Make Your Life Easy: Book a StayGaiensville Property in GNV

StayGainesville is a Gainesville-based, women-owned short-term rental company that has transformed the local hospitality scene with its community-driven approach and diverse property offerings. Founded by Susannah Peddie in 2010, the company began as a pivot during the 2008 housing crisis – converting vacant condos near UF Health Shands Hospital into furnished short-term rentals for visiting families and patients. Since then, StayGainesville has grown into a premier short-term rental provider, known for its authentic local experiences, high-quality accommodations, and unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.

One factor that makes StayGainesville spotlight-worthy is its deep local integration and community focus. As a homegrown Gainesville business, it prides itself on hiring local staff, using local vendors, and partnering with neighboring businesses to immerse guests in the community. “We support the Gainesville community in so many ways. We hire locally, we use local vendors, we partner with local businesses, and we love sharing our love of Gainesville with all of our guests,” the company emphasizes. This philosophy translates into curated guest experiences – from recommendations of neighborhood eateries and cultural events to on-site hosted gatherings featuring local artists. In fact, StayGainesville frequently organizes cultural events and even partnered with initiatives like Gataverse to facilitate sports-related events for guests and residents. By blending hospitality with community engagement, StayGainesville offers travelers a “live like a local” stay that sets it apart from impersonal hotel chains.

StayGainesville’s journey is marked by notable milestones and resilient growth. After the initial success providing short-term homes near the hospital, founder Susannah Peddie expanded the portfolio to serve other key areas. By 2010, she had grown from managing 9 properties to 30 profitable short-term rentals, demonstrating strong demand for her model. Rather than slowing down during challenging times, Peddie seized opportunities:

Historic Expansion: In the last few years, Peddie acquired two of Gainesville’s four historic inns – the Camellia Rose Inn and the Laurel Oak Inn – integrating their bed-and-breakfast charm into the StayGainesville family. Her purchase of these century-old properties (in 2020 and 2023 respectively) garnered media attention for helping preserve a piece of Gainesville’s history. The Independent Florida Alligator highlighted how these acquisitions keep the city’s bed-and-breakfast tradition alive, noting that Peddie’s inns allow visitors to enjoy unique historic character that no generic hotel can offer. At these flagship inns, guests not only experience Victorian-era architecture but also enjoy modern perks like complimentary breakfasts, wrap-around porches, and even cross-property amenities (guests at one inn are invited to the sister inn’s weekly happy hour, for example).

Partnerships and Leadership: During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Florida temporarily banned short-term rentals, StayGainesville defied the odds by expanding instead of retreating. Peddie brought on local business partners – including University of Florida alumni Ed Rodriguez and Gregg Gelber – to refine the company’s strategy and invest in growth. This collaboration helped “revolutionize the Gainesville bed and breakfast scene”, merging traditional hospitality with modern Airbnb-style operations. Additionally, in 2024 StayGainesville launched an innovative Student Athlete R.E.P. Program in partnership with UF athletics. This program incentivizes University of Florida student-athletes to refer their families and fans for lodging, providing discounted stays for sports families and NIL (Name-Image-Likeness) opportunities for the athletes. “We are thrilled to launch the StayGainesville REP Program,” says CEO Susannah Peddie, emphasizing the company’s commitment to supporting UF’s athletes and their families. Such partnerships underscore the brand’s creative approach to marketing and community support.

Recognition: Through its consistent performance, StayGainesville has earned industry recognition that few competitors in the region can claim. Notably, the company has maintained Airbnb Superhost status every quarter since 2016, reflecting exceptional guest reviews, reliability, and hospitality standards. Achieving Superhost for nearly a decade is a strong testament to StayGainesville’s quality and customer service. This accolade offers guests peace of mind that every property meets high standards for cleanliness, accuracy, and responsiveness. Moreover, StayGainesville’s reputation has made it the trusted lodging choice for notable visitors. When UF alumni and sports legends return to town for games or events, many choose StayGainesville for their accommodations.

. “When Gator Greats return to Gainesville, they trust StayGainesville to provide them with a comfortable and convenient home away from home,” the company notes, citing past guests like former basketball coach Billy Donovan and star athletes Corey Brewer and KeVaughn Allen among others

. Having these high-profile “Gator Greats” as repeat guests not only highlights the company’s prominence but also its ability to meet elite standards.

StayGainesville’s success is largely due to how well it caters to a wide range of travelers. Unlike one-size-fits-all hotels, their portfolio is intentionally diverse, serving families, out-of-town leisure visitors, medical travelers, and business travelers with equal finesse. Below is a look at how StayGainesville addresses the unique needs of each segment:

For families on vacation or groups visiting Gainesville for reunions, weddings, or game weekends, StayGainesville offers the space and amenities to truly feel at home. Many of their rental houses are large-capacity homes that can accommodate extended families or teams under one roof – a major advantage over booking multiple hotel rooms. For example, the company manages The Laurel Oak Estate, a 7-bedroom, 7.5-bath historic home that at 5,800 square feet is “the largest short-term rental home in Gainesville,” comfortably sleeping up to 16 guests. Each bedroom in this estate has a king-size bed and en-suite bathroom, and the property features expansive common areas, a large backyard, wraparound porches, and a full kitchen – perfect for group dinners or celebrations. By keeping everyone together in a beautifully furnished house, families can enjoy shared meals in a real kitchen, game nights in the living room, and the children can have room to play, all in a private setting. StayGainesville emphasizes that such large-group rentals enhance bonding and convenience: no splitting up into different buildings or curfews for hotel quiet hours. This focus on “a home, not a hotel” for group travel has made StayGainesville popular for multi-generational family trips, sports team stays, and even corporate retreats seeking a more personal environment.

Gainesville attracts myriad visitors each year – from parents attending University of Florida events and alumni returning for homecoming, to tourists exploring local culture and nature. StayGainesville directly targets these out-of-town visitors by offering rentals in prime locations near the very attractions people come to see. Many properties are within walking distance or a short drive from the University of Florida campus and Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, making them ideal for Gator game day weekends. Rather than cramming into an overpriced hotel during football season, a family or group of alumni can rent a spacious house and tailgate in the backyard, then walk to the game. StayGainesville’s homes also put travelers close to downtown Gainesville’s nightlife and dining and the city’s renowned parks and natural sites. From a condo near lively Bo Diddley Plaza for those seeking live music and restaurants, to homes a short drive from Paynes Prairie or local springs, guests can choose a lodging option that best fits their itinerary. The company actively markets itineraries and “hidden gem” suggestions to its leisure guests, underlining its role not just as a landlord but as a local guide. By plugging visitors into the authentic Gainesville scene – be it an art festival, farmer’s market, or a museum – StayGainesville ensures out-of-town guests experience more than a typical hotel stay. This personal touch resonates with travelers looking for a unique stay: as Peddie noted, each historic home or thoughtfully decorated condo has a distinct character, “not cookie-cutter motels or hotels…each room is different. You’re not going to get [that] character from any other accommodation in Gainesville”.

One of the niches that StayGainesville adeptly serves is medical travelers – patients (and their families) who come to Gainesville for treatment at the area’s major hospitals and clinics. This market was built into the company’s DNA from the start. The very first StayGainesville short-term units were located across the street from UF Health Shands Hospital, providing a convenient home base for people visiting the hospital. Today, the company continues to cater to health-related stays by maintaining properties near UF Health Shands and North Florida Regional Medical Center, among others. These rentals are set up to be comfortable and stress-free for extended stays: they come fully furnished with linens, kitchens to prepare meals, high-speed internet, and easy self check-in – alleviating some burdens for families already under stress. StayGainesville explicitly aims to “ensure a stress-free stay during medical treatments or recovery” by providing a peaceful, home-like environment within minutes of the hospital. For example, a family accompanying a relative for a surgery can stay together in an apartment rather than separate hotel rooms, cook their own meals, and have a quiet living room to gather in after long days at the hospital. This level of normalcy and privacy is a huge benefit over a sterile hotel atmosphere. By understanding the needs of medical travelers, StayGainesville fills a critical gap in Gainesville’s lodging market. Hospital visitors no longer need to rely solely on extended-stay hotels or worry about breaking a lease for a short-term apartment; they can book with flexibility for a few nights or a few months. The combination of strategic location and home comforts has made StayGainesville a go-to for many repeat medical visitors, and the company’s local team remains on-call 24/7 to assist with any special accommodations or last-minute extensions that these guests might require.

For professionals visiting Gainesville for work – whether for a week-long conference, a month-long project, or relocating for a new job – StayGainesville positions itself as an ideal solution. Recognizing that business travelers often crave the space and conveniences of home, the company offers a range of corporate-friendly rentals with features that traditional hotels lack. High-speed Wi-Fi and dedicated workspaces are standard in these properties, enabling remote work or virtual meetings with ease. Many rentals include a desk or quiet study area, and all come with a full kitchen and laundry machines, which are invaluable for longer business stays. Instead of being confined to a single hotel room, professionals can enjoy a multi-room apartment or house – meaning separate living and sleeping areas, the ability to cook healthy meals, and even host colleagues for meetings in a comfortable living room. StayGainesville’s focus on prime locations extends to business needs as well: many units are near Gainesville’s commercial districts, research parks, and the University, minimizing commute times for guests. For instance, a consultant working with UF or a visiting professor can stay just minutes away from campus, and a medical researcher collaborating with the hospital can find lodging right across the street. By providing these conveniences, StayGainesville offers “a superior alternative to traditional hotels” for business travel in the area. Moreover, the professional management ensures reliable service – no last-minute cancellation by a host or surprise check-out procedures. Business travelers also benefit from the flexible booking terms (options for month-to-month stays) and the 24/7 support line for any issues, aligning with the expectations of corporate travel policies.

Beyond its targeted accommodations, StayGainesville distinguishes itself through value-added services and unique guest experiences that outshine other short-term rental providers in the region. StayGainesville boasts the largest selection of short-term rental properties in the Gainesville area, ranging from cozy one-bedroom studios to expansive seven-bedroom estates. This extensive portfolio means guests can find a perfect fit whether they are solo travelers, a couple, a family with pets, or a large group. The company’s inventory spans luxury historic homes, modern downtown condos, budget-friendly apartments, and even pet-friendly options – a breadth and depth unmatched by typical Airbnb hosts. By maintaining such variety, StayGainesville ensures that every guest’s needs and budget are catered to without compromising on comfort or quality.

Personalized Customer Service: While many rental platforms leave guests to deal directly with individual owners, StayGainesville provides a professional, concierge-level service layer. The staff is locally based and available 24/7 to handle any guest requests or issues promptly. From the moment of inquiry to check-out, guests have a dedicated team ensuring a seamless stay. This results in consistently high reviews and is a key reason the company has maintained Airbnb Superhost status continuously since 2016. Travelers can book with confidence knowing there’s a reliable, responsive management team behind the property – a significant differentiator in the short-term rental market. Furthermore, at the two Inn properties, guests are treated to bed-and-breakfast style hospitality, including daily housekeeping, on-site innkeepers, and curated local breakfasts or snacks that add a special touch.

Prime Locations & Convenience: StayGainesville’s properties are deliberately situated in strategic locations around the city.

 Whether a guest wants to be steps from campus, close to downtown entertainment, or in a quiet neighborhood near the hospitals, there is an option available. This network of prime-location rentals sets StayGainesville apart from single-site hotels and gives guests the freedom to choose their preferred base. Many competing short-term rentals might have one or two homes in a given area, but StayGainesville can offer alternatives if one location is booked, thanks to its larger footprint. The convenience extends to amenities like complimentary parking at homes (avoiding expensive downtown garage fees), in-unit laundry (critical for longer stays), and pet-friendly yards for those traveling with animals – small comforts that enhance the overall experience.

Quality and Consistency: Unlike a peer-to-peer rental platform where quality can be hit-or-miss, StayGainesville maintains a professional standard across all its properties. All units are professionally cleaned and inspected, and the listings are managed by the company to ensure accuracy and readiness for each guest. As their blog notes, guests don’t face the uncertainty that sometimes comes with independent Airbnb rentals; every StayGainesville property is verified and maintained to a high standard of cleanliness and comfort. This consistency has built trust. Many visitors who stay at one StayGainesville property will return to try another on subsequent trips, confident that they’ll receive the same level of excellence each time. The company also continually updates furnishings and appliances to keep accommodations modern and reliable – an effort recognized in guest reviews and repeat bookings.

Authentic Local Experiences: Perhaps the most distinctive aspect of StayGainesville is how it leverages its local roots to give guests a richer experience than they’d get elsewhere. Staying with StayGainesville is marketed as “opting for a journey into the heart and soul of Gainesville” rather than just a place to sleep. To this end, the company provides guests with guides to local “Things to Do,” curated itineraries for families, nature-lovers, or solo travelers, and exclusive perks through its StayGainesville Experience program. This program acts as a passport to the city: guests receive discounts and special offers at partnered local businesses – from fitness centers and co-working spaces to art studios and restaurants. For example, a StayGainesville guest might get a day-pass discount at a nearby gym or free dessert at a popular local café, enriching their stay and integrating them into community life. Such perks not only differentiate the company from other lodging options but also reinforce its support for fellow local businesses. Additionally, the two historic Inns often host events like wine socials, workshops, or holiday gatherings that guests are invited to join, creating a sense of community even among travelers. This attention to experience ensures that a StayGainesville stay is memorable and personal, rather than just a transient lodging.

In a city as dynamic as Gainesville – known for its university spirit, medical centers, and natural beauty – StayGainesville has emerged as a uniquely adaptive and guest-centric business that merits the spotlight. From its origins as an entrepreneurial response to a housing downturn, it has grown through innovation and community commitment into a hospitality leader in the region. The company’s milestones, such as expanding during economic challenges, preserving historic inns, and forging partnerships with local athletes and businesses, illustrate a forward-thinking enterprise that continuously finds new ways to serve its audience. StayGainesville’s ability to cater to families, out-of-town visitors, medical travelers, and business professionals under one brand is a testament to its versatile approach. By providing more than just a place to stay – offering instead a gateway to Gainesville’s local culture and a high-comfort home base – it distinguishes itself from other short-term rental providers. Guests can clearly feel the difference: whether it’s a parent visiting for a university event who prefers a quiet cottage over a noisy hotel, or a patient’s family relieved to find a homey condo near the hospital, or a group of friends making memories in a beautiful historic house, StayGainesville delivers a blend of professionalism and personal touch that is rare in today’s travel landscape. As Gainesville continues to grow as a destination for education, healthcare, sports, and tourism, StayGainesville stands out as a company that not only keeps pace with the city’s needs but actively shapes the hospitality experience here. Its story – rooted in local passion, bolstered by resilience, and focused on genuine guest care – makes StayGainesville a compelling success case and a boon to the Gainesville community. Whether one is seeking a “home away from home” for a weekend or several months, this women-led local business has proven that it can deliver, earning both the loyalty of its guests and the respect of the community it proudly serves.