New data from Localbird shows that guests plan and purchase most additional experiences before arriving at their accommodation – Higher spending at premium properties
The interest of short-term rental guests in additional experiences is expressed mainly before their arrival at the property, according to new data from digital concierge platform Localbird.
In particular, 74% of experience bookings are made before check-in, according to the State of STR Experiences 2026 report, which is based on an analysis of more than 7,500 experience bookings in the US, Mexico and Costa Rica, during the period from July 2025 to June 2026.
The data shows that guests who choose higher-value services, such as private chefs, boat charters and guided tours, tend to make their bookings considerably earlier.
According to Localbird, this trend highlights the importance of communication with guests already during the pre-arrival stage. Property managers can therefore reach guests at a time when they are still planning their holiday itinerary and budget.
Higher spending at more expensive properties
Demand for additional services is particularly high among guests staying at properties priced at least $500 per night.
In this category, 44% of guests interacted with a digital concierge, while 18% completed a booking. Average spending on experiences reached $1,000 per stay.
By contrast, at properties priced below $100 per night, 35% of guests used or interacted with the concierge service, while only 4% proceeded with a booking.
More expensive services within the property
The comparison between services provided within the property and those taking place outside it is also particularly interesting.
Services offered at the property itself recorded an average order value 27% higher than experiences taking place outdoors or at other locations.
A characteristic example is private chef services, for which the average booking value reached $464.
Transportation has the highest booking volume
Transportation services accounted for 39% of all experience bookings, making them the largest category by volume. However, they contributed just 18% of total revenue, highlighting the difference between the number of bookings and the average transaction value.
They were followed by adventures and land-based tours, with a 16% share of bookings, water activities at 13% and vehicle rentals at 9%.
In terms of guest profile, families accounted for 31% of interactions with a digital concierge, while groups of at least five adults accounted for 24%.
“The experience starts from the moment of booking”
“The guest experience does not start at check-in. It starts from the moment someone hits ‘book’,” said Ben Levy, co-founder and CEO of Localbird.
The report’s findings therefore show that, for short-term rental managers, the period before arrival is not simply a stage for informing guests, but also a significant opportunity for additional sales and increasing revenue per stay.
