Behind the Stays

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. 

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.   

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.  

Meet Hillary Flur, the Co-Founder and Co-Visionary behind Folly, a collection of stunning off-grid retreats in the Mojave Desert and beyond that are redefining sustainable luxury travel. Hillary didn’t start out in hospitality. She began her hospitality entrepreneurship journey by renting out a small, kitchen-less studio apartment on Airbnb—but what started as a side hustle quickly evolved into a portfolio of design-forward, off-grid getaways that blend architecture, nature, and luxury in a next-gen, outo-of-this-world sort of way. In this conversation, we dive deep into Hillary’s journey—from surviving her first DIY build in Joshua Tree to creating expansive desert compounds that attract everyone from A-list celebrities to adventure-seeking travelers.  Tune in to hear: Where the idea of creating magical, architecturally stunning stays first came from The challenges of scaling unique stays like Folly’s and why they’re betting on pop-up locations next The genius behind Folly’s exclusive membership program and how it offers hyper-personalized stays for their guests Why Hillary believes AI will be pivotal in helping hoteliers and hospitality entrepreneurs hyper-personalize their guest experience at scale Hillary’s vision of having a Folly near every National Park  And so much more Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Hillary.  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. 

Meet Katie Cline, a powerhouse in hospitality PR who’s worked with renowned brands like Ritz Carlton, W Hotels, and St. Regis. But Katie isn’t just a PR strategist—she’s also a vacation rental entrepreneur and the host of Sweet Success, a brand-new podcast where she interviews hospitality leaders from her world of luxury hotels and beyond. Katie's journey into short-term rentals began just over a year ago, blending her deep expertise in PR with a newfound passion for creating unique guest experiences at her own properties. Since then, she’s launched a second vacation rental and is building an exciting podcast focused on the intersection of hospitality, innovation, and guest experience. In this episode, we dive deep into Katie’s multifaceted career, exploring her approach to creating standout PR strategies and how she’s applied her hotel background to the world of short-term rentals. Tune in to hear: How Katie crafted a guest experience at her rentals inspired by luxury hotel standards Her expert take on PR for independent hospitality brands, and why media coverage is key for growth The challenges of maintaining brand consistency across multiple properties and platforms Personal stories of resilience, including how her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has shaped her journey Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Checkout her podcast Suite Success on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to Podcast Email Updates 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. 

Meet Travis Chambers, the genius behind Outpost X, a mind-bending desert hotel that’s redefining experiential stays. Travis didn’t just wake up one day and decide to build a viral hotel—he first built an ad agency where he worked with brands like Vitamin Water, Turkish Airlines, and Old Navy to create viral social content. After selling the agency for $17 million in 201, he used that capital to create something completely new in the world of hospitality. In this conversation, we dive deep into Travis’s unique approach to hospitality, where he blends art, adventure, and immersive storytelling to create an experience like no other. His goal? To push guests beyond their comfort zones in a place designed to make you feel slightly uncomfortable—in the best way possible. And here’s the kicker: Outpost X is just the beginning. Travis has developed an elaborate storyline that will eventually connect all of his future properties across the world, building a universe where each stay is part of a larger narrative. Tune in to hear: How Travis generated nearly $1 million on Indiegogo to fund the Outpost X build The genius behind designing a hotel that’s more art project than resort, and why some guests call it better than Disneyland while others simply don’t get it Why he believes creating immersive experiences will save humanity in an AI-driven world His ambitious plans to tie every future property into a sci-fi-inspired world And so much more This was one of the most amazing, inspiring, and crazy interviews I’ve ever conducted.  You’re going to love it. Check out Outpost X Follow Travis on Instagram Follow Outpost X 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.

Meet Nathan St Cyr, the co-founder of Howzit Hostels, a next-generation travel brand transforming hostel stays in the U.S.  Nathan and his co-founder Michael have been on the pod before, but Nathan joined us at the recent Unique Stays Summit that Ben Woldff and I hosted so I wanted to bring him back on to share some more details on what he’s building. In this episode, Nathan shares the bold and inspiring journey behind building Howzit—a hospitality brand focused on creating affordable, community-driven, and experiential stays that challenge the traditional hostel model. Nathan and I discuss: How his team recognized the gap in the U.S. hostel market, with over 300,000 hotels but only 309 hostels, and the vision for Howzit Hostels to fill that void. Their mission to grow into a $400 million company while maintaining responsible growth and delivering unforgettable guest experiences. The surprising fulfillment Nathan and his team have found in cultivating the hostel community, which initially started as a pure financial opportunity. The challenges and opportunities in scaling their brand in cities like Austin, Boston, and Denver, and why they focus on underappreciated real estate assets. What sets Howzit Hostels apart from other experiential brands like Selena, and how Nathan's unique approach to hostel development is fueling growth. Tune in to hear Nathan’s thoughtful insights on what it takes to build a large-scale hostel brand in an overlooked market and why Howzit Hostels is perfectly positioned to shape the future of affordable experiential travel in the U.S. 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.   

Meet Melissa and Sacha Leclair, the dynamic duo behind LD Cabin, an awe-inspiring modern cabin retreat nestled in the stunning mountains of Mont-Tremblant, Quebec. In this episode, Melissa and Sacha share the inspiring journey of how they transformed their love for design and nature into a hospitality brand that allows guests to experience relaxation in its purest form. Melissa, Sacha, and I discuss: The story of how their personal escapism adventures led to building LD Cabin. The wild twists during construction, including accidentally designing for the wrong lot and powering the entire build with a generator for a year. How Instagram and their design aesthetic have played a pivotal role in shaping the cabin’s brand, turning their followers into an active, engaged community that helped influence decisions during the build. The unique partnerships that brought the cabin to life, with everything from custom-built cornhole boards to brand collaborations with KitchenAid and Blackwood Siding. Tune in to hear Melissa and Sacha’s thoughtful approach to designing experiences that not only captivate guests but also immerse them in nature, inspiring repeat visits and creating lasting memories. If you're passionate about unique stays, design, and creating unforgettable guest experiences, this episode is packed with ideas and insights that will leave you inspired. Book a stay at LD Cabin Follow Melissa and Sacha on Instagram Follow LD Cabin on Instagram  This episode is brought to you by Enso Connect: My new friends at Enso Connect have created a tool that’s putting AI to work in a way that’s saving hospitality pros countless hours every week. Here’s how it works: Enso Connect’s Guest Messaging Insights tool dives into your guest messages across all booking platforms. Using AI, it analyzes these interactions and pulls out hidden opportunities that you might be missing. And the best part? It’s FREE, and you’ll get your personalized report in just 72 hours. Here’s what this AI-powered report will do for you: Analyze your message volume so you can see exactly where your time is going. Break down common guest questions, giving you the info you need to improve your property listings and FAQs. Provide sentiment analysis to understand how guests feel and spot potential issues before they escalate. Offer personalized recommendations that highlight upselling opportunities you might have overlooked, allowing you to tailor your services more effectively. Get the report  This episode is also brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio: 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.   

Meet Arthur Colker, the founder of StayFi,a marketing platform for short-term rental hosts and operators. Arthur and I explore the evolution of marketing in the vacation rental industry. Since StayFi's inception back in 2018, Arthur has observed a dramatic shift in how hospitality entrepreneurs and property managers approach marketing, especially as reliance on OTAs like Airbnb has become less sustainable. Arthur and I discuss The rise of direct booking strategies and the importance of diversifying demand channels. Creative ways property managers are generating ancillary revenue, from upsells to unique guest experiences. How StayFi is empowering short-term rental operators to build email marketing campaigns that capture guest data and drive direct bookings with minimal effort. The role of social media versus SEO and other marketing channels in 2024. And so much more Whether you're a vacation rental host with one property or a property manager with a large portfolio, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you future-proof your business. This episode is brought to you by StayFi. StayFi makes it easy to collect data from and market to every single person staying in your short-term rental. StayFi lets you create a custom branded WiFi splash page similar to what you might experience when logging onto the WiFi network at your favorite coffee shop.  This means you can collect the name, email address, and phone number  from every guest staying with you, not just the one who booked…because who doesn’t need to use the WiFi. The best part is that once you have their information, you can use StayFi’s email and text marketing tools to keep in touch and make sure they become a guest for life.  Head on over to StayFi.com and be sure to use the code “BTS” at checkout for 50% off your first 3 months. Want to book a consulting brainstorm with Zach? Send him an email directly at zach@staywatch.ai or complete this payment link and get immediate access to his schedule where you can book some time with him! 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.   

Meet Austin Phippen, a hospitality entrepreneur balancing the demands of multiple ventures in the heart of Chama, New Mexico. Austin and his wife Karlee are redefining what it means to build a rural hospitality empire, managing everything from a boutique motel to an event venue and even vacation rentals. Tune in as Austin shares his journey from construction to hospitality, how his family’s legacy property sparked a wedding venue business, and the surprising lessons he’s learned about running a motel in one of the most remote, yet scenic, areas of the country. Discover how Austin transformed a family cabin into a top wedding destination, navigated the complexities of managing a motel, and how seasonal challenges shape his business strategy. If you’re curious about what it takes to run multiple hospitality ventures in a small town or how to grow a business with little initial experience, this episode is packed with insights for you. Austin and I also discuss the power of organic growth, the balance between low-touch and high-touch hospitality, and why Austin believes hands-on interaction is key to guest satisfaction. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in rural tourism, family-run hospitality businesses, or those dreaming of building their own legacy in the industry. Learn more about Chama Trails 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.