Average Length of Stay (ALOS)

Definition

ALOS expresses, as a single number, how long guests typically stay. It applies to vacation rentals, boutique stays, and hotels alike, and is commonly tracked monthly, seasonally, or annually.

How to Calculate ALOS

Example: If your property had 500 total occupied nights across 200 reservations in a month, ALOS = 500 ÷ 200 = 2.5 nights.

Why ALOS Matters for Hosts

• Revenue planning: Longer stays can reduce turnover costs and increase total booking value.
• Operational efficiency: Fewer check-ins/outs mean fewer cleans and less coordination.
• Pricing strategy: Identify when to add weekly rates, extended-stay discounts, or minimum-night rules.
• Marketing focus: Tailor offers to segments (e.g., families booking week-long summer stays vs. weekend getaways).

Factors That Influence ALOS

• Seasonality: Peak summer or holiday periods often extend stays; shoulder seasons may shorten them.
• Property type & amenities: Larger homes or waterfront properties can attract week-long vacations.
• Location & access: Remote destinations may encourage longer trips; urban stays may be shorter.
• Events: Festivals, regattas, and conferences can temporarily extend average stays.
• Policies & pricing: Minimum-night requirements and discounts for longer stays directly shape ALOS.

How to Use ALOS

• Set minimum stays: Align rules with demand patterns (e.g., 3–5 nights for long weekends).
• Tune revenue management: Offer progressive discounts for 5+, 7+, or 14+ nights to lift occupancy.
• Design promotions: Create “stay longer, save more” packages for off-peak periods.
• Forecast operations: Schedule housekeeping and staffing based on expected turnover cadence.

Examples

• Seasonal shift: Summer lake vacations average 5–7 nights; winter shoulder season averages 2–3 nights.
• Event impact: A regatta week may lift ALOS from 2.8 to 4.1 nights. Consider minimum-night rules during the event window.
• Rate strategy: Introducing a 7-night discount increases ALOS from 3.0 to 3.6 nights and reduces cleaning turns.

Synonyms

Average Stay, Stay Duration, ALOS (acronym)