How to Win in STR Niches: Designing the Ultimate Bachelorette Stay

In this episode of the STR Data Lab, we're diving deep into the world of bachelorette party short-term rentals with two industry leaders. Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, hosts the conversation alongside Vanessa Aguirre, the creative force behind The Femme House and a pioneer in the bachelorette-focused rental space.

Vanessa Aguirre's journey began in 2020 when she noticed a gap in the market. "I realized that a lot of girls go to Nashville for their bachelorettes, but there weren't really any Airbnbs catering specifically to girls' trips or bachelorette groups... That's when we realized we had something by focusing on this niche," she shares, describing the moment that launched her successful venture into experiential stays for groups.

Key Strategies for Bachelorette Party Short-Term Rentals in 2025

The bachelorette party travel segment has evolved significantly since 2020, with guest expectations reaching new heights in 2025. Today's brides-to-be are seeking Instagram-worthy rentals that create memorable experiences for their entire group. This shift represents a fundamental change in how hosts must approach property design and amenities.

Market data from AirDNA's 2025 reports confirms that bachelorette groups remain one of the most lucrative segments in the short-term rental market. Nashville continues to dominate as the top destination, followed closely by Scottsdale, with emerging markets like Austin, Charleston, and Savannah gaining traction. The demand shows no signs of slowing, particularly as millennials and Gen Z continue to prioritize experiential travel for milestone celebrations.

According to Jamie Lane, the beauty of targeting specific groups lies in the focused approach: "With short-term rentals, you only have to sell one unit per night, and if you target a specific group well, you can be the property that gets booked over and over." This philosophy has proven especially effective in 2025's bachelorette Airbnb trends, where properties that cater specifically to these groups command significant premiums.

Designing and Marketing for Bachelorette Groups

In 2025, successful bachelorette party short-term rentals go far beyond basic pink décor. Vanessa emphasizes that "You really have to focus on creating a true experiential stay, especially for bachelorette groups." This means thinking like a bride and anticipating what will resonate with groups celebrating this milestone.

The evolution from simple themed rentals to full experiential properties marks a significant shift in the industry. Where neon signs and colorful paint might have sufficed in 2020, today's properties require thoughtful amenities that serve both functional and social media purposes. Beauty bars have expanded from four-person setups to seven-person installations, while unique features like heart-shaped mini golf courses create those coveted photo opportunities.

"I'm always looking for ways to top my last design, focusing on functionality and Instagram-worthy moments," Vanessa notes. Her latest property innovations include permanent photo backdrops—a direct response to observing guests spending up to $800 on temporary backdrop rentals. This attention to detail and understanding of guest behavior separates successful properties from those merely trying to capitalize on the trend.

Marketing tactics that work in 2025

Social media, particularly TikTok, has become the primary marketing channel for themed short-term rentals in 2025. Vanessa has built a following where "many of my TikTok followers look to me for what's trending," establishing herself as an authority in the bachelorette rental space. This influencer-style approach creates organic reach and builds trust with potential guests who want assurance they're booking a property that understands their needs.

The power of word-of-mouth marketing remains strong in 2025, amplified by social sharing. When bachelorette groups have exceptional experiences, they become brand ambassadors, sharing content that reaches their networks and drives future bookings. This viral potential makes investing in Instagram-worthy design elements and unique amenities a smart marketing strategy that pays dividends long after installation.

Building a recognizable brand around the bachelorette experience has become essential for standing out in competitive markets. Properties need distinct personalities that resonate with their target demographic, from the initial social media discovery through the entire guest journey.

Revenue Optimization and Booking Patterns

Data from AirDNA's 2025 analysis reveals that bachelorette-friendly properties continue to outperform standard rentals significantly. Jamie Lane confirms that "properties identified as bachelorette-friendly generated premiums of 35% more revenue compared to similar-sized listings in the same areas." This substantial revenue advantage justifies the additional investment required for specialized amenities and design.

The booking patterns for bachelorette groups differ markedly from other traveler segments. "The girls who know what they want for their bachelorette tend to book well in advance, typically further out than birthday celebrations, family trips, or girls' trips," Vanessa observes. In 2025, economic factors have slightly compressed booking windows, with groups now reserving properties six months to a year in advance, compared to the year-plus lead times seen in previous years.

Manual pricing strategies often outperform automated tools for this niche, as Vanessa's experience demonstrates. "These groups are willing to pay a premium. For example, if it's a four-bedroom, two-bath property, we can charge more than our neighbor with a similar property because ours is so uniquely themed." This pricing power comes from understanding that bachelorette groups value experience over basic accommodation, making them less price-sensitive than typical travelers.

Upsells, add-ons, and ancillary revenue

While the potential for additional revenue through upsells exists, successful hosts in 2025 are taking a more strategic approach. Vanessa shares her evolution: "I have good partners I recommend to guests and let the vendors handle it. There are definitely opportunities for referrals and commissions." This shift from direct service provision to partnership models reduces operational complexity while maintaining revenue opportunities.

Creative approaches to ancillary revenue continue to emerge. One Nashville property created a themed bus service with bartending staff, offering "a great way to offer something unique and earn additional revenue," as Vanessa notes. These innovations work best when they align with the property's brand and enhance the overall guest experience.

The key to successful add-ons in 2025 lies in understanding what truly adds value versus what creates unnecessary complications. "Installing a beauty bar is actually not that difficult—just a few shelves and mirrors if you have the space. It's practical, functional, and creates a social, Instagram-worthy moment," Vanessa explains. These built-in amenities often provide better returns than managing external vendor relationships.

Operational Considerations and Guest Management

Success in the bachelorette rental niche requires exceptional communication and clear boundaries. "Regardless of who you're catering to, it's important to maintain good relationships with neighbors and set clear communication with guests throughout their stay," Vanessa emphasizes. This proactive approach includes multiple touch points: rule reviews before booking, pre-check-in reminders, and arrival day reinforcement.

Technology plays a crucial role in 2025's guest management strategies. Noise monitoring devices and security cameras help hosts maintain property standards without being intrusive. For bachelorette groups who often hire vendors for services like decorating or catering, establishing clear protocols about external visitors helps prevent issues before they arise.

The emotional investment these guests have in their stay creates unique challenges. "This is really important to these guests, and I match their excitement when communicating with them," Vanessa shares. Understanding that hosts are managing not just a property rental but a milestone celebration helps frame interactions appropriately. As Jamie notes, "When you're charging a premium, your offering has to align with those expectations."

Wear and tear, maintenance, and risk management

Location significantly impacts how properties experience wear and tear. Vanessa's observations reveal important market differences: "In Nashville, our bachelorette house is mostly used as a crash pad—guests spend most of their time out on Broadway. In Scottsdale... guests spend more time at the house, hosting activities like hibachi dinners and yoga classes."

These usage patterns directly affect maintenance needs and operational planning for 2025. Properties in destination-entertainment markets like Nashville may see less intensive use of amenities, while those in Scottsdale or similar markets need robust systems to handle constant activity. Understanding these dynamics helps hosts budget appropriately and set realistic expectations for property upkeep.

Remote hosting has become increasingly sophisticated in 2025. "Hosting remotely forced me to set up solid systems from the beginning. We have local contacts if needed, but the distance helps me avoid getting too involved," Vanessa explains. This systematic approach to remote management ensures consistent guest experiences while maintaining operational efficiency.

Expansion and Market Selection in 2025

While Nashville and Scottsdale remain the dominant markets for bachelorette party short-term rentals in 2025, savvy investors are looking beyond these established destinations. The next tier includes Austin, Charleston, Coachella Valley/Palm Springs, Miami Beach, New Orleans, and Savannah—each offering unique advantages for group travel accommodations.

However, Vanessa advocates for a contrarian approach: "If you can get into a market early and make it a cool destination for girls' trips, that could work well." This strategy recognizes that established markets face increasing competition, while emerging destinations offer first-mover advantages. The key is identifying cities with the right infrastructure—vibrant downtown areas, quality dining and entertainment options, and sufficient housing stock suitable for conversion.

The math supports this approach. "You only need to rent out the property 30 or 40 times a year to do well," Vanessa points out. This relatively low occupancy requirement means properties don't need to appeal to the masses—they just need to become the go-to option for their specific niche in their chosen market.

Lessons learned and advice for new hosts

Success in the bachelorette rental market doesn't just follow a formula. "What sets the successful ones apart is the energy and attention to detail," according to Vanessa. This means approaching the business with genuine enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences, not just maximizing revenue.

The industry's rapid evolution demands constant adaptation. "The wedding and bachelorette industry is very trend-focused, so what was cool a year ago may not be now," Vanessa warns. Successful hosts in 2025 conduct annual content shoots, stay connected with their target demographic through social media, and continuously refine their offerings based on guest feedback and emerging trends.

For those considering entering this niche, Vanessa offers both encouragement and realistic expectations: "It's not just an investment; it's about providing a great experience." She emphasizes the importance of differentiation, noting that simply creating another pink-themed property won't suffice in 2025's competitive landscape. Instead, hosts must identify unique value propositions that justify premium pricing and inspire guest loyalty.

The community aspect also matters. "Let's be friends. It's a small community of pink Airbnbs and bachelorette houses," Vanessa invites, highlighting how collaboration rather than pure competition often benefits niche operators. This supportive network helps hosts stay informed about trends, share best practices, and maintain the high standards that keep the entire category thriving.

As the bachelorette party short-term rental market continues to mature in 2025, success belongs to those who combine data-driven decision-making with genuine passion for hospitality. Whether expanding into new markets or perfecting properties in established destinations, the opportunity remains substantial for hosts willing to go beyond basic accommodations and create truly memorable experiences for celebrating groups.