Resources

Good morning!

This weekend, my husband and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary with a camping trip.

Before you get too impressed with my rugged outdoorsiness, I should clarify: this wasn't that kind of camping. (Although I HAVE done that. It's just been a while.)

We comfortably settled into our Class A RV at a campground in Honesdale—about an hour and a half from home, but still right here in the Poconos.

And somehow, what was supposed to be an anniversary getaway, developed just a tiny bit of a work component.

I planned a few meet-ups with a few Poconos VRO members. I met with some prospective members. We attended the Honesdale Beer & Wine Fest, took a Harry Potter themed train ride, explored the town and generally did the things our STR guests come here to do.

Which got me thinking about the art of combining work and play.

Now, do I believe in vacations where you completely disconnect from work?

HECK YES.

Sometimes you need to turn off the phone, close the laptop and remind yourself that the world will continue spinning without you.

But there are also times when a little bit of "work" mixed into your fun can actually make both better—especially when you own or operate a vacation rental.

After all, we're in the business of experiences. So actually experiencing things occasionally seems like pretty important research.

Here are a few ways for you to give it a go:

Be a guest at your own property.
Actually stay there. Make dinner. Watch TV. Make coffee. Sit outside. Try to figure out the thermostat without using your owner's manual. You may discover that the can opener is terrible, the bedside lamp is impossible to reach, there aren't enough outlets to charge all your gadgets or that the porch is absolutely magical at 7:00 in the morning.

Be a tourist in your own town.
Take the tour. Ride the train. Visit the attraction. Eat at the restaurant everyone recommends, or better yet, the one only the locals know about. When a guest asks what they should do on a rainy Saturday, firsthand experience is infinitely more useful than sending them a link.

Stay somewhere that's better than you.
I love this one!  Book a property that stretches your idea of what's possible. Maybe they nail the welcome experience, have incredible amenities or do something surprisingly simple that makes you think, "WHY aren't we doing this?"

That's not vacation spending. That's research. 

Use a change of scenery to think bigger.
There's something about getting away from your normal surroundings that creates room for ideas. Without the house, laundry, errands and endless honey-do list staring you in the face, you might finally have the headspace to think strategically about your property or business.

And perhaps most importantly...

Remember what it's like to be the guest.

Those of us who live and work in the Poconos can easily forget that people save money, pack up their families, sit in traffic and travel here because they're excited to experience the place we get to call home.

Sometimes it's good for us to experience it through their eyes again.

So this weekend I did a little networking, a little "market research," a little exploring... and a LOT of anniversary celebrating.

Twenty-nine years deserves at least that much.

So for those of you who happened to see Dave and me at the Beer & Wine Fest conducting some particularly enthusiastic "market research"...

We were working! (That's my story & I'm sticking to it!)

Have a Great Week!

~Rebecca

Good morning & Happy Monday!

Well… our first STR Advocacy Summit is officially in the books!

And WOW.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive—from attendees, sponsors, speakers, panelists and exhibitors. The conversations were thoughtful, the speakers were fantastic, and maybe most importantly, people left feeling more informed, more connected and better equipped to advocate for themselves and our STR community.

And if you couldn’t attend in person, we’ve got good news: we recorded the Summit! We’ll be making the sessions available in our Member Portal so Poconos VRO members can watch—or rewatch—the program.

But here’s something funny that happened during the Summit.

More than once, during networking conversations, I heard some version of:

“Wait… I didn’t know Poconos VRO did that!”

Ouch. 

Kaisha and I have worked really hard over the past year to grow the value that comes with Poconos VRO membership. But apparently, creating great programs is only half the battle.

We also have to make sure you know they exist!

So rather than bury you in a giant list of member benefits this morning, I’m going to highlight just ONE that I think more of you should be using:

Local Community Partner Perks

These are special offers and discounts from local tourism partners that you can share with your confirmed guests.

Think about that for a minute.

Most membership benefits help you. This one helps you provide something extra to the people staying in your property.

Current partners include Kalahari, Pocono Raceway, Camelback, the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Pocono Slingshot Rentals and Pocono Living—and we’re continuing to add more.

Using the program is incredibly simple. Members can download our guest QR code and share it after a reservation is confirmed. Put it in your guest manual. Frame it inside your property. Include it in your pre-arrival communications.

And perhaps most importantly, tell prospective guests that you offer access to special local perks.

In a crowded STR market, little extras matter.

You aren't just offering someone a place to sleep. You're helping them experience the Poconos—and giving them another reason to choose your property over the one next door.

There’s also a bigger-picture benefit here.

Every time one of our guests visits a local attraction, books an experience or supports a local business, we're strengthening the connection between vacation rentals and the broader Pocono tourism economy.

That's good for our guests.

It's good for our local partners.

It's good for our members.

And it's good for the Poconos.

So my challenge for you this week: If you're a Poconos VRO member and you haven't started sharing our Local Community Partner Perks with your guests yet, go check them out and put that QR code to work!

Local Community Partner Experiences

And then tell us what you think. Are you using it? Are your guests using it? What other local businesses or attractions would you love to see us add?

Because apparently, Kaisha and I need to get a little louder about all this stuff. 

Have a great week!

Rebecca

P.S. If you were at the STR Advocacy Summit, THANK YOU. The energy in that room reminded me exactly why we created it in the first place. And if you missed it, keep an eye out—we'll let members know as soon as the recordings are available in the Member Portal.

P.P.S. And if you're reading this thinking, “Wait… I'm not a member, so I don't get these guest perks?” Well… you found this week's second lesson. [Click here to remedy that situation!]

Good morning! We’ve all heard the phrase “It takes a village.” This week, with our STR Advocacy Summit just days away, I’ve been thinking a lot about what that actually means. When a township proposes a bad ordinance, an HOA starts restricting STRs, or an owner suddenly finds their livelihood threatened, we rally the troops. We make phone calls. We show up at meetings. We share information. We donate. We advocate. And we absolutely SHOULD. But I think a strong community is built long before the crisis arrives. It’s built in all the little moments when we have an opportunity to help someone else—not because we have to, but simply because we CAN. A guest wants to book your house, but you're already booked. Do you send them back to Airbnb to start searching again? Or do you say, “I know another owner with a great place right down the road. Let me connect you.” A guest asks where they should go for dinner. Do you send them a Yelp link? Or do you tell them, “Go to this place, order this dish, and ask for so-and-so. You’ll love it.” You're a property manager who's at capacity. Do you simply say, “Sorry, we're not taking new properties right now”? Or do you introduce that owner to another property manager you trust? You're a Realtor selling a home to a new STR investor. Do you hand them the keys and wish them luck? Or do you connect them with a great property manager, cleaner, photographer, insurance agent, lender or contractor—and tell them they should join the Poconos VRO? Someone in a Facebook group asks a question you already learned the answer to the hard way. Do you scroll past? Or do you take two minutes and save them two HOURS of frustration? And here's another question: How personal are your referrals? There's a big difference between sending someone a name in black and white and adding a little color. “Here's a cleaner.”  versus...  “Call Maria. She's incredibly reliable, her team has saved me more than once on a crazy turnover day, and tell her I sent you.” THAT is community. It's sharing your relationships, your knowledge, your experience and sometimes even your business with someone else.  And here's the funny thing about helping people when you don't have to: it tends to come back around.  Maybe not tomorrow. Maybe not from the same person. Maybe not even in the way you expect.  But strong communities remember who showed up. That matters tremendously in advocacy.  Because when the day comes that you need 50 people at a township meeting...  When your HOA proposes a rule that threatens your property...  When your business needs someone to speak up...  You don't want to start building your village that morning.  You want to discover it's already there. That's the kind of STR community I want us to keep building here in the Poconos.  One where we compete, sure—but we also collaborate.  Where we recommend each other.  Where we share what we know.  Where we celebrate each other's successes.  Where we show up when things are good—and especially when they're not. Because none of us can do this alone.  It really does take a village. Have a great week! Rebecca P.S. Speaking of lifting each other up... I have some pretty exciting news to share! I'm a finalist for a VRMA Excellence Award for Advocate of the Year!  It's an incredible honor, but I see this as recognition for the Poconos VRO and the advocacy work our entire community is doing. To have that work recognized on a national stage is pretty darn cool. And we're not the only familiar names on the ballot! Several of our sponsors, exhibitors, partners and conference friends are finalists too, including HostGPO, SuiteOp, Guesty, Branson Family Retreats (Tyanne Hammond spoke at our conference!), Hospitable and PriceLabs. So please take a moment to VOTE and show some love to the Poconos VRO family and friends... our COMMUNITY! And THANK YOU. Awards are nice—but the village behind the work is what makes it possible & worthwhile.

VOTE HERE

Good morning & Happy Labor Day!

Ahhh, Labor Day.

That wonderful three-day weekend when Americans everywhere celebrate the unofficial end of summer by sleeping in, firing up the grill, floating in the pool, and generally doing as little LABOR as humanly possible.

Unless, of course, you work in the short-term rental industry.

Then Labor Day looks a little different.

While everyone else is squeezing in one last summer getaway, we're answering messages, coordinating cleaners, replacing missing towels, troubleshooting Wi-Fi, explaining AGAIN where the extra trash bags are, and praying nobody decides that 11:47 PM is the perfect time to discover they can't figure out the hot tub.

Happy Labor Day to US!

But you know what?  I think we've earned the right to celebrate a little too.  Because this weekend isn't just the end of summer.  For those of us in the Poconos STR community, it's the finish line of a marathon we've been running since Memorial Day.

Think about everything that happened between then and now.

Thousands and thousands of guests came to the Poconos. Families made memories. Kids learned to swim. Grandparents sat around fire pits. Friends reconnected. Birthday candles were blown out. Proposals may have happened. S'mores were definitely burned.

And behind nearly every one of those stays was an army of people working VERY hard to make it all look effortless.

Owners.

Property managers.

Cleaners.

Maintenance teams.

Landscapers.

Pool and hot tub companies.

Trash haulers.

Pest control companies.

Local restaurants, attractions, shops and countless other businesses that depend on a strong summer tourism season.

Hospitality is funny that way.

Our job is to work really hard so somebody else can relax.

And by September, sometimes we're running on caffeine, leftover welcome-basket snacks and sheer determination.

So as we close out another summer, I hope you'll take a minute—not necessarily TODAY, because let's be realistic—to appreciate what you accomplished.

Take a look at your reviews. Think about the families you hosted. Thank your cleaners and your team. Fix the thing you've been temporarily fixing since June. Replace whatever mysteriously disappeared from the kitchen this summer.

And then give yourself a little credit.

Because another Poconos summer is almost in the books.

We hosted a LOT of people.

We supported a LOT of local jobs and businesses.

We created a LOT of memories.

And somehow, we survived.

To all of you working this Labor Day weekend so somebody else can enjoy theirs…

Happy Labor Day.

Now go answer that guest message.

Have a GREAT week!

~Rebecca

P.S. Want to learn what it takes to effectively advocate for STRs’ right to rent in the Poconos? Sign up for our STR Advocacy Summit on September 17th.

Working hard is rough. Having your “work” taken away from you would be brutal.

Come learn how to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Good morning!

I spend a lot of time hearing about the newest technology that's going to make STR ownership easier.

AI. Smart locks. Noise monitors. Dynamic pricing. Automated messaging. Digital guidebooks. Property management software that can practically tell you when a lightbulb is thinking about burning out.

And I love this stuff! Anything that makes us better, faster and more efficient is worth exploring.

But lately I've been wondering if, in our rush to automate everything, we've forgotten that sometimes old school just works better.

Think about it.

A perfectly timed pre-arrival text is efficient.

But a handwritten note sitting on the kitchen counter saying, "Welcome! We hope you have a wonderful weekend!" feels different.

A digital guidebook can put hundreds of recommendations at a guest's fingertips.

But there's something charming about flipping through a well-done guest book on the coffee table, especially when you've scribbled in a few personal favorites.

You can install cameras and noise monitors to help protect your relationship with your neighbors.

Or you can also walk next door with a plate of cookies, introduce yourself, give them your cell phone number and say, "We're going to be renting our house. If there's ever a problem, please call me."

Which neighbor do you think is more likely to call you before calling the township?

And this goes way beyond guest experience.

We have automated maintenance systems—but there's tremendous value in having a maintenance person who knows your house well enough to notice the loose railing before a guest submits a ticket.

We have Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats and Zoom—but sometimes nothing replaces sitting across the table from another owner and having a conversation.

We can email township supervisors—but introducing yourself, shaking their hand and building a relationship before you need something from them is probably worth 100 emails.

We can even use AI to help us write thoughtful responses to guests.

But when somebody is really upset?

Pick up the phone.

So... Old School or New School?

I think that's the wrong question.

The answer is BOTH.

Use technology to eliminate the repetitive stuff.

Automate the things that don't need a human.

Use software to make your team faster, smarter and more consistent.

Then use the time you saved to be MORE human—not less.

Write the note.

Make the phone call.

Walk next door.

Shake the hand.

Show up in person.

Remember the anniversary.

Ask the guest why they're visiting.

Thank the housekeeper personally.

Get to know the township employee you've been emailing.

Because in a world where practically everything can be automated, the things that aren't become increasingly valuable.

Technology can make you more efficient.

Old-school hospitality can make you memorable.

And maybe the STR owners and operators who really set themselves apart will be the ones who figure out how to be really, really good at both.

Have a great week!

~Rebecca

P.S. What's one "old-school" thing you still do in your STR business that you'll never automate? Hit reply and tell me—I have a feeling there are some GREAT ideas out there.

P.P.S  Have you signed up for the STR Advocacy Summit yet?  What's stopping you?!

Good morning!

As I sit here writing this, it is POURING outside.

Not a gentle little summer shower. The kind of rain that has completely refilled the seasonal pond in our backyard and has me wondering whether I should be finishing my Monday Musing… or looking for two of every animal. 

And lately, it feels like a pretty good metaphor for what's happening in the STR world.

When it rains, it pours.

It seems like hardly a day goes by that I don't get a phone call, email, text, or Facebook message about another STR issue brewing somewhere.

• A township considering new restrictions or a new enforcement officer interpreting the ordinance in an anti-STR direction
• An HOA adopting new rules that make it impossible for STR owners to participate in community decisions.
• Owners wondering what they should do—or what they should have done six months ago.
• Someone frustrated because decisions are being made about their property rights and livelihood, and they don't know how to make their voice heard.

And here's something I've learned from watching these situations unfold:

The best time to learn how to advocate for yourself is BEFORE you're standing in the middle of the storm.

That's exactly why the timing of our upcoming STR Advocacy Summit on September 17th at Camelback Resort feels so important.

We've put together a fantastic group of speakers who aren't talking about advocacy in theory. They've actually done it.

They've worked with/in municipalities. Sat through contentious public meetings. Navigated HOA battles. Organized owners. Built coalitions. Talked with elected officials. Made mistakes. Learned lessons. And, importantly, figured out what actually works.

And I'm especially excited that Airbnb and Vrbo are both Presenting Sponsors of the Summit, with their government affairs representatives joining us in person to speak, answer questions, and network with attendees.

That's a pretty extraordinary opportunity.

Because advocacy isn't just about showing up at a meeting and saying, "I don't like this."

• It's about understanding how decisions get made.
• It's knowing when to get involved.
• It's figuring out who you need to talk to.
• It's learning how to communicate in a way that actually gets people to listen.
• And it's building relationships and organizing your community before the water starts rising.

If there's even a cloud on the horizon where you operate, I want you in that room.

If your township is discussing STR regulations, come.

If your HOA is considering restrictions, come.

If you're already in the middle of a dispute, definitely come.

And if everything is perfectly calm where you operate right now?

Come anyway.

Because if the last few weeks have taught me anything, it's how quickly the weather can change.

Our goal with this Summit isn't to create louder STR advocates.

It's to create better ones.

People who know how to organize, communicate, build relationships, tell our industry's story, and work toward reasonable solutions before disagreements become battles.

The rain outside my window will eventually stop. Our little pond will drain back down. The sun will come out again.

But in the STR community?

I think we're entering a season when knowing how to advocate effectively is going to be one of the most important skills an owner or operator can have.

September 17th. Camelback Resort.

If you care about the future of STRs in your township, your HOA, or the Poconos as a whole, you really need to be in the room.

 Summit details & registration:
Poconos VRO STR Advocacy Summit

See you there!

~Rebecca

P.S. Don't wait until you're standing in three feet of water to start wondering where they keep the sandbags. 

Good morning!

Who else is watching (Legally Blonde) Elle and/or Ted Lasso?

I love these kinds of characters. They’re relentlessly optimistic without being oblivious. They see possibilities where other people see problems. They believe things can get better — and somehow, just being around them makes you believe it too.

Seriously, I’m pretty sure you could blindfold these people, tie one hand behind their backs, point them toward Mount Everest and they’d say:

“Great! What an adventure!” 

And here’s what got me thinking about this…

We have people like that in our STR community too.

I talked with several of them this week. You know who you are. 

They’re the people who call with an idea instead of a complaint. Who see a problem and immediately start thinking about solutions. Who volunteer. Who connect people. Who say, “How can I help?” They somehow leave you with more energy at the end of a conversation than you had at the beginning.

Those people are contagious.

Unfortunately, negativity is contagious too.

And right now, there are plenty of reasons in the STR world to become frustrated, cynical or downright cranky. Regulations. Fees. Difficult guests. Difficult neighbors. Difficult officials. Difficult owners! Pick your poison.

We can't control all of that.

But we CAN control what kind of energy we bring into the room.

So how can we be the Elle/Ted Lasso of our own businesses, HOAs, townships and STR community?

Here are a few thoughts:

1. Bring solutions, not just problems.
Anyone can point out what’s wrong. The positive force in the room says, “Okay… so what could we do about it?”

2. Assume positive intent.
The neighbor complaining about an STR may have a legitimate concern. The township supervisor proposing a regulation may genuinely believe it will help. The owner who screwed something up may simply not know better. Start with curiosity before jumping to combat.

3. Catch people doing something RIGHT.
We’re really good at noticing mistakes. What if we got equally good at noticing the good stuff? Thank the employee. Compliment the neighbor. Recognize the township official who listened. Tell another STR owner when they’re doing a great job.

4. Be the person who raises the energy in the room.
Every HOA meeting, township meeting, networking event and Facebook conversation has a temperature. We all contribute to it. Ask yourself: Did the room get better because I walked into it?

5. Believe things can get better — and then help make them better.
Positivity isn’t pretending problems don’t exist. It’s believing they can be solved. And then rolling up your sleeves and doing something about them.

That last one matters to me.

Because advocacy without optimism becomes nothing but anger.

Community without optimism becomes complaining.

And business without optimism? That sounds absolutely exhausting.

We’re going to face challenges. Some pretty big ones, actually.

But imagine what our STR community could accomplish if more of us walked into those challenges thinking:

We can figure this out.

We can make this better.

And I can be part of the reason why.

So this week, channel your inner Elle. Or Ted.

And to the wonderfully positive people who lifted me up this week…

Thank you. Keep doing it. It’s contagious.

Have a great week!

~ Rebecca

P.S. Who’s the “Ted Lasso” in your STR world? Tell them. Better yet, send them this email and let them know they’re making a difference.

P.P.S.  We hope all the Teds and Elles will register for our STR Advocacy Summit… your community needs you in the trenches with us!!

Happy Monday!

I've always been fascinated by companies with extraordinary corporate cultures.

Not just companies with happy employees, but companies where every single person understands the mission so deeply that it shapes every decision they make.

One of my favorite stories comes from Disney.

A visitor stopped a custodian who was sweeping up litter and asked him what he did for a living.  He didn't say, "I empty trash cans."  He didn't say, "I clean the park."  He smiled and said, "I make memories."

Think about that for a second.

On the surface, he was picking up someone else's popcorn bucket. But in his mind, he was helping create the magical experience families had traveled hundreds—or even thousands—of miles to enjoy. A clean park meant parents weren't distracted. Kids could run freely. Photos looked beautiful. The magic stayed intact.  His broom wasn't his purpose.  It was his tool.

That story got me thinking about our own businesses.

As we wrap up another busy summer season, it's easy to get buried in the never-ending checklist.

• Answer the inquiry.
• Approve the refund.
• Replace the coffee maker.
• Schedule the cleaner.
• Fix the wobbly chair.
• Restock the toilet paper.

But what if none of those are actually your job?  What if your job is creating the place where a family celebrates Grandma's 80th birthday?  Or where lifelong friends finally get together after years apart.  Or where exhausted parents reconnect after months of running in different directions.  Or where a child catches their first fish, sees their first bear, or falls in love with the Poconos!!

Those moments don't happen by accident.

They happen because hundreds of tiny decisions were made correctly long before the guests arrived.

• The cleaner isn't cleaning. They're building trust.
• The handyman isn't fixing a doorknob.  They're preventing frustration.
• The person stocking the welcome basket isn't putting out snacks.  They're making guests feel like someone was genuinely expecting them.
• Even your automated messages aren't just communication.  They're reducing uncertainty and helping guests relax.

Every task has a higher purpose.

So here's a challenge as we finish out the busy season:

Ask yourself—and everyone who helps operate your property—one simple question:

"What's my real job?"

If the answer is "cleaning," "maintenance," "bookkeeping," or "guest messaging," you're probably aiming too low.

Find the mission behind the task.

Because the best hosts don't just provide lodging.  They create experiences.  They make memories.

And when every person involved in your business understands that, guests can feel the difference—even if they never know exactly why.

Have a great week!

~Rebecca

P.S. If our mission as hosts is creating memorable experiences, our mission as the Poconos VRO is protecting your ability to keep creating them. Whether that's advocating for fair regulations, educating owners, or strengthening our industry, every conversation, meeting, and email serves that same purpose. If you haven't joined us yet, we'd love to have you on the team.

Submitted by Mark Shay, PoconoVacationHomeSales

The latest AirDNA data shows a healthy Poconos short-term rental market, but one that is becoming more selective. Revenue, occupancy and average daily rates are increasing as the number of active listings experiences a slight decline.

When compared with KeyData’s Q3 2026 regional analysis, the message becomes clearer: revenue growth is increasingly being driven by pricing power and property quality—not by an unlimited increase in demand.

Poconos revenue is rising while inventory declines

According to AirDNA, Revenue per Available Rental, or RevPAR, increased 7.3% in the Poconos during the past 12 months. Average annual revenue rose 8.5% to approximately $55,200.

Other regional performance indicators include:

• 43% occupancy, up 2.3%
• $397 average daily rate, up 4.5%
• 6,581 active listings, down 3.0%
• AirDNA’s Pocono Region Market Score of 86 (reflects strong business opportunity)
• AirDNA Seasonality Score of 72 (reflects a good revenue flow year-round)

More revenue is being captured by a smaller pool of available properties. That is encouraging for strong operators, but it does not mean every Poconos rental is benefiting equally.

How the Poconos compares with the Mid-Atlantic

KeyData’s U.S. Key Data Index Q3 2026 provides a broader comparison for the Mid-Atlantic region, which includes Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland.

During the second quarter of 2026, KeyData reported:

• 29% paid occupancy
• $296 average daily rate
• Flat year-over-year occupancy
• 12% growth in average daily rate
• 12% growth in RevPAR

The AirDNA and KeyData figures are not directly interchangeable. AirDNA’s Poconos figures are market-specific trailing indicators, while KeyData’s numbers cover a much larger five-state region and a defined quarterly period. The platforms may also differ in methodology and property coverage.

Even with those limitations, both datasets point in the same direction: revenue is increasing faster than occupied nights. Operators with pricing power are capturing the gains.

The Poconos’ $397 ADR is substantially higher than KeyData’s $296 Mid-Atlantic benchmark, although the difference partly reflects the Poconos’ concentration of whole-home leisure properties. The region’s 43% AirDNA occupancy is also higher than KeyData’s 29% Mid-Atlantic paid occupancy, but these percentages should not be treated as an exact apples-to-apples comparison.

The more meaningful comparison is the trend. KeyData found flat Mid-Atlantic occupancy but 12% growth in both ADR and RevPAR. AirDNA found modest Poconos occupancy growth alongside higher ADR, RevPAR and annual revenue.

Both suggest that guests are willing to pay more for the right product.

The strongest Poconos submarkets

AirDNA assigns the overall Poconos a Market Score of 86. Several submarkets scored higher:

• Jim Thorpe: 98
• Mt Pocono: 95
• Canadensis: 92
• East Stroudsburg: 91
• Stroudsburg: 89
• Lake Harmony: 87
• Pocono Lake and Emerald Lakes: 86

Jim Thorpe received the highest Submarket Score, supported by strong revenue-growth potential, rental demand and steady seasonality metrics. Its average annual revenue was approximately $45,558, with 48% occupancy and a $283 ADR.

Mt Pocono generated the strongest headline results, with average annual revenue of $69,979 and the region’s highest occupancy rate at 57%. Its ADR was $361. However, AirDNA identified only 24 active listings in that submarket, so the averages may be influenced by a relatively small number of high-performing properties.

East Stroudsburg combines stronger scale with high performance. Its 685 active listings generated average annual revenue of $62,277, a $402 ADR and 47% occupancy. Annual revenue increased 15% even as active inventory declined 18.8%.  Included in this submarket is Middle Smithfield Township and the community of Saw Creek Estates.

Stroudsburg followed a similar pattern. Average annual revenue increased 15.4% to $56,937, occupancy rose 12.1% to 51%, and active inventory declined 22.9%.  This notable decline in inventory can be attributed to an unfavorable regulation score.

These results reinforce the idea that revenue is concentrating among stronger properties while weaker listings exit the market.

Premium nightly rates remain achievable

Lake Harmony reported the highest ADR among the reviewed Poconos submarkets at $448.96. Its average annual revenue was $61,515, despite occupancy of only 41%.  In AirDNA’s definition of sub-markets, Lake Harmony includes much of Penn Forest Township and thus has 1486 active listings making it the largest sub-market according to AirDNA.

Emerald Lakes followed with a $439.17 ADR and $60,084 in average annual revenue. Pocono Lake reported a $422.93 ADR and $57,725 in annual revenue.  The submarket of Tobyhanna has 1281 active listings and includes large communities like Pocono Farms Country Club, Pocono Farms East and A Pocono Country Place.

Occupancy alone does not determine investment performance. A distinctive property capable of commanding premium nightly rates can produce strong annual revenue without being occupied every night.  The Poconos is historically a late booking weekend-focused market, two metrics that investors are looking to change.

KeyData’s regional results support this conclusion. Mid-Atlantic occupancy was flat, but ADR and RevPAR each increased 12%. Stronger rates—not a surge in booked nights—produced the revenue growth.

Seasonality still matters

Across the Poconos, the best month is July and the worst month is March. AirDNA gives the region a Seasonality Score of 72.

A high Seasonality Score indicates relatively low seasonality and more consistent demand throughout the year. A low score indicates greater seasonality and larger differences between peak- and low-season revenue.

Poconos vacation rentals are generally strongest during summer and fall. Demand slows considerably during the “mud season,” typically running from early March through late April.

The ski season is the biggest variable. Homes very close to ski resorts can perform extremely well from December through March. Properties more than approximately 20 minutes from skiing generally receive less winter demand.

A ski-adjacent property may enjoy both a winter peak and strong summer and fall seasons. A more distant property may rely heavily on warm-weather travel, foliage season, holiday weekends and its own amenities.

KeyData’s booking-window data adds another consideration. Nationally, finalized booking windows averaged 49 days in April, 56 days in May and 67 days in June. This supports publishing attractive peak-season rates and availability well in advance, followed by active pricing adjustments as arrival dates approach.  In the Poconos, the average booking window is much lower, the AirDNA data shows many months with over half the bookings made less than 30 days before arrival.

A flight to quality

It is our opinion that these results reflect a move toward luxury—a flight to quality.

The trend is toward larger and more expensive homes, better interior design, stronger amenities and a more premium guest experience than the region has historically provided.

Guests increasingly compare professional photography, bedroom capacity, ample bathrooms, large open gathering areas, outdoor features and entertainment options before booking. Homes with hot tubs, game rooms, pools, attractive kitchens, modern bathrooms and well-designed outdoor spaces have a meaningful competitive advantage and of course, 5-star ratings.

Older-looking, smaller and outdated homes are not renting as well. Lowering the nightly rate does not appear to be solving the problem for many of these owners and operators.

KeyData’s national Demand Index was essentially flat in June 2026, while its Revenue Index remained positive. That is consistent with a mature and competitive market: total demand is no longer expanding fast enough to make every property successful, but revenue can still grow for homes that give guests a compelling reason to choose them.

An expensive amenity is not automatically a profitable amenity. Improvements should be evaluated according to their likely effect on ADR, occupancy, guest reviews and annual revenue. Nevertheless, the data supports investing in upgrades that create visible differentiation.

Distribution and presentation are increasingly important

KeyData found that Airbnb accounted for 51% of national reservations during Q2 2026, up from 47% one year earlier. Airbnb’s share of revenue increased from 36% to 43%.

Vrbo remained relatively stable at 20% of reservations and 23% of revenue. Direct bookings represented 21% of reservations and 29% of revenue.

For Poconos operators, the lesson is not to rely exclusively on one channel. Owners should maintain strong Airbnb and Vrbo listings while gradually developing repeat-guest and direct-booking opportunities.

Professional photography, thoughtful descriptions, strong reviews, responsive management and disciplined pricing are now core elements of property performance—not optional marketing extras.

Luxury and Quality is Growing in Poconos Real Estate

The current vacation-rental environment is also reflected in the Poconos real estate market.

Active STRs with high bedroom counts, high permitted guest occupancy, turnkey condition and a strong presence on booking platforms are in very high demand. These properties are selling at substantial premiums because buyers are acquiring more than a house. They are acquiring a furnished hospitality product with amenities, photography, reviews, operating history and potentially forward reservations.

Buyers should still verify the business carefully. A high platform rating does not replace municipal permits, HOA approval, legal occupancy documentation, septic capacity, revenue statements and confirmation of what will transfer at closing.

A property should be underwritten according to the number of bedrooms and guests that can legally be licensed—not simply the occupancy advertised in a listing.

The bottom line

The Poconos remains a strong vacation-rental destination, but performance is becoming more concentrated.

AirDNA shows improving occupancy, ADR, RevPAR and annual revenue while active inventory declines. KeyData shows the broader Mid-Atlantic producing strong ADR and RevPAR growth without increased occupancy.

Together, the reports support a clear conclusion: future success will depend less on simply owning a Poconos rental and more on owning the right one.

The strongest opportunities are likely to be well-located, legally compliant, high-capacity and professionally presented properties that deliver a memorable guest experience and can command a premium nightly rate. Generic, dated homes that compete primarily by lowering price face an increasingly difficult market.

Methodology note: AirDNA figures reflect the supplied Poconos market and submarket screenshots. KeyData statistics are drawn from its Q3 2026 analysis of Q2 performance and forward booking data. The Mid-Atlantic region includes Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland and should not be interpreted as Poconos-only performance.

Hey ya'll!

This weekend, our family gathered for our grandson’s baptism.

People drove. People flew. Plans were made. All to be together to celebrate one adorable little guy. Could we have FaceTimed? Sure.  Could we have shared pictures and videos afterward? Of course.  Would it have been the same?

Not even close.

There’s something about being in the room. Hugging people you haven’t seen in a while. Catching up over a meal. Having conversations you never would have scheduled a Zoom call to have. And, most importantly this weekend, sharing the joy of celebrating together.

If you’ve ever met me in person, you probably already know: I LOVE in-person!

And I think face-to-face interaction is especially important for those of us in the STR world.

My Top 5 Reasons STR Owners Need to Get Out From Behind the Screen

#5 — You learn things you didn’t know you needed to know.

Online, we search for answers to questions we already have.

In person, someone casually says, “Have you heard about…?” and suddenly you’re learning about a regulation, vendor, strategy, problem or opportunity that wasn’t even on your radar.

Those accidental conversations can be incredibly valuable.

#4 — You find out you’re not the only one.

Running an STR can be surprisingly isolating.

Then you start talking with another owner and discover they’re struggling with the same cleaner issue, township frustration, difficult guest, pricing question or HOA headache you are.

Sometimes the most valuable sentence you can hear is: “Yep. Me too.”

#3 — Relationships make business easier.

Need a plumber on a Saturday? A backup cleaner? A realtor who actually understands STRs? A property manager? Someone who has dealt with the township you’re having trouble with?

It helps tremendously when the person on the other end of the phone isn’t a stranger.

Your STR network becomes part of your business infrastructure.

#2 — We’re stronger when we actually know each other.

This one matters enormously when it comes to advocacy.

It’s easy to ignore “STR owners” as an anonymous group.

It’s much harder to ignore Mary, who owns one cabin and is saving for retirement. Or Joe, who employs six local people. Or the property manager responsible for 50 homes and dozens of jobs.

Relationships turn a category into people.

And people standing together have a much stronger voice than individuals shouting from behind their keyboards.

Which brings me to…

#1 — Community doesn’t happen by accident.

You have to show up.

That’s true for families. It’s true for neighborhoods. And it’s true for our STR community.

Our family could have celebrated a baptism through pictures, texts and FaceTime this weekend.

Instead, people got on airplanes and into cars because being together mattered.

I think our STR community deserves some of that same effort.

So here are two opportunities to get out from behind the screen and INTO THE ROOM:

Our NY/NJ Meetup is coming up in just a few weeks. If you live in New York or New Jersey but own, operate, manage, sell or support vacation rentals in the Poconos, this one is especially for you. Come meet the people you’ve been seeing in emails, Facebook groups and Zoom squares. Swap ideas. Make connections. Build your STR circle.

And on September 17, we’ll gather at Camelback Resort for our STR Advocacy Summit: Find Your Voice — Advocate. Communicate. Lead.

If there were ever a time when being in the room mattered, it’s now.

Regulations affecting our businesses and properties are being discussed in township buildings, HOA meetings and government offices across our region and state. Advocacy works better when we know one another, learn from one another and understand how to speak with a coordinated, credible voice.

You can learn a LOT from an email.

Trust me… I send plenty of them. 

But relationships?

Those happen when we show up.

See you IN PERSON!

Rebecca

P.S. If you’ve been reading these Monday Musings for months but we’ve never actually met, let’s fix that. Come introduce yourself at the NY/NJ Meetup or the Advocacy Summit. Or reply to this email and let's meet up!!!