Edition No. 60
September 6, 2026
Everything the short-term-rental business needs to know today.
Also filed
- Host Life
Vacation rental hosts evaluate benefits of mid-term stays
Vacation rental hosts are increasingly considering mid-term rentals to optimize their booking calendars. According to lodging platform Lodgify, shifting to mid-term stays can help property managers fill seasonal gaps. The company advises hosts to analyze who books these medium-length stays and how the strategy affects overall occupancy and operational management.
- Crackdown
Oak Bluffs town meeting to vote on short-term rental bylaw
A new short-term rental bylaw is heading to the Oak Bluffs town meeting. According to reports from the Vineyard Gazette, local officials and residents will vote on the proposed regulations. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions regarding the impact of vacation rentals on the community's housing supply and seasonal economy.
- The Money
Capital One Shopping introduces targeted rebate for Vrbo bookings
Capital One Shopping has launched a new targeted promotion for travelers booking vacation rentals. According to Upgraded Points, eligible users can receive $100 back after spending $350 or more on the Vrbo platform. The incentive represents a significant discount for users targeted by the financial institution's shopping portal.
- Crackdown
Vermont town receives delayed short-term rental report
A Vermont town received a critical short-term rental report a month later than expected. According to the Vermont Community Newspaper Group, the municipality paid $20,000 for the study. The delay has impacted local officials who rely on timely data to monitor and manage the local vacation rental market.
- Design
Hotels turn wooden key cards into experiential souvenirs
Hotels are reframing wooden keycards as collectible markers of skill-based guest experiences. According to a concept outlined by Hospitality Net, properties can link these tangible objects to on-site workshops like pottery, weaving, or tea. The strategy aims to deepen guest connection, encourage return visits, and transform traditional access credentials into meaningful physical reminders of a stay.
- World
Novotel debuts global longevity week across hundreds of hotels
Novotel is launching an annual global wellness event called Longevity Week, running from September 7 to September 13, 2026. The initiative will span more than 630 hotels worldwide. According to the brand, the program focuses on sleep, nutrition, movement, and social connection. The launch is supported by data from a 13,000-person global longevity study.
- Platforms
Otel AI launches automation platform to boost hotel revenue
Otel AI has released a new product video showcasing its platform that connects property management systems, revenue management systems, and point-of-sale systems to automate reporting. According to the company, the platform runs artificial intelligence agents that save customers over 20 hours weekly. Otel AI reports that its technology has helped properties like The Alex Dublin achieve revenue per available room gains of 8.6%.
Get the Gazette in your inbox.
The day's crackdowns and platform moves, the money, the design and the stays going viral, plus the desk's verdict, in one short email every morning.