Skyscraper Views
A desirable feature in short-term rentals, particularly in urban areas, offering panoramic views of the city skyline.
Ski-in/Ski-out
A highly sought-after feature for short-term rentals located near ski resorts, allowing guests to ski directly to and from the property.
Skilled Nursing Facility Proximity
A factor to consider when choosing a short-term rental, especially for guests with elderly family members who may require specialized care.
Sketchup Design
The use of Sketchup, a 3D modeling software, to create virtual tours, floor plans, and visualizations for short-term rental properties.
Skimming Prevention
Measures taken by short-term rental platforms and property managers to prevent credit card skimming and protect guest financial information.
Skirt Hangers
A small but thoughtful amenity that can enhance the guest experience, particularly for those traveling for business or special occasions.
Skylight Ambiance
The natural light and airy feeling created by skylights, which can be a desirable feature in short-term rentals.
Skilled Labor Costs
An important consideration for short-term rental owners, as repairs, maintenance, and renovations often require skilled professionals.
Skim Reading Guest Reviews
A time-saving technique for hosts to quickly identify key issues and feedback from guest reviews.
Skyping with Potential Guests
A personalized way for hosts to screen guests, answer questions, and provide a virtual tour of the property before confirming a booking.
Skilled Negotiation
An important skill for short-term rental owners and managers, particularly when dealing with guest requests, pricing negotiations, and vendor contracts.
Skirt Steak Dinner
A delicious and easy meal idea that hosts can recommend to guests, or even provide as a welcome gift for a special occasion.
Skydiving Experiences
An adventurous activity that hosts can recommend to guests seeking thrills and unforgettable experiences during their stay.
Skilled Photography
The use of high-quality, professional photography to showcase the best features of a short-term rental property in listings.
Skimboarding Lessons
A fun and active experience that hosts can recommend to guests staying near beaches or coastal areas.
Sleeper Sofa
A type of sofa that can be converted into a bed, often used in short-term rentals to accommodate additional guests.
Slow Season
The period of the year when tourist activity and demand for short-term rentals are at their lowest, typically characterized by lower pricing and occupancy rates.
Slatted Bed Base
A type of bed base made of slats (typically wood) that provide support for the mattress and allow for ventilation.
Slate Count
The number of individual slats used in a slatted bed base. A higher slat count generally indicates better support and durability.
Sleep Mask Provisions
Providing sleep masks as an amenity for guests, particularly in short-term rentals where light control might be a factor.
Sleeping Arrangements
The specific configuration of beds and sleeping spaces within a short-term rental, including the number of each bed type and their location.
Sleep Number Bed
A type of adjustable air mattress that allows each sleeper to customize the firmness level on their side of the bed.
Sleigh Bed Frame
A style of bed frame with a curved headboard and footboard, often resembling a sleigh, adding a touch of elegance to the decor.
Slide-Out Sofa
A sofa that converts into a bed by pulling out a hidden mattress platform from underneath the seating area.
Sliding Door Lock
A security measure specifically designed for sliding doors, often involving a secondary locking mechanism to prevent forced entry.
Sliding Scale Pricing
A pricing strategy where the nightly rate for a short-term rental fluctuates based on factors like demand, seasonality, or length of stay.
Slipcover Protection
Using removable and washable covers on furniture like sofas and chairs to protect them from stains, spills, and wear and tear.
Slippers as Amenities
Providing disposable or reusable slippers for guests to use inside the short-term rental, enhancing comfort and hygiene.
Slogan Design
Creating a catchy and memorable phrase or tagline that encapsulates the essence of a short-term rental property and appeals to potential guests.
Slumber Party Package
A curated offering for guests planning a slumber party, typically including amenities like extra pillows, blankets, snacks, movies, and board games.
Sleigh Bed Access
Describing the ease of getting in and out of a sleigh bed, particularly relevant for guests with mobility concerns.
Slow Cooker Availability
Indicating whether a slow cooker is provided as a kitchen amenity, allowing guests to prepare convenient meals during their stay.
Sliver Moon View
Highlighting a partial or distant view of a sliver moon from the property, adding a touch of romance or intrigue to the listing.
Slope-Side Location
Describing a property situated directly on a ski slope, offering convenient access for skiers and snowboarders.
Smart Home Automation
The integration of technology like smart locks, thermostats, and lighting controlled remotely for enhanced guest convenience and property management efficiency in short-term rentals.
Smoke Detector Compliance
Adhering to local regulations and safety standards by installing and maintaining functional smoke detectors in all required areas of the short-term rental property.
Small Business Tax Deductions
Specific tax deductions available to short-term rental owners who operate as a business, such as deductions for property expenses, marketing costs, and insurance.
Smart Lock Integration
Connecting electronic door locks with property management systems to enable remote access control, grant temporary codes to guests, and enhance security.
Smoothing Guest Relations
The proactive practice of anticipating guest needs, promptly resolving issues, and providing exceptional service to ensure a positive experience and foster positive reviews.
Small Claims Court
A legal venue for resolving disputes, typically involving smaller amounts of money, that may arise between hosts and guests, such as property damage or unpaid
Smart Home Devices
Electronic devices that enhance guest comfort and convenience, such as smart TVs with streaming services, voice assistants, or smart lighting systems.
Smart Thermostat Control
Allowing guests to control the property’s thermostat through a smartphone app or smart home system, often within set temperature ranges to prevent excessive energy use.
Smoke-Free Policy
A rule prohibiting smoking within the rental property, including cigarettes, cigars, vaping, and other forms of smoking, to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
Small Appliance Inventory
A detailed list of all small appliances provided at the rental property, such as coffee makers, toasters, blenders, and hair dryers, for guest convenience and
Smithsonian Affiliate Program
A partnership program for museums and cultural institutions, like some short-term rentals in historic properties, offering benefits and potential collaboration opportunities.
Smart Noise Monitoring
The use of devices that detect noise levels exceeding a certain threshold, alerting hosts or property managers to potential noise complaints or parties.
Smoothing Check-In Process
Implementing strategies to make the guest arrival and check-in experience as seamless and stress-free as possible, such as clear instructions, keyless entry, or welcome gifts.
Small Business Insurance
Insurance coverage specifically designed for small businesses, including short-term rental operators, protecting against property damage, liability claims, and other business risks.
Smart Lighting Systems
The integration of smart bulbs or lighting controls that allow guests to adjust lighting ambiance, set schedules, or remotely control lights for energy saving and
Smart Home Security System
An integrated system using technology like sensors, cameras, and alarms to enhance the security of the rental property, deterring theft, and providing peace of mind
Smoke Alarm Requirements
Local regulations and safety standards mandating the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms in short-term rentals to ensure guest safety in case of fire.
Smart Rate Management
The use of dynamic pricing tools and algorithms to adjust short-term rental rates based on factors like demand, seasonality, competitor pricing, and market trends.
Smart Home Entertainment
Providing guests with access to entertainment systems integrated with smart home technology, such as streaming services on smart TVs, voice-controlled music systems, and gaming consoles.
Sneaker Net
A humorous term referring to the transfer of digital information physically, often via USB drive, between properties or to/from a management company, particularly useful in
Snowbird Season
The period, typically during winter months, when people from colder climates travel to warmer destinations for extended stays, often renting vacation properties. This influx significantly
Snapshot Pricing
A pricing strategy where hosts manually adjust their nightly rates based on real-time market factors like demand, competitor pricing, and events, rather than relying solely
Snell Fire Rating
A safety standard for helmets used in various activities, including cycling and skiing, that may be relevant for vacation rentals offering these amenities. Snell-rated helmets
Snit List
A colloquial term for a list of minor complaints or criticisms, often used humorously. In the context of short-term rentals, it might refer to a
Snow Removal Services
Professional services hired to clear snow and ice from driveways, walkways, and other areas of a property. Essential for short-term rentals in snowy climates to
Sneeze Guards
Protective barriers typically made of plexiglass or similar material, often used in breakfast areas or common spaces of short-term rentals to minimize the spread of
Snorkeling Gear
Equipment provided for guests to enjoy snorkeling, commonly offered in short-term rentals located near bodies of water.
Snowmobile Access
Proximity or availability of trails and routes suitable for snowmobiling, a feature often highlighted in listings for rentals in snowy regions.
Snack Basket
A thoughtful welcome amenity provided to guests upon arrival, typically containing a selection of snacks and drinks.
Sole Proprietorship
A simple business structure where the individual owner and the business are considered a single entity for tax and legal purposes.
Soundproofing
Implementing measures to minimize noise transfer between units or from outside sources to ensure a peaceful stay for guests.
Source Market
The geographic location or demographic group from which the majority of bookings for a short-term rental originate.
Software Integration
Connecting different software applications, such as property management systems, channel managers, and accounting software, to automate tasks and streamline operations.
Sold-Out Dates
Dates on which a short-term rental property is fully booked and unavailable for reservations.
Solo Traveler
An individual who travels and stays in accommodations alone, often seeking unique experiences and personal growth.
Sophisticated Design
An interior design style characterized by elegance, refinement, and attention to detail, often featuring high-quality furnishings and a neutral color palette.
Southern Hospitality
A warm, welcoming, and gracious approach to hosting, often associated with the Southern United States, emphasizing personalized service and genuine care for guests.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
A cloud-based software distribution model where applications are hosted by a third-party provider and accessed by users over the internet. Commonly used for property management
Sole Occupancy Clause
A clause in a lease agreement that specifies the maximum number of guests allowed to stay in a short-term rental property.
Sound Ordinance
Local regulations that limit noise levels in residential areas, often impacting short-term rentals and requiring hosts to implement noise mitigation strategies.
Spa Amenities
Luxury additions to a short-term rental property that enhance relaxation and rejuvenation, such as hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, or massage services.
Special Events Policy
Guidelines outlining the terms and conditions for hosting events like parties, weddings, or gatherings at a short-term rental, often including restrictions, fees, and liability waivers.
Split-Level Home
A type of house design where the floor levels are staggered, typically with a few stairs separating each section, offering a unique layout for a
Spot Cleaning
Targeted cleaning between guest stays that focuses on specific areas of the property requiring immediate attention, such as spills, stains, or high-traffic zones.
Spring Break Season
A peak travel period in many destinations, typically during March and April, when students and families often take vacations, influencing pricing and demand for short-term
Space Optimization
Strategically designing and furnishing a rental property to maximize usable space and create a sense of openness, especially important in smaller properties.
Speaker System
A setup of speakers, often including a subwoofer, providing high-quality audio throughout the rental, enhancing guest entertainment options.
Special Occasion Bookings
Reservations made for events like birthdays, anniversaries, or small gatherings, often requiring additional services or amenities from the host.
Special Offers
Limited-time discounts or packages offered to attract guests, especially during low seasons or to fill last-minute bookings.
Specific Needs Travelers
Guests with particular requirements like accessibility features, family-friendly amenities, or pet-friendly accommodations.
Speed Cleaning
An efficient and rapid cleaning process between guest stays, ensuring a quick turnaround time for the rental property.
Spending Habits
The typical spending patterns of target guests in a specific market, influencing pricing strategies and amenity offerings.
Spiral Staircase
A type of staircase with a central supporting pillar and steps radiating outwards, often found in unique or architecturally interesting properties, but may pose accessibility
Split Payments
An option allowing guests to divide the total booking cost into multiple installments, often used for larger bookings or longer stays.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Collaborating with local businesses or brands to provide guests with exclusive discounts or experiences, enhancing the rental’s appeal and generating additional revenue streams.
Sports Equipment
Providing guests with access to items like bicycles, kayaks, surfboards, or other sports gear, enhancing their experience and catering to active lifestyles.
Spreadsheet Software
Tools like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets used for managing bookings, tracking expenses, and analyzing financial performance of the rental business.
Sprinkler System
An automated watering system for lawns and gardens, especially important in warmer climates, ensuring property maintenance and curb appeal.
Spa Tub
A self-contained or built-in tub that provides a therapeutic bathing experience, often featuring jets, heated water, and various massage settings. A desirable amenity in short-term
Spatial Design
Refers to the strategic use of space within a short-term rental to optimize flow, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. It considers factors like furniture arrangement, traffic
Square Footage
The measurement of a property’s usable living space, expressed in square feet. This is a crucial factor for determining listing prices and accommodating guest capacity.
Square Payments
A popular payment processing platform often integrated with property management software, enabling hosts to accept credit card payments and manage transactions securely.
Sqft
An abbreviation for square feet, commonly used in real estate listings and property descriptions to denote the size of a space.
Sqft Pricing
A pricing strategy for vacation rentals based on the total square footage of the property, often used as a starting point for determining nightly rates.
Squeaky Clean
A term used to describe a vacation rental that is exceptionally clean and sanitary, often exceeding guest expectations.
Sqs Message Queue
A service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS) that allows for the decoupling of applications and services. In the context of short-term rental management, SQS