For alumni visiting their alma mater, or friends and family coming for a short stay, there are accommodations for everyone. We provide helpful guides to local businesses, events, beautiful trails, and parks to plan the perfect nostalgic getaway.
For business travelers coming for work-related stays, we have arrangements especially curated to make your stay comfortable so that you feel at home, whether the stay is for a couple of days or months.
From travelers who come solo, as a couple, or in a group for vacation or to explore the city, we offer local experiences at a discounted price while ensuring their short stay is as comfortable as it is fun.
Add your custom HTML here
Relax in this stylish 3BR, 2BA Gainesville home with a private pool, near UF, Shands, and downtown. Perfect for families, grads, and extended stays.
Stay in Gainesville’s iconic Duckpond neighborhood! This 5BR home sleeps 15, features a private pool, and is minutes from UF, parks, and downtown dining.
When life brings you to Gainesville for medical care, comfort and stability become more than just luxuries — they’re necessities. Whether you’re a patient seeking treatment at UF Health Shands Hospital or a loved one supporting someone through a health journey, where you stay can have a tremendous impact on your experience.
StayGainesville has wedding and event venue options with The Laurel Oak Inn and The Camellia Rose Inn. They are currently being rented as whole homes, so not only are you booking your gorgeous venue, but you'll have built-in accommodations for many of your guests. Call us today to book either home for your event.
Why Booking Direct with StayGainesville.com Is the Smarter Choice for Your Next Gainesville Stay If you’re planning a trip to Gainesville, Florida—whether for a University of Florida graduation, Gator game weekend, a medical visit to Shands Hospital, or just a relaxing getaway—you’re probably comparing options on Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term rental sites. These platforms have helped travelers discover vacation rentals with ease, but what many don’t realize is this: 👉 Booking directly through StayGainesville.com offers a better experience, lower costs, and more flexibility. As Gainesville’s premier vacation rental management company, StayGainesville manages a unique and growing portfolio of short-term rentals ranging from stylish condos to full historic estates. In this blog, we’ll break down exactly why booking direct is better than using Airbnb or VRBO—and how it benefits your wallet, your peace of mind, and your overall stay. 1. đź’° Skip the Service Fees—Save More Money The biggest benefit of booking directly through StayGainesville.com is simple: you save money. When you book through Airbnb, VRBO, or other third-party platforms, you’ll often pay an additional 10% to 20% in service fees on top of the nightly rate. These fees go directly to the booking platform—not to the host, and certainly not toward your guest experience. When you book directly through our website, there are no hidden platform fees. The price you see is the price you pay, with transparent breakdowns for cleaning, taxes, and optional add-ons. Over the course of a multi-night or multi-property stay, direct booking can save you hundreds of dollars. 2. 🏡 More Properties, Better Choices Some of our most in-demand properties—especially large homes for group stays or special events—aren’t always available on Airbnb or VRBO. That’s because not all listings appear on every platform, and in some cases, we reserve select homes for direct bookings to help repeat guests and local event organizers find the space they need. When you browse directly on StayGainesville.com, you gain access to our complete portfolio, including: The Laurel Oak Estate – A stunning, historic property ideal for events or retreats The Camellia Rose Mansion – Elegant Southern charm in Gainesville’s historic district The Stadium House – Perfect for Gator game weekends, just steps from UF 406 Duckpond Home with Pool – A relaxing backyard oasis for longer stays or families 204 NE 3rd Ave – Stylish, walkable, and ideal for professionals or visiting families No matter your reason for visiting Gainesville, booking direct gives you the full range of options—from small apartments to full private estates—often with better availability than you'll find elsewhere. 3. 🤝 Direct Communication with Local Experts When you book through Airbnb or VRBO, all communication is filtered through their platforms. You may not know exactly who you’re talking to—or how fast you’ll get a response when it counts. With StayGainesville, you’re booking directly with a locally based team that knows Gainesville inside and out. Whether you need help choosing the right home, coordinating an early arrival, or getting information about local restaurants or events, you’re working with real people who live and work right here. Direct communication means: Faster response times Clearer answers to your questions More helpful, flexible guest support A dedicated point of contact for your entire stay Our guest services team is friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help—without the red tape or delays that can come from big platforms. 4. đź“… More Flexibility with Changes or Special Requests Life happens. Maybe your graduation ceremony gets rescheduled. Maybe you want to extend your trip, or you need a later check-out to accommodate a flight change. Unfortunately, Airbnb and VRBO have rigid policies and systems that can limit flexibility for things like: Date changes Early check-ins or late check-outs Extended stays or recurring trips Last-minute bookings or cancellations When you book direct through StayGainesville.com, we can work with you more personally to accommodate your needs—especially for guests who are visiting for medical reasons, business, or extended stays. We also provide flexible options for: Corporate housing and business travel Relocation or in-between housing needs Insurance or FEMA-supported housing stays Event-related bookings (weddings, retreats, reunions) By booking direct, you’re not locked into generic policies—you’re working with a team that can evaluate your situation individually and make accommodations when possible. 5. 🧾 Transparent Booking Process One of the most frustrating parts of booking through third-party platforms is not knowing exactly what you’re paying for or how the cancellation policies really work. Airbnb and VRBO each have their own fee structures, refund rules, and interface quirks—which can make it difficult to know where your money is going. When you book through StayGainesville.com: The booking process is straightforward and secure Every fee and charge is clearly itemized You get direct email confirmation with all details Our cancellation and change policies are clear and easy to understand There are no gimmicks, no fine print, and no long wait times for support. Just clear, honest communication and a smooth booking experience. 6. đź“Ť Local Expertise You Can Trust Gainesville is more than just a college town—it’s a vibrant, diverse city filled with hidden gems, local businesses, and seasonal events that make every visit unique. At StayGainesville, we live here, we work here, and we’re deeply invested in making our guests feel welcome. By booking direct, you’re working with a team that can help you: Choose the best neighborhood for your visit Find local dining, shopping, and entertainment options Discover events happening during your stay (football games, art festivals, etc.) Plan extended visits for medical stays or professional projects This kind of localized support simply isn’t available when you book through national platforms. 7. 🎓 Ideal for Group Bookings, Graduations & Events If you’re planning a group stay for a UF graduation, wedding, family reunion, or corporate retreat, booking direct gives you more flexibility and control over your reservation. Many large homes and estates in the StayGainesville portfolio are only available through direct booking—and for good reason. These special-use properties often require additional coordination, multiple room bookings, or customized guest arrangements. Our team can help you: Reserve multiple homes for large groups Recommend homes within walking distance of each other Coordinate parking and check-in for multiple parties Suggest trusted local vendors for events, catering, or equipment rentals When planning something special, the last thing you want is an impersonal third-party interface. Book direct and let our team make the experience smooth, seamless, and celebratory. đź‘Ą Personalized Help from Real People—Call Us Anytime Not sure which home is the best fit for your needs? Want someone to walk you through the options? You don’t have to guess! Call us directly at (352) 519-3994, and one of our friendly reservation specialists—Steph or Cindy—will be happy to help you choose the perfect StayGainesville property for your stay. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, or as part of a larger group, they'll guide you through the options and ensure your booking is easy, informed, and tailored to your preferences. At the end of the day, booking directly through StayGainesville.com means: Lower total cost Easier communication More choices Greater flexibility A better overall experience Book Direct & Stay Smarter Ready to plan your next visit to Gainesville? Browse our homes, check availability, or reach out for help choosing the perfect spot. 👉 Visit StayGainesville.com đź“ž Call us at (352) 519-3994 đź“© Or email us at info@staygainesville.com Book direct. Stay smart. StayGainesville.
Sweat Life Fitness: Art Waters’s journey into the world of health and fitness wasn’t accidental—it was deeply intentional. A graduate of the University of Central Florida, Art holds a Master’s degree in Physical Education/Sports and Fitness, which laid the foundation for his lifelong commitment to wellness. Alongside his academic achievements, Art is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS) and a Corrective Exercise Specialist (NASM-CES)
Chris founded 352 Hauling Crew with a clear mission: to provide efficient, reliable, and affordable junk removal services to the residents and businesses of Alachua County.
Gainesville, FL is a vibrant and growing short-term rental market. With events like University of Florida graduations, Gator football weekends, medical visits to Shands Hospital, and a year-round stream of business and leisure travelers, it’s no surprise that more and more property owners are turning to Airbnb and other vacation rental platforms to generate income.
But just listing a property on Airbnb isn’t enough to guarantee success—especially in a competitive market like Gainesville.
Free “Audit My Airbnb” Listing Review from AirBNB Superhost StayGainesville Vacation Rentals.
StayGainesville's May 2025 Newsletter
WHERE THE GATOR GREATS STAY
When Gator Greats return to Gainesville, they trust StayGainesville to provide them with a comfortable and convenient home away from home.
Whether it's a spacious condo, a charming house, or a beautiful historic Inn room, StayGainesville offers the perfect place to relax and reminisce.
Our guests have included KeVaughn Allen, Corey Brewer, Phlandrous Fleming Jr., Taurean Green, Walter Hodge, Lee Humphrey, Myreon Jones, Egor Koulechov, Keith Stone and Erving Walker. Matt McCall, and Billy Donovan.
