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Behind the Stays

Latest episodes

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Nov 19, 2024 • 33min

The Boutique Boom: Data and Ideas Shaping the Future of Hospitality

Explore the enchanting Dawn Ranch boutique retreat in Sonoma, where creative awakenings thrive. Discover the 34% surge in experiential travel spending and the rise of unique stays outpacing conventional hotels. Delve into innovative hospitality ideas like niche retreats and gamified experiences that deepen guest engagement. Learn how storytelling and exclusive luxury create lasting connections. This discussion unfolds a roadmap for hospitality innovators eager to transform guest experiences in delightful and meaningful ways.
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Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 15min

Is Experiential Hospitality Overhyped? Hot Takes on Travel Trends, Hotels, Vacation Rentals, and More with the French Cowboys

In this episode Zach sits down with the French Cowboys — Dylan and Franklin — to chat about how they built their business, what the future of boutique hospitality will look like, why experiential hospitality is overhyped, and the pros and cons of owning and managing boutique hotels vs. boutique vacation rentals. Learn more about the French Cowboys.  This episode is brought to you by the Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN! Join me this January 15-16 at the Miami JW Marriott for the premier Short Term Rental Forum hosted by IMN—the industry leader with over 30 years of experience! I'll be speaking at the forum, and you’ll have the chance to network with 400+ top investors, operators, property managers, lenders, and tech providers in the Short Term Rental space. It’s the must-attend event of the year to elevate your business strategy and connect with the industry's best. Don’t miss out – the super early bird rate expires Friday November 22nd and you can use code BTS for an extra 15% off this lowest available rate. Register now at events.imn.org/str25 – I’ll see you in Miami! Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.  Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.  
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Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 20min

Build Fewer, Spend More: A Round Table on The New Formula for Experiential Hospitality with Ben Wolff and Isaac French

In this special crossover episode of Behind the Stays and The Unique Hospitality Podcast, hosted by my friend Nick Purslow, we bring together two of the most innovative names in experiential hospitality—Ben Wolff of Onera and Isaac French of Live Oak Lake. Known for creating standout micro-resorts and unique stays, Ben and Isaac are veterans of the podcast scene, but this time, they’re answering some questions they’ve never been asked before. Tune in for unfiltered insights on what it takes to create deeply personal, experiential stays that go beyond just beautiful design. Our conversation dives into Ben’s big-vision approach with projects like Onera Wimberley, where scale meets seamless guest experience, and contrasts it with Isaac’s preference for smaller, more intimate stays—designed to immerse guests fully in nature and unparalleled design. We also explore how shifts in consumer spending and a growing preference for authenticity and personalization are reshaping the hospitality landscape and why consumers are looking beyond the traditional, finding luxury in boutique, nature-centric stays that prioritize immersive moments over cookie-cutter amenities. You’ll get Ben and Isaac’s takes on:  How Instagram and tech-centric tools are transforming hospitality, enabling small brands to capture attention, build loyalty, and reach consumers at scale, just like industry giants. Why scaling across multiple properties, brand differentiation, and why personal brand-building can be a game-changer in boutique hospitality. Why “build fewer, spend more” is becoming the motto for unique stays, and how these one-of-a-kind locations are meeting consumer demand for high-quality, memorable escapes. Predictions for the future of boutique hotels, from decentralized hospitality chains to collaborative, local-first models. And so much more Listen to The Unique Hospitality Podcast Follow Behind the Stays on Instagram  Follow Isaac on Twitter/X or Instagram Follow Ben on Twitter/X or Instagram Learn more about Posh Outdoors  Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.  Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance. If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance.  
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Nov 8, 2024 • 49min

From World Traveler to Boutique Hotelier: Lessons Learned on Owning Both Vacation Rentals and Hotels

Meet Adam Dailey – an adventurous soul and hospitality innovator who owns a collection of short-term rentals and boutique hotels in San Diego. From an Olympic sports tour operator to a global family traveler, Adam’s journey into hospitality began with a family sabbatical, taking him, his wife, and their four young children around the world.  Today, Adam channels that passion for exploration and authentic experiences into managing boutique hotels and vacation rentals that blend charm, service, and design to create truly memorable stays. In this episode, we dive into: Adam’s journey from corporate burnout to launching a hospitality portfolio inspired by his global travels His pivot from owning and managing vacation rentals to owning and managing boutique hotels Why he believes smaller, well-designed properties (20-30 rooms) allow for an exceptional level of personal service Lessons learned from his partnership with Sonder, and the difference between low-touch, tech-driven stays and high-touch, luxury-focused hospitality Why the right touchpoints—like an on-site concierge or thoughtful lobby design—create a feeling of true luxury, even in boutique settings Adam’s insights on navigating the evolution of guest expectations in a saturated market where unique stays are in high demand The role of AI and technology in optimizing operations, without sacrificing the human element that guests crave Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Adam.  Follow Behind the Stays on Instagram Connect with Adam on LinkedIn Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more.  Your host is Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance.  If you are a hospitality entrepreneur who has a stay, or a collection of stays with soul, we’d love for you to apply to join our Alliance at joinjourney.com/alliance. 
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Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 2min

He's Bringing Nature-Inspired, Suspended Treehouses to the World of Unique Stays — Meet Jason Thawley from Tree Tents

Meet Jason Thawley, founder of Tree Tents — a one-of-a-kind suspended tree structures. Tree Tents isn’t your typical prefab company. With a product lineup featuring the iconic “Tree Tent”, fuselage-inspired pods, and the whimsical Birdhouse, Jason’s designs offer travelers an immersive outdoor experience that’s as unique as it is sustainable. As the demand for glamping grows, Jason’s creations provide unique stay entrepreneurs a way to offer something truly different, designed to bring guests closer to nature with every moment. Tune in to hear: How Jason’s curiosity and early love of nature inspired his designs The story behind Tree Tents’ first structure—built on a tight deadline for a UK TV series Why immersive design matters in creating memorable glamping experiences Jason’s take on “rooming with nature”—why separate structures make the outdoors part of each stay His vision for affordable, eco-friendly units that meet the needs of small business owners Tree Tents’ growing presence in the U.S., and why the brand is expanding internationally In this episode, Jason shares how each structure is crafted to give guests the feeling of true escape, encouraging them to embrace the outdoors while enjoying a unique, comfortable stay. Whether you’re a glamping enthusiast, hospitality entrepreneur, or just curious about what’s next in nature-immersive design, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of experiential stays. Learn more about Tree Tents Behind the Stays and its parent company StayWatch have been acquired by Journey — a next-generation loyalty program designed for the modern traveler. Learn more about what Journey is building at JoinJourney.com. Apply to Join the Journey Alliance Connect with Zach on LinkedIn       
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Nov 1, 2024 • 51min

Breaking News — StayWatch and Behind the Stays Have Been Acquired!

In this can't-miss episode, host Zach shares the most exciting announcement in the history of the show: Behind the Stays (and its parent company StayWatch) has been acquired by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program designed to help travelers earn points on unique stays, landscape resorts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and more.  Joining Zach is John Sutton, the visionary founder of Journey, who brings over a decade of experience from his time at Red Ventures and collaborations with industry giants like Brian Kelly, Founder of The Points Guy. Together, they unveil how Journey plans to bridge the gap between boutique hotels and unique short-term rentals by creating a unified loyalty program that truly benefits both travelers and property owners. Discover how Journey aims to empower property owners with powerful marketing tools, shared insights, and a community that values their independence and brand identity. Learn about the star-studded team behind Journey, including notable figures like Chris Burch (founder of Tory Burch) and James McBride (luxury hotelier), all passionate about transforming the travel landscape. Tune in to hear Zach and John discuss: The vision behind Journey and why it's set to disrupt traditional loyalty programs The creation of the Journey Alliance and how it's uniting exceptional properties Innovative marketing and storytelling tools available to alliance members How Journey plans to offer more meaningful rewards to travelers The role of Journey Studios in amplifying authentic brand stories of hotels and vacation rentals And so much more Sign up for the Journey waitlist Request to be a part of the Journey Alliance  Read the exclusive Bloomberg article announcing Journey Connect with Zach on LinkedIn  
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Oct 29, 2024 • 51min

Transforming Landscapes into Luxury Stays: The Future of Glamping with Edward Haynes

Meet Edward Haynes — a visionary entrepreneur with roots in the event rental industry, now revolutionizing the luxury glamping space.  What started as a pivot during the pandemic has become a mission to help landowners transform beautiful landscapes into high-end, profitable escapes. Edward’s journey reflects the intersection of innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality, blending unique structures with unforgettable guest experiences. His company EJH Distribution sources and distributes premium accommodations—from safari tents to stunning glass “Tubo” structures—while Posh Outdoors empowers landowners to build luxury stays through profit-sharing partnerships. For Edward, success is more than just unique units; it’s about crafting experiences that make the first and last impressions unforgettable. Tune in to hear: How Edward pivoted from events to hospitality in response to the pandemic The rise of luxury glamping and why travelers are turning away from conventional hotels Posh Outdoors’ unique business model, helping landowners monetize with minimal upfront costs Why Edward believes ski resorts and vineyards will become the next big hubs for luxury stays The challenge of balancing prefab solutions with customization to maintain uniqueness How Posh’s first site in Sky Ridge, Canada will set a new standard for luxury glamping F&B innovations for remote resorts and the power of shared spaces in hospitality Edward’s deep understanding of both events and hospitality means no detail is overlooked, from on-site amenities to the guest journey itself.  Whether you’re curious about starting your own micro-resort or fascinated by the latest glamping trends, this conversation offers insights into the future of luxury hospitality. Alright, friends—without further ado, get ready to meet Edward.  Learn more about EJH Distribution  Learn more about Posh Outdoors Connect with Edward on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.  Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests? Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line. But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.   
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Oct 25, 2024 • 58min

How an HGTV Director and Executive Chef Brought Two Luxury Inns to Life: The Story of The Lost Fox Inn and Foxfire Mountain House

Meet Eliza Clark, the Co-Founder of Foxfire Mountain House and The Lost Fox Inn, two remarkable boutique hotels in New York and Connecticut.  Eliza is an inspiring storyteller turned hospitality entrepreneur who grew up outside of Toronto. From her beginnings as a novelist and TV director for HGTV, to co-founding two breathtaking inn Eliza’s journey is all about crafting immersive experiences that bring people together. The story of Eliza’s journey into hospitality entrepreneurship is really a love story — after a hard divorce, she met now-husband Tim, an executive American chef.  It was their romance that ultimately inspired Eliza to take a leap from television to hospitality.  Together, they’ve created boutique properties that seamlessly blend history, design, and unforgettable food and beverage experiences. Their hotels aren’t just places to stay; they’re curated environments built with heart, imagination, and a whole lot of hard work. Tune in to hear: How Eliza’s storytelling background influences every aspect of her properties The challenges and joys of running a hospitality business as a family The creative process behind transforming a bioluminescent fungus into a brand story (you won’t want to miss this one!) Lessons from balancing beautifully designed spaces with Tim’s world-class food and beverage programs Why Eliza believes boutique hospitality is about offering personalized, “indie” travel experiences And so much more Alright, friends, without further ado, let’s jump in with Eliza Clark. Book a Stay at Lost Fox Inn Book a Stay at Foxfire Mountain House Follow Lost Fox on Instagram Follow Byrd Studio on Instagram  This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.  Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests? Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line. But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn. 
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Oct 22, 2024 • 60min

Held at Gunpoint, 96 Acres, and a Sabbatical That Changed Everything: The Story of Missing Hotel

Meet Stephen and Sam Hopkins —  the founders of Missing Hotel, a one-of-a-kind retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country. With 96 acres bordering a nature preserve and uniquely designed domes and villas, the property offers more than just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to disconnect and reconnect with what matters most. We dive deep into their founding story, from working corporate jobs in the energy sector to making the bold decision to take a year-long sabbatical that transformed their lives and careers. Their passion for creating experiences stems from their own love of travel, and with Missing Hotel, they’ve crafted a stay that combines surprise, spontaneity, and simplicity to create meaningful moments for guests. Tune in to hear: How the inspiration for Missing Hotel struck during a sabbatical and a few bottles of rum in Australia The challenges (and a few wild stories) of building unique structures during COVID, including being held at gunpoint over $3,000 Why Stephen and Sam believe in keeping elements of mystery and surprise throughout their guests’ stays Their approach to creating spaces that offer a mental reset through digital detox and immersive, experiential hospitality Their exciting plans to expand Missing Hotel into new states and wilder ideas in the next five years This conversation is packed with insights into creating unforgettable guest experiences, the power of brand storytelling, and the future of experiential hospitality. Discover Missing Hotel Follow Missing Hotel on Instagram Apply for the Experiential Hospitality Community  This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option. If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.  And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.   
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Oct 18, 2024 • 59min

How to Leave Your 9-5 And Go All In on Building Unique Airbnbs: In Conversation with Zoey Berghoff

Meet Zoey Berghoff, the entrepreneur and visionary who's transforming the short-term rental landscape by creating unique, unforgettable stays—and teaching others how to do the same. Zoey is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a mom who travels full-time—all while building an incredible community on Instagram. She's dedicated to helping others leave their 9-to-5 jobs and dive into entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality space, especially focusing on unique and memorable stays. In this conversation, we dive deep into Zoey's remarkable journey—from leaving her corporate job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and influencer in the short-term rental world. Tune in to hear: Where the idea of renting out a yurt, her first unique stay, came from  The challenges and triumphs of scaling unique stays in remote locations The power of building a personal brand on social media and how it amplifies business growth Why Zoey believes that offering out-of-the-ordinary experiences is the future of hospitality How she balances entrepreneurship and motherhood while traveling full-time with her family Her insights on the next big opportunities in the unique stays and boutique hotel space And so much more. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Zoey.  Connect with Zoey on Instagram This episode is brought to you by The Content House If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully. What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special. Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with… The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations… Follow The Content House on Instagram Dunlap Hollow Reel Live Oak Lake Reel FLOHOM Reel Villa Stay Texas Reel About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.  

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