Attract More Bookings at Your Phoenix-Area Short-Term Rental With Inviting Outdoor Spaces

Denise O'Leary • October 16, 2025
0 minute read
awning in backyard of short term rental in phoenix

Phoenix’s short-term rental market is booming, driven by travelers coming for major events, conferences, and family visits, along with those seeking the Valley’s warm weather and desert scenery.


For many of these travelers, especially those escaping colder climates, spending time outdoors is a top priority. From January to April, Phoenix draws visitors from the Midwest, Northeast and Canada who want nothing more than to trade snow boots for sandals and enjoy every meal, cocktail and sunset in the open air.


For Airbnb hosts, this creates both a challenge and an opportunity. While the desert sunshine is a major draw, it can quickly become overwhelming, especially during fall and spring, without the right kind of shade. This is where investing in high-quality backyard shade solutions, like custom awnings and shade structures, pays dividends that go far beyond aesthetics.


Shade Can Significantly Improve Outdoor Appeal for Airbnb Guests


When guests choose a short-term rental, they’re not just looking for a place to sleep. They’re buying into an experience. For Phoenix visitors, that experience usually includes relaxing outdoors during the best weather months. But even during the milder months, direct desert sun can be harsh. Without proper shade, patios, pool sides and outdoor dining areas may sit unused.


By adding awnings, cabanas, or other shade features, Airbnb hosts can create inviting outdoor spaces where guests can:


  • Dine al fresco without worrying about sunburn.
  • Work remotely on shaded patios with their laptops.
  • Enjoy cocktails or morning coffee in comfort.
  • Relax by the pool without constantly retreating indoors.


These shaded areas extend the usable square footage of the property, effectively giving guests more livable space to enjoy. In reviews, that extra comfort often translates into glowing feedback that future guests notice when booking.


The Hidden ROI: More Bookings and Higher Rates


For Airbnb hosts, return on investment isn’t only about cutting costs; it’s about increasing demand. Shade structures can directly influence occupancy rates and nightly pricing in several ways:


  1. Better Guest Photos and Reviews: Guests who spend time in shaded backyard spaces are more likely to share photos of themselves enjoying the property outdoors. Those Instagram-worthy shots help generate buzz and free marketing, while positive reviews highlight the comfort of the space.

  2. Competitive Edge in Listings: The Phoenix market is saturated with condos and houses competing for bookings. A property that showcases a shaded lounge area or awning-covered dining set instantly stands out in listing photos.

  3. Higher Nightly Rates: Guests are willing to pay more for rentals that offer a “resort feel” with outdoor comfort. A small investment in shade structures can justify premium pricing, especially during peak travel months.

  4. Fewer Complaints, More Repeat Guests: Eliminating the discomfort of an overheated patio means fewer guest complaints and a stronger chance that visitors will return for future stays.


Catering to Phoenix’s Seasonal Visitors


Phoenix doesn’t operate on the same tourist calendar as many other cities. Its peak travel season runs through the cooler months, when outdoor living is most enjoyable. Guests escaping snowy climates not only want a clean house, but they also want to sit outside, soak in the sun and enjoy the desert scenery without overheating.


A shaded backyard transforms an ordinary rental into the desert retreat these travelers crave. For snowbirds staying longer-term, the ability to comfortably use a backyard or patio every day can be the deciding factor between choosing one property over another.


Beyond Rentals: Long-Term Property Value


The ROI of backyard shade isn’t limited to short-term bookings. If you eventually decide to sell your investment property, shade structures and awnings can increase its marketability.


  • Stronger first impressions: Homes with shaded patios or covered outdoor seating areas feel more functional and inviting.

  • Added value for buyers: Potential buyers in Phoenix understand the importance of outdoor comfort. A move-in-ready shade solution can set your property apart in a competitive market.

  • Durability and longevity: High-quality awnings and shade systems, when maintained properly, can last for years, meaning your initial investment continues paying dividends long after installation.


For investors juggling multiple properties, these upgrades can create consistent value across a portfolio, helping ensure each property remains attractive to both renters and future buyers.


Designing Shade for Maximum ROI


Not all shade solutions are created equal. Airbnb hosts should consider:


  • Awning placement: Proper positioning ensures shade at the times of day guests will use the space most, such as mornings for coffee or late afternoons for cocktails.

  • Style and aesthetics: Guests often choose rentals based on photos. Sleek, modern awnings or stylish pergolas can enhance the visual appeal of a property listing.

  • Durable materials: Phoenix’s extreme sun and occasional storms demand UV-resistant, weather-tough fabrics and metals. Investing in quality upfront reduces maintenance and replacement costs.

  • Flexibility: Retractable awnings offer the versatility to adapt spaces depending on guest preferences or seasonal shifts.


Want to Stand Out in Phoenix’s Competitive Short-Term Rental Market?


From custom awnings to stylish shade solutions, Arizona Awning combines craftsmanship with durability, so you can keep your guests comfortable, your reviews glowing and your property value climbing.


Ready to boost your rental’s appeal and bottom line? Contact Arizona Awning today or give us a call at 602-252-3430 to explore our residential or commercial custom shade solutions that make your property shine in every season.

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