Luxury STR Resilience in a Changing Market

Luxury short-term rental has long been viewed as the most resilient segment of the STR industry.

But resilience does not mean immunity.

Rising interest rates, tighter capital, geopolitical instability, regulatory scrutiny, and growing operational costs are reshaping the landscape. Demand remains strong, yet it is more selective, more price-sensitive, and less forgiving than in previous cycles.

In this special roundtable episode of STR Global Unlocked, Simon Lehmann convenes four global founders and CEOs operating at the forefront of luxury short-term rentals across Europe, Asia, and the United States:

• Maxime Friess, Founder & CEO, Emerald Stay
  
  
• Max Aniort, Founder & CEO, Le Collectionist
  
  
• Stephanie Chai, Founder & CEO, The Luxe Nomad
  
  
• Scott Wiseman, CEO, Nocturne Luxury Villas
  
  

Each represents a distinct operating model and market dynamic within the high-end STR ecosystem.

In this conversation, they explore with Simon Lehmann:

• Whether luxury demand is structurally resilient or simply slower to absorb macroeconomic pressure.
• How pricing has shifted from a revenue lever to a demand signal, and why overpricing can damage long-term competitiveness.
• The margin realities of high-touch hospitality, including staffing, fixed costs, and why operational discipline now outweighs topline growth.
• Who truly owns the guest relationship in a fragmented distribution ecosystem, and what separates repeat bookings from genuine brand loyalty.
• How regulation, insurance scrutiny, and safety standards are accelerating the professionalization of luxury STR.
• Whether scale strengthens or dilutes luxury positioning, and what it takes to build a globally recognized luxury STR brand.