Today’s expert guests are the owner/operators of Howzit Hostels, a growing brand of hostels based in the Hawaiian Islands. Michael and Nathan discuss their journey beginning with investing in short-term rentals to scaling up to commercial and hospitality properties. They currently own two hostels, one in Maui and the other on the Big Island of Hawaii, with a combined bed count of approximately 140 beds. Within only 3 years of opening, Howzit Hostels won the 2024 award for #1 Small Hostel in North America. Current annual gross revenues from their hostel business are expected to exceed $2.75 million. Their goal is to grow to 400 beds within the Hawaiian Islands and 4,000 beds in North America.Michael and Nathan explain why hostels are not only an excellent investment but a feel-good business that brings people together to share incredible experiences.(00:01:34) STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead(00:02:57) Introducing Mike and Nate of Howzit Hostels(00:16:54) Hostel vs. Short-Term Rental vs. Hotel(00:36:02) What’s it Like to Manage a Hostel?(00:47:23) Running the Numbers on Hostel ManagementResources:• Click here for full show notes• Instagram: @howzithostels • Book a Hostel: howzithostels.com • Investment Website: vortexmaui.com • Investment Instgram: @mikeandnate_thehostelguys • Swell Vacation Rentals: swellvacationrentals.com • STRShare: @the_avian_lakearrowhead • Submit your property for our next STRShare at STRShare.com• Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb - A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Suzie asks:I am new to co-hosting and I want my contract to be thorough, but not too nitpicky. What are some items you would add to your co-hosting contract today that you didn't think of when you were first starting out? Repair and maintenance times? Supply purchasing, design fees? Do I charge for my time?(00:01:44) Suzie Asks for Tips on Writing a Good STR Co-Hosting Contract(00:03:00) Importance of a Solid Foundation for STR Co-Host/Owner Relationships(00:05:13) Common Exclusions & Risks in Vacation Rental Co-Hosting Agreements(00:09:11) Decision Making Process: Who, What & How Much?(00:10:11) Setting (High) Standards for Your Co-Hosting Portfolio & Pay Structure Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Link to our mastermind! thanksforvisiting.com/microcast • Video: 3 Things ALL Beginners NEED to know BEFORE Starting an Airbnb Business• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Isaac French, the visionary creator behind the stunning Live Oak Lake in Texas, shares his journey of building and selling a landscape hotel. He discusses how he achieved rapid success, selling for a million dollars a key, and emphasizes the importance of designing magical guest experiences. Isaac delves into the challenges of land development, innovative marketing strategies, and the power of passion in hospitality. His insights serve as a valuable guide for aspiring hospitality entrepreneurs looking to create memorable experiences.

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Marie asks:We are wondering if we should get a PMS. We have four properties. They're all on Airbnb, and they're doing well. We're about to bring on a fifth and we're wondering if now is the time, but we are truly overwhelmed with all the options. How do we decide which PMS to use? How did you guys decide, and what is important to look for when you are deciding?(00:01:18) Marie Asks How To Choose a Property Management Software (PMS)(00:02:42) How To Evaluate Customer Support in Property Management Softwares (00:04:44) Choose a PMS That Will Grow With Your Business Goals(00:08:01) Is Investing in a PMS Important for Long-Term STR Success? (00:09:32) Software Options + How Sarah And Annette Chose Their PMS(00:16:12) An Exercise To Help You Start Your Search Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources: • Click here for full show notes • Hostfully: hostfully.com • Lodgify: lodgify.com/thanksforvisiting • Hospitable: hospitable.com • Guesty: guesty.com • Hostaway: hostaway.com • OwnerRez: ownerrez.com • Track: tnsinc.com • Streamline: streamlinevrs.com • FutureStay: futurestay.com • Video: 10 Must Have Apps For Airbnbs & Short-Term Rentals • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Today’s expert guest is Nick Taylor, driver of strategic direction at Nox Cape Town Villas & Apartments in South Africa, and steward of its real estate portfolio worth more than $150M USD.With an educational background in hotel operations, he saw early career success for a top hotel brand in London. After learning how to manage a top-of-class operation, Nick was inspired to bring his talents back to Cape Town, dedicating himself to one specific niche while going all-in on guest satisfaction, tourism potential, and high-end hospitality.In a conversation that affirms many lessons we learned from Louis Andrews in the French Alps, Nick provides another fascinating global perspective on the short-term rental industry; what success looks like for a hosting company, it’s partners (property owners), and their guests; and what he sees in the future for all parties involved.We also get a valuable lesson on how he’s deployed a circular sales pipeline to nurture rental guests into becoming possible partners/owners. We learn what’s different about operating vacation rentals in South Africa (labor costs!) and, of course, compare areas where our worlds overlap (going the extra mile).Nick’s full of interesting takes on doing business, providing us an open book on how he’s been so successful deploying a hyperlocal strategy in a region he knows like the back of his hand – while revealing where and why that familiarity comes back around to benefit his bottom line.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @CoopsVacationRentals(00:04:03) Should Hosts Provide Linens at Beach House Properties?(00:08:38) Introducing Nick Taylor: STR Host in Cape Town, South Africa(00:20:38) Defining Our Service: Hotel vs. Vacation Home(00:32:22) Working With Compatible STR Owners & Cleaners(00:41:52) Diversifying Revenue Through Real EstateResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: nox.capetown• Rentals: noxrentals.com• Real Estate: noxproperty.co.za• Hosting: noxmanagement.co.za• #STRShareSunday: @CoopsVacationRentals• Video: 5 Tips to Overcoming Hosting Burnout• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookHost Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Katie asks:We're about to start our first short-term rental. My question right now is… How important is it to have drawers in the bedrooms? I currently don't have drawers. I don't really want to add them because I like the look and the space that not having them provides. There are big closets in both bedrooms where I have installed luggage racks and shelves. Do you think that having drawers is an absolute must?(00:01:29) Listener Question About Airbnb Garment Storage Options(00:02:51) Sarah’s Emotional Closet Storage Experience on HGTV(00:05:54) Do You Need Drawers in Your STR Listing? (Yes)(00:07:48) Creative Ways to Offer Clothing Storage Options in Your Airbnb Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Sarah on HGTV in Gulf Shores • Video: Mastering Linen Management: Essential Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

In today’s episode, we’re getting (painfully) real. We felt the need, after seeing a flood of negativity in online STR spaces, to bring this all back to its foundation – why do we work in hospitality, anyway? What does it mean to truly serve the guest? And, how can we go above and beyond in that mission?As open and honest as ever, we recount some educational examples from our recent, and not so recent, past – including breakdowns in delivery of service, frustrating lapses in communication, a broken couch, missing knives, and so much more.The truth is, guest satisfaction is our top priority. This industry, your business, and ours – is built on that very fact. Sometimes it’s helpful to unplug the daily/weekly machine of how and when we do things to reverse engineer our “why” – and rededicate ourselves to the things that really matter.What’s in a 5-star review? What is your problem and what isn’t? What is the baseline, for the guest and for us? And, how are they different? These important questions, and more, are addressed today. We hope tuning in inspires you to do some soul searching of your own, too, to reignite the flame of hospitality excellence that got you into this work in the first place.(00:01:22) #STRShareSunday: @BeachnBoard(00:03:10) Why Do We Work in Hospitality?(00:06:29) STR & Service-Based Business Stories to Learn From(00:18:07) Tips for Going Above & Beyond for Your Airbnb Guests(00:29:25) Stop the Bashing: STR Guest Satisfaction is #1Resources:• Click here for full show notes• #STRShareSunday: @BeachnBoard • Video: Airbnb Host: No Refund and Gamble Bad Review? • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Superhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Megan asks:I have a question about how to handle an incident that occurred in one of my units. Some event or incident occurred that caused significant damage. This included wall repairs, couch cleaning, rug cleaning, and replacing some of the unit's supplies and decor. What are the steps that we can take through Airbnb? How do we charge this to the guest? And then, where do you go from there?(00:01:15) Megan Asks About Damage Claims at Her Airbnb Property(00:01:54) How to Effectively Document Damage at Your STR Listing(00:06:38) Research & Review Steps Prior to Making an Airbnb Damage Claim(00:08:14) Tips for Writing a Vacation Rental Damage Claim Invoice (00:09:24) Final Steps to Getting Reimbursed for Damaged Items in Your STR PropertyThanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Vacation Rental Damage Waiver Programs 101 #374 • Video: Damage Claims: Airbnb Hosting Hot Tips! • Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook

Today’s expert guest is our new friend, Louis Andrews, President and Director of OVO Network, a company specializing in the short-term rental of high-end mountain chalets in authentic destinations, primarily in the French Alps. We met Louis on our castle STR retreat, and knew he’d provide great insight for our listeners.Under his leadership, OVO Network manages 218 properties, focusing on blending technological solutions with dedicated support to maximize rental revenue and enhance guest experiences. We learn all about his innovative lead-generation strategies, his focus on ongoing owner education, and how he – get this – runs his company without cleaners and maintenance. This one is another great example of creative problem solving in our industry, accomplished on a scale that all of us can aspire to and dream of. Hosting in the French Alps? Yes, please; and he does it on his own terms. Louis proves there's more than one way to manage your property, have it fit your lifestyle, and have it fit your way of getting things done.(00:01:23) #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse(00:05:19) Introducing Louis Andrews, European STR Expert(00:13:23) Running the Numbers on French Chalet Airbnb Listings(00:24:17) Managing Vacation Rentals Without Cleaning & Maintenance?(00:39:12) Louis Shares His Predictions for Near & Distant STR FuturesResources:• Click here for full show notes• Website: ovonetwork.com/en/home • Instagram: @ovonetwork.chalets • Linkedin: Louis Andrews• #STRShareSunday: @magnoliaholidayhouse• Video: 5 Cheap ways to wow your guest that no other host is doing• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbookSuperhog | Visit superhog.com/thanks-for-visiting and book your FREE demo today!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 the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.Megan asks:I live in the Dallas, Texas area and I am getting into the Airbnb business. I really wanted to start one in my local area, first, but Dallas recently banned short-term rentals in single-family areas. Right now, I'm limited to condos and apartments. I would love to start my first Airbnb in a condo, but I just wanted to get your input if you've experienced issues like this before. Do you think it's a good idea for me to continue here even after Dallas put this ban in place? Any input would be great for these first-time Airbnb hosts. Thanks. (00:01:19) Megan Asks for Advice Regarding the Dallas, Texas Airbnb Ban(00:02:28) How to Stay Informed of Local Short-Term Rental Regulations(00:04:12) Host Hacking: Sarah & Annette Cover a Few Creative STR Options(00:06:49) Get Involved in the STR Industry Before Purchasing a Property Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.Resources:• Click here for full show notes• Dallas STR Ordinances: Short-Term Rentals• Rent Responsibly: rentresponsibly.org • Video: How to Become an Airbnb Co-Host• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.comThanks for Visiting is produced by Crate Media.Mentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hosting Handbook | Get everything you need to fast track your way to Superhost at thanksforvisiting.com/handbook