The lines between traditional hotels and short-term rentals are rapidly blurring, according to Guesty CFO Gil Vassoly, who points to a surprising evolution in hospitality operations.
“There are contactless hotels now where there’s no one. You book it online, you get access key, go in, communicate with the chatbot, and everything happens automatically. This is very similar to short-term rental,” Vassoly says, describing how traditional hotels are adopting operating models that were once unique to vacation rentals.
This convergence suggests a broader transformation in hospitality, where the distinction between hotels and short-term rentals increasingly lies less in their operation and more in their physical format and location.
Property managers are also getting more creative with their inventory, Vassoly notes. “During the low season, instead of trying to have occupancy that’s very low, I might as well put it out for three months rent,” he says, describing how hosts are blending short and long-term strategies to optimize revenue.
This flexibility represents a significant shift from traditional vacation rental models, allowing property managers to maintain cash flow during seasonal downturns while potentially reaching new market segments.
Guesty’s platform exemplifies how technology is facilitating this convergence. “We listen to what the customer wants. We understand what they need,” Vassoly explains. The company’s solutions help property managers handle everything from pricing optimization to guest communications across multiple booking channels.
“The feedback we’re getting from customers is that they appreciate the product evolution,” Vassoly says, noting that recent product announcements at their annual conference received enthusiasm similar to “one of these Apple things, where people are clapping when the iPhone 17 comes on stage.”
