Walking On Air, Short Term Rental Co.

Walking On Air, Short Term Rental Co. operates as a specialized service in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, focusing on providing both short-term and mid-term accommodation solutions. This company functions as a hybrid between a real estate service and a travel agency, catering to a variety of lodging needs. The business is managed by its local owners, Brett and Malarie, who emphasize a hands-on approach to property management and guest relations. Their portfolio includes a range of property sizes and types, extending beyond Hattiesburg to other Mississippi locations like Long Beach, Gulfport, and Starkville, indicating a broader operational scope than just one city.

Service and Property Analysis

The core of Walking On Air's business is its portfolio of vacation rentals. Client feedback consistently points to a high level of satisfaction with the properties and the service. One of the most significant advantages highlighted by previous guests is the local presence of the owners. Unlike large, faceless property management companies, having responsive and local owners is a considerable benefit. Guests report that this local oversight ensures that any potential issues are addressed swiftly and efficiently. This direct line of communication contributes to a smoother and more reliable experience, a critical factor when booking accommodations from a distance.

Properties managed by the company are described by past renters as being exactly as advertised, a crucial element of trust in the rental market. Cleanliness and affordability are two other frequently mentioned positives. The combination of well-maintained, accurately depicted properties at a reasonable price point creates a strong value proposition for travelers. The offerings are diverse, ranging from cozy one-bedroom apartments to larger five-bedroom houses, designed to accommodate solo travelers, couples, families, and larger groups. This variety makes them a versatile option for different travel purposes, from a weekend getaway to extended stays for business.

Accommodations for Various Needs

The company explicitly offers both short and mid-term rental options, which broadens its appeal. This flexibility is ideal for several types of clients:

• Tourists and Families: Those visiting Hattiesburg for leisure, such as attending events at the University of Southern Mississippi or visiting the Hattiesburg Zoo, can find suitable holiday homes that offer more space and amenities than a typical hotel room.
• Corporate and Professional Clients: The availability of mid-term stays makes Walking On Air a strong candidate for corporate housing. Traveling nurses, contractors, academics, or employees on temporary assignment benefit from fully furnished homes where they can settle in for several weeks or months. One property, for instance, is advertised with a discount for monthly stays.
• Transitional Housing: Individuals or families in the process of relocating to Hattiesburg can use these rentals as a comfortable temporary base while they search for permanent housing.

Amenities listed for their properties are comprehensive and cater to modern needs, typically including Wi-Fi, full kitchens with cooking basics, air conditioning, washers and dryers, and dedicated workspaces, further enhancing their suitability for longer stays.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the existing feedback is overwhelmingly positive, the most significant point of caution for potential customers is the limited volume of public reviews. The Google business profile, for instance, holds a perfect 5-star rating, but this is based on a very small number of ratings. While their direct booking website showcases more testimonials, a prospective renter performing due diligence through third-party sites will find a limited digital footprint. This doesn't necessarily indicate a negative, but it means that customers are basing their decision on a smaller pool of public opinion compared to larger, more established rental platforms.

Another factor to consider is the direct-booking model. While their website, powered by Hospitable, allows for direct reservations—often saving guests from the service fees charged by major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo—some travelers may prefer the perceived security and structured dispute resolution processes of those larger sites. The business operates with a clear focus on a personal, direct relationship, which may not appeal to everyone's travel planning style.

User Experience and Booking

The company's website presents its properties with professional photos and detailed descriptions of amenities. This transparency aligns with guest reviews stating that the properties are precisely as advertised. The owners, who identify as "SUPERHOSTS," position themselves as accessible and dedicated to providing a high-quality experience, a claim backed by the available testimonials. Their personal story, shared on the website, aims to build a connection and trust with potential clients. The emphasis on customer service is a recurring theme, with reviews highlighting fast response times and friendly interactions.

For those prioritizing value and a direct, personal touch in their search for short-term rentals, Walking On Air presents a compelling option. The business model, centered on local ownership and management, is a distinct advantage in a market often dominated by remote hosts or large corporations. The combination of clean, affordable, and varied properties makes it a strong contender for lodging in Hattiesburg and other serviced locations in Mississippi. However, prospective renters must be comfortable with the relatively small number of publicly available, third-party reviews and embrace the direct-to-owner booking process. The evidence available suggests a high standard of care and a commitment to guest satisfaction.