In this episode of STR Data Lab, Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, sits down with Jonah Hanig, CEO of Rove Travel, to discuss the evolution of short-term luxury rentals, the challenges of managing boutique home rentals, and how private villa rentals are reshaping the premium hospitality space.

Jonah shares how his experience living in Airbnbs during the pandemic exposed a gap in the market for consistent, high-end rental experiences. This led to the creation of Rove Travel, a company focused on providing luxury home rentals with a hotel-level experience.

As New York City’s midterm rental laws tighten, Rove Travel has expanded into high-end markets like southeast Florida, the Hamptons, New York, and Aspen, Colorado, developing a brand that guarantees quality, service, and exclusivity.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• How Rove Travel ensures consistency across short-term luxury rentals
• The key differences between boutique home rentals and luxury hotels
• How high-end travelers’ expectations shape private villa rentals
• The importance of branding and service in the luxury STR market
• Strategies for expansion into high-end short-term rental markets

Episode Highlights

The Birth of Rove Travel: Bridging the Gap in Luxury STRs

Jonah Hanig’s inspiration for Rove Travel came from his own experiences living in Airbnbs during the pandemic. While some properties exceeded expectations, others fell short due to poor maintenance, inconsistent service, and misleading listings.

This lack of brand consistency in the short-term rental market led Jonah to develop a company that curates high-end properties and ensures five-star service for luxury travelers.

Rove Travel began in New York City but quickly expanded to other high-end vacation destinations that appeal to their clientele.

Luxury STRs vs. High-End Hotels: What Sets Rove Travel Apart

Unlike standard vacation rentals, short-term luxury rentals operate in direct competition with high-end hotels. Rove Travel differentiates itself by offering privacy, space, and exclusivity while maintaining hotel-quality service.

Jonah explains that travelers choosing a private villa rental over a hotel expect:

• Impeccable property quality – Every home must meet Rove’s strict design and maintenance standards
• Top-tier amenities – From central heating and AC to luxury furnishings
• Personalized service – A 24/7 concierge team handles guest requests, from dinner reservations to private chefs

Rove Travel competes with luxury hotels while offering a more private and personalized experience by meeting these expectations.

Boutique Home Rentals: Why Service & Consistency Matter

One of the biggest challenges in boutique home rentals is maintaining consistency across properties. Unlike hotels, where guests expect uniform experiences, luxury STRs vary significantly.

Jonah emphasizes that Rove Travel ensures high service levels by:

1. Selecting only investment properties – They do not manage primary residences, ensuring homes are always guest-ready.
2. Conducting strict quality assessments – Each property is reviewed based on design, functionality, and luxury features.
3. Providing in-house management – Unlike many STR companies that rely on third-party managers, Rove handles guest support and issue resolution internally.

These factors help Rove Travel deliver a seamless luxury experience, setting it apart from traditional STR platforms.

Expansion Strategy: How Rove Travel Chooses New Markets

As Rove Travel expands beyond New York, Jonah shares how they identify high-value locations for short-term luxury rentals.

Factors influencing market selection include:

• Guest demand trends – Identifying where high-net-worth travelers prefer to stay
• Homeowner overlap – Many of Rove’s existing property owners own multiple luxury homes in different markets
• Regulatory environment – Focusing on cities with clear midterm and short-term rental laws

This strategy has led Rove Travel to expand into the Hamptons, Aspen, and Miami, where demand for private villa rentals continues to grow.

Marketing & Distribution: How Luxury STRs Attract High-End Guests

Attracting luxury travelers requires a different marketing approach than traditional STRs. While platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are still valuable, Jonah explains that direct bookings and concierge partnerships play a bigger role in luxury STRs.

Rove Travel’s marketing strategy includes:

• Targeted SEO for boutique home rentals – Competing in specific high-end markets rather than trying to rank nationally
• Social media and influencer marketing – Leveraging luxury travel influencers to showcase their properties
• High-end direct booking platform – Rove Travel’s custom booking system ensures guests receive a premium, hotel-like experience

Rove Travel builds long-term brand loyalty by focusing on direct relationships with high-end travelers.

Challenges in Luxury STRs: Maintaining Service Excellence

Luxury travelers expect flawless service, making guest experience management a critical component of short-term luxury rentals.

Jonah shares some of the biggest challenges Rove Travel faces:

1. Property readiness – Ensuring homes meet high-end standards before guests arrive
2. Guest problem resolution – Quickly handling issues like maintenance requests or unexpected disruptions
3. Owner expectations – Balancing homeowners’ revenue goals with guest satisfaction

Rove Travel invests in strong customer service teams and ensures each home is meticulously inspected before every stay to overcome these challenges.

Key Takeaways for Luxury STR Operators

1. Luxury guests expect consistency – Ensure every home meets high-end standards before listing it.
2. Service is just as important as the property – A 24/7 concierge team can set your business apart.
3. Expand strategically – Enter markets where demand and supply align with luxury traveler expectations.
4. Marketing should target high-end guests – Focus on SEO, direct bookings, and social media partnerships.
5. Quality control is key – Regular property inspections and guest feedback loops ensure continuous improvement.

Conclusion: The Future of Short-Term Luxury Rentals

The luxury STR market continues to evolve, and Rove Travel is at the forefront of setting new industry standards. They bridge the gap between boutique home rentals and five-star hotels by focusing on high-end service, premium properties, and a seamless booking experience.

As more travelers seek private villa rentals with hotel-quality amenities, the demand for curated luxury experiences will only grow. Jonah’s insights offer valuable lessons for investors and hosts looking to enter or expand in the high-end STR market.