Augusta Airbnb Hosts Increase Prices By As Much As $1,300 Per Night
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As golf’s main event is upon us, and Augusta Airbnb hosts, many of whom are commercial operators running multiple listings, are jacking up their rates for the Masters Tournament weekend. A new report released by AirbnbWATCH shows just how outrageous the the price gouging gets.
The report reveals rates for many Airbnb rentals increasing by thousands of dollars per night, similar to findings in previously released reports during the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras. Now during the Masters Tournament weekend, a home in downtown Augusta, which is normally rented for $295 per night, was being advertised for $1,300 per night for the weekend. A typical four-night stay at that property would cost a total of $1,180, but the same length of stay during the Masters Tournament would cost more than $5,200.
In a San Diego Union-Tribune article, Chris Lehane, Airbnb’s Head of Global Policy and Public Affairs said, “It’s pretty clear that our hosts don’t engage in gouging. When demand for Airbnb increases, supply also tends to increase. When you look at big events, like for a Super Bowl weekend, there’s maybe a $20 increase.” Windsor points out the reports exposing Airbnb hosts’ gouging guests at major events like the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras and now at the Masters Tournament tell a very different story.
“While many golf fans were expecting to enjoy ‘a tradition like no other’ while at the greatest golf tournament in the world, they weren’t expecting to face extreme pricing while trying to book their stays,” stated Windsor. “Commercial Airbnb hosts will be pushing golf fans’ wallets to the limits, while driving thousands of complete strangers into the streets of Augusta neighborhoods.”
The Masters Tournament runs through April 8.
| Airbnb’s in Augusta | Masters Tournament
Apr 5 – Apr 8 Rate/Night |
Normal Rate/Night | $ Rate Increase | Percent Increase |
| Charming Cottage Located in Historic Augusta: Hosted by Marvin | $699 | $99 | $600 | 606% |
| Golfers retreat home 6 miles from Augusta National: Hosted by Shannon | $850 | $175 | $675 | 386% |
| MASTERS RENTAL! minutes to the Augusta National: Hosted by Charlene | $899 | $69 | $830 | 1203% |
| Luxury 5 Bedroom House, Great for the Masters: Hosted by Denise | $2,500 | $1,200 | $1,300 | 108% |
| **Walk to the Masters**: Hosted by Jamie** | $250 | $30 | $220 | 733% |
| Walk to the Masters 🙂: Hosted by Jamie** | $250 | $30 | $220 | 733% |
| Masters Week Rental!: Hosted by Janae | $336 | $40 | $296 | 740% |
| MASTERS WATERFRONT HOUSE W/HOT TUB: Hosted by Julie and Joshua | $1,199 | $380 | $819 | 216% |
| Beautiful 4BR 3Ba Home – in Gated, Golf Course: Hosted by Kameron | $600 | $200 | $400 | 200% |
| 3/3 Entertainment home w/ Deck and Pool: Hosted by Kigwana** | $1,150 | $175 | $975 | 557% |
| BIG RIVER HOUSE, POOL, DOCK, VIEWS, PRIVATE 3ac!: Hosted by KJ Augusta Rentals** | $890 | $225 | $665 | 296% |
| 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath luxury escape: Hosted by Laura | $1,300 | $295 | $1,005 | 341% |
| *All rates and unit availabilities subject to change per host preference
**Denotes commercial operator with multiple other listings including: – Host Jerri (2 listings), Host Jamie (3 listings), Host Kigwana (4 listings) and KJ Augusta Rentals (6 listings) |
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