Canary in the coal mine?

[Steve Miller]

Data set of one here, although Ohio (bless its name and the tater tots that sustain it) is considered a bellwether for the nation as a whole.

Our AirBnb bookings have dropped to zero new bookings this month. No youth sports teams, no family reunions, no fishing tournament groups, no weddings. No planned trips to Cedar Point or the big water park. The summer has a few bookings but nothing like last year and no one even inquires about kitchen facilities, boat launches or activities. We cater to big family groups and they’re not booking this year.

Crickets.

Could it be that the middle class (our bread and butter) has shut down to wait and see? Sure looks like it. Hotel reservations, generally the choice of the upper class, appear to be holding, (we own no hotels but know some who do) but our business appears to have evaporated. Seems odd, because we offer a superior family experience at a much lower price, but maybe some people like to have their rooms made up every day.

No worries for us, please. We’ll be fine, as AirBnb revenue is a small part of our regular income. It is really strange, though, and I wonder about the trajectory of the economy as a whole.

What do you think we’re seeing?

[Mik]

I don't know, but you might be right.

However, unless you are staying in a Four Seasons or a Ritz Carlton, don'
t expect daily room servicing. Even if you ask for it.

[Rontuner]

Are you also on VRBO? I remember reading of people wanting to avoid AirBnb for political reasons.

[Steve Miller]

Yes. We’re on both

[ShiroKuro]

@Steve-Miller wow, that’s kind of disconcerting.

Could it be that the middle class (our bread and butter) has shut down to wait and see? Sure looks like it.

Yep, it could be just that people are not planning early, and if things are “ok” (whatever that means) summer travel won’t be very different, just that reservations will be delayed.

But if things are “not ok,” then those reservations may never materialize.

I have no idea, but I think a lot of people have a sort of unspoken feeling of dread, and so it seems very likely to me that the “wait and see” approach is going to guide a lot of discretionary activities.

[pique]

Could it be particular to your area? I have to book a rental property frequently in Missoula, and it seems like open dates are even scarcer, earlier, than is typical. Either reservations are booming or a lot of properties were taken off the platforms. I use both AirBnB and VRBO.