We are looking to expand our listings on other booking sites. We currently use Guesty for our PMS, and I have noticed there are many options, but I'm not sure if it's even worth it. Has anyone had success or issues using other booking platforms besides VRBO and Airbnb? I know both dominate the market, and most guests use either one when booking places to stay.
One thing I’ve learned after operating short-term rentals in Florida for years is that most new hosts focus almost entirely on revenue projections… while massively underestimating operations, regulations, and guest experience.
The properties that usually perform best for us aren’t necessarily the biggest or most expensive. It’s often the properties with:
-better parking
-easier beach access
-strong outdoor spaces
-layouts that work well for groups
-fewer HOA restrictions
-easier maintenance
I’ve also seen a lot of people buy properties based on optimistic AirDNA numbers without fully understanding:
-local STR ordinances
-insurance costs
-flood zones
-minimum stay restrictions
-permitting requirements
-operational workload
Honestly, the operational side is what surprises most people the most.
Things like:
-HVAC issues during summer
-pool maintenance
-guest communication
-cleaner coordination
-dynamic pricing
-damage claims
-storm prep
-turnover timing
…become a full system pretty quickly.
I started putting together a free Pinellas STR investing & hosting guide based on lessons learned from actually owning and managing properties locally because I kept seeing newer hosts make the same expensive mistakes.
Happy to share it with anyone researching the market or getting started.