Key Takeaways:

• The staycation market is booming, as travellers prefer the easier, cheaper and less stressful holiday experience that it brings, compared to international travel.

• London short-term rentals are poised ot benefit from staycationers as the city continues to be among the top 10 destinations for short getaways, thanks to its cultural, historical and culinary appeal.

• Attract staycationers by highlighting local hotspots (cultural sites, historical spots, authentic restaurants), offering flexible check-ins and promoting unique local events.

• Create themed stays and promote culinary and wellness experiences to elevate the appeal of a short-term rental property and encourage more bookings.

Why the Staycation Trend is Rising

The staycation trend is gaining momentum, with more than 80% of Brits opting to stay in the UK, with London being one of the top 10 destinations for their 2025 vacation. With cuisine, culture, and arts being among the in-demand experiences among travellers, it’s not surprising that staycationers are flocking to London to explore more of the UK.

A staycation is a holiday that’s taken close to home. It’s a type of vacation that does not involve international travel. 

While this concept is not new, there has been a recent surge in staycation travel over the past few years. Why do people prefer staycations? Research reveals that travellers choose a staycation because it’s easier (43%), less stressful (35%) and cheaper (35%) compared to travelling abroad.

This opens an incredible opportunity for property owners and hosts in London. With more domestic travellers seeking short-term accommodations, is your property ready to cater to this emerging market’s demand?

How Short-Term Rentals Can Attract Staycationers 

With more people choosing to go on a staycation, short-term rentals are well-positioned to benefit from higher occupancy rates. With the number of shortlets in London, how can you ensure your property will attract staycationers and secure bookings?

Here are 5 ways you can take advantage of the growing staycation market.

Highlight local hotspots

Survey reveals that 1 out of 4 Brits are interested in learning more about the UK’s culture and history. They want to explore historical sites, museums and galleries.

So if you want to market your rental property to attract staycationers, you need to highlight local hotspots. Include in the description how far the property is from museums, galleries and other tourist spots. You can also include local events like weekend markets, cultural festivals and historic tours.

You can also mention how close your property is to public transport. Even if you’re not near popular sites, make sure guests know that it’ll be an easy commute from your flat.

Create themes stays

According to surveys, staycationers are looking for 5 types of holidays: city breaks, lakes and mountains, beachfront homes, cottage-style houses, and countryside vibes. While you can’t do anything about your property’s location, you can improve the design to exude a specific vibe.

For instance, using the right furniture and decor can make your shortlet exude a cottage vibe. Or you can make it feel like a beach house. You can also design your flat to give guests a cultural stay.

Be as creative as you can to create themed stays for guests.

Optimise for micro-holidays

One of the reasons why staycationers prefer shorter breaks or micro-holidays is that it’s easier to fit into their busy schedules. These types of holidays are usually 6 days or less. It’s long enough to help them relax without the need to rearrange too much of their schedule.

Since their vacation is short, staycationers want to make the most of their time to explore. Optimise your property to fit micro holidays by providing flexible check-in and check-out times. You should also ensure fast booking confirmations.

Recommend culinary experiences

Statistics show that 4 out of 10 travellers consider food and drinks as a part of the travel experience. The same is true for staycationers. They want to enjoy local delicacies, so make sure you have a list of recommendations for them to try.

Highlight nearby culinary experiences guests can try, such as restaurants, pubs and diners. If there are weekend food markets near your property, make sure to include this in the description. This will enrich the guests’ experience during their stay and make it a memorable one for their palate. You can partner with local restaurants and offer discounts to guests.

Promote wellness and relaxation

The idea of a staycation is to have a short enough vacation so it’s not stressful to plan. It’s more likely that they’ll want to prioritise wellness and relaxation during their holiday.

Make sure your shortlet is designed to help them do just that. Design your property to exude a calm vibe. Use high-quality bedding or put aromatherapy touches so your guests can feel relaxed during their stay.

If there are spa treatments nearby or wellness centres, provide a list of recommendations that your guests can consider.

Staycation FAQs in London

What are the top staycation activities in London for 2025?

Among the top activities that staycationers can enjoy in London include cultural sites like the British Museum, the West End theatre and the Tower of London. There are also historic pubs, food tours, weekend markets and local restaurants that feature multi-racial cuisine.

These experiences will give guests and travellers a memorable stay as they focus on London’s culture, heritage and cuisine.

Is London a good destination for UK staycations on a budget?

While London can be more expensive than other cities in the world, there are budget-friendly options that UK travellers can consider. There are free museums, public parks and local street food that will give them an authentic experience. The public transport is also affordable and will take you anywhere in London.

Who are the typical guests of London staycation rentals in 2025?

Millennials and couples are more prone to plan staycations in London. There’s also a rise in solo travellers, with a growth of 28% in 2024.

These types of guests are looking to experience the vibrant culture and arts in London. They are also after connectivity, so recommending walking tours and local events will help them enjoy their stay, especially the solo travellers.

How can I attract more staycation bookings for my London property?

Highlight local experiences and give tips on how guests can “live like a local.” Provide them with a list of nearby events and recommendations of places they can visit, such as local diners, independent shops, wellness spots and other tourist hotspots.

You can also offer flexible stays or weekend-only discounts to attract staycationers. Let them know if you have kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenities to attract families and pet lovers.

Optimise Your Shortlet For Staycations

The staycation boom won’t slow down, and this presents an incredible opportunity for property owners in London. The city offers a mix of cultural, historical and culinary experiences, which makes it an appealing destination for domestic travellers.

Make sure your short-term rental is positioned to take advantage of this market demand. Highlight local hotspots, optimise the property for staycationers and create a memorable stay for all your guests.

Managing a short-term rental is easy if you partner with property experts who can make the hosting journey a stress-free experience. With City Relay, you get local property expertise, innovative property management solutions, in-house housekeeping and dynamic pricing strategies that can maximise your rental income.

Find out how much your property can earn. Get a free rental estimate and start earning more from the influx of staycationers.