Authenticity Sells: How to Help Guests “Live Like a Local”

In 2025, authenticity isn’t a buzzword — it’s the currency of modern travel.
More than ever, guests want to experience cities from the inside out. They’re rejecting cookie-cutter tourism and seeking places where they can slip into the rhythm of local life. For mid-sized rental owners across Europe, this presents a golden opportunity: you don’t need luxury amenities to attract bookings — you need authenticity.

The Authenticity Shift in Travel

A wave of studies confirms what you’ve probably noticed in your guests already:

89% of French vacationers say cultural immersion is indispensable to a successful holiday.
62% of global travelers feel a trip is “wasted” if they don’t connect with the local culture.
Millennials and Gen Z (the fastest-growing travel segments) are most concerned about avoiding “touristy” experiences.

This is a direct response to overtourism. Crowded squares, overpriced souvenir shops, and staged attractions leave travelers feeling disconnected. Instead, they’re seeking neighborhoods, communities, and hosts that allow them to live like a local.

What “Authenticity” Means to Guests

Authenticity doesn’t mean rustic or old-fashioned — it means real. Guests want:

Everyday rituals: the corner café where people greet the barista by name.
Local flavors: the bakery that sells bread you can’t find in supermarkets.
Hidden gems: the park, gallery, or flea market tourists haven’t discovered yet.
Stories: context that helps them understand why this city feels the way it does.

Importantly, authenticity is also tied to ethics. Many guests, especially younger ones, want their money to support local communities, not just global corporations. This is why stays in ordinary but locally rooted neighborhoods are so appealing.

Why Authenticity Sells in Rentals

Guests increasingly see rental homes as the gateway to local life — more so than hotels. Airbnb has built its brand around the idea of “Belong Anywhere,” and research shows guests perceive rentals as more authentic than traditional lodging.

For hosts, this translates into tangible benefits:

Higher guest satisfaction (better reviews).
Longer stays, since guests feel more connected to the area.
Word-of-mouth recommendations from travelers who valued the “real” experience.

Authenticity is not only a value add — it’s now a competitive edge.

How to Help Guests “Live Like a Local”

Here’s how mid-sized rental owners can build authenticity into the guest experience without heavy investments:

1. Leverage Your Neighborhood

Your neighborhood is an asset — even if it’s not central or trendy. In fact, guests often prefer quieter, lived-in areas to tourist districts.

Highlight the morning market or family-run grocery.
Suggest neighborhood walks or streets with architectural charm.
Share details about community events (festivals, local football matches, seasonal fairs).

2. Curate Local Food & Drink Experiences

Food is the fastest way to local culture. Help guests discover:

The bakery that sells the city’s best traditional pastry.
The casual tavern where locals gather for lunch.
Small specialty shops (cheese, wine, spices).

Even a welcome basket with a local treat (a bottle of vinho verde in Lisbon, a loaf of sourdough in Berlin) instantly grounds the experience.

3. Add Cultural Touchpoints Inside the Home

Authenticity doesn’t end at the front door. Bring local culture inside with:

Art prints or photography that reflect regional heritage.
Books by local authors (even children’s books work wonders for families).
A small “cultural corner” with postcards, maps, or artisan crafts.

These are low-cost upgrades that give your rental a sense of place, rather than feeling like a generic flat.

4. Share Stories, Not Just Info

Guests don’t just want directions — they want context. Instead of “This is a good bakery,” tell them: “This bakery has been family-run for 80 years, and they’re famous for their almond croissants.” These little narratives make guests feel like insiders.

You can even use storytelling posters with QR codes linking to:

Neighborhood history.
Playlists of local music.
Walking tours or cultural documentaries.

This blends décor with storytelling — an immersive way to help guests connect.

The Long-Term View: Authenticity as a Travel Megatrend

Looking ahead, authenticity is not just a passing trend — it’s a structural shift in how people travel.

Gen Z travelers will dominate the market by 2030. Their spending habits favor experiences and ethical consumption over luxury or material goods.
Hidden cities and neighborhoods are projected to grow in popularity as overtourism pressures increase in Europe’s hotspots.
Localism in design is gaining momentum: future rentals that showcase their cultural roots will have a stronger brand identity and higher demand.

In short, authenticity is no longer a nice extra — it’s the baseline for competitive rentals.

Final Thoughts

Helping guests “live like a local” doesn’t require reinventing your property. It requires thoughtful curation, storytelling, and connection to your community. The payoff is significant: more engaged guests, better reviews, and a brand reputation that goes beyond “just another rental.”

✨ Tip from Prints & Spirit: Our curated art collections and City Story posters are designed to help you bring authenticity indoors. Each piece connects your guests with local artists, forgotten cultural voices, and stories they can explore further via QR codes — making your rental not just a place to stay, but a cultural experience in itself