Simple ways to change prices for weekends, longer stays, and seasons

Changing prices for weekends, longer stays, and seasons doesn’t have to be complicated. Below is a simple, copy-and-use framework you can set up in any booking tool in under an hour.

Start with a base rate

Your base rate is the “normal” nightly price when nothing special is happening. You’ll use it as the starting point for all adjustments (weekend, length-of-stay, and seasonal). A base rate keeps your math simple and your rules consistent.

Weekend pricing (Fri–Sat, sometimes Thu/Sun)

1) When to raise weekend prices

In most leisure markets, demand is higher on weekends thanks to short trips, events, and school/work schedules. That higher demand can justify a price lift on peak nights.

2) How much to raise them

Use a small, repeatable rule:

• +10–20% on Fri–Sat vs. your base rate in typical leisure destinations.
• +5–10% on Thu or Sun if your arrivals/departures cluster there.

Example: If your base is €100, set Fri–Sat at €115 (≈+15%). Adjust up or down after two weekends of results.

3) How to set it up fast

• Bulk-edit weekend dates in your calendar (most extranets allow this), or create a weekend rate plan that auto-applies on selected weekdays.

Longer stays (Length-of-Stay, a.k.a. LOS discounts)

1) Why discount longer stays

Longer bookings reduce turnover work and gaps, so a modest discount can increase occupancy and stabilize revenue. Most platforms support weekly and monthly discounts out of the box.

2) A simple discount ladder to copy

• 3–6 nights: −5%
• 7–27 nights (weekly): −10–15%
• 28+ nights (monthly): −20–30% (only if it still beats your long-term rental alternative)

This ladder mirrors common marketplace options (weekly/monthly), and is easy to maintain.

3) Quick margin check

Use this sanity formula before publishing a discount:

Net nightly after discount ≥ (Cleaning amortized per night + Utilities per night + Desired profit)

Example: If cleaning amortized is €8/night, utilities €4/night, and you want €18 profit/night, your minimum after discount is €30.

4) How to set it up fast

• Airbnb: set weekly/monthly discounts in Pricing → Discounts.
• Booking.com: use Long-stay rate plans (weekly/monthly) or LOS restrictions.

Seasonal pricing (peak, shoulder, low)

1) Map your seasons in 15 minutes

Create three buckets on a calendar: Peak (holidays/events/high tourism), Shoulder (nice but not packed), and Low (quiet periods). Seasonal pricing is a standard tactic in hospitality and works because demand changes by time of year.

2) Set simple seasonal adjusters

• Peak: base × 1.20–1.40
• Shoulder: base × 1.05–1.15
• Low: base × 0.80–0.95

Example: With a €100 base, Peak €130, Shoulder €110, Low €90. Review monthly and tweak ±5% based on pick-up and occupancy.

3) Add event spikes

For big concerts, festivals, or local holidays, layer a temporary uplift (e.g., +10–25% on affected nights). This is classic demand-based pricing.

4) How to set it up fast

• Use your calendar’s bulk edit to select months/weeks and apply the seasonal factor in one go.

Put it all together: your 30-minute rule set

A) Define the base

Pick a realistic base rate from recent bookings or comps. Round to a neat number (e.g., €99/€105).

B) Layer seasons

Apply seasonal factors to the base across the calendar (Peak/Shoulder/Low).

C) Layer weekends

Add your weekend uplift to Fri–Sat (and Thu/Sun if needed).

D) Add LOS discounts

Set the 3–6/7–27/28+ ladder. Re-check that your discounted nightly price stays above your minimum viable net.

E) Review monthly

Every month, check occupancy and pick-up: if weekends sell out early, nudge weekend uplift +5%. If long stays crowd out profitable short breaks, trim the monthly discount by 5 points.

Quick examples

Example 1: Beach town (summer peak)

• Base: €120
• Summer (Peak): ×1.30 → €156
• Fri–Sat uplift: +15% → €179.40 (round to €179)
• Weekly discount (7–27): −12% → €157/night

Example 2: City apartment (year-round, event spikes)

• Base: €90
• Shoulder most of the year: ×1.10 → €99
• Fri–Sat uplift: +10% → €108.90 (round to €109)
• Major conference week: extra +20% on those dates → €130.80 (round to €131)
• Monthly discount (28+): −25% → €74/night (ensure costs still covered)

Common pitfalls to avoid

Relying only on discounts

Discounts without seasonal/weekend structure can drag down your average nightly rate. Build the base and seasonality first.

Setting discounts that dip below cost

Always check your net after fees, taxes, utilities, and cleaning amortization.

Forgetting platform specifics

Airbnb highlights weekly/monthly discounts, while Booking.com offers dedicated long-stay rate plans and LOS controls—use the native tools; they convert better.

Cheat sheet (copy/paste)

• Base: pick €X as your normal rate.
• Seasons: Peak ×1.30, Shoulder ×1.10, Low ×0.90.
• Weekends: +15% on Fri–Sat (add Thu/Sun if needed).
• LOS discounts: 3–6 nights −5%; 7–27 nights −12%; 28+ nights −25% (only if profitable).
• Events: +10–25% on affected dates.
• Review: monthly tweak ±5% based on demand.