The short-term rental (STR) market in Philipsburg, Montana, is growing steadily, thanks to its charm, outdoor activities, and proximity to top destinations like Discovery Ski Area. However, not all vacation rentals in Philipsburg are equally successful. Some properties get booked year-round, while others struggle to keep up. What makes the difference? Whether you’re new to the market or looking to improve your rental’s performance, understanding these factors can help you stand out in Philipsburg's competitive rental market.
1. Location Within Philipsburg
Proximity to Attractions: In Philipsburg, rentals close to popular destinations—such as downtown, Georgetown Lake, or Discovery Ski Area—tend to attract more guests. According to AirDNA, properties near key attractions like ski resorts or fishing spots see higher occupancy rates due to the convenience and immediate access to local activities.
Downtown Philipsburg Appeal: Rentals within walking distance of downtown, with its historic charm, local breweries, and shops, tend to do well, especially during the warmer months when visitors stroll the streets, visit the Philipsburg Theatre, or enjoy the local dining scene.
2. Professional Photography and Local Charm
Capturing Montana’s Beauty: In Philipsburg, stunning mountain views and the natural beauty of the area are big selling points. Listings that showcase these with high-quality, professional photos consistently outperform those with amateur images. According to Hostfully, professional photography can increase booking rates by up to 40%, as it allows potential guests to envision their stay more clearly, especially if your listing highlights scenic views or proximity to outdoor adventures.
Emphasizing Local Style: Properties that reflect the local flavor, such as rustic cabins or modern homes with a touch of Montana charm, tend to stand out. Guests come to Philipsburg to experience the local lifestyle, and your property’s design and decor should echo that. If your short term rental is lacking in design or is furnished with old and worn sofas and beds, you may consider updating the furniture to draw in more guests.
3. Seasonal Pricing and Dynamic Adjustments
Philipsburg’s Seasonality: Philipsburg is a destination that thrives on seasonal tourism. Winter brings skiers and snowboarders, while the summer months attract those seeking hiking, fishing, and water sports at Georgetown Lake. Properties that adjust their pricing based on seasonal demand tend to do better. At Pintler Cabins, we use PriceLabs to implement dynamic pricing and can ensure your rental is competitively priced year-round. We regularly update the PriceLabs staff with local events happening and oversee that the pricing is set for maximum revenue and occupancy for our properties. Listings that adapt pricing based on high-demand periods—like holiday weekends or summer festivals—see higher revenue and better occupancy rates.
Competitive Off-Season Rates: Philipsburg can have slower booking periods during shoulder seasons (spring and fall), but with strategic pricing, properties can still attract travelers looking for budget-friendly getaways. Offering off-season discounts or promotions can help maintain steady bookings.
4. Guest Reviews and Repeat Stays
Positive Reviews Matter: In a small town like Philipsburg, word-of-mouth and online reviews go a long way. Properties with glowing reviews not only rank higher on booking platforms like Airbnb but also benefit from increased trust and repeat guests. Airbnb’s data shows that properties with a 4.8-star rating or higher are significantly more likely to secure bookings. Guests want to know they’ll have a clean, comfortable, and memorable stay.
Superhost Status: Achieving Airbnb’s Superhost status or maintaining excellent reviews on VRBO can boost your listing's visibility and credibility. AirDNA reports that Superhost properties in markets like Philipsburg see 22% higher occupancy rates than those without this designation, as guests feel more confident booking with highly rated hosts. We work hard every day to ensure we maintain our Superhost status on Airbnb.
5. Unique Features for Philipsburg Travelers
Outdoor Amenities: Many visitors come to Philipsburg to enjoy outdoor activities, and listings that offer amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or ski storage attract more attention. According to AllTheRooms, properties with hot tubs, especially after a day on the slopes, see a 20% higher booking rate in winter months. (Before putting in a hot tub though, you do need to consider local safety regulations and requirements for maintaining the hot tub and offering it to the public. We have been through this process and can provide you with the information you need to be compliant if you offer a hot tub as an amenity.)
Local Experiences: Rentals that go beyond offering a place to stay and create an experience are often more successful. Whether it’s providing gear for outdoor adventures, offering insider tips on the best fishing spots, or partnering with local businesses to give guests discounts at the local brewery or sapphire mining, these thoughtful additions can help differentiate your property from others. As a local business, we are able to give guests an authentic Philipsburg experience, as we have relationships with local businesses and we know the area better than any national property management companies live Evolve or Vacasa.
6. Visibility and Marketing Beyond the Platforms
Direct Booking Websites: In a small town like Philipsburg, where locals take pride in community connections, having a direct booking site can help establish trust and build a loyal customer base. While platforms like Airbnb and VRBO are essential, we drive bookings to our direct booking sites, reducing platform fees and fostering guest loyalty. According to Hostfully, properties with direct booking capabilities often see more repeat business and increased revenue. Contact us today to see how we can help you with your direct booking site!
Leveraging Social Media: A well-maintained Instagram or Facebook page can showcase your rental to potential guests and highlight the beauty of the area, seasonal events, and local experiences. Encouraging past guests to share their photos or tag your property helps build engagement and can bring new visitors to your listing. Check out our instagram @pintlercabins or our facebook page to see our most recent posts!
7. Exceptional Guest Service
Prompt, Friendly Communication: Philipsburg offers an authentic Montana experience, and part of that comes from the warm, welcoming service that guests expect. We always provide prompt responses to inquiries, clear instructions for check-in, and thoughtful local recommendations which significantly impact guest satisfaction. Airbnb reports that hosts who respond to inquiries within an hour are more likely to secure bookings. At Pintler Cabins, we build relationships with your guests and offer them personalized attention that often leads to higher reviews and return visits.
Local Expertise: Guests often look to their hosts for local recommendations. Knowing Philipsburg inside and out, from the best hiking trails to hidden gems like The Sweet Palace candy shop, gives you a competitive edge. By offering tips on lesser-known attractions or suggesting a visit to Granite Ghost Town State Park, we can enhance your guests' stay and increase the likelihood of positive reviews.
8. Immaculate Cleanliness and Maintenance
Cleanliness is Key: No matter how beautiful your rental is, if it isn’t clean, guests won’t return. Properties in Philipsburg with top reviews consistently maintain high cleanliness standards. According to VRBO, cleanliness complaints are one of the leading causes of negative reviews. Partnering with reliable, local cleaning services ensures that your property is spotless for every guest, enhancing the guest experience and your reviews. We also utilize checklists and accountability checks to ensure each of our properties is cleaned thoroughly before every guest arrives.
Regular Maintenance: With Philipsburg’s cold winters and active summer season, maintenance issues can arise. Keeping your property well-maintained—whether it's clearing snow during winter stays or ensuring outdoor spaces are ready for summer guests—is crucial. A well-maintained property leaves a lasting impression and prevents potential complaints. We can help with setting up regular maintenance schedules and ensure your property is in tip top shape for every guest.
9. Return Guests and Loyalty Programs
Encouraging Repeat Visits: Philipsburg has a way of bringing people back, especially during peak seasons. Encouraging guests to return through loyalty programs, offering discounts on repeat stays, or simply sending a follow-up message thanking them for their stay can help build a strong guest base. According to AllTheRooms, properties that actively engage with past guests for future bookings see higher occupancy rates than those relying solely on new guests. Part of the Pintler Cabins booking process includes collection of guest contact information, this is so that we may engage with our past guests and entice them to re-book through our direct booking website and earn additional revenue for our listings!
Loyalty Through Direct Bookings: Offering guests incentives to book directly through your website for their next stay (such as a discount or early access to prime dates) can increase your repeat guest rate and reduce dependency on third-party booking platforms.
In Philipsburg, the most successful short-term rentals leverage a combination of factors—prime location, strong guest reviews, competitive seasonal pricing, and exceptional service. By investing in professional photography, offering unique local experiences, and engaging in strategic marketing, you can set your rental apart and keep it consistently booked throughout the year.
At Pintler Cabins, we specialize in helping short-term rental owners optimize their listings and boost revenue with tailored solutions, from dynamic pricing strategies to direct booking options. Contact us today so we can help you turn your Philipsburg property into a year-round success!
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