STR Data Lab™ by AirDNA

Is the short-term rental industry struggling — or simply growing up? In this episode of The STR Data Lab, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane sits down with Simon Lehmann to unpack what “normalization” really means for STR operators, investors, and property managers heading into 2026. After years of explosive growth, the industry is entering a new phase — one defined less by expansion and more by execution.

Simon shares why demand hasn’t collapsed the way headlines suggest, why strong operators are still thriving, and why the biggest shift happening right now is in expectations. Growth rates, margins, and valuations are resetting — but that doesn’t spell trouble. Instead, it’s forcing a long-overdue focus on discipline, systems, and unit-level profitability. As competition intensifies and margins compress, professionalism is no longer optional.

The conversation also dives into technology and AI, exploring why the future isn’t about more tools, but fewer — and better — ones. From fragmented tech stacks and data silos to the elusive “source of truth,” Jamie and Simon explain why operators who master their data will be best positioned to survive (and win) in the next chapter of STRs.

You don’t want to miss this episode if you’re planning for 2026 and beyond.

Key Takeaways from This Episode

• Normalization ≠ downturn: The STR industry isn’t collapsing — growth expectations and return profiles are simply resetting.

• Execution now beats expansion: We’ve moved from a growth story to a selection story, where strong operators pull ahead.

• Professionalization means discipline: Systems, process rigor, and unit-level economics matter more than portfolio size.

• Margins are under pressure: Rising costs and regulation make revenue management and cost control essential skills.

• Tech stacks must simplify: The next wave of STR tech will focus on integration, AI-driven insights, and a single source of truth — not more point solutions.

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 164

November delivered a mixed bag for short-term rentals — and this episode breaks down what really happened beneath the headline numbers. RevPAR dipped, occupancy softened, and demand growth slowed, but not for the reasons many hosts might expect. Jamie Lane and Bram Gallagher unpack how calendar shifts, supply growth, and subtle demand dynamics distorted the monthly data — and why November may not be as weak as it first appears.

Beyond performance, the conversation zooms out to the broader economic backdrop shaping STR demand. With new jobs and inflation data finally back online, the picture that emerges is one of a gradually softening labor market, uneven sector growth, and continued uncertainty around interest rates. The hosts also explore troubling trends in international inbound travel, particularly from Canada, and what policy shifts — or global events — could mean for future recovery.

The episode closes on a forward-looking note, spotlighting holiday pacing and the early signals for 2026. From stronger-than-expected Christmas and New Year travel to a surge in bookings tied to the 2026 World Cup, this data-rich discussion offers hosts and operators critical insight into where opportunity — and risk — may lie in the months ahead.

You don’t want to miss this episode if you’re planning for 2025 and beyond.

Key Takeaways for STR Hosts & Managers

• November’s softness was partly a calendar illusion: A day-of-week shift materially impacted occupancy and demand comparisons.

• Rates are stabilizing again: ADR and repeat rent index growth returned after a weak late summer, signaling pricing power may be improving.

• International demand remains a concern: Inbound travel to the U.S. is still significantly down, especially from Canada.

• Holiday travel is shifting later: New Year’s is pacing exceptionally strong, pushing more demand into early January.

• The World Cup is already reshaping 2026 demand: June bookings are surging — especially in host cities — with major implications for pricing and strategy.

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www.airdna.co/blog/us-review-november-2025

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 163

What happens when supply finally stabilizes, demand shifts gears, and the global economy refuses to follow the script? In this year-end Outlook episode, AirDNA Chief Economist Jamie Lane sits down with Bram Gallagher to break down what actually happened in 2025 — and what STR hosts and property managers should prepare for in 2026.

Together, they revisit last year’s predictions on supply growth, occupancy, and pricing, grading where the industry hit the mark (and where reality surprised us). The conversation then looks forward, unpacking how macroeconomic forces — from inflation and interest rates to housing affordability and global travel trends — are shaping the next phase of the short-term rental market.

The takeaway? 2026 may not be a breakout year, but it’s a pivotal one. With supply re-accelerating, demand patterns evolving, and events like the World Cup looming large, this episode offers a grounded, data-backed roadmap for navigating what’s ahead — especially for operators who are thinking strategically rather than reactively.

You don’t want to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways for STR Hosts & Operators

• Supply has bottomed — and it’s coming back. After slowing sharply in 2025, supply is expected to re-accelerate in 2026, especially in resort and suburban markets.

• Occupancy may soften slightly before rebounding. Supply could outpace demand in the short term, leading to modest occupancy pressure before conditions rebalance in 2027.

• Pricing power remains limited but stable. ADR growth should improve modestly, though most existing listings will need to hold rates steady rather than push aggressive increases.

• International demand is an X-factor. The 2026 World Cup could drive record inbound travel — but policy and sentiment will play a major role in how big that impact is.

• Experienced operators have the advantage. The next wave of supply growth is likely driven by more professional, intentional investors — raising the bar for performance and operations.

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 162

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be one of the biggest short-term rental demand events in history—bigger than the Super Bowl, bigger than Taylor Swift tours, and long enough to make or break an entire revenue year. In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with revenue strategist and Happy Guest founder Rebecca Ballart, who has personally priced more than 10,000 listings worldwide, to help hosts understand what to expect… and how not to leave thousands of dollars on the table.

Rebecca breaks down why mega-events behave nothing like peak season, how booking windows warp under immense hype, and why the “right” price can’t be pulled from comps or pricing tools alone. This conversation is filled with practical guidance for hosts in every 2026 host city—especially those looking at early booking spikes and wondering, “Am I priced too low… or way too high?”

They also walk through real-world examples, from massive wins at Hangout Fest to the hard realities when an event is suddenly canceled. Rebecca shares what operators can monitor between now and kickoff, how to think about length-of-stay strategy, when to adjust, and why the smartest revenue managers mix tools with human intuition—not one or the other.

If you’re hosting anywhere near a World Cup stadium, you can’t afford to miss this episode.

Key Takeaways

• Mega-events don’t follow normal demand patterns. Expect sudden booking rushes, long periods of quiet, and another surge as the event approaches.

• Length of stay is a powerful lever. Shorter stays + higher nightly rates often outperform long minimums during multi-week events.

• Inventory size dictates upside. Large homes can safely aim higher, while 1–2 bedroom units compete directly with hotels and must price accordingly.

• Use pricing tools—but don’t outsource your thinking. Algorithms can miss nuance; human oversight catches opportunities and prevents painful mistakes.

• Set guardrails before cancellations hit. Minimum event rates and watchful monitoring protect you from losing revenue when fans shift cities or plans change.

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 161

The short-term rental market is entering a new phase — one where stability, not volatility, is driving the biggest changes. In this fireside chat from the Data & Revenue Management Conference, Jamie Lane joins Simon Lehmann and Pedro Borges to break down the real signals behind 2025’s “steady state” and what it means for hosts and managers heading into 2026. This isn’t a hype-filled projection; it’s a data-backed look at supply slowdowns, shifting guest behavior, and how professionalization continues to reshape the competitive landscape.

From the K-shaped performance split between luxury and mid-market listings to the growing influence of OTA ranking systems, the conversation highlights why outperforming your market now depends less on macro tailwinds — and more on operational sharpness. Jamie and Pedro dig into pricing challenges, the emerging STR-to-midterm pivot in major cities, and how rising owner expenses like taxes and insurance are reshaping what “profitability” even means. If you want a grounded, unfiltered view of where the industry is actually heading, this episode delivers it.

For STR operators planning their next move, this is essential listening. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Key Takeaways

• Stability requires strategy: With occupancy flat and supply growth at historic lows, 2025–2026 will be a competition for share, not an automatic lift.

• Quality gaps matter: Listings with sub-4.7 ratings are shrinking fastest as OTAs elevate top-tier properties and push weaker performers to page two and beyond.

• Profitability is the real KPI: Rising insurance and property taxes mean managers must understand — and communicate — homeowner-level financial realities.

• Luxury grows, mid-market squeezes: The K-shaped recovery continues, rewarding high-end supply while challenging budget and mid-tier operators.

• Midterm strategies surge: Regulatory pressure and seasonality are accelerating the blend of STR and midterm stays, especially in cities like NYC, Denver, and LA.

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 160

What happens when two hands-on STR operators decide to take their kids, their business, and a camera across all 50 states? Kylee and Steven Niederhauser—longtime hosts and boutique property managers in Southern California and the Palm Springs region—join Jamie to share the remarkable evolution of their business and the surprising realities of running 40+ units from the road.

In this episode, they unpack how they went from a rundown Mission Beach duplex to a curated, mid-size management portfolio—without ever aiming to become “big.” Their story is a masterclass in staying lean, staying connected, and building systems that support real freedom… not just more work. Along the way, they’re gathering fresh inspiration from dozens of stays across the country, rethinking what truly makes a memorable STR experience, and learning what hosts get right (and wrong) from a guest’s perspective.

Whether you’re an aspiring host, an already-stretched operator, or someone dreaming of reshaping your lifestyle through STRs, this episode distills years of hard-earned lessons—no fluff, just practical insights from operators living it in real time.

You don’t want to miss this episode.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Boutique beats big: Kylee & Steven intentionally chose not to scale endlessly—quality, owner alignment, and lifestyle mattered more than unit count.

• Systems enable freedom: Their remote-friendly stack centers around Uplisting + Breezeway, with smart-home tools filling the gaps.

• Personalized responses still win: They use templates—but not automation—so every guest feels a human touch (and messages never sit unanswered).

• Owners must buy in: Performance issues often come down to owners unwilling to reinvest; showing real comps is key to shifting mindsets.

• Being guests changed their hosting: Their 50-state trip revealed what truly matters to travelers—and inspired new ideas for design, amenities, and guest experience.

https://www.youtube.com/@kyleeandsteven

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

—————

Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 159

Sonder’s bankruptcy has shaken the short-term rental world — and for good reason. Once the poster child of the “hotel-meets-Airbnb” model, Sonder’s downfall marks a pivotal moment for operators everywhere. In this episode, AirDNA’s Chief Economist Jamie Lane and co-host Scott Sage unpack what went wrong, what it signals for the rental arbitrage model, and how changing travel demand is reshaping the industry.

From a surprising partnership failure with Marriott to the ripple effects in urban markets still struggling post-COVID, Jamie and Scott connect the dots between Sonder’s story and broader market trends. They also dig into fresh October 2025 performance data, including occupancy declines, rate adjustments, and a critical PSA for hosts affected by Airbnb’s new service fee model.

The episode closes with a behind-the-scenes look at AirDNA’s latest data model upgrades, revealing how machine learning is improving accuracy and trust in industry insights — setting the stage for even more powerful analytics ahead.

You don’t want to miss this episode — especially if you rely on rental data to guide your business decisions.

Key Takeaways for STR Pros

• 🏚️ Sonder’s bankruptcy signals the end of rental arbitrage — operators tied to high-cost leases are struggling as demand and urban travel lag.

• 🏙️ Urban recovery is still uneven: international inbound demand to the U.S. fell 16% this year, weighing heavily on city performance.

• 💸 Watch your margins: many hosts haven’t offset Airbnb’s new 15% service fee, which could cut into real earnings this winter.

• 📉 October’s numbers show slowing demand (2.5%) and occupancy declines (~1.5%), mirroring weakness in hotels — but mountain markets saw a lift from fall “leaf peeping” travel.

• 🤖 AirDNA’s new data models boost accuracy, capturing longer-term stays and eliminating duplicate listings — giving hosts clearer, more reliable market visibility.

Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇

https://bit.ly/3JLl2lM

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 158

What happens when a short-term rental host fully leans into one guest avatar—and builds a brand around it? In this episode, Jamie Lane sits down with Vanessa Aguirre, founder of The Femme House, to explore how she turned themed, photo-worthy bachelorette stays into a thriving STR portfolio. From neon signs and heart-shaped mini golf to seven-seat beauty bars, Vanessa shares how creating an experience—not just a place to sleep—translates to higher occupancy, premium rates, and months-ahead bookings.

As part of AirDNA’s new “guest avatar” series, this conversation dives deep into the data and design strategy behind properties made for specific traveler types. Vanessa and Jamie unpack how catering to groups like bachelorettes can yield up to 35% higher revenue, what hosts often overlook when trying to enter this niche, and why “thinking like a bride” matters more than any pricing tool.

You don’t want to miss this one—it’s a masterclass in creative differentiation for hosts looking to stand out in competitive markets.

Key Takeaways:

• 🎯 Niche down to scale up: Targeting a specific traveler type (like bachelorettes) can yield outsized returns.

• 💡 Experience beats aesthetics: Beyond pink wallpaper, success comes from functional, “Instagrammable” design.

• 📅 Plan ahead for long-term bookings: Bachelorette groups often book 6–12 months out, offering stable revenue forecasting.

• 💬 Overcommunicate: Set expectations early and often to maintain smooth guest and neighbor relationships.

• 🔄 Stay on trend: The bachelorette market evolves quickly—hosts must refresh content, décor, and amenities yearly to stay relevant.

  
  

https://www.tiktok.com/@vanessaeaguirre?lang=en

https://www.instagram.com/vanessa.e.aguirre/?hl=en

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

—————

Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 157

For The STR Data Lab’s three-year anniversary, Jamie Lane sits down with AirDNA and Uplisting CEO Rohit Bezewada for an inside look at how the company—and the short-term rental industry—are evolving. From scaling Uber and leading M&A at JP Morgan to building AirDNA’s next chapter, Rohit shares lessons on data-driven growth, leadership, and innovation in the STR tech ecosystem.

This conversation dives deep into what it takes to build trust in data, how AirDNA is expanding beyond analytics into operations, and why Rohit himself is buying a short-term rental to experience the products firsthand. He also pulls back the curtain on what’s next for hosts—AI-powered tools, smarter revenue management, and a simpler, more connected tech stack for every investor and property manager.

You’ll walk away with a front-row view of the forces shaping the STR industry—from consolidation to AI—and a better understanding of where opportunity lies for hosts ready to level up. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at the future of AirDNA and short-term rentals.

Key Takeaways

• Data as a mindset: Rohit’s biggest lesson from Uber—never make decisions based on anecdotes; measure everything.

• The future is integrated: AirDNA is moving beyond data insights to operational tools that help hosts manage and scale.

• AI in action: Expect agent-style assistants that help hosts underwrite, price, and operate properties automatically.

• Power to the “long tail”: Most STR hosts don’t use PMS tools—AirDNA aims to serve this group with simple, trustworthy software.

• Consolidation is coming: The STR tech space will mature fast, and the winners will have data, distribution, and customer trust.

Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇

https://bit.ly/4osgoc9

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

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Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 156

What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas this time. Jamie Lane and Scott Sage are back from the VRMA conference with powerful insights shaping the future of short-term rentals—from the rise of AI tools to why “national is dead and local is king.” They unpack the data behind what’s really driving property manager success today—and what’s holding others back.

In this episode, Jamie reveals new AirDNA research showing a major divide between top-performing property managers and the rest: those with review scores above 4.7 are keeping clients, while those below are losing nearly a quarter of their portfolio. They also explore why small, hyper-local co-hosts are thriving while national brands stall, and how a well-designed loyalty program can win repeat guests without relying on Airbnb or Vrbo.

Later, they dig into the latest STR data—muted summer demand, shifting guest behavior, and the surprising 40% surge in New Year’s bookings driven by holiday timing. Plus: a PSA every host using a PMS on Airbnb needs to hear before October 27th.

Key Takeaways

• AI is already transforming hosting: Innovative tools are boosting communication scores and guest experiences, even before Airbnb or Vrbo roll out their own versions.

• The 4.7 Rule: Property managers with review scores below 4.7 now face double the churn rate (24%) of top performers—quality is retention.

• Local > National: Hyper-local operators managing 6–20 properties are growing fastest, proving proximity and personal touch beat big-brand scale.

• DIY Loyalty Works: Local managers can build profitable loyalty programs that attract repeat guests—no need to wait for OTA initiatives.

• Holiday & Market Insights: Expect strong end-of-year demand, a 40% New Year’s Eve surge, and higher bookings in World Cup host cities next summer.

Sign up for AirDNA for FREE 👇

https://bit.ly/45bfb1c

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Connect with Jamie on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Jamie_Lane

—————

Connect with Scott on social media

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagescott

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Connect with AirDNA on social media:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/airdna.co

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/airdna/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/airdna

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@airdna.co

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Episode 155