Thanks For Visiting

This week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Julia calls in with a timely question: should you host influencers in exchange for a free or discounted stay—especially when your property is new and you’re trying to build buzz? Julia runs a fully immersive Star Wars-themed short-term rental in Kissimmee, Florida, and recently experimented with a creator collaboration through the platform Stayamo. While...

When a once-in-a-generation storm hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, Superhost Catherine Morris found herself not only without power—but with stranded guests, canceled reservations, and major cleanup ahead. In this episode, we talk with Catherine of Edenwood NC about her transition from corporate life to full-time hosting, the realities of managing two unique properties (yes, she still d...

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Colby from Humble Abode in Australia calls in with a question many hosts are asking: Can you still nudge guests toward booking direct after their stay—even with Airbnb’s updated policies? Colby has been sending post-stay messages encouraging repeat visits and direct bookings. But with Airbnb tightening its rules, is that strategy still allowed? We break do...

This week on Hosting Hotline , we’re joined by Phil Kennard , founder of FutureStay—a platform built specifically for rental-preneurs. Whether you're managing one short-term rental or a growing handful, Phil is here to help you take back control of your business and stop relying solely on platforms like Airbnb. We dig into: What it means to be a “rental-preneur” The truth about Airbnb's off-platfo...

This week on Hosting Hotline , we’re answering a question from Joanna—a host in Central Virginia—who’s working to increase bookings by upselling gap nights before or after a guest’s stay. Also known as adjacent nights or half-day stays, these nights are often overlooked revenue opportunities. But the truth is, guests are more willing than you think to arrive early or stay late—if you offer it the...

You’ve heard whispers of a short-term rental tax loophole that can save hosts big money—but is it real? And more importantly, does it apply to you? In this episode, we're joined by Amanda Han, CPA and tax strategist, who breaks down exactly how short-term rental owners can legally reduce their tax burden without qualifying as a real estate professional. Amanda walks us through the difference betwe...

If you're a new host wondering whether a Ring camera is worth the investment—or how to manage your smart locks like a pro—you’re not alone. On this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer listener Winn’s questions about securing her very first short-term rental. They cover everything from guest privacy concerns to how often you should change your keypad code. You’ll learn: What your insu...

This week’s episode is a special one—we’re taking you behind the scenes of an exclusive short-term rental retreat held in the UK at the stunning, historic Knowsley Hall. Alongside 17 founders, CEOs, and global leaders in the STR space, we got to talk shop, exchange ideas, and ask bold questions about where our industry is headed. In this episode, you’ll hear: How Knowsley Hall (est. 1385!) is blen...

In this week’s Hosting Hotline, we’re answering a question we hear all the time: Should I consider midterm rentals (30+ day stays)? If you’re wondering whether it’s the right move for your property, this episode will help you break it down. We cover the pros, cons, and what it really looks like to add midterm rentals into your hosting strategy—including Sarah’s firsthand experience with listing on...

This week, we’re diving deep into the world of sheets, stains, thread counts, and what your guests actually care about when it comes to the sleep experience. We’re joined by Deepak Mehrotra, founder of California Design Den , a luxury bedding brand trusted by thousands of short-term rental hosts—and the highest-rated cotton sheet brand on Amazon. In this episode, Deepak pulls back the curtain on e...

Welcome to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re answering a question from Joanna, a new host who admits she’s got zero design sense—and she’s not alone. Furnishing a short-term rental (STR) without making expensive mistakes is one of the biggest hurdles for new hosts. So what’s the smartest way to get it done? In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down: Why design matters more than eve...

This week we’re sharing an incredible story of resilience, risk, and hosting transformation inside our community. Meet one of our Hosting Business Mastery members who went from chemical engineer to thriving short-term rental owner—with nine beautifully designed units and a passion for guest care that can’t be taught. She didn’t just dip a toe in—she jumped in headfirst, took on rental arbitrage, f...

Welcome back to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today’s question comes from Sarah in Redwood, Mississippi, who’s been crushing it with over 30 stays in just six months. She’s asking something we hear all the time: What sheets actually hold up in short-term rentals? She's tried cotton, poly, bamboo—and still ends up with wrinkled, snagged bedding and lint rollers in hand. We’re breaking it all dow...

Today’s guest is a powerhouse of resilience and resourcefulness: Janice Thayer of Curated Properties in Abingdon, Virginia. As a longtime member of Hosting Business Mastery (HBM), Janice shares her remarkable journey from navigating personal upheaval to launching a thriving short-term rental business — all while living on-site. In this inspiring conversation, Janice explains how she leveraged her...

This week’s question comes from Valerie, who’s looking to add a hotel-style safe to her short-term rental so guests can program their own code and feel secure during their stay. It sounds simple—but there’s more to consider than you might think! We’re diving into: The pros of offering a programmable safe (especially in shared spaces or high-trust luxury listings) What you need to know before insta...

It’s Money-Making May—and today’s guest proves that revenue management doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’re joined by Wendy Doris, founder of Mostess and a powerhouse co-host based in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. Wendy manages a portfolio of 17 highly curated homes and has become a sought-after voice in the STR world for her detailed, data-driven approach to pricing and guest experience. In this...

Airbnb’s new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy has left a lot of hosts wondering: Can you still use tools like StayFi to collect guest emails? Today on the Hosting Hotline, Natasha calls in with a smart and timely question—and we bring in the best person to answer it: Arthur Colker, CEO of StayFi. In this episode, we cover: How Airbnb’s updated policy affects communication and guest data co...

We’re hearing it from hosts everywhere: “I want more bookings.” But when we look behind the scenes, a big reason you’re missing out is your minimum stay requirements. You’re unintentionally telling guests “no” and pushing them to book with your competitors. This episode is a deep dive into how your calendar settings might be working against you—without you even knowing it. In this episode, we cove...

Big changes are coming to Airbnb's terms of service—and hosts need to take action. In this bonus episode, we break down Airbnb’s updated Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy , which officially goes into effect May 10, 2025 . From mandatory fees and upsells to off-platform communication, security deposits, and software compliance , we walk through the biggest updates, what they mean for your sh...

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're digging into a question from Penny, a host of two jaw-dropping luxury rentals in Hocking Hills, Ohio. With properties clocking in at over 10,000 and 13,000 square feet, a saltwater pool, and four separate apartments, Penny’s homes are stunning — but she's stuck on one big question: how should she charge her cleaning fee? Should she bake the fee into the nigh...

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to give your short-term rental a seasonal refresh. In today’s episode, we're walking you through a host-focused maintenance checklist to ensure your property is not only clean and cozy but also safe and guest-ready as the temperatures rise. If you want to prevent emergency repairs, avoid guest complaints, and extend the life of your property’s key featur...

Are your Airbnb bookings slower than usual… or does it just feel that way? This week, Courtney calls in with a question we’ve heard from more and more hosts: “Is it just me, or are bookings down and cancellations up?” We’re digging into that exact question—because while it’s easy to blame the economy or the season, the truth might be hiding in your data (or your photos… or your minimum night stay...

It’s tax time, and if you're a short-term rental host, this episode is a must-listen. We’re breaking down the five biggest tax mistakes we see STR hosts make—and how to avoid them so you can keep more of what you earn. From understanding the seven-day rule to knowing how your cleaning schedule could trigger self-employment tax, we’re unpacking how STR income is classified and what actually qualifi...

Today’s question comes from Melody, and it is all is all about upsells: specifically, how should hosts collect payment for add-ons like early check-in and late checkout? In this episode, we cover: What qualifies as an upsell The pros and cons of using Airbnb’s Resolution Center Alternatives like Venmo, PayPal, QuickBooks, and property management software Why proper tracking is critical (especially...

Spring cleaning isn't just for your own home—your short-term rental deserves a deep refresh too. In this episode, we're giving you seven essential tips to help you roll up your sleeves and bring your Airbnb back to life after winter. From deep cleaning overlooked appliances to inventorying kitchen essentials, and refreshing outdoor spaces, we walk through a full-property plan to get your place spa...