How to Turn Your Investment Property into a High-End Short-Term Rental — A Before & After Transformation

Salt & Sky Lodging Co. is Breathing New Life into Properties — and Filling Their Calendars

Investing in short-term rentals can be incredibly profitable — but only when the property is designed, positioned, and launched correctly. A middle range home alone isn’t enough anymore. Today’s highest-earning Airbnbs are curated, styled, and strategically branded to stand out in a crowded market.

That’s where Salt & Sky Lodging Co. comes in - We partner with  investors to transform underperforming or newly purchased properties into high-end, design-driven short-term rentals that command premium nightly rates and strong occupancy, all while remaining completely hands-off for the owner.

Salt & Sky, based out of San Diego, CA, offers an end-to-end service for investors who want strong returns without managing the day-to-day details. From the earliest stages, our team develops the design vision and aesthetic direction for the property, ensuring that every finish and furnishing aligns with both target guests and the surrounding market. We guide renovation decisions, select materials and furnishings, coordinate vendors and installations, and oversee the styling process so that the property is cohesive, functional, and visually compelling.

Once the physical transformation is complete, we handle the full launch process. This includes professional photography, listing creation, platform optimization, and pricing strategy across Airbnb and other booking channels. For owners who prefer a truly passive investment, we can also continue with ongoing management after launch. The result is a professionally branded, high-performing short-term rental that is fully operational and ready to generate income.

When The Sapphire, a property in Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA, came to us, it had solid bones but needed a lot of work. By re-working the layout like a Tetris puzzle, we were able to maximize the footprint to add things like another indoor living room,  outdoor living space, master suite, full bathroom as well as extend the kitchen. We then re-imagined the property with our signature high-end SoCal-lux aesthetic, layering in warmth, texture, and thoughtful design that enhance the guest experience. Every furnishing, finish, and styling choice was made with durability, visual impact, and return on investment in mind. 

Before and after of outdoor space and pool. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

Once the design and installation were complete, the property was professionally staged and photographed. We developed optimized listing copy, launched it across booking platforms, and implemented a pricing strategy tailored to the market and seasonality. Today, The Sapphire stands as a clear example of how thoughtful design and strategic positioning can significantly increase a property’s earning potential.

Guests are no longer just booking a place to sleep — they’re booking an experience. The most successful listings have a clear and recognizable aesthetic identity, strong professional photography, and an intentional guest experience that feels curated from arrival to checkout. Without these elements, even well-located properties can become lost in search results and struggle to command premium nightly rates.

Salt & Sky specializes in creating spaces that stop the scroll and convert viewers into bookings. Take a look at some of the before and after images of this project and you’ll see how this property was truly brought up to it’s full potential.

Before and after garage conversion into kitchen, living and dining space. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

A Truly Hands-Off Investment

For many of our clients, short-term rentals are part of a broader investment strategy. They want the income and long-term appreciation, but they don’t want to manage contractors, coordinate furnishings, respond to guest messages, or adjust pricing week to week. Our process allows investors to remain as involved or as hands-off as they choose. We can oversee the entire design and setup phase, coordinate contractors and installations, launch and optimize listings, and continue managing the property after it goes live.

Before and after of full guest bath renovation. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

This approach makes it possible to own a high-performing short-term rental without taking on the day-to-day responsibilities typically associated with hospitality management. For out-of-state owners and busy professionals in particular, this level of support turns a potentially time-intensive project into a streamlined investment.

Our goal is to help each client create a short-term rental that commands premium nightly rates, books consistently throughout the year, builds equity over time, and requires minimal owner involvement once launched.

Before and after garage conversion into kitchen, living and dining space. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

Who We Work With

Salt & Sky partners with a wide range of investors, from first-time short-term rental buyers to experienced real estate owners expanding their portfolios. Some clients are purchasing vacation homes they’d like to offset with rental income, while others are converting long-term rentals into higher-earning short-term properties. We also frequently work with out-of-state investors who need a trusted team to handle everything locally, from design decisions to final installation and launch.

Because we can step in at any stage of the process — whether during the property search, mid-renovation, or just before launch — our services are tailored to meet each investor where they are.

Before and after images of original living room converted into a multi-use space including a master bedroom, new full bath, closet and extra bedroom. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

Let’s Turn Your Property Into a Standout Rental

If you’re considering a short-term rental investment, the difference between average returns and exceptional returns often comes down to design, branding, and launch strategy. Salt & Sky Lodging Co. provides a fully supported path to creating a high-end, high-performing rental property that is positioned to succeed from day one.

If you’re interested in exploring how we can help transform your property into a standout short-term rental, we’d love to connect and learn more about your goals, timeline, and investment plans.

Before and after images of converted bedroom and front of property. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore short-term rental investing or looking to elevate an existing property into a high-end, revenue-producing asset, the right strategy and design make all the difference. At Salt & Sky Lodging Co., we specialize in transforming overlooked or underperforming properties into thoughtfully designed, professionally launched short-term rentals that attract the right guests, command higher nightly rates, and operate smoothly from day one.

Before and after of bedroom renovation. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

More before and after images below

Before and after of several spaces. Images by Salt & Sky Lodging Co. Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA.

Book this gorgeous property on Airbnb

Love this transformation? You can experience it for yourself. The Sapphire is now open for bookings — a design-forward Pacific Beach retreat with a private resort-style backyard, walkable beach access, and space for the whole group. View the full listing and plan your San Diego stay here. ✨

About the listing photographer

Chelsea Loren is a San Diego–based commercial brand and lifestyle photographer known for creating elevated, strategy-driven imagery for modern brands. Her work is featured in the airbnb listing for this property. With a background in editorial and campaign work, she partners with businesses, hotels, and entrepreneurs to produce cohesive visual content designed to strengthen brand identity and drive real marketing results. Check out more of her work and more about her services here.

From concept and design to project management, launch, and ongoing support, our team provides a streamlined, hands-on experience that allows you to stay as involved—or as hands-off—as you’d like. Our goal is simple: help you create a property that stands out in the market and performs as a long-term, income-generating investment.

If you’re ready to explore what’s possible for your property—or you’re considering your next investment—we’d love to connect. Reach out to Salt & Sky Lodging Co. to start the conversation and learn how we can bring your vision to life while maximizing both guest appeal and return on investment.