The short-term rental market is moving fast, and by 2026, traveler expectations are sharper than ever. Guests don’t just want a stay — they want seamless tech, personalized touches, and unique spaces that align with their values. If your STR feels a step behind, bookings will slip to properties that keep pace.
Here’s what the 2026 guest really wants, what they don’t, and what makes them click “book now.”
What Guests Want in 2026
Seamless Tech & Smart Stays
Fast Wi-Fi is just the baseline. In 2026, guests expect smart home features like app-based climate control, voice-activated lighting, and even AI-powered concierge suggestions for dining or activities.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Touches
Eco-conscious travel is no longer a niche. Composting bins, refillable toiletries, water filters instead of plastic bottles, and visible sustainability commitments stand out to 2026 guests — especially Millennials and Gen Z families.
Wellness-First Amenities
Post-pandemic wellness habits are sticking. Guests seek stays with yoga mats, cold plunges, saunas, or even quiet meditation corners. Properties that tie wellness into the experience see higher repeat bookings.
Multi-Generational & Group-Friendly Spaces
More families are traveling together across generations. STRs that provide bunk rooms, kid-friendly furniture, AND private corners for adults are highly attractive. Bonus points for stroller storage or baby gear.
Pet-Plus Perks
By 2026, it’s not just about being pet-friendly — it’s about being pet-forward. Expect demand for fenced yards, dedicated wash stations, or partnerships with local pet services.
Local Immersion
Guests want to feel less like tourists and more like locals. Properties that offer curated digital guides, local discounts, or unique partnerships (think: a farm tour or private chef dinner) win trust.
What Guests Don’t Want
Clunky Tech
Nothing frustrates a traveler faster than a “smart” system that doesn’t work. Guests don’t want six remotes, buggy apps, or confusing check-in instructions. Tech should be intuitive.
Generic Listings
A cookie-cutter condo with beige walls won’t cut it in 2026. Guests crave spaces with personality, design flair, and Instagrammable corners.
Poor Transparency
Guests are tired of hidden fees, unclear cancellation policies, and misleading photos. By 2026, trust will be your #1 currency.
Overcomplicated Rules
Excessive checkout chores (“strip all the beds, mow the lawn, write a haiku”) turn guests away. Simplicity and fairness matter.
What Makes Them Book in 2026
Contactless Convenience
From smart locks to automated guest messaging, 2026 guests want smooth, flexible arrivals and departures.
Curated Personalization
Guests love when properties anticipate their needs: a stocked fridge for families arriving late, or birthday balloons waiting for a celebration weekend. Small touches = big impact.
Photo-Ready Design
Your listing photos are still your strongest asset. In 2026, design-driven spaces with natural light, modern décor, and creative photo stations get shared — and rebooked.
Trustworthy Reviews
In a crowded market, authenticity sells. Properties with consistent, detailed 5-star reviews — not just star ratings — inspire confidence and bookings.
At Lumos Host, we help STR owners design spaces and systems that attract this new wave of travelers. From digital guest guides to upsell automation, we’ll position your property for the bookings of tomorrow.
