Length of stay

Length of stay (LOS) in hospitality is the time a guest spends at a hotel, resort, vacation rental, or other accommodation. 

Length of stay varies greatly depending on the type of accommodation, location, season, and target market. For example, a resort in a vacation destination often has a longer LOS than an urban business hotel. Generally, properties strive for a longer LOS since it means less frequent guest turnover, reduced operational costs, greater ancillary revenue opportunities, and so on.

To evaluate the performance of the hospitality business and guide strategic planning, property managers usually calculate the average length of stay (ALOS), one of the main hotel KPIs. Additionally, understanding ALOS helps plan for services like housekeeping, dining, and maintenance. 

To increase ALOS, revenue managers can adjust prices and/or implement yield management strategies such as setting a minimum length of stay restriction.