Bentonville, AR: A Data-Backed Airbnb Market Investors Shouldn’t Ignore
Bentonville, Arkansas, has quietly evolved from a small Ozark town into a growing tourism destination—and the short-term rental data confirms it.
Fueled by world-class mountain biking, major cultural institutions, and steady corporate travel tied to Walmart HQ, Bentonville now attracts 700,000+ visitors annually.
That blend of leisure, lifestyle, and business travel creates something investors love: diverse, year-round demand.
But here’s the catch—this market already has strong, well-designed listings. To win here, you need a solid strategy to stand out, not blend in.
TL;DR: Why Bentonville Is on Every STR Investor’s Radar
- Year-round demand: Biking, arts, corporate travel, and events keep bookings steady beyond peak season.
- Guests pay premiums: Strong ADRs paired with solid occupancy show travelers are willing to spend for quality stays.
- Event-driven growth: Hundreds of annual events continue to push short-term demand and pricing power.
- STR-friendly (for now): Low STR restrictions and regulations.
- Still room to stand out: Design-forward, experience-driven stays are few.
- Strong economic growth: new businesses and continued investment in the region.
- Golden Triangle Approved: Close to a state park, cultural hotspots, and roadtrip destinations.
Bentonville Airbnb Demand Drivers
Bentonville’s appeal isn’t built on a single attraction—it thrives on stacked demand.
What’s driving tourism:
- Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (600,000+ annual visitors)
- The Momentary (music, art, and cultural events)
- Global recognition as the Mountain Biking Capital of the World
- 40 minutes from Big Sugar Creek State Park
- A walkable downtown packed with trendy restaurants and shops
- Corporate travel tied to Walmart HQ and vendors
- Popular road-trip stop with easy highway access
The result? Consistent year-round bookings.
Bentonville STR Performance Snapshot
Here’s what the numbers tell us:
- ADR: $198–$230 ($358+ for Top 10% listings)
- Occupancy: 58%–68%
- Top-performing listings: $70K–$100K+ annually
- Year-over-Year revenue growth: 4%
- Highest Revenue Month: October
- Lowest Revenue Month: January
- Peak Season Average Monthly Revenue: +-$4100
- Slow Season Average Monthly Revenue: +-$2200
Who’s Booking (And Why)
Primary guest types:
- Cyclists & mountain bikers
- Families and road-trippers
- Corporate travelers visiting Walmart HQ
- Art and culture tourists
Why Event Tourism Is a Huge Advantage for Bentonville Airbnb Hosts
According to Airbnb’s 2026 travel predictions, event tourism will be one of the biggest drivers of demand—and Bentonville is cashing in.
In 2024 alone:
- The city hosted 310 events (nearly 100 more than the year before)
- Economic impact from events doubled year-over-year
Bentonville is working hard to position itself as an experience-driven destination. And it's working.
This is why it’s often called the Austin of the Ozarks—and like Austin, it’s about to reach a point where traffic, tourism, and visibility are going to explode!
STR Regulations & Risk Check
Bentonville is currently STR-friendly with few restrictions, but change might be on the horizon.
- Permitting and possible density caps are being discussed.
- A state bill restricting local county control of short-term rentals was proposed but withdrawn.
- Future registration or inspections are likely.
Investor rule:
Always underwrite with an exit strategy in case you need to sell in the future.
Market Gaps & Real Opportunities for Airbnb Hosts & Investors
Yes—Bentonville has competition.
But there's still plenty of opportunity.
Smaller units or tiny homes and 1–2 bedroom homes near trails and downtown perform well.
Larger, design-forward properties earn premium rates when they add bike storage or garages, hot tubs and recovery amenities, and pet-friendly policies.
What's missing:
- Luxurious, design-forward STRs
- Experience-driven backyards with resort-level amenities
- Unique homes, glamp sites and nature-forward stays near trails (<10% of listings)
- Group lodging for retreats and reunions
- Family-friendly homes with intentional kid-focused design and features
- Accessibility-forward properties
High-impact upsells and features guests respond to:
- Bike repair stations and secure storage
- Trail guides and curated local experiences
- EV chargers
- Local artist collaborations
The Playbook for winning in Bentonville
- Design a truly exceptional and Instagrammable Airbnb property with features like murals. (Less common in Bentonville).
- Family-friendly features for larger homes that make you the obvious choice (arcade games or game rooms, kids' play areas, resort-level backyards)
- Well-executed design themes that work with the location, history, and guest type will instantly stand out in a market with less than <2.5% themed listings.
- Luxurious experience-driven amenities: Only 9.6% have hot tubs and 2.5% have saunas, according to AirROI data.
- Focus on entertainment: Features like life-sized games and mini-golf are in <2% of listings and can lift ADRs by up to 23%.
- Lead with outdoor hero shots: Most top listings rely on interior photos. Position your backyard as the main selling point in your hero shots and put your outdoor amenities front and center!
Top Airbnbs in Bentonville, Arkansas (And Why They're Winning!)
The Barn at Coler — Bentonville, AR
Why it works:
- Sells the experience, not the square footage: Outdoor-first hero shots focus on memories, nature, and lifestyle.
- Unbeatable location: Direct access to Coler Mountain Bike Preserve—trails are literally 50 feet from the front door.
- Biker-first amenities: Secure bike storage and wash stations remove friction for the core guest.
- Best of both worlds: Feels remote and outdoorsy, yet minutes from downtown Bentonville and Crystal Bridges.
Rider’s Container Home — Bella Vista, AR
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Why it works:
- Instant differentiation: One of the only container stays in the area—unique by default in a market full of lookalikes.
- Built for the guest, not the algorithm: Recovery-focused amenities (soaking tub, sauna) speak directly to cyclists and outdoor adventurers.
- Design that pops on the feed: Bold color choices and thoughtful interiors make it scroll-stopping and memorable.
- Smart listing copy: The description clearly sells who this stay is for, not just what’s inside it. Look here ⬇️
Small Escape w/ Hot Tub & Sauna — Bentonville, AR
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Why it works:
- Small space that one-ups the competition: Premium amenities that are rare in Bentonville (hot tub + private sauna) make up for the tiny space.
- Design does the heavy lifting: High-end interiors and finishes make the space feel intentional and luxe.
- Outdoor connection: Large deck and floor-to-ceiling windows blur the line between inside and nature.
- Clear positioning: Perfectly dialed for couples, with crossover appeal for cyclists and small families.
Masonry Guesthouse Cottage — Downtown Bentonville
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Why it works:
- A true feed-stopper: The most unique home on the feed! Historic brick exterior and themed character-rich interiors stand out instantly.
- Strong point of view: Doesn’t try to please everyone. Attracts guests seeking charm, culture, and a true downtown experience.
- Location over excess: Simple amenities, but the downtown setting and historic vibe more than make up for it.
- Bucket-list energy: Feels like a stay you'll remember, not just a place you slept.
Final Thoughts: Why Bentonville Rewards Strategy (Not Luck)
Bentonville isn’t a hype market.
It’s a fundamentals-driven market where strategy beats scale.
The investors who win here:
- Prioritize trail access and walkability
- Build experience-led, brand-forward stays
- Create destination stays for premium prices, not places to sleep.
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