Length-of-stay (LOS) strategy doesn’t usually get the spotlight – but it should. If you’re only using LOS rules to block one-night stays, you’re missing some serious revenue upside.
NB: This is an article from Topline Revenue, one of our Expert Partners
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LOS strategy can help you control compression, avoid displacing better guests, and shape demand around your most profitable nights.
In this post, we’ll cover the basics quickly, then focus on smart, advanced ways to use LOS like a pro. Along the way, we’ll call out common mistakes, show real examples, and offer up tactics you can use right now.
Quick Refresher: What Is LOS, Really?
If you’re newer to the concept – or just need a reminder – here’s the short version:
- MinLOS (Minimum Length of Stay): Guest must stay at least X nights.
- MaxLOS (Maximum Length of Stay): Guest can’t stay more than X nights.
- CTA (Closed to Arrival): Guest can’t check in on that date.
- CTD (Closed to Departure): Guest can’t check out on that date.
These stay controls help shape the pattern of your bookings – not just the rate. The goal: maximize multi-night stays, fill low-demand shoulder nights, and avoid having one-night bookings mess up your calendar.
If You Only Use LOS When You’re Full, You’re Using It Wrong
LOS often gets treated like a last-minute defense – just a way to block short stays when rooms are scarce. But when it’s part of a bigger strategy, LOS becomes a powerful lever to smooth demand, drive lengthier bookings, and avoid costly peaks and valleys.
- Improve occupancy across multiple days
- Increase total revenue per stay
- Reduce operational costs (fewer turns, fewer cleanings)
- Protect your high-value nights from being underused
It’s not about turning guests away – it’s about shaping demand in your favor.
Compression Nights: Use LOS to Fill the Gaps
Picture this: Your hotel is packed on Tuesday and Wednesday thanks to a big convention. But Monday and Thursday are slow. Most people will just crank rates on the peak nights and hope for the best.
Smart revenue managers use LOS.
If you require a 3-night minimum – say, stay Tue-Wed-Thu – you fill Thursday and protect your high-demand nights from low-value, short bookings.
Example:
- 2-night stay at $285 = $570 total revenue
- 3-night stay at $225 = $675 total revenue
Same guest, longer stay, more money. Plus, you just filled a slow night without discounting it.
Why Short Stays Can Be Expensive
One-night bookings on peak dates might seem great – but they can block more profitable patterns. If someone books Saturday only, you lose out on a guest who would’ve stayed Sat-Sun.
That’s called displacement, and LOS rules help you prevent it.
If Saturday is your hot night, use a 2-night minimum to encourage longer stays. That keeps Sunday from sitting empty and boosts total revenue.
