How to Build Local Partnerships for a Short-Term Rental

February 11, 2025

Your short-term rental will attract guests with its location, design, and amenities. But, overall potential guests are looking for the experience your STR will provide for them. By collaborating with nearby businesses and service providers, you not only support your local community but also add value to your guests' stay, making them more likely to leave positive reviews and return in the future. But, where do you start?

Here’s how to build and leverage local partnerships effectively.

1. Identify Local Businesses and Services

Start by identifying businesses nearby your property that align with your guest demographics and enhance their stay. For instance, The Rosé House partners with Hampton Water to provide their guests with the ultimate winery experience in Niagara on the Lake, Ontario.

Depending on your guest avatar, consider partnering with:

Restaurants and Cafés
Tour Operators
Wineries and Breweries
Wellness and Spa Services
Local Artisans and Shops
Transportation Services

2. Offer Exclusive Perks and Discounts

Once you’ve identified potential partners, negotiate exclusive deals for your guests. This should be positioned as a win-win situation: the business you’re partnering with will gain new customers, and you will enhance your rental’s appeal.

Some ideas include:

Special discounts for guests who show their booking confirmation.
Complimentary appetizers or drinks at partner restaurants.
VIP access to local events or attractions.

3. Cross-Promotion and Marketing

In short, you want to leverage mutual promotion to maximize exposure.

To do this, consider:

Featuring partners in your welcome guide
Social media collaborations
Email marketing (if you maintain an email list with past guests’ email addresses)

4. Create Unique Guest Experiences

Work with partners to design unforgettable guest experiences that make your property stand out.

Examples include:

A local food tasting experience featuring regional cuisine
Exclusive city tours customized for your guests
Personalized shopping experiences with a local boutique owner
Private events at your property

For instance: The Rosé House has a partnership with @YouandIpaint, offering guests a special paint & sip package when they book a stay at the property.

5. Support Local Events and Festivals

Engaging with community events can drive traffic to your property while boosting your local reputation.

Consider:

Sponsoring or participating in local festivals, markets, or charity events
Hosting pop-up events in collaboration with local vendors
Offering accommodation discounts for event attendees

6. Build Strong Relationships with Your Partners

Successful partnerships thrive on trust and mutual benefit.

Maintain good relationships by:

Regularly communicating and checking in with your partners
Sending referrals their way and encouraging guests to leave reviews
Offering incentives for partners who send guests to your rental

7. Monitor and Adjust Your Partnerships

Track the success of your collaborations by asking guests for feedback and monitoring referral traffic. If a partnership isn’t delivering value, reassess and adjust your approach. At the end of the day, your property is your business and it should be treated as such. There’s no shame in backing out of a partnership that’s no longer serving you!

Final Thoughts

Building strong local partnerships can turn your short-term rental or boutique hotel into a sought-after destination. By integrating local businesses into your guest experience, you create a more personalized and memorable stay while strengthening your community ties. Start networking today and watch your rental’s reputation and profitability grow!