After helping dozens of investors buy short-term rentals in the Pocono Mountains over the past few years, I’ve noticed a trend that’s becoming more obvious every year:

The properties that photograph the best are often the ones that perform the best. 

And I’m not talking about the biggest houses or the most expensive properties. ( Although these also do fantastically) 

I’m talking about places that feel unique.

Cabins with character.
A-frames with big glass windows.
Modern interiors with great lighting.
Spaces that make someone scrolling through Airbnb stop and think:

"That place looks amazing."

The Booking Decision Happens in Seconds

When someone is browsing Airbnb or VRBO, they’re usually looking at dozens of listings.

What makes them stop?

It’s rarely square footage.
It’s not always the number of bedrooms. 

It’s the photos.

If a property has:

• A dramatic living room with high vaulted ceilings
• Huge windows with nature views
• A hot tub under string lights
• A unique design or layout

…it immediately stands out in the search results. 

And standing out is half the battle.   

Two Types of STR Properties I See

In the Pocono market, most listings fall into one of two categories.

1. The Generic Vacation House

These properties are usually:

• Older Chalet or raised ranch homes
• Basic furniture
• Average lighting
• Standard layouts

They function well as vacation houses, but they don’t create much excitement online.

They tend to perform fine, but rarely exceptional.  You break even, possibly make some cash flow, but nothing to write home about.

2. The Instagrammable Cabin

These properties usually have something visually unique:

• A-frame architecture
• Vaulted ceilings with wood beams
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Modern cabins with clean design, renovated interiors
• Intentional lighting and decor
• Strong outdoor spaces with hot tub, firepit + 

These homes create a feeling in the photos.

And that feeling drives bookings.

The “Experience Economy” Is Real

A lot of STR guests today aren't just booking a place to sleep.

They’re booking:

• Birthday weekends
• Bachelorette trips
• Couples getaways
• Friend group retreats for lake or skiing excursions

People want somewhere that feels special.

And they want somewhere that looks great in photos.

That’s why you’ll often see guests posting photos from:

• Hot tubs
• Fire pits
• Scenic living rooms
• Outdoor decks, pickleball court, pool

The property becomes part of the experience.

What This Means for Investors

When I help investors analyze STR deals, we obviously look at the numbers.

But I also ask a different question:

Will this property stand out on Airbnb?

Some things that help listings perform better:

• Distinctive architecture ( A frame, True cabin) 
• Great natural light
• Interesting design ( this can be changed too :) 
• Outdoor amenities
• Good photo composition (High quality photos)

A well-designed 3-bedroom cabin can sometimes outperform a much larger house simply because it attracts more clicks and bookings.

Final Thought

Short-term rentals are becoming more competitive.

And the listings that win long term aren’t always the biggest or most expensive.

They’re the ones that create an experience people want to book.

Sometimes the best investment isn’t just buying a property that works.

It’s buying one that people can’t stop looking at.

If anyone here invests in STRs, I’d be curious:

Have you noticed the same trend in your market?

Post By Mike Eichler, Poconos Realtor, property manager and STR invesor)

Cheers, and happy renting!