Santa Elena, Santa Elena Province Airbnb Market Data 2026: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Santa Elena, Santa Elena Province? Based on AirROI's 2026 dataset (April 2025 – March 2026), the short answer is $5,863 per year — at a $162 nightly rate, 16.2% occupancy, and a $27 RevPAR that reflects a wider gap between nightly rates and realized revenue that rewards occupancy-focused strategies.
Santa Elena's 404 active listings and selective demand that rewards strong listing quality and pricing strategy position it as a midsize vacation rental market. Supply grew 77.2% year over year, and the market is recalibrating around a new competitive baseline. This is the stage where hosts who invest in amenities, guest experience, and dynamic pricing build durable advantages that compound as the market matures.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a tightening market, selectivity matters — focus on proven neighborhoods, competitive pricing, and guest experience to protect returns.
Table of Contents [hide] [show]
What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Santa Elena?
In Santa Elena, the headline Airbnb metrics are $5,863 in average annual revenue,16.2% occupancy, $162 ADR, and $27 in RevPAR, and guests book about 24 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Santa Elena?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Santa Elena is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Santa Elena is typically March, while October often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Santa Elena across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $2,007+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $1,053 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $515 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $233, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Santa Elena
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Santa Elena?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Santa Elena STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Marchsees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while October experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Santa Elena:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 41%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 25% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 14%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 7% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Santa Elena
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Santa Elena?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Santa Elena involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Santa Elena typically peaks in December and dips lowest during September. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $278+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $171 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $118 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $79 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Santa Elena
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
RevPAR in Santa Elena is currently $27. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see $9 RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate $19 RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn $30 RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve $56 RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Santa Elena
RevPAR Insights for Santa Elena
- The average RevPAR in Santa Elena is $27. This metric combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, making it one of the best single-number indicators of market efficiency.
- The gap between the top 10% ($56) and bottom 25% ($9) is $48, suggesting a relatively compressed market where operational differences yield moderate returns.
- RevPAR peaks in Mar and bottoms out in Oct, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Santa Elena benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of $19, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Top-quartile listings achieve $30+ RevPAR through a combination of competitive pricing, strong reviews, and strategic amenities. Target this tier through incremental improvements.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
Get Live Santa Elena Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Santa Elena's peak Airbnb season falls in March, August, April, while the softest stretch is September, October, November. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (March, August, April)
- Revenue averages $1,167 per month
- Occupancy rates average 24.4%
- Daily rates average $154
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $919 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 18.0%
- Daily rates hold near $156
Low Season (September, October, November)
- Revenue drops to average $591 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 13.9%
- Daily rates adjust to average $151
Seasonality Insights for Santa Elena
- Airbnb seasonality in Santa Elena is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Santa Elena's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $1,238, occupancy reaching 25.4%, and ADRs peaking at $160.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $503, occupancy could drop to 12.6%, and ADRs may adjust to $150.
- Lower occupancy paired with meaningful seasonality means hosts in Santa Elena need to maximize every peak-season booking and seriously consider whether off-season pricing adjustments or minimum-stay changes can capture incremental revenue.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Santa Elena, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Santa Elena, Santa Elena Province, Ecuador point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Santa Elena to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, based on 0% licensed listings)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Location within Santa Elena matters. Even in a midsize market, the difference between neighborhoods can mean a material gap in occupancy, nightly rate, and overall Airbnb revenue. Below are 8 areas where short-term rental activity and guest interest are concentrated — along with the reasons each neighborhood appeals to travelers.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| La Finca | A charming area surrounded by nature, offering peace and tranquility for tourists looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Popular among eco-tourists and nature enthusiasts. | Cerro Blanco Wildlife Refuge, Gonzalo Pizarro Park, local artisan markets, hiking trails |
| Cerro Blanco | This natural reserve is perfect for adventure seekers who enjoy hiking and exploring diverse ecosystems. The unique wildlife and landscapes attract visitors interested in eco-tourism. | Cerro Blanco Eco-park, bird watching, hiking trails, nature photography spots |
| Sampuerna | A small town known for its friendly community and local culture. Ideal for tourists wanting an authentic Ecuadorian experience and access to local cuisine. | local markets, traditional Ecuadorian dining, cultural festivals, historic churches |
| Salinas | Famous for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, Salinas draws a variety of tourists looking for beach-related activities and entertainment. | Salinas Beach, Marina Salinas, beachfront bars and restaurants, water sports activities |
| Montanita | A renowned destination for surfers and beach lovers. Its laid-back vibe and numerous surf spots appeal to young travelers seeking adventure and festivities. | Montanita Beach, surfing schools, local nightlife, art and craft shops |
| Puerto Lopez | Historically known for whale watching and its marine biodiversity. Ideal for tourists interested in marine life and seaside relaxation. | Isla de la Plata, whale watching tours, traditional fishing village charm, beautiful sunsets |
| Jipijapa | Known for its rich history and coffee production, Jipijapa attracts visitors interested in cultural experiences and local agriculture. | coffee plantations, local history museums, artisan crafts, cultural tours |
| Ayampe | A serene beach destination perfect for relaxation, yoga retreats, and connecting with nature. Popular among tourists looking for peace and wellness. | Ayampe Beach, yoga retreats, nature walks, local hospitality |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Santa Elena offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Santa Elena
- The Santa Elena Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 89.6% of the 404 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Santa Elena, Apartment/Condo properties are the most common (54.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 40.6% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like hotel/boutique, others, outdoor/unique (combined 5.2%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Santa Elena Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Santa Elena
- The dominant room capacity in Santa Elena is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 41.8% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 63.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Santa Elena, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 62.4% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Santa Elena.
Santa Elena Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Santa Elena
- The most common guest capacity trend in Santa Elena vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (48.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 8+ guests and 6 guests dominate the Santa Elena STR market, accounting for 64.1% of listings.
- 71.8% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Santa Elena.
- On average, properties in Santa Elena are equipped to host 6.2 guests.
How Do Listings in Santa Elena Compare on Quality?
Listing quality in Santa Elena can be approximated through presentation depth, bedroom count, and how often hosts disclose exact locations. These signals show how professionally the local supply base is merchandised.
Listing Quality Insights for Santa Elena
- At 30.8 photos per listing on average, Santa Elena hosts invest well in visual presentation. Listings with 20+ photos consistently outperform in search ranking and conversion.
- 22.8% of listings show their exact location. Lower disclosure rates can increase booking hesitation — guests want to know exactly where they are staying.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Enable exact location if possible — it removes a common source of guest uncertainty and can improve your listing's position in map-based searches.
- Use these quality indicators as a self-audit checklist. Listings that exceed the Santa Elena averages across all three metrics are better positioned for premium pricing.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Santa Elena?
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Santa Elena
- Essential amenities in Santa Elena that guests expect include: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Kitchen, Dishes and silverware, BBQ grill are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
- A pool is a highly desired but not standard amenity, making it a key feature for attracting guests seeking leisure in Santa Elena.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Santa Elena: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Air conditioning, Wifi, Free parking on premises, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Kitchen or Dishes and silverware to increase appeal.
- Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
- Regularly check competitor amenities in Santa Elena to stay competitive.
Which Airbnb Amenities Boost Revenue in Santa Elena?
Not every amenity matters equally. This table focuses on the amenities most associated with higher revenue in Santa Elena, which makes it more useful for prioritizing upgrades than a simple popularity list alone.
| Amenity | Prevalence | Revenue With | Revenue Without | Revenue Uplift |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kitchen | 91.3% | $6,263 | $1,640 | 281.9% |
Outlet coversHigh opportunity | 1.7% | $17,655 | $5,655 | 212.2% |
Babysitter recommendationsHigh opportunity | 3.0% | $16,221 | $5,546 | 192.5% |
Changing tableHigh opportunity | 1.7% | $16,575 | $5,674 | 192.1% |
BidetHigh opportunity | 5.0% | $14,514 | $5,412 | 168.2% |
KayakHigh opportunity | 5.0% | $13,987 | $5,439 | 157.1% |
Free parking on premises | 98.3% | $5,924 | $2,407 | 146.1% |
CribHigh opportunity | 4.2% | $12,868 | $5,555 | 131.7% |
Microwave | 61.4% | $7,506 | $3,251 | 130.9% |
Pack ’n play/Travel cribHigh opportunity | 3.7% | $12,340 | $5,613 | 119.9% |
Revenue Impact Insights for Santa Elena
- Kitchen tops the revenue impact list with a 281.9% uplift — listings with this amenity earn $6,263 vs. $1,640 without it.
- High-opportunity amenities — Outlet covers, Babysitter recommendations, Changing table — combine revenue uplift above 100% with prevalence under 10%, meaning most competitors haven't adopted them yet.
- Kitchen, Free parking on premises — while widespread — still correlate with meaningful revenue gains, making them table stakes rather than true differentiators.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Prioritize adding Outlet covers — it has the best combination of high revenue impact and low market saturation in Santa Elena.
- Focus your upgrade budget on amenities in the top half of this table. Below-median amenities may improve guest experience but contribute less to revenue growth.
- Highlight revenue-impacting amenities prominently in your listing title, photos, and description — guests can't value what they don't notice.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Santa Elena STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Santa Elena. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsSanta Elena Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Santa Elena
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Santa Elena consists of primarily domestic travelers (87%), often arriving from nearby Guayaquil, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking Spanish or English.
- Domestic travelers account for 87.2% of guests.
- Key international markets include Ecuador (87.2%) and United States (6.3%).
- Top languages spoken are Spanish (56.2%) followed by English (35.8%).
- A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Target domestic marketing efforts towards travelers from Guayaquil and Cuenca.
- Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
- Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
- Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.
What Are Airbnb Guest Ratings in Santa Elena?
Listings in Santa Elena average 4.77 out of 5 overall, with about 32.6 reviews per active listing and 27.7% of listings carrying the Guest Favorite badge.
Rating Breakdown by Category
Guest Rating Insights for Santa Elena
- An average rating of 4.77 places Santa Elena in solid territory. Most guests leave satisfied, though there is room for hosts to push toward the top tier.
- The strongest subcategory is Communication (4.86), while Value (4.72) trails behind — a useful signal for hosts looking to prioritize upgrades.
- 27.7% of listings carry the Guest Favorite badge, a strong trust signal that can meaningfully lift click-through and booking rates.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Focus improvement efforts on Value — even small gains in the weakest subcategory can lift overall ratings and search ranking.
- Encourage guests to leave reviews after checkout. Listings with more reviews rank higher in search results and convert browsers into bookers more effectively.
- With only 27.7% of listings earning Guest Favorite status, hosts who consistently exceed expectations have a clear competitive advantage.
Santa Elena Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Santa Elena
- The most common availability pattern in Santa Elena falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 91.1% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 99.5% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 1-30 days range is most frequent in Santa Elena (59.7%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 0.7% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Santa Elena
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Santa Elena is 24 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 56 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in September (average 10 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (32 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (14 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (24 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Santa Elena.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 56 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- During September, focus on last-minute booking availability and promotions, as guests book with very short notice (10 days avg.).
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 32 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Santa Elena averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
What Is the Average Length of Stay for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Guests in Santa Elena stay about 3.3 nights on average, generating roughly 3,588 reservations and 9 bookings per listing in the latest AirROI dataset. The most common check-in time is 3:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM.
Monthly Length of Stay in Santa Elena
Check-in Time Distribution
Check-out Time Distribution
Stay Pattern Insights for Santa Elena
- A mid-range stay length points to leisure-driven demand — weekend getaways and short vacations. Hosts should optimize for quick turnover efficiency while keeping the guest experience smooth.
- Stay lengths peak in Dec (4.1 nights) and shorten in Oct (2.3 nights). Adjust minimum-night requirements seasonally to match.
Recommendations for Hosts
- With shorter average stays, focus on streamlining turnover. Self-check-in, reliable cleaning crews, and pre-staged amenities can reduce per-booking operational costs.
- Set your check-in time to match or beat the market standard of 3:00 PM. Offering early check-in flexibility can be a low-cost differentiator.
- Monitor length-of-stay seasonality to adjust minimum-night requirements — longer minimums during peak periods maximize revenue while shorter minimums fill gaps in shoulder seasons.
Santa Elena Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
197 listings
48.8% of total
2 Nights
121 listings
30% of total
3 Nights
18 listings
4.5% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
0.7% of total
7-29 Nights
2 listings
0.5% of total
30+ Nights
63 listings
15.6% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Santa Elena is 1 Night, adopted by 48.8% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (78.8%) of the Santa Elena Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (15.6%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Santa Elena, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 48.8% of Santa Elena hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 15.6% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Santa Elena.
Santa Elena Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Limited
10 listings
2.5% of total
Flexible
152 listings
37.6% of total
Moderate
138 listings
34.2% of total
Firm
85 listings
21% of total
Strict
19 listings
4.7% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Santa Elena
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Santa Elena is Flexible, used by 37.6% of listings.
- The market strongly favors guest-friendly terms, with 71.8% of listings offering Flexible or Moderate policies. This suggests guests in Santa Elena may expect booking flexibility.
- Strict cancellation policies are quite rare (4.7%), potentially making listings with this policy less competitive unless justified by high demand or property type.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Flexible policy to align with the 37.6% market standard in Santa Elena.
- Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 4.7% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Santa Elena.
How Much Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees in Santa Elena?
Cleaning fees in Santa Elena are meaningful operating levers, not just pass-through charges. What matters most is how often hosts charge them, how high they run relative to market norms, and how large a share of gross revenue they consume.
Cleaning Fee Insights for Santa Elena
- 73.5% of listings charge a cleaning fee, making it standard practice in Santa Elena. Guests expect it and factor it into their booking decisions.
- The average cleaning fee of $33 is close to the median ($25), suggesting a relatively consistent fee structure across the market.
- Cleaning fees represent 5.0% of gross revenue on average — a modest component of the overall booking price.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Price your cleaning fee competitively against the Santa Elena median of $25. Fees significantly above market norms can deter bookings, especially for shorter stays.
- Monitor competitor cleaning fees regularly. Airbnb's search algorithm factors in total price, so a well-calibrated cleaning fee can improve your listing's ranking.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Santa Elena Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Santa Elenabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Beautiful View House Punta Blanca
Entire Place • 7 bedrooms
Casa Oasis 5 bedrooms, swimming pool, sports courts
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Beachfront Punta Blanca House
Entire Place • 6 bedrooms
Cozy, oceanfront house, Punta Blanca, Ec.
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Mansito Beach House Direct Beach Access
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Beachfront Villa in Punta Blanca
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Santa Elena?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Santa Elena based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Donhost Propiedades | 5 | $78,400 | 653 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Ana Maria | 2 | $74,089 | 147 | 4.96/5.0 |
| Martha | 1 | $67,656 | 96 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Joanna | 3 | $56,440 | 204 | 4.89/5.0 |
| Alex | 3 | $54,736 | 7 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Jean Pierre Rodriguez | 2 | $53,058 | 227 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Gabriel | 1 | $46,015 | 25 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Claudia | 1 | $44,048 | 25 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Myri | 1 | $43,499 | 42 | 4.90/5.0 |
| Ricardo | 1 | $43,395 | 36 | 5.00/5.0 |
Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Santa Elena.
Who Are the Airbnb Hosts in Santa Elena?
Santa Elena has a relatively balanced host base.
Host Profile Insights for Santa Elena
- A 32.9% Superhost share is healthy — enough experienced operators to anchor quality without making the market impenetrable for newcomers.
- 0.5% of listings are professionally managed, reflecting a market still dominated by individual hosts.
- 3.0% of listings have Instant Book enabled. Lower Instant Book adoption means many guests must request approval, which can slow conversions.
- 66.6% of listings use Airbnb's simplified pricing (host-only fee), where the host pays the entire platform service fee and the guest sees one all-in price with no separate Airbnb service charge. High adoption signals a professional, PMS-connected host base — Airbnb mandates simplified pricing for software-connected listings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Earning Superhost status can significantly improve search ranking and guest trust. Focus on maintaining high response rates, low cancellations, and strong reviews.
- Consider enabling Instant Book — it reduces booking friction and Airbnb's algorithm tends to favor Instant Book listings in search results.
- With 25.0% cohosted listings, there may be a growing local market for property management services.
- Benchmark your host metrics against these Santa Elena averages regularly and adjust your hosting strategy based on what top performers do differently.
Top Professional Management Companies in Santa Elena
These are the highest-grossing professional property management operations in Santa Elena, ranked by total revenue across their portfolio. Their performance metrics offer a benchmark for what institutional-level hosting looks like in this market.
| Company | Listings | Revenue | ADR | Occ. | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Host Ecuador Short Rents | 2 | $26,936 | $372 | 20.4% | 4.18/5 |
| Patricia Concepcion | 1 | $13,091 | $105 | 32.3% | 4.79/5 |
Management Company Insights for Santa Elena
- The leading management company, Host Ecuador Short Rents, operates 2 listings with $26,936 in gross revenue — a useful benchmark for what scale looks like in Santa Elena.
- Top managers average 2 properties each, suggesting professional management in Santa Elena still operates at a relatively boutique scale.
- Professionally managed listings in the top tier average 4.48/5 in guest ratings — suggesting room for quality improvement even among larger operators.
Recommendations
- With only 0.5% of listings professionally managed, there may be an opportunity to differentiate through more structured operations and consistent guest experiences.
- Study how top management companies price, position, and maintain their portfolios — their ADR and occupancy rates reflect strategies refined across dozens of listings.
- If you're considering hiring a property manager, compare their portfolio performance against these benchmarks before committing.
How Does Santa Elena's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Santa Elena Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.
Compared with La Unión, Santa Elena has 10 percentage points lower occupancy and about $13 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Curia | 30 | $1,385 | $247.13 | 21% |
| District of Canoas de Punta Sal | 197 | $1,141 | $207.58 | 22% |
| Parroquia Manglaralto | 22 | $1,073 | $229.25 | 19% |
| Sayausi | 14 | $997 | $175.27 | 18% |
| La Unión | 15 | $935 | $148.94 | 26% |
| La Entrada | 38 | $900 | $208.62 | 22% |
| Ayangue | 58 | $755 | $149.04 | 18% |
| Santa Isabel | 20 | $718 | $195.17 | 17% |
| Punta Blanca | 16 | $696 | $210.92 | 14% |
| District of Zorritos | 246 | $692 | $160.01 | 21% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Santa Elena
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Santa Elena.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Santa Elena?
Santa Elena hosts earn about $5,863 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $162 and RevPAR of $27. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Santa Elena, Santa Elena Province, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2026 data, Santa Elena market, April 2025 to March 2026.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Elena?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Santa Elena is 16.2%. March is the strongest month and October is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Santa Elena?
Listings in Santa Elena average $162 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Santa Elena?
Santa Elena currently has about 404 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Santa Elena?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Santa Elena as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.2% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
RevPAR in Santa Elena is about $27. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Santa Elena?
Occupancy of 16.2% means Santa Elena is a more selective market. Profitability is achievable but requires careful cost management, premium positioning, or targeting longer stays to reduce turnover. Average annual revenue is $5,863, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Santa Elena?
The average booking lead time in Santa Elena is about 24 days — a moderate lead time that gives hosts planning visibility while still benefiting from last-minute bookings. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Santa Elena?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Santa Elena include La Finca, Cerro Blanco, Sampuerna. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Santa Elena?
entire_home listings make up 89.6% of the active supply in Santa Elena. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Santa Elena compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Curia posts $16,623 in average annual revenue with 21.2% occupancy, compared to Santa Elena's $5,863 and 16.2%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
What is the average length of stay in Santa Elena?
The average Airbnb stay length in Santa Elena is about 3.3 nights. That matters for turnover, cleaning operations, and pricing strategy because shorter stays increase changeovers while longer stays can smooth occupancy and reduce operational friction.
What is the average Airbnb guest rating in Santa Elena?
Airbnb listings in Santa Elena average 4.77 out of 5 overall. About 27.7% of listings carry the guest favorite badge, which suggests a meaningful share of inventory is competing on review quality rather than price alone.
Which amenities boost Airbnb revenue in Santa Elena?
Kitchen and Outlet covers are among the strongest revenue-linked amenities in Santa Elena. In AirROI's latest dataset, listings with these amenities outperform those without on average revenue, which makes amenities analysis useful for prioritizing investment and listing upgrades.
Do Airbnb hosts charge cleaning fees in Santa Elena?
Yes. About 73.5% of active Airbnb listings in Santa Elena charge a cleaning fee, and the average fee is $33. The more important operating benchmark is how much of gross revenue that fee consumes, not just the absolute dollar amount.
What percentage of Airbnb hosts are Superhosts in Santa Elena?
At 32.9%, there is a healthy mix of experienced and newer hosts — earning Superhost status can still provide a meaningful visibility boost.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2026-03-31. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.