The 2025 Memorial Day Host Playbook: Data-Driven Strategies for 6 Major Cities

Updated : Feb 5, 2026

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of the summer travel season. While national headlines often paint travel with a broad brush, our STR Index data shows that host performance varies widely by city. This year, the name of the game is Revenue Efficiency—ensuring that higher demand actually translates into more money in your pocket.

Tier 1: The Gold Rush Markets (Atlanta, Miami, Detroit)

These cities are seeing a rare alignment: demand (booked nights) is up, prices (ADR) are up, and overall revenue (RevPAR) is skyrocketing.

• Atlanta (The Growth King):
  • The Data: Booked nights have surged by 136%, supported by a 43% increase in average daily rates (now $298). This has resulted in a massive 186.5% boost in RevPAR.
  • Host Strategy: You are in a high-leverage position. Consider a 3-night minimum stay. Travelers are clearly willing to pay a premium for this market right now; don’t be afraid to keep your rates aggressive until you hit 80% occupancy.
• Miami & Detroit (The Reliable Gainers):
  • The Data: Both cities show healthy double-digit growth. Detroit leads in occupancy at 29%, while Miami has seen a 70% increase in RevPAR.
  • Host Strategy: In Detroit, with occupancy relatively high compared to other markets, your “Last-Minute” pricing should actually be higher than early-bird rates. In Miami, focus on amenity-based marketing (e.g., “Memorial Day Beach Setup”) to justify the 14% price hike.

Tier 2: The Volume vs. Value Trap (San Diego)

San Diego presents a fascinating case of high interest but stagnant returns.

• San Diego (The High-Volume Ceiling):
  • The Data: Booked nights are up a massive 110%, yet RevPAR is essentially flat (-0.1%). Why? Because the ADR has remained static at $570.
  • The Insight: San Diego is flooded with interest, but hosts aren’t successfully raising prices. This often happens when supply increases as fast as demand.
  • Host Strategy: If you are a San Diego host, stop competing on price alone. At an ADR of $570, guests expect luxury. Focus on high-end touches—local wine, premium linens, or curated local guides—to maintain your premium pricing without having to drop rates to compete with the new supply.

Tier 3: The Overpriced Risk (Austin, Portland)

These markets are seeing price increases despite falling or slow-growth demand, a dangerous combination for a host.

• Austin (The Red Flag):
  • The Data: ADR has climbed 11% to $463, but booked nights have actually dropped by 4%. This has led to a painful 26.2% decline in RevPAR.
  • The Insight: Guests may be viewing Austin as overpriced for the holiday. At 2% occupancy, the market is currently very soft.
  • Host Strategy: Price Correction. If you haven’t secured your Memorial Day booking yet, consider a significant price adjustment or a “Book 2 nights, get 1 half-off” promotion. Current data suggests your competition is holding out for rates that the market isn’t supporting.
• Portland (The Soft Market):
  • The Data: Despite a 14% increase in booked nights, RevPAR fell by 6.7% because occupancy rates dropped slightly.
  • Host Strategy: Portland is price-sensitive. With the lowest ADR on our list ($160), small changes in pricing have big impacts. Use dynamic pricing to capture the early-bird budget traveler.

Master Data Table: 2025 Market Forecast

Universal Tips for All Memorial Day Hosts:

1. Market-Specific Revenue Strategy

Based on current 2025 data, your financial strategy should match your city’s tier:

• The “Gold Rush” (Atlanta, Miami, Detroit): High demand allows for 3-night minimums and aggressive holiday rates. Confirm your turnovers 14 days out, as cleaners may require holiday pay.
• The “Volume Play” (San Diego): High interest but flat pricing means you must differentiate. Focus on outdoor amenities—ensure BBQs are de-winterized and pools are pristine.
• The “Price Correction” (Austin, Portland): Lower demand requires flexibility. Lower your minimum stay or offer “last-minute” deals to fill your calendar.

2. The Spirit of the Day Hospitality

Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, not just a party. Your communication should reflect this solemnity.

• Messaging: Avoid “Happy Memorial Day.” Use: “We hope you enjoy a restful weekend of remembrance at our home.”
• Flag Etiquette: If flying the American flag, fly it at half-staff until noon, then full-staff.
• The 3 PM Moment: Mention the National Moment of Remembrance in your guidebook. Invite guests to join the community in a minute of silence at 3:00 PM local time.

3. Operational Audit & Safety

With high occupancy comes higher risk. Use this checklist to protect your property:

• Inventory & Amenities: Check propane levels, charcoal, and grill tools a week in advance.
• Guest Limits: Clearly define your “No Unregistered Guests” policy. Holiday weekends often attract “day visitors” who can lead to over-capacity issues.
• Maintenance “Safe Zone”: Avoid scheduling lawn mowing or pool cleaning on Monday; respect the neighborhood’s day of rest.

4. Why This Weekend Matters (A Host’s Context)

Sharing the holiday’s “soul” improves guest connection. Originally “Decoration Day” (est. 1868), the holiday honors the 1.1 million Americans lost in military service.

• Host Tip: If your property is near a National Cemetery or monument, highlight it in your guidebook. Many guests travel specifically to pay their respects.

5. Post-Weekend Strategy

By Tuesday morning, your summer season has officially begun.

• Update Listings: Take fresh photos of your sun-drenched patio or de-winterized pool.
• Analyze the Data: Did your 3-night minimum work? Use the revenue results from this weekend to set your pricing for July 4th and Labor Day.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most profitable city for Hosts this Memorial Day?

Based on the 2025 data, Atlanta is the top performer. It is seeing a “Gold Rush” with a 186.5% increase in RevPAR and a 136% surge in booked nights. Hosts here have the highest leverage for increasing rates and implementing longer minimum stay requirements.

Why is my revenue flat in San Diego despite high demand?

San Diego is experiencing a “Volume Trap.” While demand is up 110%, the Average Daily Rate (ADR) has remained stagnant at $570. This suggests high competition or increased supply is preventing price growth. To combat this, focus on unique guest amenities rather than competing solely on price.

Should I lower my prices if I’m hosting in Austin or Portland?

The data suggests a price correction may be necessary in these markets. Austin is seeing a 26.2% drop in RevPAR, and Portland is down 6.7%. If your occupancy is low as the holiday approaches, consider offering last-minute discounts or removing minimum stay requirements to stay competitive.

How should I communicate with guests regarding the meaning of the holiday?

Since Memorial Day is a day of reflection, it is best to avoid “celebratory” language. Use phrases like “We hope you enjoy a restful weekend of remembrance” in your welcome messages. You can also add value by mentioning the National Moment of Remembrance at 3:00 PM local time in your digital guidebook.

Do I need to pay my cleaning staff more for the holiday?

Because Memorial Day is a federal holiday, many professional cleaning services and co-hosts charge a premium (often time-and-a-half) for turnovers occurring on Monday. It is highly recommended to confirm your cleaning schedule at least 14 days in advance to account for holiday staffing shortages.

What amenities are most important for this specific weekend?

Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer. Guests will prioritize outdoor features such as BBQs, patios, and pools. Ensure your grill has full propane/charcoal and that all outdoor furniture is cleaned and “de-winterized” before the first guest arrives.