Slow Season is coming up! What’s next?
In the world of short-term rentals and vacation rentals, one of the biggest challenges is seasonality. Demand naturally rises and falls throughout the year depending on location, weather, and traveler trends. Owners often worry that their properties will sit empty during the “off-season” — but that’s where a skilled management company makes all the difference.
At Roav Retreats, we manage properties across Spokane, Coeur d’Alene, and Palm Springs — three markets with very different seasonal rhythms. Palm Springs hums with visitors from fall through spring but slows in the summer heat. Spokane and Coeur d’Alene, on the other hand, shine in the warmer months but quiet down in the winter. Because we operate in these contrasting markets, we understand how to navigate the highs and lows to keep bookings steady and revenue flowing.
Dynamic Pricing That Adapts Daily
We don’t take a “set it and forget it” approach. Using PriceLabs dynamic pricing integrated with our property management system, we adjust rates daily to stay competitive. During peak months, this means maximizing nightly rates. In slower months, it means carefully lowering prices just enough to attract bookings without leaving money on the table.
Tailored Promos and Minimum Stay Tweaks
We run promotions and flexible minimum stays to appeal to the types of guests traveling during slower months. Sometimes that’s reducing minimum nights to capture weekend getaways. Other times it’s increasing them to attract longer stays, which helps cut down on turnover costs and stabilize occupancy.
Targeting Mid-Term Guests: Nurses & Relocations
One of the strongest strategies we’ve deployed is leaning into mid-term rentals during off-seasons. We actively pursue bookings from travel nurses, relocation services, and professionals on extended stays. These guests often stay for weeks or months at a time, filling what might otherwise be empty winter or summer calendars.
Market Expertise Across Different Seasons
Because we manage across multiple markets with opposite peak seasons, we’ve built a playbook for shifting demand. While Palm Springs is quiet in July, Spokane and Coeur d’Alene are buzzing with lake trips and outdoor adventures. And when those Pacific Northwest markets slow down in the winter, Palm Springs enters high season. We’re constantly learning from each market and applying those insights to maximize performance year-round.
Performance That Stands Out
While we can’t guarantee specific numbers, our systems, strategies, and local expertise often allow us to outperform other listings in the market by 20–100%. For our owners, that means better occupancy in tough months and stronger overall returns over the course of the year.
The Bottom Line for Owners
Slow seasons are part of the short-term rental business, but they don’t have to mean empty calendars or stressed-out owners. With smart pricing, targeted promotions, mid-term rental strategies, and deep local expertise, we consistently turn seasonal challenges into opportunities. Our goal is simple: to maximize your property’s performance and protect your investment, no matter the season.
