In today’s competitive short-term rental market, raising your nightly rate isn’t always the smartest strategy.
Platforms like Airbnb and Booking are highly price-sensitive. Even small changes can impact:
- Occupancy rate
- Listing visibility in the algorithm
- Conversion rate
So the essential question becomes:
👉 How can you increase short-term rental revenue without compromising occupancy?
The answer lies in upsells in short-term rentals.
Key Takeaways
- Upsells in short-term rentals allow you to increase revenue without changing your base nightly rate.
- Guest add-ons raise the average booking value without affecting platform algorithms.
- A structured strategy helps maximize Airbnb revenue consistently.
- Technology-driven property management is essential to execute upsells professionally.
What Are Upsells in Short-Term Rentals?
Upsells are paid additional services that guests can add after confirming their booking.
Common examples include:
- Parking space
- Breakfast service
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Baby crib or high chair
- Pet fee
- Extra cleaning
- Hot tub or premium amenities
These guest add-ons increase the total value of a stay without altering the published nightly rate.
Why Raising Prices Isn’t Always the Best Solution
When you increase your nightly rate:
- You may lose competitiveness compared to similar listings
- Occupancy can drop
- Algorithm positioning may be affected
When you implement upsells instead:
- Your base price remains competitive
- Only guests who value the service pay extra
- Your ranking is not negatively impacted
- Your average revenue per stay increases
In short:
👉 You protect occupancy
👉 You improve profitability
How to Maximize Airbnb Revenue Strategically
To truly maximize Airbnb revenue, you must look beyond pricing alone.
Imagine a property with:
- 100 bookings per year
- An average stay value of €450
If you generate just €30 in additional services per booking, that results in:
+€3,000 per year
Without raising prices.
Without increasing occupancy risk.
Without changing your core revenue strategy.
In premium properties or central locations, this impact can be significantly higher.
The Problem: Add-Ons Without Structure Don’t Work
Many property owners already offer extra services, but they manage them manually:
- Through private messages
- Via bank transfers
- Without organized records
- Without clear financial control
The result?
- Missed payments
- Lack of traceability
- Lost revenue
- An unprofessional operation
For upsells in short-term rentals to truly work, they require process and technology.
Technology-Driven Property Management Makes the Difference
At Host Wise, upsells are not improvised.
We developed an internal solution that integrates:
- Reservation data
- Add-on selection
- Secure online payment
- Automatic transaction records
- Structured financial control
Each booking can access a simple, secure system where guests add services in just a few clicks.
No friction.
No duplication risk.
No parallel processes.
This integration between operations and technology transforms upsells into a consistent strategy to increase short-term rental revenue.
In addition to property-based services, the platform can also integrate complementary services from strategic partners — such as private transfers or luggage solutions — increasing the perceived value of the stay without compromising the owner’s revenue structure.
Upsells Are Not Just Revenue — They Improve the Guest Experience
Guest add-ons are not only about increasing revenue.
They also enhance perceived professionalism and comfort.
When guests can:
- Secure parking before arrival
- Confirm early check-in
- Arrange additional services in advance
They experience greater convenience and predictability.
This often leads to:
- Better reviews
- Higher satisfaction
- Increased likelihood of repeat bookings
Profitability and reputation go hand in hand.
Smart Profitability Is Different from Higher Prices
Professional short-term rental management is not simply about charging more.
It is about:
- Strategic revenue management
- Efficient operational structure
- Integrated proprietary technology
- Maximizing revenue per booking
Upsells in short-term rentals are one of the most effective ways to increase profitability without sacrificing occupancy or competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Upsells in Short-Term Rentals
What are upsells in short-term rentals?
Upsells are paid additional services that guests can add to their booking, increasing the total stay value without changing the base nightly rate.
Do upsells affect Airbnb ranking?
No. Because upsells do not change the published nightly rate, they do not directly impact listing ranking or price comparison algorithms.
How much additional revenue can upsells generate?
It depends on the property and location, but even €20–€40 per booking can represent thousands of euros in additional annual revenue.
Is it safe to charge for add-ons online?
Yes — provided there is a structured system with integrated payments, automated records, and financial control. Professionalization is essential to avoid errors and duplication.
Can every property implement upsells?
Not every property has the same potential. A professional management company analyzes location, guest profile, and property type to define the most strategic add-ons.
Want to Increase Your Property’s Revenue?
If you want to:
- Increase short-term rental revenue
- Implement structured upsells
- Maximize Airbnb revenue
- Work with a technology-driven property management company
Get in touch with Host Wise and discover your property’s full potential.
Other blog posts that may interest you:
How do you optimize the prices of a vacation rental? PriceLabs
The Most Valued Amenities by the Guest
Discover How to Increase your Vacation Rental Revenue by More Than 30%