When most of us think of a bachelorette party, we think of going out. Party dresses, decorative straws, and the “bride to be” sash are the typical images that come to mind. However, a new type of bachelorette party is arising in recent years. Many young crowds are opting for a weekend stay in a private home for a more personal bachelorette experience.
The raunchy Magic Mike-esque shows are going out of fashion, and a more meaningful celebration is rising in their wake. Maids of honor are searching for themed Airbnb’s where the bridesmaids can bond and salute the bride. Renting a themed home offers a more controlled environment to craft the perfect weekend for everyone, and make meaningful memories.
According to Airbnb data, searches for a Bachelorette Pad stay are most popular in Las Vegas, Pheonix, Kansas City, Dallas, and Austin. More and more Instagram-worthy properties are sprouting up to try to blow away the competition. We’re seeing houses with karaoke rooms, disco balls, statement furniture, and endless photo-ops.
What does this trend mean for real estate investors? Well, smart property owners will adapt their renting style to fill this new market niche, as many are already doing. Seena and Kacia Ghetmiri, two Airbnb Superhosts, are transforming their properties into decked-out bachelorette palaces. For their original property, now dubbed the Peach House, they aimed for muted pink decor that was understated but still fun, trendy, and celebratory, with living wall photo ops in front of neon signs, velvet chairs, hanging rattan chairs, and a mirrored wet bar. Falling somewhere between classy, girly, and posh, the five-bedroom can sleep 12, ensuring that no bridesmaid is left out.
Why put in the time and money to build a bachelorette palace? Well, bachelorette houses are looking like a good way for investors to boost their cash flow. With a standard Airbnb, the family or couple is paying for the entire stay themselves. However, when 10-12 women come to a weekend bachelorette party, they will likely split the cost evenly. With these margins, properties that cost $1,000+ per night are suddenly reasonable. This gives property owners a bigger budget for decor and crafting a unique experience — a premium cost for a premium stay.
Investors can also switch their focus to wedding and celebration-related amenities. Some of the most popular assets are swimming pools, in-house bars, party wallpaper, outdoor setups, large hall rooms, and flashy decor. Consider additional services that can enhance the bachelorette experience to tack on to the price tag, such as a selection of champagne or a scheduled surprise event.
For real estate investors looking to jump on this trend, creativity in decor is key. The focus of these short term rentals shifts from designing a home to designing an event space for a tasteful and memorable weekend.