A new proptech platform is promising to help short-term rental hosts stop missing out on thousands of pounds in potential income by giving them access to the same event-driven demand intelligence used by major hotel groups and global brands.
HostAlert has launched with the aim of helping holiday let operators identify demand spikes linked to concerts, sporting events, conferences and cultural attractions before guests secure accommodation at below-market rates.
The platform is targeting what it believes is a longstanding imbalance between independent short-term rental hosts and larger hospitality operators.
While major hotel chains have long used forward-looking event data to adjust room rates, many Airbnb and holiday let hosts have traditionally relied on historic pricing trends or automated algorithms that react only once demand has already increased.
MATURING SECTOR
The launch comes as the UK short-term rental sector continues to mature, with an estimated 450,000 holiday lets operating nationwide.
HostAlert claims hosts regularly miss opportunities to increase nightly rates around major events such as Wimbledon, Taylor Swift concerts, Harry Styles tours, Oasis performances and the Grand National.
Research cited by the company suggests average daily rates can rise by between 30% and 300% during major events, yet many independent operators fail to adjust pricing in time.
The platform provides real-time event intelligence and integrates with major booking channels including Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com. Hosts can either update pricing directly or set reminders when significant demand-driving events are approaching.
VERIFIED DATA
Paul O’Donoghue (main picture, inset), Chief Executive and co-founder of HostAlert, says: “For too long short-term rental hosts have been operated their businesses by looking in the rear-view mirror. Pricing platforms act on historic data and cannot see the golden opportunities that lie ahead in the calendar.
“Whilst big hotel companies have benefited from verified event data for years, independent operators have had a huge pricing blind spot and that is about to change.
“By creating a single source of verified industry grade event data with the ability to adjust pricing at the same time as hotels, time is literally being called on ‘cheap’ Airbnb rooms.”
GREATER ACCESS
The company says the platform uses the same underlying event intelligence data sources used by organisations including IHG Hotels, Uber, Domino’s and Amazon Alexa.
Industry data suggests Airbnb accommodation in London typically costs between £80 and £120 per night compared with £100 to £150 for a mid-market hotel room.
HostAlert believes greater access to demand forecasting could narrow that gap, particularly during major events where hotel prices often rise significantly faster than short-term rental rates.
The platform is available immediately via the Apple App Store, Google Play Store and the HostAlert website, with subscription packages starting from £14.99 per month.
