How to Merchandise STR Amenities Into High-Margin Experience Packages

The short answer: Stop giving away value. Transition from a passive host to an active retailer by bundling loose amenities into high-margin "Experience Packages." By merchandising these directly in the guest workflow, you capture ancillary revenue that often exceeds 15% of the nightly rate while standardizing operations.

The Nightly Rate Ceiling: Why You Cannot Just "Charge More"

In the current market landscape, raising your Base Daily Rate (ADR) leads to diminishing returns. Inventory saturation has created a pricing ceiling. However, your guests still possess significant spending power; they are simply deploying that capital elsewhere. The missed opportunity lies in "shadow revenue" (premium services you currently offer for free or manage ad-hoc via text messages).

Successful revenue managers in 2026 are pivoting to a retail-first mindset. Instead of viewing a property as a static asset, they view it as a showroom for purchasable experiences. This strategy shifts the focus from Occupancy Rate to Total Revenue Per Available Room (TRevPAR).

Merchandising STR Amenities for Maximum Wallet Share

To capture this revenue, you must productize your offering. A guest will rarely pay for "early check-in" if it feels like a penalty fee. However, they will happily purchase a "VIP Arrival Package" that includes early access, a stocked fridge, and pre-set climate control. This is merchandising.

By using SuitePortal, you can present these options digitally during the highest-intent moments: immediately after booking and 48 hours before arrival. This automated merchandising converts invisible operational costs into visible profit centers.

Data-Driven Revenue Capture

The impact of structured upsells is measurable. According to Q1 2026 ancillary revenue reports, properties utilizing digital storefronts for amenities saw a 22% increase in TRevPAR compared to those relying solely on accommodation fare. Furthermore, data indicates that 68% of high-yield guests prefer selecting add-ons via a digital interface rather than negotiating with a host, proving that friction reduces spend.

Structuring Your Experience Packages

Do not sell "things." Sell outcomes. Here is how to structure high-yield bundles using SuiteKeeper to automate the fulfillment:

• The Executive Remote Suite ($150): Includes high-speed router priority, dual monitor rental setup, and a coffee restock.
• The Pet VIP Kit ($75): Includes heavy-duty pet bed, branded bowls, and a pre-authorized extra cleaning tier.
• The Wellness Arrival ($200): Includes pool heat activation (via SuiteConnect), yoga mat setup, and organic local snacks.

Once a guest purchases a package in SuitePortal, the system automatically charges the card and triggers the necessary workflows. SuiteConnect adjusts the thermostat or pool heater, and SuiteKeeper assigns the "setup task" to your ground team. No texts, no manual invoices, no missed details.

Operational Efficiency: Ad-Hoc vs. Automated Merchandising

Standardizing these requests allows you to scale revenue without scaling chaos.

Manual Processing vs. SuiteOp Automation

• Guest Request: Back-and-forth texting negotiation → One-click purchase in SuitePortal
• Payment Collection: Sending manual links or Venmo requests → Instant credit card charge and ledger entry
• Fulfillment: Texting the cleaner (often forgotten) → Auto-generated task in SuiteKeeper
• Revenue Recognition: Hidden in miscellaneous fees → Tracked clearly in Integrations and analytics