Length of Stay (LOS) Restriction
A Length of Stay (LOS) restriction is a revenue control rule specifying minimum or maximum nights a guest must book to qualify for a reservation on specific dates.
Why It Matters for Independent Operators
Applying a 2-night or 3-night Minimum Length of Stay (MLOS) over long weekends or peak festive dates reduces the risk of "orphan nights" where a guest books only Saturday night, leaving Friday and Sunday unsellable.
Practical Scenario & Calculation
[Illustrative Scenario] A hill-station resort in Manali mandates a 3-night MLOS over New Year Eve. This ensures full occupancy across December 30, 31, and January 1 rather than single-night spikes.
How Operators Can Apply This Concept
Apply MLOS rules strategically around compression dates (festivals, holiday weekends) 60–90 days out, relaxing them closer to arrival if unbooked shoulder inventory remains.
Common Misunderstanding to Avoid
Imposing MLOS too far in advance in weak-demand off-seasons can unnecessarily suppress booking pace by filtering out high-paying 1-night business travellers.