Five ways to fill the awkward gap nights

Gap nights are the short, awkward spaces between bookings — often just one or two nights. They are hard to sell because most guests want longer stays, but over a year they can add up to a lot of empty nights.

Five things to try

You won’t fill every gap, but a few simple changes can fill far more than you might expect.

1. Let your minimum stay drop for gaps — a two-night minimum shouldn’t block a one-night gap nobody else can use.
2. Offer gap nights at a modest discount to past guests and your mailing list first.
3. Put the deal on your own website, where you keep the whole price.
4. Offer the night to the guests either side — an early arrival or a late check-out, for a fee.
5. Use it for maintenance. Not every gap needs a guest; some need a deep clean or a hot tub service.

Make it a habit

Look at your calendar once a week with “gaps” in mind. The earlier you spot one, the more options you have — a discount, a shorter minimum stay, or an offer to your past guests.