
Booked Solid Show - Short Term Rental Podcast
Join host Gil Chan on 'Booked Solid,' the podcast dedicated to helping short-term rental operators and property managers maximize bookings and scale their businesses. Each week, gain actionable insights from industry experts, uncover proven strategies, and learn the secrets to achieving more nights booked. Elevate your rental business and stay ahead in the competitive market with 'Booked Solid.'
Latest episodes

Oct 2, 2024 • 37min
EP30 - Social Media Marketing: The Power of Influencers in Vacation Rentals with Ben Wolff
In this episode, we discuss the dynamics of social media marketing with our special guest, Ben Wolff. Discover how he and his team's approach transforms the vacation rental industry by harnessing the power of influencers. Ben shares his strategies for identifying the right influencers, creating compelling content, and building authentic connections that resonate with travelers.
Join us as we explore how a tailored approach to influencer partnerships can elevate your marketing game and unlock new revenue streams for your unique properties. Get ready to transform your direct booking strategy—let’s dive in!
Follow Ben here:
Instagram: @iambenwolff
LinkedIn: Ben-Wolff
X: @uniquestaysguy
Newsletter Link
Follow Onera here:
@onerawimberley & @stayonera
stayonera.com
Follow Oasi here:
www.stayoasi.com

Sep 27, 2024 • 53min
EP29 - Data-Driven Success: Crafting the Ideal Short-Term Rental Strategy with Taylor Jones
For this week's special episode of Direct Booking Simplified, we collaborate a joint podcast with STR Investing, The Podcast
Gil sits down with Taylor Jones, a seasoned STR investor and data analyst, as they equally share their experiences and strategies on how to stand out in a competitive market in the world of short-term rentals. Together, we discover how understanding your ideal guest can transform your property approach and why a data-driven mindset is more crucial than ever.
From creative marketing techniques to creating unique amenities, this episode is packed with practical realizations and humble lessons learned along the way, accompanied with actionable insights that will help you stay ahead of the curve and maximize your returns. Don't miss this master class in data-driven STR success – consider this discussion as an investment for your property's future.
Follow Mr. Jones on Instagram: @mrjonesstrs

Sep 18, 2024 • 1h 7min
EP28 - Navigating the Future: AI and the Evolution of Short-Term Rentals with Tom Powers of Guesty
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Powers, the Market Manager of Guesty. Tom shares insights from Guesty's founding journey, emphasizing the company's commitment to innovation and deep industry expertise. We discuss the significant challenges facing the short-term rental sector, including organized opposition and regulatory pressures, while outlining actionable steps for operators to advocate for their businesses.
Additionally, we delve into the exciting role of AI in enhancing guest experiences, balancing technological advancements with the personal touch essential to hospitality. Join us, and let's talk about it.
Follow Tom Powers on Linked In: Tom Powers
and Guesty on Instagram: @guestyinc

Sep 11, 2024 • 49min
EP27 - Maximizing Value and Networking in Short-Term Rentals: Insights on Time Management, Delegation, and Innovation with Rafa Loza
In our latest episode of Direct Booking Simplified, we discover a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of short-term rentals with Rafa Loza. As we dive into Rafa's wealth of experience and industry insights, you'll uncover the latest trends and strategies that are shaping the rental market.
Join us as Rafa and Gil share their stories and learnings on managing growth, building dynamic teams, and navigating the ever-changing market, exclusive on the 27th episode of Direct Booking Simplified
Follow Rafa on Instagram: itsrafaloza
The Big Break Show

Sep 5, 2024 • 48min
EP26 - Quality, Data, and Direct Bookings: Vee's Proven Formula for Short-Term Rental Success with Vee Venski
From a Spare Room to 13 Properties: Vee Venski shared his expertise and humble beginnings, offering actionable advice for both newcomers and seasoned hosts in the short-term rental industry. In this episode, we talk about the core strategies Vee discussed, providing a comprehensive guide to help hosts enhance short-term rentals, as navigating the short-term rental market requires a blend of strategic planning and practical execution.
Don’t miss the full podcast of this episode
Follow Vee on Instagram & Telegram:
@veevenski

Aug 28, 2024 • 46min
EP25 - Navigating the Future of Short-Term Rentals: Trust, Personalization, and Direct Bookings with Leo Walton from Superhog
In this episode we are joined by Leo Walton from Superhog, as we dive into the dynamic world of short-term rentals and uncover how it’s evolving. We discuss how hosts are transforming stays from basic lodging to personalized, unforgettable experiences, and how this shift mirrors a growing demand for tailored travel adventures where guests seek more than just a bed—rather immersion.
Also, we explore the anticipated rise in direct bookings over the next 5-10 years, and how hosts can leverage this trend through compelling brand and story for their properties.
Follow Leo on Instagram:
@superhog_leo
@superhogofficial

Aug 21, 2024 • 58min
EP24 - How Branding Strategies Can Drive Direct Bookings and Business Success with Katie Wanzer
In our latest podcast episode, we had an insightful conversation with Katie Wanzer, co-founder of Wisco Hosts and a co-owner of a boutique motel in Door County, to explore pivotal strategies for boosting direct bookings.
Katie shares how she believes that a well-defined brand identity is crucial for driving success in direct bookings. Discover how establishing a clear and compelling brand can streamline your marketing efforts and content creation, ensuring that every aspect of your strategy aligns seamlessly with your brand’s vision.
Tune in to learn from Katie's branding expertise and transform your approach to direct bookings
Follow Katie on Instagram:
@katetheinnkeeper & @wiscohosts

Aug 14, 2024 • 59min
EP23 - Transforming regular bookings into Repeat Bookings with Jessica Fernandez
In the 23rd episode of Direct Booking Simplified, military veteran and superhost Jessica Fernandez shares her perspective on hosting. Instead of focusing on expanding her portfolio or managing numerous listings, Jessica zeroes in on providing an outstanding guest experience. She explains how her focus on personalizing and perfecting each stay not only ensures memorable visits but also turns regular bookings into repeat ones. Join us as Jessica shares how her dedication to exceptional service and personalized touches helps her build lasting guest relationships and drive repeat bookings.
Follow Jessica on Instagram: @jess.fern1 & @restriction.retreat

Aug 7, 2024 • 44min
EP22 - Scaling with Heart: Crafting a Five-Star STR Experience with Al & Elissa of Rather Be Properties
Join us as we dive deep with Al and Elissa of Rather Be Properties. From 4 to 30+ properties in just a year, they share their journey of rapid growth while maintaining a focus on five-star hospitality. Learn about their innovative approaches to direct bookings, influencer partnerships, and balancing business scaling with family life. Discover how they're playing the long game in the short-term rental space, one 'rather be' experience at a time.
Follow Rather Be Properties on Instagram @rather.be.properties

Aug 1, 2024 • 54min
EP21 - How a boutique hotel got 65% direct bookings in a year by leveraging influencers with DJ Fornelli
In this episode, let's join DJ Fornelli as he shares his unconventional path to success, including the risks he took, the mindset shifts he made, and the power of building the right team. Let's discover how his 10-key boutique hotel, Yara Palm Springs, achieved 65% direct booking rate through strategic branding and influencer partnerships. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, DJ's insights on perseverance, personal growth, and work-life balance will inspire you to reach new heights as a host and entrepreneur.
Follow DJ on Instagram - @davidjfornelli & @yarapalmsprings