A 120 m² chalet, an owner disappointed by his rental yield, and one season later: +40% gross income. Details of the method, figures and optimizations implemented.
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Case Study · Chalet Gérardmer · +40% Revenue
When an owner goes from self-managed to professionally managed — and discovers what it really means to maximize a mountain rental property.
In January 2025, Mr. D. contacted us. He has a 120 m² chalet at the height of Gérardmer, facing the lake, with 4 bedrooms and a large living room with fireplace. Purchased in 2021 for €580,000, the property generated €28,000 in gross annual income under independent management on Airbnb. M. D. is disappointed. He thought he could do better. Here's how we took it to €39,200 in just one season.
Diagnosis: the 5 errors identified
1. Mono-platform.The chalet was only listed on Airbnb. 40% of mountain rental demand passes through Booking.com, specialized sites (Abritel, Gites.com) and direct booking.
2. Systematic underpricing. Mr. D. applied a single rate of €160/night all year round. During the winter school holidays and the May holidays, the local market costs €280 to €350/night for a chalet of this standard. He left between 30 and 50% of revenue on the table.
3. Amateur photosThe photos in the ad, taken with a smartphone, did not do the property justice. No winter photos (snow, lit fireplace), no views from the terrace, insufficient lighting.
4. Impersonal welcome. Key box, no human contact, no local recommendations. Reviews regularly mentioned a “cold” welcome.
5. Reactive maintenance. Technical problems (heating, hot water) were dealt with after complaints from travelers, generating negative reviews.
The 7 optimizations implemented
1. Multi-distribution
Creation of optimized listings on Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Gites.com and our own site. Synchronization of calendars to avoid double bookings.
2. Dynamic pricing
Implementation of our pricing algorithm calibrated on historical Vosges market data: base rates, high season rates (school holidays), peak rates (Christmas, New Year, Ascension Bridge), low season rates adjusted to actual demand. Result: average ADR increased from 160 to 215 €/night (+34%).
3. Professional photo shoot
Photo session in two seasons: winter (snow, fireplace, warm light) and summer (terrace, lake view, greenery). 45 professional photos replacing the 12 smartphone photos. Immediate impact on the conversion rate: +28% of reservation requests.
4. Home premium
Check-in in person, visit to the chalet, briefing on snow conditions/trails, mountain welcome kit (Munster cheese, Vosges honey, bottle of local wine, map of farm inns). Average review increased from 4.3 to 4.8/5.
5. Preventative maintenance
Annual contract with our partner craftsmen: chimney maintenance, heating check before season, snow removal guaranteed access, stock of firewood built up from October. Zero breakdowns reported by travelers during the season.
6. Optimized length of stay
Minimum of 2 nights in low season, 3 in high season, 5 during the February holidays. This policy reduces turnover (and therefore cleaning costs) while increasing revenue per booking.
7. Complementary experiences
Proposal for additional revenue-generating services:private chef for a dinner (15% commission), private ski instructor (10% commission), home massage (12% commission). Adoption rate: 35% of reservations take at least one additional service.
Results after 12 months
Gross income: €39,200 (vs. €28,000 the previous year). Increase: +40%. Occupancy rate: 72% (vs. 55%). Average ADR: €215/night (vs. €160). Average rating: 4.8/5 (vs. 4.3). AUCI management fees: 20% of gross turnover. Net owner income: €31,360 (vs. €28,000 under independent management without management fees).
In net, the owner earns more than before even after our fees, and above all — he no longer manages anything. Zero traveler calls, zero technical problems, zero stress.
“I thought €28,000 was the ceiling for my chalet. It was the ceiling of my management, not of my property. » — M. D., owner
Frequently asked questions
Is this result reproducible on other properties?
Yes, subject to a quality property in an attractive location. Our initial diagnosis allows us to assess the real potential before any commitment.
What are your management fees?
Our pricing is transparent: a percentage of the gross turnover generated, with no fixed costs. The owner only pays on results.
Do you manage properties in other stations?
Yes. Gérardmer, La Bresse, Xonrupt-Longemer, Munster and the entire Vosges massif.
