A long-stay discount is a reduced accommodation rate offered to guests who book for an extended period of time. Instead of charging the standard nightly rate for every night of the stay, a discount is applied once the booking reaches a set minimum length.
Long-stay discounts are commonly used to encourage longer bookings and improve occupancy stability.
How long-stay discounts work
A long-stay discount is typically based on the number of nights booked, not on specific dates or seasons.
For example:
- Stay 7 nights or more → 10% discount
- Stay 14 nights or more → 15% discount
- Stay 30 nights or more → 25% discount
Once the booking meets the minimum night requirement, the discount is automatically applied to the entire stay (or according to the system or channel rules in use).
Why properties use long-stay discounts
Long-stay discounts benefit both you (the property) and the guest.
| For properties: | For guests: |
|---|---|
|
|
When long-stay discounts are most effective
Long-stay discounts are especially useful:
- During quieter or off-peak periods.
- For properties in business hubs or near hospitals, universities, or project sites.
- For self-catering accommodation where guests are comfortable staying longer.
- When attracting digital nomads, contractors, or repeat visitors.
They can be used year-round or combined with seasonal strategies, depending on your pricing approach.
Long-stay discounts vs special rates
A long-stay discount:
- Is automatically triggered by the length of stay.
- Does not require manual rate changes per booking.
- Applies consistently across eligible bookings.
This differs from special or negotiated rates, which are often manually applied, limited to specific guests, or tied to specific dates.
Things to keep in mind
When setting up a long-stay discount, consider:
- Your minimum profitable nightly rate.
- Additional costs such as utilities, linen changes, and maintenance.
- Whether the discount should stack with other promotions.
- How different booking channels display and apply the discount.
Clear communication is important so guests understand why their longer stay offers better value.
In summary
A long-stay discount is a simple and effective pricing tool that rewards guests for booking longer stays while helping properties secure steadier occupancy and reduce operational overhead. When set thoughtfully, it can be a win-win strategy for both hosts and guests.