Why Black Friday Is a Goldmine for STR Hosts
Austin STRs experience heavy turnover — festivals, UT football, weddings, corporate travel, spring break, ACL, SXSW, you name it. That means:
Linens wear out faster.
Towels disappear.
Guest-ready essentials need constant replenishment.
Amenities impact bookings more than ever.
Black Friday gives hosts the chance to:
✔️ Outfit an entire STR on a budget
✔️ Stock up on items you already know you’ll need to replace
✔️ Upgrade amenities that directly increase ADR and occupancy
✔️ Improve operational efficiency for 2026
This is the moment to invest in guest comfort AND operational durability.
What Austin STR Hosts Should Buy on Black Friday
Below are the categories every Austin host should focus on — not specific brands — so you can shop with flexibility while still making smart, high-ROI decisions.
1. Smart Home Essentials (Must-Have)
✔️ Schlage Keyless Entry Locks (Host Favorite)
Keyless entry is critical for smooth turnovers, last-minute bookings, and guest confidence.
And from years of STR hosting and management in Austin, Schlage has proven to be:
durable
intuitive for guests
Easy to configure with booking platforms and PMS systems
reliable for code-based access
resistant to guest “user error”
If you’re outfitting a new STR: install one on every primary exterior door.
✔️ Ring Video Doorbells & Exterior Cameras
When it comes to video doorbells, Ring remains the gold standard for short-term rental properties.
Why Ring stands out for STRs:
Unmatched reliability — hosts report fewer connectivity issues than with other brands.
Fast, intuitive interface — perfect for monitoring check-ins and deliveries.
Clear, crisp video (day & night) — essential for guest safety and host peace of mind.
Easiest setup across both older Austin homes and new builds.
Industry-leading motion detection — helpful for confirming check-in activity and managing guest flow.
Works seamlessly with Schlage locks for a unified smart-entry system.
Austin’s older homes sometimes lack wiring at door frames, so battery models may be easiest to install, but you’ll want to account for charging in your maintenance plan. Keep this in mind when deciding what type of video doorbell to purchase.
2. Mattresses, Bedding & Linens (The Review Makers)
Your bed setup is one of the biggest drivers of 5-star reviews — especially in Austin’s warmer climate.
Black Friday is ideal for:
✔️ Mattresses
Look for medium-firm, hybrid or foam options that work for all body types and stand up to frequent use. Avoid ultra-plush or overly soft models – they wear faster and lead to back-complaint reviews.
✔️ Sheets & Linens
You should be particular about sheet quality (as all great hosts are), shop for:
hotel-grade, breathable fabrics
durable weaves
easy-wash materials
white or neutral, bleach-friendly colors
deep-pocket fitted sheets for thicker mattresses
And buy multiples. Hosts should have at least:
3 sheet sets per bed
3 towel sets per guest count
Black Friday pricing makes this realistic instead of painful.
3. TVs for Every Bedroom (Austin Guests Expect It)
If your STR doesn’t have a TV in each bedroom, Black Friday is the moment to fix that.
Austin guests often travel in groups — bachelorette parties, families, festival crews — and privacy is a premium amenity. Adding a TV in each room allows:
everyone to unwind separately
kids to watch cartoons while adults relax
better “value perception” in your listing
higher ADR and better guest satisfaction
Stock up on:
slim-profile smart TVs (TCL Roku’s are our favorite)
wall mounts
spare remotes and batteries
4. Turnover Essentials (Stock Up in Bulk!)
This is where Austin hosts save serious money.
✔️ Bath Amenities & Toiletries
Replenish:
Shampoo
conditioner
body wash
hand soap
Black Friday = best pricing of the year for multi-packs and bulk restocks.
5. Small Appliances Guests Love
These are low-effort upgrades that dramatically improve the guest experience:
Coffee maker (ideally dual-brew: drip + pods)
Toaster
Blender for smoothie-loving Austin guests
Electric kettle
Hair dryers for each bathroom
Iron + ironing board
Handheld vacuum for quick touch-ups
Black Friday pricing is unbeatable for replacing or upgrading these, especially if you’re outfitting your STR from scratch.
6. Big Amenities That Move the Needle
If you’ve been considering adding something major, BF is your window.
✔️ Outdoor Amenities (Big in Austin’s climate)
Your guests are here to enjoy being outside. Think:
Patio furniture
Outdoor dining sets
Fire pits
Hammocks
String lights
Swings
These improve your photos AND the guest experience.
✔️ Hot Tub or Sauna (Only if the property supports it)
In Austin’s STR market, a well-maintained hot tub can:
boost monthly revenue
attract longer stays
increase booking conversion rate
But only add one if you have:
electrical capacity
proper space
privacy
drainage
ability to maintain it consistently
Black Friday is the best time of year to buy one if it’s part of your long-term STR strategy.
Best of Black Friday: What New STR Hosts Should Definitely Buy
If you're furnishing your STR from the ground up, here’s your priority list:
🔹 1. Schlage Keyless Entry Lock
Non-negotiable for streamlined operations.
🔹 2. Mattresses for every bedroom
Hybrid or medium-firm options that work for all guests.
🔹 3. A TV for every bedroom
Huge value-perception win.
🔹 4. A fully-stocked cleaning and supply closet
Future-you will thank past-you.
🔹 5. Kitchen essentials
Guests expect a functional kitchen, even for short stays.
🔹 6. Outdoor space improvements
Final Thoughts
Black Friday is the perfect moment to invest strategically in your Austin STR — not just to save money, but to set your listing up for long-term success.
By focusing on guest comfort, high-impact amenities, and turnover efficiency, you’ll elevate your property while staying ahead of the competition.
