Topics Covered
- Pricing based on number of nights booked
- Discounted rates based on minimum night stay
- Ensure that you connect these settings to pricing
How to Set Up Pricing Thresholds for Length-of-Stay Discounts
Pricing thresholds allow you to automatically offer discounts to guests who book longer stays, encouraging extended visits while providing better value for committed guests. This guide will walk you through creating and implementing pricing thresholds to reward longer bookings with reduced nightly rates.
Understanding Pricing Thresholds
What Are Pricing Thresholds?
Automatic Discount System
- Reduces nightly rates when guests book minimum number of nights
- Applies retroactively to entire stay once threshold is met
- Encourages longer stays through financial incentives
- Automatically calculated during booking process
How Thresholds Work
- Set minimum nights required to trigger discount
- Define discounted nightly rate for qualifying stays
- Multiple thresholds possible for different length stays
- Discounts apply to entire stay once minimum is reached
Example Threshold Scenario
No Service Sites – Base Rate: $15/night
- 7+ nights: Rate becomes $14/night for entire stay
- 30+ nights: Rate becomes $13/night for entire stay
Guest Impact:
- 3-night stay: $15 × 3 = $45 total (no discount)
- 7-night stay: $14 × 7 = $98 total (saves $7)
- 30-night stay: $13 × 30 = $390 total (saves $60)
Accessing Pricing Thresholds
Current Navigation
From Dashboard:
- Go to “Settings” from your main menu
- Navigate to “Financial Settings”
- Click on “Pricing Thresholds”
Threshold Dashboard Overview
The pricing thresholds page displays:
- All created thresholds with their configurations
- Threshold names and discount details
- Minimum nights and discounted rates for each threshold
- Edit and delete options for managing existing thresholds
Creating Pricing Thresholds
Step 1: Define Threshold Parameters
Threshold Name
- Choose descriptive names that indicate purpose
- Examples: “No Service Weekly”, “No Service Monthly”, “RV Weekly Discount”
- Include site type and duration for clarity
- Use consistent naming across similar thresholds
Minimum Number of Nights
- Set the trigger point for discount activation
- Common thresholds:
- 7 nights (weekly discount)
- 14 nights (extended stay)
- 30 nights (monthly rate)
- Custom lengths based on your business model
Discounted Nightly Rate
- Enter the reduced rate guests will pay for qualifying stays
- Consider your cost structure when setting discount levels
- Balance guest value with revenue requirements
- Ensure discounts are meaningful but sustainable
Step 2: Strategic Threshold Planning
Weekly Discounts (7+ nights)
- Typical discount: 5-15% off standard rate
- Appeals to vacation guests planning longer trips
- Reduces weekly turnover costs
- Example: $20/night becomes $18/night for 7+ day stays
Monthly Discounts (30+ nights)
- Significant discounts: 15-25% off standard rate
- Attracts seasonal guests and extended stays
- Provides predictable income for longer periods
- Example: $20/night becomes $15/night for 30+ day stays
Custom Thresholds
- Weekend packages: 3+ nights during peak times
- Seasonal rates: Extended periods during slower seasons
- Special events: Longer stays during festivals or events
Implementing Thresholds in Seasons
Critical Implementation Step
Important: Creating pricing thresholds alone doesn’t activate them. You must apply thresholds to specific seasons for them to take effect.
Linking Thresholds to Seasons
- Access your Seasons settings (refer to seasons video for detailed instructions)
- Edit the relevant season where you want thresholds to apply
- Apply specific pricing thresholds to that season
- Save season settings to activate the thresholds
Seasonal Application Strategy
Peak Season Considerations
- Use minimal discounts during high-demand periods
- Focus on occupancy rather than length-of-stay incentives
- Consider if peak demand makes discounts unnecessary
Off-Season Applications
- Offer more generous discounts to encourage longer stays
- Use thresholds to boost occupancy during slower periods
- Attract seasonal guests with significant monthly discounts
Shoulder Season Balance
- Moderate discounts to encourage longer stays
- Bridge pricing between peak and off-season rates
- Flexible thresholds based on demand patterns
Best Practices for Pricing Thresholds
Revenue Strategy
Discount Levels
- Start conservatively with modest discounts (5-10%)
- Test market response before implementing larger discounts
- Monitor impact on overall revenue per guest
- Adjust based on occupancy and revenue data
Cost Consideration
- Factor in reduced turnover costs when setting discounts
- Consider housekeeping savings from longer stays
- Account for operational efficiencies of fewer check-ins/check-outs
- Balance discount generosity with profit margins
Guest Experience Enhancement
Clear Communication
- Promote threshold discounts in marketing materials
- Explain savings clearly during booking process
- Highlight benefits of longer stays beyond just pricing
- Train staff to suggest longer stays when appropriate
Value Addition
- Combine with other perks for long-stay guests
- Offer additional services for extended stays
- Create packages that enhance the longer-stay experience
- Build loyalty through consistent discount offerings
Operational Efficiency
Reduced Turnover Benefits
- Lower housekeeping costs with fewer cleanings
- Reduced administrative work from fewer check-ins/check-outs
- More predictable staffing requirements
- Decreased wear and tear on facilities
Planning Advantages
- Better revenue forecasting with longer commitments
- Improved inventory management with extended bookings
- Enhanced guest relationships through longer interactions
Managing Multiple Thresholds
Threshold Categories
By Site Type
- Different discounts for different accommodation types
- RV sites vs. tent sites may have different threshold structures
- Cabin vs. campsite pricing strategies
- Premium vs. standard site differentials
By Season
- Varying discounts across different seasonal periods
- Peak season minimums vs. off-season generosity
- Holiday period adjustments
- Weather-dependent threshold modifications
Threshold Coordination
Avoid Overlap Conflicts
- Plan threshold combinations carefully
- Ensure clear progression (7-night discount < 30-night discount)
- Test threshold interactions with booking system
- Monitor for unexpected pricing combinations
Monitoring and Optimization
Performance Tracking
Key Metrics to Monitor
- Average length of stay before and after threshold implementation
- Revenue per guest impact of discounts
- Occupancy rates during threshold periods
- Guest satisfaction with pricing structure
Regular Review Process
- Monthly analysis of threshold effectiveness
- Seasonal adjustments based on performance data
- Annual review of threshold structure and levels
- Competitive analysis of market threshold offerings
Adjustment Strategies
When to Modify Thresholds
- Low uptake on longer-stay discounts
- Revenue decline from excessive discounting
- Competitive pressure requiring more attractive offers
- Operational changes affecting cost structure
Common Adjustments
- Reduce minimum nights if thresholds aren’t being triggered
- Increase discounts if longer stays aren’t materializing
- Add intermediate thresholds (e.g., 14-night option between 7 and 30)
- Seasonal modifications based on demand patterns
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Threshold Not Applying
Check Season Configuration
- Verify thresholds are applied to relevant seasons
- Ensure season dates cover booking periods
- Confirm threshold activation in season settings
Booking System Issues
- Test with sample bookings to verify threshold triggers
- Check minimum night calculations are working correctly
- Verify discount application across entire stay
Guest Confusion
Clear Communication Solutions
- Explain threshold benefits clearly in booking interface
- Provide examples of savings for different stay lengths
- Train staff to explain threshold discounts effectively
- Include threshold information in confirmation emails
Summary
Pricing thresholds provide an effective tool for encouraging longer stays while rewarding committed guests with meaningful discounts. Success depends on thoughtful implementation, proper seasonal application, and ongoing monitoring to optimize both guest satisfaction and revenue performance.
Key points to remember:
- Create thresholds with meaningful discounts that encourage longer stays
- Apply thresholds to seasons – creating them alone doesn’t activate them
- Balance discount generosity with revenue requirements
- Monitor performance regularly and adjust based on data
- Communicate benefits clearly to guests and staff
- Consider operational savings when calculating discount levels
- Test threshold effectiveness with sample bookings before full implementation
Effective pricing thresholds help build guest loyalty, improve operational efficiency, and create predictable revenue streams while providing genuine value to guests choosing longer stays.