Short-term rentals (STRs) gained rapid traction during the pandemic, offering travelers an alternative to traditional hospitality. But as global travel normalizes and trip purposes become more complex, hotels are reasserting their role—particularly in urban markets and business-led segments.

This shift isn’t just anecdotal. According to the AHLA, In New York City, STR demand dropped by more than 50% over the 12 months ending November 2024, equating to 1.8 million fewer nights sold. Over that same period, hotel demand rose by 1.2 million nights.

While globally, STR demand still grew—from 14.6% of total lodging demand in 2023 to 15.4% in 2024 —this growth has not been evenly distributed. In high-demand cities, and among travelers blending business and leisure, hotels are gaining renewed traction.

This doesn’t indicate that STRs are in decline—it highlights where purpose-driven travel is reshaping demand, and where traditional hotel infrastructure is better equipped to meet it. And as guest expectations evolve and the purpose of travel becomes more complex, the limitations of many STRs are becoming more visible.

Why Travelers Are Returning to Hotels

The resurgence of hotel preference is not based solely on price or loyalty. It’s rooted in consistency, service infrastructure, and integration with business travel tools. These factors matter more when trips involve multiple stakeholders, mixed purposes, or unpredictable schedules.

Over 54% of business travelers in 2024 took at least two bleisure trips—blending business and leisure in a single journey. Marriott reports that business stays are now 20% longer on average than pre-pandemic, and 82% of bleisure travelers extend their stay at the same hotel used for work.

Meetings and events are a key driver: 67% of bleisure trips originate from conferences, and 30% from internal team gatherings. Hotels are uniquely positioned to accommodate these travelers—not only with meeting space, but with professional-grade amenities, food and beverage outlets, co-working areas, and spas.

Additionally, hotel operators are expanding their flexibility models. Many now accommodate day-use bookings, providing short-stay options for travelers needing a place to rest, work, or recharge between flights or meetings. These offerings allow hotels to monetize inventory that might otherwise sit empty during off-peak hours, while catering to a growing segment of same-day demand—something most short-term rental hosts are unable to support operationally.

Distribution and Technology: The Opportunity for STRs

The STR category is still expanding, but cracks are emerging beneath the surface. According to recent studies, 53% of non-profit-oriented hosts report that it’s harder to operate than it was a year ago. For Competition has intensified, and without a technology strategy, many are struggling to keep pace.

The STR ecosystem lacks deep connectivity with corporate travel platforms, loyalty programs, or multi-channel booking infrastructure. The Phocuswright B2B Technology and Distribution Landscape notes fragmentation in tech adoption and scalability—areas where hotels already have mature capabilities.

But this is also where tech providers like DerbySoft can create value across the ecosystem. Whether it’s helping STRs gain exposure to business travel demand, optimizing content for multiple booking platforms, or enabling smarter rate management, the right distribution strategy can unlock untapped potential in both lodging models.

Generation Drives Preference, Not Just Price

Generational trends also point to divergent expectations. Millennials are the most active bleisure segment, with 90% reporting they combine business and leisure on trips). Gen Z travelers are highly mobile and unpredictable: 74% bring guests on business trips, and 1 in 5 don’t disclose it to their employer).

Meanwhile, Gen X and Boomers continue to favor hotels for convenience and reliability—especially for trips involving meetings or structured itineraries. Hotels have built their platforms to accommodate this diversity in traveler needs. STRs can expand their reach if they adopt similar capabilities—especially around content distribution, standardized policies, and pricing consistency. As preferences evolve, the ability to provide flexible, bookable inventory across both short and extended stays becomes a strategic differentiator.

What This Means for Hotels, Travel Platforms, and Distribution

The recalibration between hotels and STRs isn’t a zero-sum game. Both play essential roles in the global lodging landscape. But to thrive in a multi-modal future, success will depend on delivering inventory that is accessible, flexible, and aligned with traveler intent.

For hotel brands, STR operators, travel platforms, and tech providers, the priority should be:

• Making flexible inventory bookable and visible—whether it’s a hotel day rate or a professionally managed apartment

• Unifying distribution strategies to serve both business and leisure segments

• Delivering rich, consistent content that resonates across generational lines

STRs are not going away. In fact, with the right tools and distribution connectivity, they are positioned to serve demand that hotels can’t always fulfill. But when trips are tied to purpose—meetings, connection, convenience, or corporate policy—hotels are continuing to demonstrate their strength.

In the end, it’s not about hotels versus STRs. It’s about creating a smarter, more connected lodging ecosystem where all types of inventory can thrive—enabled by the technology that brings them closer to the traveler.

About the Author

Duane Overgaard is the Divisional CEO, Hospitality, of DerbySoft. With over 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, he has a diverse skill set that includes account management, business development, and contract negotiation. Duane has held various leadership positions at renowned companies such as Sabre Corporation, Wyndham International, and Hilton Hotels & Resorts, where he has demonstrated expertise in hotel management and marketing strategy. He is known for his strong team-building and competitive analysis skills. Duane is currently based in the Dallas area of the United States.