Launching a Horror-Themed Airbnb is…Scary

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When Travis DeRose launched his first short-term rental (STR), he didn’t just want to build a cabin—he wanted to create an experience. Located in Big Bear, California, the “Horror Cabin in the Woods” is a 1970s-inspired love letter to scary movies, spooky vibes, and immersive storytelling. It’s where you half-expect a guy in a Scream mask to appear, but also where you find tranquility while playing Monster Mash. 

In short, this isn’t your average STR.

Market Selection

For Travis, picking the right market was critical, especially since his horror cabin was more than a short-term rental; it was an experiment. “We needed a place that made sense financially and creatively,” he said. Big Bear, California, ticked both boxes.

“It was one of the last vacation markets in Southern California where we could find something under $200,000,” he shared. “Keeping costs low was important because this was a proof of concept for our vision. We didn’t want to risk too much on our first go.”

Big Bear also offered the perfect backdrop for the project. “It has that classic cabin-in-the-woods vibe, which was exactly what we were going for,” Travis explained. “Plus, it’s close to LA and Orange County, where there’s a massive horror community.”

The established short-term rental market in Big Bear gave him additional confidence. “People are already coming here in huge numbers,”  he said. “We just had to carve out our own space by offering something completely different.”

The Theme: Why Horror Works

A 1970s horror theme isn’t the most obvious choice for a vacation rental. But for Travis, it was the perfect fit. “We’re big fans of the genre,” he said. “The idea clicked when we saw the cabins in Big Bear—they already had that eerie, secluded vibe.”

Travis’s inspiration came from more than just personal passion. “Southern California has an incredible horror scene,” he explained. “From haunted attractions at theme parks to horror conventions that sell out yearly, it was clear there was an audience for this.”

Still, going niche wasn’t without risks. “Horror is polarizing,” Travis admitted. “Some people won’t even consider staying here because it’s too creepy for them. But we decided to lean into it. If you love horror, our cabin is probably already on your radar.”

How Standing Out Pays Off

Travis’s gamble paid off in a big way. Since launching the horror cabin, it’s consistently outperformed other rentals in the area. “Our average nightly rate is $60.30 higher than similar listings in Big Bear, and our occupancy rate is 17.4% higher,” he shared.

The cabin has also earned a perfect 5-star rating on Airbnb. “I was hoping for at least a 4.8 or 4.9, but the love and attention to detail we put into the theme really paid off,” Travis said.

What sets his property apart? “We didn’t just throw up some horror posters and call it a day,” he explained. “We created a whole backstory for the cabin. Guests get to solve an escape room-style puzzle about the previous owner, who mysteriously disappeared.”

Interactive elements like this are what make the cabin genuinely unique. “Guests love the little touches,” Travis said. “From the flickering lights and vintage TV static to the Monster Mash button that activates a disco ball, it’s all designed to make their stay unforgettable.”

The Viral Effect

Social media played a massive role in the cabin’s success. “Our first two weeks on Airbnb were completely silent,” Travis admitted. “But then some of our videos on Instagram and TikTok started picking up traction, eventually getting millions of views.”

The impact was immediate. “After the videos went viral, our Airbnb views and bookings skyrocketed,” he said. “Social media allowed us to bypass the Airbnb algorithm, where we were buried pages deep. Instead, we created our own buzz.”

Now, social media is central to Travis’s strategy. “For future listings, we’ll design properties with Instagrammable photo-ops and viral moments in mind,” he shared. “It’s all about creating a shareable experience that gets people talking.”

Advice for Hosts: Go Bold

Travis’s advice is simple for hosts considering a bold theme: “Do it. The ability to take marketing into your own hands is invaluable.”

His key takeaway? Passion matters. “Guests can tell when something is made with love versus just trying to make a quick buck,” he said. “Focus on creating an experience, not just cool decor.”

Travis emphasized the importance of storytelling. “Our cabin’s backstory and interactive elements make it special,” he said. “It’s not just a place to sleep—it’s a place to explore, play, and create memories.”

The Future of Stays

Looking back, Travis has few regrets. “If I could change anything, I’d have started documenting the build phase on social media,” he said. “That could’ve helped create buzz before we even launched.”

As for the design? “I’m thrilled with how it turned out,” he said. “The bold theme set us apart and made the property memorable.”

With plans to create more unique rentals, Travis is just getting started. For now, the “Horror Cabin in the Woods” is more than a short-term rental—it’s a story worth telling. And for guests brave enough to book a stay, it’s an experience they won’t soon forget.

Note By BiggerPockets: These are opinions written by the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions of BiggerPockets.