually do in the future? And then there’s the elephant in the room—OTAs. Despite years of pushback and the rise of direct booking strategies, platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com continue to gain ground. With AI entering the search and booking experience, will that dominance strengthen—or finally be disrupted? This conversation explores where the leverage is shifting, and what it means for anyone trying to stay competitive in STR. You don’t want to miss this episode. Key Takeaways: The “Operating System” Era Is Coming: The future of STR tech isn’t dozens of disconnected tools—it’s consolidated platforms that do everything, powered by deep integrations and AI. AI Will Compress Margins (and Headcount): From pricing to guest messaging, AI is rapidly replacing manual workflows—unlocking efficiency, but also increasing competition and driving prices down. Most Tech Startups Won’t Survive: With low barriers to building AI tools, the market is flooding with new solutions—but only a handful will scale. The rest risk being replaced or absorbed. Property Management Is Fragmenting: Full-service models aren’t the only path anymore. Expect more “menu-based” services—where operators pick and choose exactly what they outsource. OTAs Aren’t Going Anywhere (Yet): Despite the promise of AI-driven direct booking, OTAs still win on trust, convenience, and scale—and they’re investing heavily in AI to stay ahead. Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇 https://bit.ly/4j6s6qy ————— Connect with Jamie on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/   Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ————— Connect with Scott on social media LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott ————— Connect with AirDNA on social media: Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co ————— Episode 175

    1 hr
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4.8
out of 5
25 Ratings

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Whether you're on your first property or your 100th, having the right market data is crucial to starting and scaling your short-term rental business. Join Travel Economist Jamie Lane as he provides trusted insights and delves deep into the numbers that drive this multi-billion dollar industry.

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