Upsell Ideas for Short-Term Rental Hosts

As a short-term rental host, providing a memorable guest experience is always a top priority. But did you know there are several ways to enhance that experience while boosting your income at the same time? By offering thoughtful, convenient upsells, you can provide added value to your guests and create new revenue streams for yourself. Whether you're hosting through Airbnb, Vrbo, or any other platform, upselling additional services or products can help maximize your profits.

Here are some creative and effective upsell ideas that can elevate your guest experience and grow your earnings:

1. Early Check-In and Late Check-Out

One of the simplest and most popular upsells is offering early check-in and late check-out. Many guests, especially those with early flights or tight travel schedules, appreciate the flexibility to arrive earlier or leave later. Charging a small fee for this convenience is a win-win—guests get the extra time they need, and you benefit from an easy upsell that doesn't require much additional effort.

How to Offer It:

• Set a fixed fee for early check-in or late check-out based on your availability.
• Advertise these options during the booking process or closer to the guest's arrival and departure dates.

Why It Works:
This upsell caters to guests’ need for flexibility, making their stay more convenient while generating additional income without requiring significant extra work from the host.

2. Orphan Night Discounts

An "orphan night" refers to a single night between two bookings that may be harder to fill. Instead of letting that night go vacant, offer it to your guests at a discounted rate. By giving your current guests the option to extend their stay, you can increase occupancy and avoid the hassle of cleaning and preparing the property for a new guest the next day.

How to Offer It:

• Identify orphan nights in your booking calendar.
• Offer the night at a discount as an add-on during the guest’s stay.

Why It Works:
It turns an otherwise unused night into additional income while offering guests a lower price for an extended stay. Guests are more likely to appreciate the discount and book the extra night.

3. Mid-Stay Cleaning

Staying in a rental property for several days or weeks can sometimes get messy. Offering a mid-stay cleaning service is a fantastic way to keep your space in top condition while providing your guests with extra comfort. A clean and tidy home is particularly appealing to families or longer-term guests who may prefer a fresher environment halfway through their stay.

How to Offer It:

• Offer a cleaning service mid-way through longer stays for an additional fee.
• Present it as an optional add-on when guests book or as a service they can purchase during their stay.

Why It Works:
It enhances the guest’s experience while helping you maintain the property’s cleanliness without the burden falling entirely on your guests.

4. Fruit Basket or Welcome Hamper

A small gesture like offering a fruit basket or welcome hamper upon arrival can make your guests feel appreciated and well taken care of. By upselling this service, you can provide an added touch of luxury while earning extra revenue. You can offer a basic basket with fresh fruit or premium hampers with wine, snacks, or even locally sourced products for a more upscale feel.

How to Offer It:

• Curate a few different options based on guest preferences (e.g., a fruit basket, a bottle of wine, or a family-friendly snack pack).
• Present this upsell as part of the booking process or in pre-arrival communications.

Why It Works:
Guests love starting their stay with something special, and it gives them an immediate positive impression of your hospitality. This upsell also allows you to highlight local or artisanal products from the area, giving guests a taste of the local culture.

5. Late-Night Snacks or Mini-Bar Service

If your guests arrive late at night, they may be too tired to go out and find food. Offering a late-night snack basket or even a mini-bar service can be a lifesaver for those weary travelers. Include things like instant noodles, chocolates, or a selection of drinks for convenience.

How to Offer It:

• Stock a few ready-to-eat items and charge a fixed fee for late-night snacks or beverages.
• Offer it in advance or as an option during the guest’s stay.

Why It Works:
Late-night hunger can strike unexpectedly, and guests will appreciate the convenience of having snacks readily available without needing to leave the property.

6. Airport Transfers or Local Transportation

Many travelers appreciate the convenience of organized transport, especially when they’re arriving in an unfamiliar city. By offering airport transfers or partnerships with local transportation services, you can take some stress off your guests' travel plans while earning additional income.

How to Offer It:

• Partner with a local transportation company or driver to offer airport pickup/drop-off services.
• Include it as an optional add-on during the booking process.

Why It Works:
It’s a service that can save your guests time and hassle, especially for international travelers unfamiliar with local transit options.

7. Private Tours and Experiences

For hosts in tourist-heavy locations, offering exclusive local tours, experiences, or event tickets can be an excellent upsell. This is especially true for guests who may not be familiar with the area and want a curated experience. From guided tours of local attractions to cultural experiences like pub crawls or desert safaris, these upsells can enhance the guest’s stay.

How to Offer It:

• Partner with local tour guides or experience providers to offer exclusive deals.
• Promote these experiences in your property’s listing or through post-booking emails.

Why It Works:
Guests are often willing to pay for a curated experience that takes the stress out of planning their own activities, and you can capitalize on your local knowledge.

How to Implement Upselling Seamlessly

Upselling may seem like extra work, but it doesn’t have to be. By offering these services and products in a professional, organized way, you can make the process seamless for both you and your guests.

Platforms like Hostup make it easy for hosts to implement upsells with minimal effort. Hostup offers short-term rental hosts personalized e-commerce storefronts where they can showcase upsells like early check-in, late check-out, mid-stay cleaning, and more. The best part? Hosts don’t have to worry about inventory management or fulfilling the upsells themselves—Hostup handles it all. This means you can increase your revenue while giving your guests access to high-quality services without any added stress.

Final Thoughts

Upselling is an excellent way for short-term rental hosts to provide value while boosting their income. Whether it’s offering early check-in, a mid-stay cleaning, or an extra night at a discounted rate, these upsells make guests feel more comfortable and cared for during their stay. Implementing upsells through a platform like Hostup can make the process even easier, allowing you to focus on creating a great guest experience while growing your income with minimal effort.

Try incorporating a few of these upsell ideas and watch how they enhance your hosting business with Hostup.