5 Common Mistakes Short-Term Rental Owners Make (And How to Fix Them Fast)
💡 If your STR (short-term rental) isn’t getting the bookings—or the reviews—you expected, you’re not alone.
I see it all the time.
Owners invest in the location, maybe even some nice furniture, but the bookings are trickling in, and the space just isn’t standing out. What’s going wrong?
✨ Good news: It’s usually not the space itself—but how you present it.
Here are the top 5 mistakes STR owners make (and how to fix them without blowing your budget).
1. Bad Photos = Bad First Impressions
In today’s scroll-happy world, your listing photos are the make-or-break moment.
Mistake:
Grainy, dim, or cluttered photos turn guests off instantly—no matter how nice the space might be IRL.
Fix It:
Hire a professional photographer who specializes in interiors (trust me, it’s worth every penny). Before the shoot, make sure the space is styled, decluttered, and staged to showcase the vibe you want guests to feel.
📸 Pro tip: Style the space as if it’s your boutique hotel. Details matter.
2. Style? What Style?
Mistake:
Trying to play it “safe” by decorating with only neutrals and generic pieces. The result? A forgettable, blah space that gets scrolled past.
Fix It:
Create a mood, story, and vibe. Whether it’s Mid-Century Modern, Boho Luxe, or Cozy Cottage—lean into it! Guests book experiences, not just square footage.
🎨 Your space should make people feel something.
3. Skimping on the Small Touches
Mistake:
Generic towels, cheap bedding, no welcome basket, no local flavor = a “meh” guest experience.
Fix It:
Upgrade your basics: plush towels, quality sheets, and thoughtful extras like local snacks or a custom guidebook turn your rental into a “must-return” spot.
🛋️ Small touches = 5-star reviews.
4. DIY Styling Gone Wrong
Mistake:
Trying to decorate, source, and stage everything yourself. This often leads to mismatched styles, underwhelming spaces, and wasted money.
Fix It:
Bring in a pro (that’s me 👋🏽). I help STR owners source stylish, guest-ready pieces and create cohesive, profitable spaces with my The Vintage Refresh™ Package—without the overwhelm.
💡 Professional staging isn’t just for houses—it’s a game-changer for STRs, too.
5. Thinking Like a Landlord, Not a Brand
Mistake:
Listing your STR like it’s just a house, not an experience.
Fix It:
Treat your rental like a boutique hotel brand. From your photos to your guest touchpoints to your design choices—every detail should feel intentional, styled, and guest-focused.
🎯 Brand your space. Guests will pay more, stay longer, and recommend it.
Ready to Turn Your STR into a Booked-Out Beauty?
If you’re tired of guesswork and want a stress-free, stylish, and guest-ready STR that gets booked out—I'm here to help.
🎯 Let’s refresh your space the right way (without blowing the budget).
DM me “REFRESH” or visit Empty Table Interiors to learn more about our STR Styling & The Vintage Refresh™ Package.