How AI is Reshaping the Short-Term Rental Industry in 2025

strofsanantonio
Sep 12
3 min read

Insights from Hostaway’s 2025 STR AI Report

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic buzzword—it’s quickly becoming a tool short-term rental (STR) hosts can’t afford to ignore. Hostaway’s 2025 industry report surveyed 500 STR owners and property managers, and the results show a major shift: AI is transforming everything from pricing to guest communication and operational efficiency.

Let’s break down the key findings and what they mean for San Antonio hosts.

AI Adoption Is Booming

Just six months ago, over half of STR professionals said they hadn’t used AI—or weren’t sure if they had. Now:

70.1% say they are actively using AI
61.8% believe it provides a competitive advantage

This shows how fast our industry is evolving. Whether you manage one casita in King William or 20 houses across San Antonio, AI is already built into many tools you rely on—and it’s helping hosts gain an edge.

Top Ways Hosts Are Using AI

Hosts and managers are putting AI to work in practical, everyday areas:

Price Optimization: 41.4% use AI for dynamic pricing
Marketing: 30.1% create ads, posts, and campaigns with AI tools
Chatbots & Guest Messaging: 29.7% use AI-driven communication tools

While nearly 30% of hosts are not using AI at all, those who are say it saves time and boosts efficiency.

Time is Money: AI’s Biggest ROI

Over 35% of hosts said AI saves them at least two hours per week—equal to four full workdays a year. For operators with 26+ properties, that jumps to 46.6%.

What do hosts do with that extra time?

37.6% grow their business
28.5% enjoy more personal time
24.9% enhance the guest experience

What About Cost Savings?

So far, the payoff is mostly in time, not dollars:

66.2% reported no direct cost savings
33.8% did see financial benefits (mostly larger operators)

Still, the time savings alone make AI worth exploring.

Impact on Occupancy? Still Unclear

76.8% of hosts said they weren’t sure—or saw no change—in occupancy rates from AI tools. Interestingly, smaller-scale hosts were more likely to see positive booking impacts.

The takeaway: AI may not fill your calendar by itself, but it can free you up to focus on the strategies that do.

Tools Hosts Are Using

No surprise here:

97.5% of respondents have used ChatGPT (free or paid)
Only 18% have tried STR-specific AI tools—but that’s expected to rise

Concerns Still Exist

STR professionals are cautious:

64.8% doubt AI can build genuine human connections
54.4% don’t trust AI with complex guest complaints
32.5% have ethical or privacy concerns

Even so, 75.9% of respondents remain “highly” or “cautiously” optimistic about AI’s future in STRs.

What AI Can’t Do (Yet)

Hosts were clear:

Build genuine human connection
Handle nuanced guest issues
Capture local market “flavor”
Earn guest trust

For San Antonio hosts, that’s key. Guests still want warm hospitality, personal touches, and the local character that makes our city special. AI can streamline, but it can’t replace the human side of hosting.

Looking Ahead

AI isn’t going away. Early adopters are already reaping benefits, and tools will only get better. The sweet spot is automation with authenticity—letting AI handle repetitive tasks so you can focus on creating memorable guest experiences.

Final Thoughts for STRASA Hosts

If you haven’t explored AI yet, start small:

Use ChatGPT to polish your listings or draft guest replies
Try a dynamic pricing tool with AI features (such as PriceLabs, Beyond, or Wheelhouse)
Experiment with chatbot integrations for faster guest messaging

Remember—AI is a tool, not a replacement. The magic of San Antonio STRs is still the human connection: our hospitality, our culture, and our unique properties.