
STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA
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.
Latest episodes

Oct 3, 2024 • 28min
2024 Summer in Review & What’s Ahead for Fall
In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie and Scott dig into the highs and lows of the summer season and give their predictions for what’s coming this fall.They kick things off by talking about a 4% increase in RevPAR over the summer, even though nearly half of submarkets saw declines. Jamie and Scott remind us that local market trends are key to understanding the bigger picture. August was a standout month, with a 12% boost in demand, thanks in part to the timing of Labor Day. Jamie also highlights the strong growth in hotel demand and how it aligns with the ongoing rise of short-term rentals.The conversation then moves to the impact of recent Fed rate cuts on the STR industry, especially when it comes to 30-year fixed mortgage rates. They also dig into the different challenges and opportunities for STR operators in urban versus rural markets. Looking ahead, they predict stable to slightly positive growth in occupancy for the rest of 2024. Plus, they touch on concerns around Airbnb’s stock performance and how it may not fully reflect the overall health of the industry.The episode wraps up with a preview of upcoming events like VRMA and the Vacation Rental World Summit, along with an update from Jamie on his own short-term rental investment journey “Jamie’s Lane Change”, which you can also follow on AirDNA's YouTube channel.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 101

Sep 26, 2024 • 1h 9min
Celebrating 100 Episodes of STR Data Lab: A Look Back at AirDNA’s Journey with Co-Founders Scott Shatford and Tom Caton
As we hit this 100th episode milestone, we want to take a moment to thank all of our listeners for your support. Whether you’ve been with us from the beginning or joined us along the way, we appreciate you being part of this journey! In this 100th episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie celebrates the milestone by sitting down with AirDNA co-founders Scott Shatford and Tom Caton to reflect on the company’s journey and what lies ahead. They recount the early days, starting with Scott’s 2014 project—a book and website analyzing short-term rentals in Santa Monica. Despite regulatory hurdles, this effort quickly evolved into a key resource for understanding Airbnb listings, laying the groundwork for AirDNA.Tom joined Scott in 2015, forming a business partnership during a sailing trip. From there, they pushed forward to build AirDNA into a powerful data platform, with the development of MarketMinder being a critical turning point. They also discuss the transition from delivering insights via simple PDF reports to creating a comprehensive SaaS platform that continues to shape the short-term rental industry. Throughout the episode, they highlight their decision to bootstrap the company, staying independent of external funding.The episode explores the technical and business challenges they faced, including the complexities of data scraping, adapting to changes in Airbnb’s algorithm, and the massive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the business, Scott and Tom share how they managed stress, balanced luck with hard work, and navigated key decisions that led to AirDNA’s success and eventual sale.Post-sale, Tom has turned his attention to new projects, including developing a murder mystery board game and investigating business fraud. Scott, meanwhile, enjoys traveling and personal hobbies like golf and ping pong, though both hint at possible new ventures in the future.This episode offers a detailed look at how AirDNA grew from a niche idea into an industry-leading platform. You don’t want to miss it! ~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 100

Sep 19, 2024 • 41min
Building a Design-Driven STR Portfolio with Red Cottage CEO Matthew Orley
In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie sits down with Matthew Orley, CEO of Red Cottage, to explore the company’s unique approach to short-term rentals. Matthew shares the story behind Red Cottage, which he acquired two years ago, and explains its focus on design-centric homes in the Catskills and Hudson Valley regions. Red Cottage primarily caters to weekend travelers from New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, with an emphasis on aesthetically appealing properties across various price points.Matthew highlights how Red Cottage provides unique value to homeowners by attracting a distinct clientele and curating listings that stand out in the competitive short-term rental market. He also touches on their impressive direct booking rate and the recent launch of a membership program offering exclusive perks like discounted rates, waived fees, concierge services, and early access to new properties.He explains how the steady demand for weekend getaways in their market helps them manage lower seasonality compared to other vacation destinations. Matthew also reflects on the impact of COVID-19, noting the initial surge in demand followed by market normalization. To stay competitive, he emphasizes the importance of adopting new software, leveraging technology, and building strong partnerships.Matthew also dives into the operational challenges of property management, stressing the need for scalable systems and efficient information management. He wraps up by discussing the future of the property management industry, predicting continued consolidation and professionalization as a response to rising operational costs and the increasing need for advanced tech solutions.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattheworley~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 98

Sep 12, 2024 • 47min
Crafting Memorable Guest Experiences with Tyann Marcink
In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Tyann, the 'Queen of Guest Experience,' to explore the art of guest communication in the short-term rental space. Tyann shares her personal story, reflecting on how clear, consistent communication has been key to her success. From early challenges with math in college to her rise as an industry leader, she brings authenticity and insight to the conversation.Tyann’s journey started in 2007 as a "hobby host," and today, she manages multiple property brands in Missouri, including historical rehabs and purpose-built homes. She also highlights her role at Touch Stay, a digital guidebook platform, explaining how its features elevate guest communication and enhance the overall experience. A recent Touch Stay study involving over 2,000 travelers revealed that guests who receive six or more messages tend to spend 60% more and report higher satisfaction.During the episode, Tyann stresses the importance of tailoring communications for different preferences, utilizing channels like email, text, and even video. She also touches on the finer details of setting up a vacation rental, emphasizing that addressing even small guest concerns can significantly improve their stay.The discussion moves into how evolving technology is meeting rising guest expectations, and how property managers can leverage digital tools to streamline operations. Tyann wraps up with an unforgettable story of a guest accidentally leaving an urn behind—reminding us of the unpredictable, yet rewarding nature of the business. She encourages listeners to connect with her on social media and explore Touch Stay to boost their property’s guest experience.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://tyannmarcink.com/blog/https://x.com/tyannmarcinkhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tyannmarcink/www.touchstay.com~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 98

Sep 5, 2024 • 21min
Top National Parks for Short-Term Rental Investments
In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie and Scott explore the exciting potential of investing in short-term rentals near national parks. They kick things off with a fun conversation about their personal experiences visiting these natural wonders before diving into AirDNA’s latest research.This analysis uncovers the top 10 markets for short-term rentals near national parks, focusing on key metrics like occupancy rates, average daily rates, and home values. Jamie and Scott break down the methodology behind the rankings, explaining how yield serves as a key metric to level the playing field.They reveal the top five national park markets, including New River Gorge, Mammoth Cave, and Joshua Tree, providing insights into why these locations top the list. The episode touches on significant trends such as the surge in national park visits post-pandemic and the rise in unique stays, from cabins to yurts. Finally, they offer actionable advice for potential investors, stressing the importance of understanding peak seasons and leveraging AirDNA's interactive tools to make informed decisions. Jamie wraps up by giving a special shoutout to his colleague, Linda, for her key role in pulling together this comprehensive analysis.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://www.airdna.co/blog/national-park-airbnb-markets~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 97

Aug 29, 2024 • 1h 2min
Data-Driven STR Investing: Expert Tips from Taylor Jones and John Bianchi
In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie is joined by Taylor Jones and John Bianchi, both experts from STR Search, a short-term rental consulting firm that helps people understand Airbnb data to invest with confidence. Together, they explore the intricacies of the short-term rental investment market, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decisions.Jamie begins by sharing his personal experience of purchasing a short-term rental with Taylor and John's help. Taylor provides insights into the advantages of understanding Airbnb data and underscores the importance of ensuring that no unprofitable properties are purchased. John, known as “The Airbnb Data Guy,” elaborates on the core principles of profitability, emphasizing that his courses and services are focused on helping people avoid unprofitable investments.The discussion covers the challenges of navigating the dynamic STR market, including rising interest rates and the increasing difficulty of finding profitable properties. The trio also explores strategies like value stacking, understanding demographics, and incorporating unique amenities to stay competitive. They touch on practical aspects of property underwriting, managing expenses, and maintaining efficient operations to ensure long-term success.The episode concludes with predictions for the STR market’s future, particularly in light of potential economic downturns. Taylor and John stress the importance of strategic thinking and identifying resilient investment areas.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://www.strsearch.com/https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnBianchipointanalytics~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 96

Aug 22, 2024 • 31min
Summer Trends, STR Gains: Analyzing the Olympics Impact and Airbnb’s Q2 2024 Earnings
In this episode of the STR Datalab, Jamie and Scott kick off by discussing their summer experiences and share their favorite Olympic moments, while exploring how the Paris Olympics have influenced the short-term rental industry. The hosts highlight a significant boost in Airbnb listings and demand during the Olympics, driven by an expanded supply in Paris. The episode also unpacks Airbnb’s Q2 2024 earnings report, noting strong growth tempered by concerns over shortening booking lead times and a dip in U.S. guest demand.Jamie and Scott examine the factors behind these trends, including economic uncertainties, upcoming elections, and shifting guest behaviors. Jamie points out a shift toward mobile bookings, with Airbnb increasingly relying on its app, and discusses the strategic partnership between Sonder and Marriott, which underscores evolving strategies in the STR space.They also recap July 2024 STR performance, crediting positive demand growth to peak summer travel while warning of potential market uncertainties ahead. Key metrics like occupancy, average daily rates, and RevPAR are analyzed, revealing growth in urban areas but declining rates in coastal and rural regions. The episode also touches on macroeconomic influences, including recent Fed actions, and how these may shape future STR trends.Jamie wraps up with a forward-looking view, predicting demand growth for August, boosted by an early Labor Day, but expressing caution about rate fluctuations. You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 95

Aug 15, 2024 • 46min
Sustainability and Style: The Bob W Philosophy with Niko Karstikko
In this episode of STR Data Lab, host Jamie Lane sits down with Niko Karstikko, CEO and co-founder of Bob W, a unique hybrid hospitality brand. Niko shares the vision behind Bob W, a concept that blends the best features of hotels and short-term rentals, ensuring branded consistency, high-quality experiences, and a strong connection to local culture.Throughout the conversation, Niko elaborates on the technology-driven approach that reduces human error and enhances responsiveness to guests. He discusses the company's expansion across Europe, their innovative business model combining leases and management agreements, and the strategies that keep them profitable.Niko reflects on his journey into entrepreneurship, recounting the early challenges of gaining trust and forging partnerships with commercial real estate stakeholders. The discussion also touches on sustainability, highlighting Bob W’s commitment to reducing emissions and transparently sharing their impact.The episode concludes with a look at the economic landscape of the hospitality industry and Bob W’s strategic positioning to navigate potential economic downturns. With a unique blend of technology, sustainability, and exceptional customer service, Bob W is set to become a frontrunner in the hospitality sector.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://bobw.co/~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 94

Aug 8, 2024 • 41min
Navigating Urban Profitability & Technology in Short-Term Rentals with Ben Gross
In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane welcomes Ben Gross, CEO of Minty Living, as their first two-time guest. Ben provides an overview of Minty Living, highlighting its growth and technological advancements over the past four years. The conversation explores the challenges and importance of technology in scaling operations in the short-term rental market. Ben discusses the operational complexities and his approach to integrating technology for better efficiency and profitability. They delve into how Minty Living manages to maintain high guest experience scores and operational efficiency at scale. Ben shares insights on handling market changes, regulatory impacts, and macroeconomic forces affecting the industry. The discussion also touches on the challenges of tech-enabled service providers and the build vs. buy dilemma. The conversation shifts to the broader urban short-term rental market, addressing declining RevPAR, supply dynamics, and investor sentiment. Ben elaborates on how he uses data to drive business efficiencies and optimize vendor performance. He also talks about the potential for collaboration with local governments and other vacation rental managers. Ben concludes by reflecting on Minty Living's journey towards profitability and future plans to leverage their findings to help other vacation rental operators. You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://mintyliving.com/https://www.instagram.com/mintyliving~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 93

Aug 1, 2024 • 46min
Unlocking Financial Freedom: Mastering Short-Term Rentals with Michael Elefante
In this episode of the STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane sits down with Michael Elefante, a successful real estate investor specializing in short-term rentals. Michael shares his inspiring journey from aspiring professional baseball player to achieving financial freedom through real estate. They explore pivotal themes like market selection, property and revenue management, and the critical role of design in attracting bookings. Michael offers insights into overcoming initial struggles, the significance of diversifying investments, and leveraging other people's money for expansion. Discussions highlight tools like AirDNA and Airbnb, effective strategies for evaluating property managers, and the impact of social media in scaling his business. The episode also delves into operational tactics, such as dynamic pricing and daily revenue management, along with personal anecdotes on maintaining properties and enhancing guest experiences. He presents practical tips for achieving high rental income and underscores the necessity of adapting to industry changes. Michael's book, 'Investing in Short Term Rentals: The Fast Path to Financial Freedom', gets introduced, along with his optimistic outlook on the future of short-term rentals.You don’t want to miss this episode!~~~~https://www.instagram.com/melefante6~~~~Signup for AirDNA for FREE👇https://app.airdna.co/data ~~~~Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn and Twitter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane ~~~~Connect with Scott on LinkedIn: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott~~~~Connect with AirDNA on LinkedIn, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co ~~~~Find AirDNA at these upcoming events! https://www.airdna.co/events-airdna Episode 92