Many Airbnb hosts wonder: Should I offer discounts for long stays?
While longer bookings reduce turnover costs, they also lock in your property at a lower rate for an extended period.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons of long-stay discounts and how to decide if it’s the right strategy for your Airbnb in Cambridge.
1. Understanding Long-Stay Discounts on Airbnb
What Are Long-Stay Discounts?
✅ Weekly Discounts – Applied to stays of 7+ nights (common for business travelers & remote workers).✅ Monthly Discounts – Applied to stays of 28+ nights (popular with students, corporate guests & relocations).✅ Custom Length Discounts – Hosts can set unique discounts for specific time frames.
Why Airbnb Promotes Long Stays
📈 Airbnb ranks listings higher if they offer discounts for extended stays.📈 Travelers looking for work-from-anywhere options book longer stays.📈 Lower turnover means less admin, fewer cleanings, and reduced guest communication.
2. The Pros of Offering Long-Stay Discounts
✅ 1. Consistent, Predictable Income✔️ No gaps in bookings = steady cash flow.✔️ Reduces reliance on last-minute reservations.
✅ 2. Lower Operational Costs✔️ Fewer turnovers = less cleaning & laundry expenses.✔️ Fewer guest interactions = less time spent on messaging & check-ins.
✅ 3. Attracts Business Travelers & Digital Nomads✔️ Cambridge’s tech industry, science parks, and university bring corporate guests needing month-long stays.✔️ Remote workers prefer discounted long-term stays over hotels.
✅ 4. Reduces Seasonality Risks✔️ Long-stay bookings fill low-season gaps when tourist demand drops.✔️ Helps balance income year-round instead of relying on peak seasons.
3. The Cons of Offering Long-Stay Discounts
❌ 1. Lower Nightly Rate = Less Revenue Potential✖️ Offering a 30% discount for monthly stays might lock you into a lower rate when demand increases.✖️ Could miss out on higher short-term profits during peak seasons.
❌ 2. Less Flexibility for Pricing Adjustments✖️ You can’t adjust rates once a guest books a long stay.✖️ If market rates rise (e.g., during Cambridge University graduations), you could be stuck with a lower-paying guest.
❌ 3. Higher Wear & Tear on Your Property✖️ Long-term guests treat an Airbnb more like a rental home rather than a hotel.✖️ Utilities, furniture, and appliances see more usage, increasing maintenance costs.
❌ 4. Potential for Airbnb Squatter Issues✖️ In some regions, guests staying over 30 days gain tenant rights, making it harder to remove them.✔️ Solution: Avoid long stays over 28 days unless you understand local tenancy laws.
4. When Should You Offer Long-Stay Discounts?
Best Situations for Long-Stay Discounts:
✅ During Low Season – When short-term demand is slow, a long booking keeps income flowing.✅ For Business & Corporate Rentals – Stable income from professionals who respect the space.✅ If You Prefer Hands-Off Hosting – Less cleaning, fewer check-ins, and easier management.
When to Avoid Long-Stay Discounts:
❌ Peak Seasons – Cambridge summer tourism, university graduations, major conferences.❌ If You’re Trying to Maximize Revenue – Higher-paying short stays can be more profitable.❌ If You Want More Flexibility – Can’t adjust rates once a long-term guest books.
5. How to Set the Right Long-Stay Discount
Smart Pricing Strategies:
✅ Offer a small weekly discount (5-10%) to encourage longer stays without cutting profits.✅ Keep monthly discounts between 15-30% (depending on demand & seasonality).✅ Use dynamic pricing tools (PriceLabs, Beyond Pricing) to adjust discounts based on demand.
Pro Tip:
Test different discount rates and analyze which one brings the best mix of occupancy & revenue.
6. Why Professional Airbnb Management Can Help You Decide
✅ Custom pricing strategies to balance long-stay discounts with short-term profits.✅ Data-driven pricing adjustments for maximizing revenue.✅ Guest screening & local law expertise to avoid long-term rental risks.✅ Cambridge Stays specializes in optimizing Airbnb income while reducing host stress.
Conclusion
Long-stay discounts can be a great strategy—but only if used wisely.
Balancing short-term profits with long-term occupancy ensures the best returns.
For hosts unsure if long-stay discounts are right for them, Cambridge Stays offers expert property management and pricing optimization.
🚀 Not sure if long-stay discounts are right for you? Let us manage your Airbnb and optimize your pricing for maximum earnings!
📞 Contact Cambridge Stays today to start maximizing your Airbnb profits!
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