Short Term Rental Glossary For Airbnb & Vrbo

Ayurvedic Tea Selection

Providing guests with a variety of herbal teas based on Ayurvedic principles, offering options for different times of day and specific health benefits.

Ayurvedic Lifestyle Guide

Creating a guidebook for guests with information on Ayurvedic principles, local wellness resources, and tips for incorporating Ayurvedic practices into their daily lives.

Azure AI

Microsoft’s cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) platform that provides tools and services for building intelligent applications, including those for short-term rental management.

Azure IoT Hub

A cloud-based service from Microsoft Azure that connects, monitors, and manages Internet of Things (IoT) devices, potentially useful for automating tasks in smart short-term rentals.

Azure Functions

A serverless compute service in Microsoft Azure that enables developers to run code on-demand without managing infrastructure, applicable to building scalable solutions for short-term rental

Azure Cosmos DB

A globally distributed, multi-model database service by Microsoft Azure that can handle the data needs of large-scale short-term rental platforms.

Azure Active Directory

Microsoft’s cloud-based identity and access management (IAM) service that can be used to manage user access and permissions for short-term rental management systems.

Azure Machine Learning

A cloud-based service in Microsoft Azure for building, training, and deploying machine learning models, potentially used for price optimization and guest behavior analysis in short-term

Azure Cognitive Services

A set of APIs from Microsoft Azure that provide AI capabilities for vision, speech, language, and decision making, applicable to enhancing guest experiences in short-term

Azure Bot Service

A service in Microsoft Azure for building, deploying, and managing conversational AI bots that can interact with guests on short-term rental platforms.

Azure Maps

A location-based services platform by Microsoft Azure that can be integrated into short-term rental applications to provide maps, location search, and routing.

Azure Virtual Network

A service in Microsoft Azure that allows users to create isolated and secure network environments in the cloud for deploying and managing short-term rental applications.

Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS)

A managed Kubernetes service in Microsoft Azure for deploying and scaling containerized applications, suitable for building robust and scalable short-term rental platforms.

Azure SQL Database

A fully managed, relational database service in Microsoft Azure that provides scalability and security for storing and managing short-term rental data.

Azure Monitor

A comprehensive monitoring service in Microsoft Azure that provides insights into the performance, availability, and security of short-term rental applications and infrastructure.

Azure Security Center

A unified infrastructure security management system in Microsoft Azure that helps protect short-term rental data and applications from threats.

Azure Backup

A cloud-based backup service from Microsoft Azure that can be used to protect short-term rental data from loss or corruption.

Azure DevOps

A suite of tools and services from Microsoft Azure for planning, developing, and deploying software applications, including those for short-term rental management.

Azure Policy

A service in Microsoft Azure that enables organizations to define and enforce policies for managing resources, including those related to short-term rentals.

Azure Resource Manager (ARM)

A deployment and management service in Microsoft Azure that enables users to manage infrastructure and applications as a single unit, useful for managing short-term rental

Azure Cost Management

A set of tools in Microsoft Azure that provide visibility into cloud spending and help optimize costs, relevant for managing expenses associated with short-term rentals.

Booking Calendar

A digital calendar used to track reservations, availability, and pricing for short-term rentals. It helps hosts manage multiple listings and avoid double-bookings.

Booking Engine

Software that allows guests to search for, book, and pay for short-term rentals directly on a host’s website. It streamlines the booking process and reduces

Booking Lead Time

The amount of time between when a guest makes a reservation and the actual check-in date. Understanding booking lead time helps hosts forecast demand and

Booking Request

An inquiry from a potential guest to reserve a short-term rental for specific dates. Hosts can choose to accept, decline, or send a special offer

Brand Awareness

The level of recognition and familiarity that potential guests have with a short-term rental brand. Building strong brand awareness can increase bookings and command premium

Business License

A legal permit required by many local governments to operate a short-term rental business. Obtaining the necessary business licenses ensures compliance with local regulations.

Business Travel

A growing segment of the short-term rental market, catering to professionals traveling for work. Business travelers often prioritize amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi and workspaces.

Boutique Property Management

A type of short-term rental management company that specializes in managing a smaller number of high-end or unique properties, often providing personalized services.

Back-to-Back Bookings

When a new guest checks in immediately after the previous guest checks out, resulting in no vacancy between reservations.

Bathroom Amenities

Essential toiletries and supplies provided in the bathrooms of short-term rentals, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, toilet paper, and towels.

Beacon Technology

A form of local area wireless technology that allows mobile devices and other electronics to perform actions by being in close proximity to a beacon.

Bed Configuration

The arrangement and types of beds available in a short-term rental, including the number of each size (e.g., king, queen, twin).

Benchmarking

The process of comparing the performance of a short-term rental property against competitors or industry averages to identify areas for improvement.

Blackout Dates

Specific dates on the booking calendar when a short-term rental property is unavailable for reservation, often due to owner use or maintenance.

Booking Abandonment

When a potential guest begins the booking process but leaves the platform or website before completing the reservation.

Booking Confirmation

An official notification sent to the guest and host confirming the reservation details, including dates, rates, and house rules.

Booking Curve

A visual representation of the booking pace for a short-term rental property, showing the time between when reservations are made and the actual stay dates.

Booking Fee

A charge added to the rental rate by the platform or property manager to cover the cost of processing the reservation.

Booking Window

The period of time during which guests can make reservations for a short-term rental property, often extending several months into the future.

Business Traveler

A guest who is traveling for work-related purposes, often seeking accommodations for short-term stays and prioritizing convenience and amenities that cater to their professional needs.

Bbb Rating

A rating given to businesses by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) based on their trustworthiness and performance. A good BBB rating can increase guest trust

Bleisure Travel

A travel trend combining business and leisure, where travelers extend their business trips for leisure purposes.

Blind Booking

A booking method where the guest books a property without knowing its exact location or seeing photos, often at a discounted rate.

Block Booking

The reservation of multiple units or rooms within a property for a specific period, typically done by large groups or event organizers.

Bluetooth Speaker

A portable speaker that connects wirelessly to devices like smartphones and laptops using Bluetooth technology, often provided as an amenity in short-term rentals.

Blu-ray Player

A device that plays Blu-ray discs, offering high-definition video and audio, sometimes included in short-term rentals for guest entertainment.

Blender

A kitchen appliance used to blend food and drinks, frequently provided in short-term rentals with kitchens for guest use.

Block Scheduling

A feature on booking platforms allowing hosts to block off specific dates or periods on their calendars when their property is unavailable.

Blogging

Creating and publishing written content online, often used by short-term rental businesses to share travel tips, promote properties, and engage with potential guests.

Blackout Period

A specific timeframe, often during peak seasons or special events, when short-term rental hosts may restrict bookings or implement minimum stay requirements.

Black-Out Curtains

Window treatments designed to block out light, often provided in bedrooms of short-term rentals to ensure a good night’s sleep for guests.

Blanket

A large piece of fabric used as bedding for warmth, typically provided in short-term rentals to ensure guest comfort.

Blend In

The concept of a short-term rental property blending seamlessly into the local neighborhood and community, minimizing any disruption or negative impact on the surrounding residents.

Blended Travel

A travel style combining elements of business and leisure trips, such as extending a work trip for sightseeing or adding personal days to a conference.

Bloom Filter

A space-efficient probabilistic data structure used in some booking platforms to quickly check if an item (like a specific date) is likely to be part

Bluetooth Lock

A type of smart lock often used for keyless entry in short-term rentals. It allows guests to unlock the door using their smartphone or a

Blurred Lines

Refers to the increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape surrounding short-term rentals, where the lines between traditional hotels, B&Bs, and short-term rentals are becoming less

Bms (Building Management System)

A computer-based system used in large buildings like apartments or condos to control and monitor building services like HVAC, security, and energy management. For short-term

Bmt (Business Mix Travel)

A type of travel that blends business and leisure, with travelers extending business trips for leisure purposes or incorporating leisure activities into their work trips.

Bmw (Brand Messaging Worksheet)

A document used to define and articulate a brand’s core message, values, and personality. For short-term rental hosts, a BMW helps create a consistent brand

Bmb (Brand Management Basics)

The fundamental principles and practices of building, managing, and promoting a brand, especially relevant for short-term rentals seeking to establish a unique identity and attract

Bmc (Brand Message Clarity)

The ability to communicate the unique value proposition, personality, and benefits of a short-term rental property clearly and concisely to potential guests.

Bmd (Brand Message Development)

The process of crafting compelling and consistent messaging that accurately reflects the brand identity and resonates with the target audience for a short-term rental.

Bme (Brand Management Expertise)

Specialized knowledge and skills in building, managing, and promoting brands, which can be valuable for short-term rental owners seeking to optimize their online presence and

Bmf (Brand Management Framework)

A structured approach to managing a brand, including defining brand values, identifying target audiences, developing brand messaging, and measuring brand performance, applicable to short-term rental

Bmg (Brand Message Guidelines)

A set of rules and recommendations for maintaining consistency in brand voice, tone, and style across all communication channels for a short-term rental, ensuring a

Bmh (Brand Message Hierarchy)

A system for prioritizing and organizing key brand messages to ensure the most important information is communicated effectively to potential guests, guiding their perception of

Bmi (Brand Management Importance)

The significance of strategically managing a short-term rental’s brand to differentiate from competitors, attract ideal guests, build loyalty, and ultimately increase bookings and revenue.

Bmj (Brand Message Justification)

The process of providing evidence or rationale to support the chosen brand messages for a short-term rental, ensuring they are credible, relevant, and resonate with

Bmk (Brand Message Keywords)

Specific words and phrases that capture the essence of a short-term rental’s brand and resonate with potential guests, used strategically in marketing materials and online

Bml (Brand Message Localization)

The adaptation of brand messaging to suit the cultural nuances, language preferences, and expectations of specific target markets, particularly relevant for short-term rentals targeting international

Bmm (Brand Message Mapping)

A visual representation of how different brand messages connect to specific target audiences, customer needs, and marketing channels, providing a clear roadmap for communicating effectively

Bmn (Brand Message Narrative)

A compelling story that communicates the essence of a short-term rental’s brand, connecting with potential guests on an emotional level and creating a memorable experience.

Bmo (Brand Message Optimization)

The ongoing process of refining and improving brand messaging for a short-term rental based on data analysis, guest feedback, and market trends to ensure maximum

Bmp (Brand Message Platform)

A centralized document or system that outlines the key brand messages, guidelines, and assets for a short-term rental, ensuring consistency and clarity in all communication

Bmq (Brand Message Quality)

The overall effectiveness and impact of a short-term rental’s brand messaging in terms of clarity, consistency, relevance, and ability to resonate with the target audience.

Bmr (Brand Message Research)

The process of gathering insights and data about the target audience, competitive landscape, and market trends to inform the development and refinement of effective brand

Booking Abandonment Rate

The percentage of potential guests who initiate a booking process on a short-term rental platform but do not complete it.

Bounce Rate

In website analytics, the percentage of visitors who leave a website after only viewing one page.

Body Content

The main text within a listing description or message, excluding headings, bullet points, and calls to action.

Booking Management

The process of handling reservations, including inquiries, confirmations, cancellations, and guest communication.

Booking Platform

An online marketplace that connects travelers with short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb, VRBO, or Booking.com.

Booking Rules

Specific criteria set by hosts regarding booking requirements, such as minimum stay length, check-in/check-out times, and cancellation policies.

Booking Seasonality

The fluctuation in demand for short-term rentals throughout the year, influenced by factors like holidays, events, and weather patterns.

Booking Software

A digital tool that automates and streamlines various aspects of short-term rental management, including bookings, payments, and communication.

Booking Trends

Emerging patterns and shifts in traveler behavior and preferences related to short-term rental bookings.

Bottom Line

The ultimate profitability of a short-term rental business, considering all income and expenses.

Booking Velocity

A measure of how quickly a short-term rental property receives bookings over a given period. A higher velocity indicates strong demand.

Board of Directors

A group of individuals elected by a company’s shareholders or members to oversee the management and governance of the company, including short-term rental operations.

Bottom-Up Pricing

A pricing strategy where the cost of expenses like cleaning, utilities, and maintenance are calculated first. Then, the desired profit margin is added to determine

Bpa (Business Process Automation)

The use of technology to automate repetitive tasks in short-term rental management, such as guest communication, booking management, and cleaning scheduling.

Bpb (Business Process Benchmarking)

The process of comparing a short-term rental business’s performance against industry best practices and competitors to identify areas for improvement.

Bpc (Business Process Consulting)

Professional services offered to short-term rental operators to optimize their business processes, improve efficiency, and increase profitability.

Bpd (Business Process Design)

The creation and implementation of efficient and effective workflows for managing various aspects of a short-term rental business, from guest inquiries to check-out.

Bpe (Business Process Engineering)

The analysis, redesign, and implementation of fundamental business processes within a short-term rental operation to achieve significant improvements in performance.

Bpf (Business Process Framework)

A structured set of guidelines, methodologies, and best practices used to manage and standardize various processes involved in operating a short-term rental business.

Bpg (Business Process Governance)

The system of rules, policies, and procedures that ensure the consistent and effective execution of all business processes related to a short-term rental operation.