Thanks For Visiting

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 blending historic preservation with modern hospitalityLessons from tech leaders who got their start as hosts—and the problems they built businesses to solveCandid insights on profitability, pricing, direct bookings, AI risk, and OTA algorithmsInterviews with Ella (Autohost), Bart (Autorank), Phil (Futurestay), and Marc (Boostly)—all with actionable takeaways for your businessWe asked them:What separates thriving hosts from those struggling right now?Is there hope for direct bookings—and how do we make it work?What tech is worth investing in (and what can you ditch)?What’s one trend in hosting that needs to die already?If you’ve ever wanted an inside look at the STR industry from a global perspective, this episode is packed with high-level insight, practical advice, and some spicy opinions on what needs to change.RESOURCES:Hostfully | Use Code TFV500 for $500 off!Stayfi | Provide an exceptional WiFi experience for your vacation rental guestsAutohost.ai – Smart Screening for HostsAutorank.io – Optimize Your Airbnb RankingFuturestay – Simplified Property ManagementBoostly – Build Your Direct Booking BrandShort Stay SummitKnowsley Hall on InstagramSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your AirbnbMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

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 Furnished Finder during the off-season.We break down:What counts as a midterm rental—and how it’s different from STRs and LTRsThe pros: lower turnover, longer stays, consistent income, and guest qualityThe cons: more hands-on screening process, less automationWhy midterm guests are not just short-term guests staying longerHow to test the waters using platforms like Furnished FinderWhat amenities, furniture, and stocking levels midterm guests expectHow to check demand in your market before jumping inA $30-off listing code to get started risk-free on Furnished FinderWe’re also joined by Tanya Shin, Chief Growth Officer at Furnished Finder, who shares trends they’re seeing (hint: it’s not just nurses anymore) and the best way to see if your city is midterm-ready.

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 everything you never knew you needed to know about bedding. From the science behind thread count to how microfiber might be hurting your guest experience (and your skin), this is the ultimate STR bedding masterclass.We cover:– Why 400 thread count cotton is the sweet spot for hosts – The difference between softness, smoothness, and weight (yes, there’s a difference) – Why microfiber is basically plastic—and what that means for your guests – The truth about poly/cotton blends and "hotel-grade" sheets – The easiest way to reduce wrinkles and stains (hint: it’s your dryer settings) – How often you really need to replace your sheets – Why Deepak built a VIP program just for hosts—and how to get in – What every host can learn from selling on marketplaces like AmazonIf you’ve ever wondered what sheets to buy, how long they last, or how to talk about linens in your listing description, this episode is packed with answers, clarity, and a few hot takes.RESOURCES:Try California Design Den’s STR programRequest samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150Shop Standard Textile via HostGPOJoin to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliateSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your AirbnbMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

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 ever in today’s competitive STR marketWhether you should hire an interior designer, stager, or go DIYWhat to look for in a short-term rental design specialistHow to interview designers (and avoid staging traps)Where to splurge vs. where to saveWhat guests really care about—and how that impacts your ROIThe truth about property management options (and why self-hosting still rules)Pro tips on sourcing quality furnishings and maximizing your setup budgetWhether you’re design-challenged or just need help avoiding analysis paralysis, this episode will set you up to furnish your rental with confidence—and without blowing your budget.Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel | STR tips, tricks, and top toolsMentioned in this episode:Somerled Designs | Short-term rental interior design Minoan | Save big on furniture and decor for your STRAre you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

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, faced an unexpected HOA shutdown, and fought to stay in business. Along the way, she found support, built a powerful partnership with her landlord, and even showed up to City Council to advocate for Houston hosts.In this episode, we cover:– How she transitioned from corporate life into hosting– The emotional and financial rollercoaster of rental arbitrage– What happened when her first property was shut down by an HOA– How she negotiated new landlord partnerships—and had them pitch in– Her advocacy work and public testimony that helped reverse STR policy changes– Pro tips she implemented to boost her bookings and revenue (hello, rule sets and late checkout fees!)– The power of community, coaching, and asking for help before calling it quitsIf you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for this, or felt like giving up—this story is your reminder to keep going. Real hosts face real challenges, and there’s real support waiting for you when you show up.Resources:– Ola’s Website: www.snoozelane.com– Snooze Lane on Instagram: @thesnoozelane– Connect with Ola: @olagiwa– Local Interview with Ola: Voyage Houston– Join us inside Hosting Business Mastery: thanksforvisiting.com/yes– Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Airbnb House Rules That Actually Work (Copy These!)Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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 down:– Why the problem might start with your washer, dryer, or water quality, not the sheets themselves– The detergents and laundering tools that could be making things worse– Our go-to hospitality-grade sheet brands (including those used in Hilton and Marriott properties)– What standard hotels do differently to fight lint, hair, and wrinkles– Why the “easy button” doesn’t exist—and what realistic SOPs can make your beds shine– Why lint rolling will always be part of the job– The truth about cotton vs. poly blend sheets and how to reduce wrinkles– Why your sheets might be fine—but your expectations need to be aligned with professional standardsIf you’ve ever wondered what linens last longest, look best, and still feel good for your guests, this episode is for you.RESOURCES:Try California Design Den’s STR programRequest samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150Shop Standard Textile via HostGPOJoin to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliateSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your AirbnbMentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

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 design expertise and entrepreneurial background to build a luxury hosting brand, create multiple rentable spaces within her own home, and master the art of direct bookings. She walks us through the challenges of launching during COVID, navigating property renovations, and the mindset that has allowed her to double her revenue every year since opening.We also discuss how Janice uses dynamic pricing, multiple social media platforms, and creative SEO tactics to attract guests — including how she’s achieved a 28% direct booking rate with zero paid advertising. Plus, she shares her strategies for guest screening, why she chooses to stay involved in HBM years after launching, and why resilience is every host’s superpower.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly take control of your STR income and build a sustainable, guest-loved business — this is the episode for you.In this episode, we cover:• How Janice’s interior design and hospitality background set her apart as a host• Starting a STR business after a major life transition• The pros and cons of living onsite with your guests• Renovating and reconfiguring space to maximize bookings• Why dynamic pricing was a game-changer for Janice’s revenue• How she built a direct booking website that now accounts for nearly 30% of her income• Tips for using social media and SEO to attract direct bookings• Managing cleaners and maintaining high standards• Why Janice stays engaged in Hosting Business Mastery year after year• The #1 mindset shift every host needs to succeedResources mentioned:• Join our FREE upcoming workshop: thanksforvisiting.com/workshop• Watch on YouTube: The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to know about!• Follow Janice and explore her properties: linktr.ee/curatedpropertiesllcMentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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 installing oneTeam and guest communicationCleaning and turnover protocolsWhat to do if a guest forgets the code or leaves items behindPlus, we’re linking Valerie—and you! —to a safe we found on Amazon that’s highly rated and affordable.Resources from this episode:Amazon Basics Security Safe with Programmable Electronic KeypadSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | How to Set Up Your Airbnb Bathroom (Beginner’s Guide!)Got a question about hosting? We want to hear it! Submit your question at hostinghotline.comMentioned in this episode:Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

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 episode, Wendy walks us through her journey from “weekend pricing guesswork” to full-on revenue strategy. Whether you’re hosting one property or scaling your co-hosting business, Wendy’s lessons will inspire you to finally take control of your pricing—with confidence.What we cover:Wendy’s transition from flipping homes to thriving as a design-forward co-hostWhy she ditched Airbnb smart pricing and what she uses insteadHow she uncovered thousands in lost revenue with one mindset shiftThe difference between pricing software and pricing strategyHow calendar rules, booking windows, and stay minimums are part of revenue managementWhy weekly check-ins on your numbers are essentialWendy’s go-to reports inside PriceLabs and how she uses them to hit owner goalsThe surprising benefits of weekday promos and one-night staysHow co-hosts can use pricing expertise to win and retain clientsThis episode is a masterclass in practical pricing—without the overwhelm.Resources You May Need:Subscribe to our YouTube channel | The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to Know About!Learn more about Wendy’s hosting business: mostess.hostReady to finally price your property like a pro? | Join our May Bootcamp: Priced & ProfitableMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

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 collectionWhat it means to have guests “opt in” under the new rulesWhy StayFi’s WiFi marketing and email tools are still compliant (and important!)How to use this moment as an opportunity for a full business compliance checkOur own experience continuing to use StayFi for both our urban STRs and new glamping propertyIf you're focused on building your direct booking strategy while staying fully compliant, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.Resources:The Hidden Truth: Why Most Airbnb Hosts Fail (And How to Succeed) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more host strategies and support!Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency PolicyLearn more about StayFi and get 50% off your first 3 monthsMentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!