Special overnight stays in 2025: Where are your opportunities?

Special overnight stays are more popular than ever. Guests are not looking for a standard vacation rental, but a unique experience. From sleeping in a tree house to staying in a tiny house by the water: how will you distinguish yourself in 2025? In this blog we share inspiring examples, identify trends and give you tools to get started with special accommodations.

What makes an overnight stay special?

A special overnight stay can usually be recognized by three elements:

1. The location - An accommodation in the middle of the forest, on the waterfront or with a panoramic view makes an immediate impression.
   
   
2. The type of accommodation - Think of a church, skycabin, gypsy wagon, tiny house or treehouse. Anything outside the standard bungalow offerings attracts attention.
   
   
3. The interior - Thematically, artistically or historically decorated? Then the accommodation gains character and more experiential value.
   
   

This combination ensures that guests book not just an overnight stay, but a story to share.

Trends in 2025: experience, sustainability and design

The need for experience continues to grow strongly, especially among younger generations. People in their twenties and thirties would rather choose something unique than 'more space' or 'more luxury'.

Sustainability is also a continuing concern. Guests appreciate accommodations with a responsible architectural style or energy-neutral character. Consider:

• Tiny houses made from circular materials
  
  
• Wrap houses of cardboard or bio-based elements
  
  
• Domotics, solar panels and green roofs
  
  

Finally, design is important. A stylish interior, minimalist, retro, industrial or thematic, adds to the experience and makes guests want to share it faster on their socials.

Inspiration from practice: This is what our users do

Many Booking Experts users already offer unusual accommodations. Here are some inspiring examples:

• Wellness - Accommodations with sauna, hot tub or outdoor shower provide direct added value. Think Park Berkenrhode, Hof van Salland, TopParken and Onthaasten in the Achterhoek.
• Tiny houses - Small, smartly furnished and often surprisingly luxurious. Available at e.g. Vakantiepark Ackersate, Oesterdam Resort and MarinaParken.
• Sustainable wrap houses - Made from circular materials such as cardboard. Available at De Klepperstee and Beerze Bulten, among others.
• By the water - Think cottages where you can swim, sail or fish directly. Tusken de Marren, Strandweelde and MarinaParcs, among others, offer this.
• Themed stays - Like the Van Gogh chalet at Duinhoeve Recreation Park or the children's bungalows with a knight or farm theme at Mölke Holiday Park.
• Staying at height - Skycabins, tree houses or cottages on stilts give a different perspective on vacation. Among others at Camping de Koeksebelt, Vreehorst, Si-Es-An and Sandberghe.
  
  

Why special accommodations make the difference

A special accommodation immediately gives you more visibility:

• On your website and social media
• In online advertisements and campaigns
• Through tour operators and OTAs that focus on unique accommodations
• Through affiliate blogs and influencers
  
  

Guests who consciously look for something special are also more willing to pay more, a win-win for both guests and the entrepreneur.

Deploy your special offerings smartly through OTAs

There are several OTAs that focus specifically on special accommodations. Think of platforms like Vipio, Nature. house or Special Villas. These parties appeal to a target group that is consciously looking for unique experiences, and are often less dependent on standard mass offerings.

Through Booking Experts, many of these OTAs are easy to connect via the App Store. You manage everything centrally from your own system, while increasing your reach through platforms that fit your offering.

Getting Started

Exceptional accommodation doesn't have to be a big investment. Start small, with a tiny house, themed interior or wellness upgrade and discover how this boosts your rental results. With good photos, a strong story and smart distribution channels, you are ready to stand out.

Want to spar about opportunities for your park or campsite? We like to think along with you. Get in touch!