Running a commercial property in Paris may seem like a tempting project, but it’s essential to understand the challenges and specifics of the Parisian market. Whether you own commercial premises converted into tourist accommodation, or an apartment intended for rental on platforms like Airbnb, there are several elements to consider. Managing your property, understanding customer expectations and complying with local regulations are key factors for success. This article will guide you on the best way to manage your Paris accommodation, and why delegating this management may be the best decision.
1 – Main residence or hotel accommodation: the 90-night rule
In Paris, short-term rental rules are particularly strict, especially when it comes to distinguishing between a primary residence and hotel accommodation. Since January 1, 2025, a main residence can be rented for a maximum of 90 nights per year (120 nights before this date). However, as soon as your property becomes hotel accommodation, you must comply with additional constraints, such as converting it into commercial premises and declaring it to the local council.
The Paris market is constantly evolving: offer is shrinking, while demand remains high, particularly for well-located, well-managed accommodation. More and more tourists are looking for alternatives to traditional hotels, but increasingly strict regulations mean that managing tourist accommodation in Paris is becoming a major challenge.
2 – Understanding your audience and their expectations: the importance of the neighborhood
Travelers choose their accommodations based on a number of criteria, but one of the most important is the neighborhood. In Paris, certain neighborhoods are particularly sought-after, such as the Marais, Montmartre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Knowing the specific expectations of your target audience according to the location of your tourist accommodation is therefore essential.
For example, guests in areas such as the Latin Quarter or Saint-Germain are looking for a local experience, with modern facilities but also an authentic setting. Younger travelers may prefer accommodation close to major tourist attractions, while others will appreciate the peace and quiet of a residential area. Tailoring your offer to these specific needs is crucial to attracting the right customers.
3 – Delegating management: why and how?
A – It sounds easy, but it’s tedious
Although managing hotel accommodation may seem simple at first glance, in reality it requires constant availability. Between managing reservations, communicating with travelers, maintenance, and complying with regulations, it all takes up a lot of time.
What’s more, the presence of international tourists can lead to specific requests (language, services, local recommendations), which requires an unfailing responsiveness. Not to mention logistical tasks such as handing over keys, cleaning up after each stay, or dealing with the unexpected (breakdowns, last-minute requests…).
This is where professional management becomes essential, to avoid exhaustion and guarantee optimum quality of service.
B – The benefits of a concierge service: loyalty and serenity
A quality Airbnb concierge service in Paris can transform the experience not only for tenants, but also for the owner. By entrusting the management of your tourist accommodation to a professional, you benefit from a number of advantages:
- Customer loyalty: A well-established concierge service provides personalized experience for travelers, encouraging them to return and recommend your property to others.
- Tenant and stakeholder network: A concierge service often has a network of recurring tenants and trusted stakeholders (service providers, technicians, cleaning agents).
- Reactivity and serenity: A concierge service responds to customer requests every day of the week and deals with unforeseen events quickly, allowing you to concentrate on other aspects of your life.
- Regular maintenance: Professional management guarantees constant upkeep of your property, limiting the risk of deterioration.
C – Understanding your expectations: profitability versus peace of mind
Before choosing a concierge service, it’s essential to determine your priorities in terms of management and profitability:
- Profitability: The main goal is to optimize your income. Renting out your property on a short-term basis, particularly on platforms like Airbnb, can offer a much higher return than a traditional rental. However, you also need to manage the costs associated with management, wear and tear and possible damage caused by the multiple comings and goings of tenants, and maintenance.
- Co-ownership peace of mind: Some co-ownerships may be reluctant to accept short-term rentals. It is therefore essential to respect local rules and avoid inconveniencing neighbors.
- Wear and tear on the property and respect for the premises: Short-term rentals generate a high turnover of guests, which can lead to faster wear and tear on the property. Setting a minimum number of nights and ensuring that the premises are respected are important factors in maintaining the integrity of your property.
- Welcoming tenants or key box? Do you prefer to meet each tenant on arrival, or opt for a stand-alone solution such as key boxes? While a personal meeting strengthens the customer relationship, it can be time-consuming. A concierge service often offers intermediate solutions that combine flexibility and professionalism.
D – Finding the right partner – the concierge service
The choice of concierge service is crucial. Here are the criteria to consider when looking for the ideal partner:
- Proximity to the property: A local concierge will be more responsive and better equipped to handle emergencies or specific requests.
- Experience and thoroughness: It’s important that your local concierge service has solid experience in managing accommodation in Paris, especially for short-term rentals. Tenant selection, property maintenance and marketing management must be carried out with seriousness and professionalism.
- Knowledge of the local market and seasonality: A local concierge knows the peak periods and can adjust the marketing of your property to maximize profitability throughout the year.
4 – The benefits of good management: long term and increased profitability
Professional management ensures that problems are solved quickly, thus limiting the risk of more complex situations in the future. In the long term, a well-managed tourist accommodation will be better rented, respected and therefore more profitable. Rigorous management not only maintains the quality of the property, but also increases customer loyalty. Good management is therefore a long-term strategy to guarantee a stable income and peace of mind for the owner.
Conclusion
Running a hotel accommodation business in Paris can be an extremely profitable experience, but it requires careful, professional management. Whether you choose to delegate to an Airbnb concierge or manage your commercial premises turned tourist accommodation yourself, it’s essential to understand your guests’ expectations, comply with current regulations, and adopt a flexible, responsive approach. The key to success lies in your ability to offer impeccable service while optimizing the profitability of your property.
Pictures: Dall-E, Canva & Bob Friday
