Despite technology and AI adoption rising among hosts, Artificial Intelligence is still failing to solve the most time-consuming problems for them, according to a new survey of more than 1,400 SRT representatives.
PriceLabs’ Global Host Report 2025 reveals that although automation and AI were designed to ease operations, only 14% of hosts say AI is currently helping them.
Almost half (47%) say they find it overwhelming. Yet both groups spend the same amount of time managing their listings: an average of 8.3 hours per week.
So far, AI isn’t delivering the time savings it promised, at least not for small-scale hosts with one to four properties.
The report shows that the most time-consuming parts of hosting are not those focused on guests.
As many as 76% of hosts say administrative tasks like accounting or filing taxes are highly time-consuming, while 72% cite property servicing, including cleaning and maintenance, as big time drains.
However, only 10% of hosts plan to invest more in cleaning or turnover tech in the next year, and 48% of hosts are still relying on spreadsheets for their reporting or planning.
Whilst many hosts understand the benefits of tech to support aspects of their business, there is still room to improve education on the returns of tech investment across operations.
Despite the slow uptake of tech for reporting, hosts are focused on their financials, with 68%monitoring key indicators at least weekly.
Performance on online travel agencies (OTAs) remains a big concern. Nearly two-thirds of hosts (63%) are worried about their visibility on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, and 71% of hosts admit they’re anxious about negative guest reviews, which can have an outsized impact on their rankings.
Despite frustrations, 98% of hosts still use Airbnb, and the platform is more popular than others in both uptake and satisfaction. Airbnb scored a 4.1 out of 5 satisfaction score, higher than Vrbo’s 3.3 or Booking.com’s 3.1.
Nonetheless, direct bookings remain a priority, with 90%of hosts planning to invest the same or more into their direct websites next year.
Richie Khandelwal, Co-Founder of PriceLabs, said: “We’re seeing huge entrepreneurial spirit in the short-term rental market. Hosts are building businesses they’re proud of and dedicating real time and investment to them. Many are working full-time jobs while also operating successful, professional rentals with longevity.
“While AI is taking longer to bring the time savings it promised, hosts are clearly open to investing in their businesses and the right technology could be exactly what they need.”
