Ever stayed at a Service Apartment (SA) so often you feel like you live there more than your own home? If yes, then you’ve probably wondered—how do I get more bang for my buck? That’s where comps come in. Comps (short for “complimentary perks”) can mean discounted rates, free amenities, or other juicy benefits that sweeten your stay. And guess what? If you’re a regular player in the SA game, you have more negotiation power than you might think.
Value You Bring
What Makes You a Valuable Guest
Being a regular SA guest means you’re not just another name in the booking system—you represent stability. Most short-term rental hosts deal with a revolving door of guests, and that comes with uncertainties: will the next person follow the rules, treat the space well, or even show up? When you’re a familiar face who consistently follows house rules, respects the property, and communicates well, you instantly stand out. You lower the host’s stress and workload. There’s no need for constant vetting, and there’s less risk involved in hosting someone they already trust. That’s not just convenient for them—it’s valuable.
More than that, regular guests are the hospitality world’s version of a VIP customer. Think about it: if you stay for weeks or months at a time, you’re giving that host steady income without them needing to hustle for new bookings. You save them time and reduce the chances of gaps in their calendar (which means lost revenue). So when you approach a negotiation, you’re not asking for a favor—you’re asking to be treated like the reliable, consistent guest that you are. That’s worth a lot in this industry.
Signs you’re a valuable guest:
- You book regularly or for long durations
- You communicate clearly and politely
- You follow all house rules
- You leave honest, positive reviews
- You maintain the property in good condition
Knowing Your Leverage
Every host fears an empty calendar. Even a few days of vacancy between bookings can mean significant financial loss, especially for those relying on the income to cover mortgages, bills, or staff. This is where your value skyrockets. If you’re able to fill in gaps regularly, or you consistently book during slower periods, you offer something incredibly useful: predictability. Hosts love predictability—it’s the closest thing to guaranteed income they can get in a high-turnover business. You bring them peace of mind, and that gives you leverage.
Also, if you’ve stayed in multiple properties or returned to the same one, chances are you’ve left a trail of good reviews behind. That’s your resume in this world. Think of your review profile as social proof—it tells hosts, “This guest is legit, easy to host, and doesn’t cause problems.” When hosts see that, they’re far more likely to say yes to requests, whether it’s a better rate, a room upgrade, or additional perks. In short:
Your leverage lies in three things:
- Your booking frequency and duration
- The timing of your stays (especially in low seasons)
- Your online guest reputation and reviews
Doing Your Homework Before Negotiation
Market Research
Before you even think about sending that message asking for a discount or perk, you need to do your homework. Entering a negotiation blind is like playing poker without knowing the value of your cards. Start by researching prices of comparable service apartments (SAs) in the same area. Use platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, or Google Maps to find listings with similar features—same number of bedrooms, similar amenities, and in the same neighborhood. Pay attention to their rates for similar dates, especially during the time you’re planning to stay.
Understanding the broader pricing landscape gives you two powerful tools: 1) confidence to make an informed offer, and 2) the ability to speak the host’s language. If you notice the average price in the area has dropped due to the off-season or economic changes, you can use that data to frame your ask. For example:
“I’ve noticed several listings in this area are offering long-stay discounts—would you be open to a similar arrangement?”
This makes your request sound less like a demand and more like a logical conversation based on real market trends.
What to check during research:
- Current pricing for similar properties
- Seasonal trends and fluctuations
- Local events or holidays that may affect availability
- Discounts being offered by competitors
- Occupancy rates if platforms show them
Your SA’s Business Model
Not all SA hosts are created equal. Some are seasoned real estate investors who manage a dozen properties as a serious business. Others are casual hosts renting out a guesthouse or second home for extra income. Before negotiating, try to figure out what kind of host you’re dealing with. This can dramatically influence your approach. For example, a corporate host may respond well to data and long-term proposals, while a solo host may prefer a warm, personal conversation.
You can get clues from the listing style, profile description, and even the tone of the messaging. A host who uses professional photos, a brand name, or a property management company likely runs a business model focused on occupancy and scale. In contrast, a host who shares personal stories in their description and uses casual language is probably more emotionally connected to the property. The more you understand their priorities, the better you can tailor your ask.
How to analyze a host’s business style:
- Look at their listing tone—personal or corporate?
- Check how many properties they manage (listed on their profile)
- Notice their response time and language
- Read reviews—do guests mention the host by name?
- Look for business names or property management info
Timing Is Everything
When to Initiate the Negotiation
Timing can significantly influence the outcome of your negotiation. Even if you’re a top-tier guest, approaching a host at the wrong moment can reduce your chances of getting any extras or discounts. The best time to initiate a conversation is toward the end of the month or quarter. Many hosts, especially those who manage multiple listings, aim to hit occupancy targets and balance their books. At this time, they may be more willing to offer discounts just to fill the calendar and avoid empty nights. It’s also smart to negotiate during off-peak seasons—think weekdays in non-tourist months. Fewer bookings mean hosts are more open to flexible arrangements.
Another prime window is when you notice last-minute gaps in a listing’s calendar. If you’re willing to be flexible or fill short gaps, that’s a valuable proposition for a host. They’d much rather give a discount than leave nights unbooked. Approaching them with something like, “I noticed your listing is free next week—I’m flexible and could stay again if there’s any deal you could offer,” shows you’re informed and cooperative. Ultimately, timing your negotiation during these lulls increases your chances of getting a yes—and possibly even a few extra perks thrown in.
When NOT to Negotiate
On the flip side, there are definitely times when you should avoid bringing up discounts or comps. Holidays, high-travel seasons, and weekends are the worst moments to negotiate. Hosts know their spaces will likely be booked regardless of your interest, so they’re far less motivated to cut you a deal. If you try to negotiate during these high-demand periods, it can come off as tone-deaf or even a bit entitled. Worse, it could damage your relationship with the host by suggesting you’re unaware of how their business operates.
Special events, festivals, and tourist seasons follow the same logic. When demand is up, supply is limited, and the host has the upper hand. If you do need to book during peak periods, it’s best to accept that pricing will reflect the market. You’ll have a better shot at securing favorable terms by initiating your negotiations well in advance or saving them for a quieter season. The key is to be strategic—know when it’s appropriate to ask and when it’s smarter to hold off.
Timing | Recommendation | Why It Works (or Doesn’t) | Pro Tip |
End of month or quarter | Recommended | Hosts aim to fill remaining availability | Mention your flexibility for open nights |
Off-peak season | Ideal | Less competition means more room for negotiation | Suggest a longer or repeat stay |
Major holidays or events | Not recommended | High demand gives hosts the leverage | Wait until after the rush to renegotiate |
Weekends or peak seasons | Poor timing | Listings book up easily without discounts | Avoid negotiating—consider shorter stays |
How to Start the Conversation
Build Rapport First
Negotiating isn’t just about getting a better deal—it’s about building trust. Hosts are much more likely to respond positively if they feel you appreciate their property and understand their position. Before diving into the ask, start by establishing rapport. A simple, honest message saying how much you’ve enjoyed your previous stays or complimenting their space can go a long way. These small gestures show you’re not just interested in taking—you’re also respectful of their time and business.
Even if you’re staying with them for the first time, you can still build that connection. Ask how their hosting experience has been lately, comment on something unique about the listing, or express excitement about your upcoming visit. When you make the interaction feel human rather than transactional, you create space for a more open and productive conversation. The stronger your rapport, the more open the host will be to accommodating your request.
Use Polite but Direct Language
Once you’ve established a friendly tone, it’s time to make your request—but how you say it matters. Being polite doesn’t mean being vague. You should be clear about what you’re asking for while still showing respect for the host’s position. A message like, “Hey [Host’s Name], I’ve really enjoyed staying at your place over the past few months. I’m planning another long-term stay and was wondering if there’s any possibility of a loyalty discount or some perks this time around?” is both polite and professional. It invites a conversation without putting pressure on the host.
Avoid using language that sounds demanding or entitled. Instead of saying “I expect a better rate since I stay here often,” frame it as a question or a suggestion. You can also give them an easy out by saying you understand if it’s not possible. This shows you respect their business decisions while still making a reasonable request. The balance of politeness and directness is what often seals the deal in these negotiations.