How a Perfect Fire Pit Can Boost Your Airbnb Revenue

When Host Genie CEO Dan Bourdeau decided to add a fire pit at one of his short-term rental properties, he knew it could make an impact, but he was surprised by the magnitude of the results. By applying best practices in design, ambiance, and marketing, he saw a 30% revenue jump year-over-year, taking his property from $100,000 to $130,000 in annual revenue.

Dan’s experience isn’t unique. A thoughtfully designed fire pit can set the stage for memorable guest experiences, adding both value and appeal to short-term rentals. Let’s explore what makes a fire pit truly exceptional, the criteria we use to grade them, and why this amenity has the power to elevate any property’s revenue potential.

Why a Fire Pit Matters in Short-Term Rentals

Picture this: you arrive at a cozy cabin, unpack, and settle around a crackling fire pit as the sun sets.

This kind of experience transforms a simple stay into something memorable. Fire pits offer a unique outdoor gathering space where guests can relax, connect, and enjoy the surroundings. In today’s competitive rental market, a fire pit can add a “wow” factor that keeps guests coming back.

Marketing the Fire Pit Experience

A well-designed fire pit alone isn’t enough; it must be marketed effectively to succeed. Photos should show a welcoming scene: the fire pit is lit, a cozy seating setup is arranged, and ideally, a beautiful sunset is in the background. String lights or lanterns add warmth to the image and evoke a sense of relaxation. Without this type of visual storytelling, even a high-quality fire pit can appear unremarkable. Properties that convey a sense of atmosphere in their listings stand out to guests scrolling through options.

Our Criteria for Grading Fire Pits

To understand how fire pits impact rental performance, we analyzed short term rental properties across various markets using these 5 critical factors:

1. Seating: Comfortable, high-quality seating is essential for a fire pit area to feel inviting. Guests are more likely to gather and linger if there are sturdy Adirondack chairs or benches rather than basic stools or plastic chairs.
2. Design: The fire pit itself should be well-built, attractive, and functional. Custom built-in pits or those made of high-quality materials like stone or metal enhance the appeal, while simpler, portable options may lack the same charm. 
3. Ambiance: Good lighting (string lights, lanterns) elevates the space from basic to beautiful. Ambiance lighting is especially important in the evening when guests are likely to use the fire pit area.
4. Landscaping: A well-maintained, landscaped area around the fire pit contributes to the overall experience. Features like shrubs, stones, and pathways make the space feel intentional and cared for.
5. Overall Setting: The best fire pits are set in inviting locations with a cozy layout and, ideally, scenic views. A well-thought-out arrangement creates a secluded, intimate atmosphere that guests love. Give them something photogenic to remember their stay.

Analyzing Fire Pit Tiers and Revenue Potential

We rated fire pits in our dataset of short-term rentals on a tier list from S (top-tier) to F (poor quality or no fire pit) based on the criteria above. Here’s what we found:

• Top-Tier (Host Genie Elite): Average annual revenue: $94,388. 
  These fire pits feature excellent design, high-quality seating, ambiance lighting, and a landscaped, inviting setting, creating a memorable experience that appeals to guests.
• A-Tier: Average annual revenue: $86,333.
  While these fire pits often have high-quality seating, lighting, and thoughtful landscaping, they may lack some of the premium features found in S-tier setups.
• Mid-Tier (B and C): B-tier Average annual revenue: $63,459| C-tier Average annual revenue: $67,794
  These spaces provide basic seating and functional fire pits but often miss the cohesive decor and ambiance lighting that elevate the guest experience.
• Low-Tier (D, F, or None): D-tier Average annual revenue: $53,879| F-tier Average annual revenue: $38,775.
  Properties with low-quality fire pits or an absence of a fire pit generated the lowest revenue by a considerable amount. These fire pits may be outdated, lack ambiance, or provide minimal seating.

A well-designed fire pit can level up your short-term rental, increasing your annual revenue by tens of thousands of dollars. People will scroll directly past a D-tier fire pit, but an S-tier pit can halt their search immediately.