- Global survey of more than 1,400 hosts shows AI is not yet making operations easier
- Hosts using AI still spending 8.3 hours a week managing properties
- Study also found half of hosts still rely on spreadsheets for reporting and planning
CHICAGO, IL, 18 November — PriceLabs’ Global Host Report 2025, a new survey of more than 1,400 short-term rental hosts around the world, has found that while technology and AI adoption is rising among hosts, it’s still failing to solve the most time-consuming problems for them.
Though 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.
Disconnect between challenges and solutions
The report shows that the most time-consuming parts of hosting are not those focused on guests. 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.
Visibility and platforms bring stress
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.”
These and more findings, as well as practical advice for hosts, can be found in the PriceLabs Global Host Report, available now on PriceLabs’ website.
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Methodology:
PriceLabs surveyed over 1,400 verified hosts managing 1-4 listings in September-October 2025. The survey was conducted in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, and German to reflect global perspectives.
Press contact:
Madeleine Parkin
+34 684 218 737
About PriceLabs
PriceLabs is a revenue management platform designed for all short- and mid-term accommodation, from vacation rentals to hotels, campgrounds, aparthotels, and serviced apartments. Since 2014, PriceLabs has helped property managers and hosts optimise their pricing strategies using AI-driven automation, market data insights, and flexible customization. PriceLabs currently prices over 580,000 listings globally. Learn more at pricelabs.co.
