Holiday Cottage Handbook

How do you design cleaning operations software that hosts and cleaners actually use when they're not at a desk?Gabi Celemin from Turno joins Turnover Tactics to share how customer support informs product development, what customers asked for versus what was actually built, and how to design for everyone from new hosts to managers with hundreds of doors. Plus: product localisation and the impact of AI on Turno and the future of turnovers.Turnover Tactics is powered by Host Planet and Turno – helping you build a smarter, more sustainable hosting business.In this episode:2:12 The Turno user experience4:15 Customer support informs product development5:55 Designing a solution for people who are not at a desk9:05 How to help hosts and cleaners11:55 Surprising elements which have changed the product13:50 What customers asked for versus what was built16:24 Product localisation18:53 Trying to please new hosts and people managing hundreds of doors20:43 The impact of AI on TurnoConnect with Gabi Celemin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielcelemin/Contact: gabriel@turno.comPowered by Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planet#ShortTermRentals #AirbnbCleaning #VacationRental #PropertyManagement #HostPlanet #TurnoverTactics #AI

Wales' 182-day rule is pushing self-catering owners to the brink – and there's a narrow window to change it. Almost a third of holiday letting businesses in Wales have already collapsed under 'hideous' council tax bills, and 26% are running at a loss. But there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – James Varley sits down with Nicky Williamson of PASC UK to unpack the 182-day threshold for self-catering properties in Wales: why it's crippling businesses, why the Welsh Government has launched a 12-week consultation, what the right level should be, and how proposed exemptions could create big winners and big losers.If you operate in Wales, this is your chance to be heard. We cover exactly what owners need to do – and how to respond to the consultation before it closes.

Why don't guests book direct – and how do you fix it?In this episode of Built to Book, Jonas Baum, Head of CX at Smoobu, breaks down how to build a direct booking website that converts. Learn the trust signals, AI workflows, and booking flow fixes to help you build a smarter, more successful, and more sustainable short-term rental business.If you're getting traffic but no bookings, this is your 30-day plan to turn Airbnb and Booking.com guests into repeat direct bookers – with offers the OTAs can't match, better photography, stronger brand, and a frictionless checkout.Special offer: Get 20% off Smoobu with the code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_3In this episode we cover:- What goes wrong when a guest doesn't book direct- Why brand matters whether you have one property or hundreds- Core trust signals every direct booking website  needs- How to utilise AI to build your brand and content faster- Where booking flows lose people – and how to fix drop-off- What to offer direct that Airbnb can't match- How to convert an OTA booker to a direct booker next time- Photography, about pages, add-ons and the traffic-but-no-bookings fix- Simple 30-day plan for more direct bookings Timestamps:1:34 When a guest doesn't book, what's gone wrong?5:12 Brand means the same whether you have one property or hundreds8:54 The core trust signals on a direct booking website10:42 Get 20% off Smoobu with the code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_311:36 How to utilise AI to build your brand14:38 Where booking flows lose people16:58 What to offer on your direct booking website (that the OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com can't match)19:59 Turn an OTA booker into a direct booker next time22:23 What a website that's quietly killing bookings looks like24:02 The importance of photography25:46 The fix that flips the switch for hosts getting traffic but no bookings27:12 A good add-on is a strong about page28:31 The simple 30-day plan to achieve more direct bookingsBuilt to Book from Host Planet and Smoobu helps hosts drive more direct bookings with practical tips on websites, brand, marketing and automation.#HostPlanetPodcast #BuiltToBook #DirectBookings

Is your holiday let truly winter ready..? Because a cold property is a 1-star review waiting to happen.In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, from Host Planet and Sykes Holiday Cottages, Rachel Brennan shares exactly how smart hosts protect their property, price correctly, and deliver a 5-star guest experience when temperatures drop – helping you build a smarter, more successful and more sustainable business.This series shares practical insights for holiday let owners and managers, including how AI and automation can support winter pricing, guest communications, and property operations.Rachel breaks down the biggest winter pricing mistake owners make, how to adjust your listing and marketing to attract winter guests, and the simple touches that create a warm arrival and keep guests happy when it's raining outside.In this episode you'll learn:- The #1 winter pricing mistake that leaves your calendar empty- How to adapt your listing and marketing for winter demand- How to protect your property before the temperature drops- How to keep guests entertained on rainy days- How to deliver a warm arrival that drives 5-star reviewsTimestamps:1:46 It's time to get winter ready3:29 The biggest pricing mistake owners make in winter6:53 Adjust your listing and marketing to reach winter guests10:01 Protect your property before the temperature drops11:51 Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/12:32 A cold rental is a 1-star review waiting to happen14:56 How to keep guests entertained at the property when it's raining outside17:35 How to give your guests a warm arrival19:52 The biggest impact for hosts in winterGuest: Rachel Brennan, Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/Want to work with Sykes Holiday Cottages? Learn more about letting with Sykes and getting year-round support to maximise your occupancy and revenue: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/Join STR professionals in 100+ countries by subscribing to the Host Planet Newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/#HolidayLet #SykesHolidayCottages #HostPlanet #HolidayLetInsider #ShortTermRental

Luxury hosting is getting harder – fire regulations, guest expectations, and running a UK business from abroad. Here's how top operators stay ahead.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Lodgify, James Cornwell joins us ahead of the Host Planet Roadshow in Bath, where his business, Curated Property, is Event Partner. We talk bringing the STR community together, collaborating with competitors, and managing in the luxury space.Plus: speaker Johnny Palmer on turning a plane linked to Pablo Escobar into an Airbnb – and James answers: was it really Escobar's plane?Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetTimestamps:0:58 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet1:42 Bringing the STR community together in Bath2:40 The value of attending industry events5:01 Collaborating with competitors6:28 Discover more about Johnny Palmer's Escobar plane9:50 The story of Curated Property13:51 Biggest challenges in 2026: fire risk regulations18:25 Managing a UK business from Portugal23:40 Challenges of managing in the luxury space26:16 Customer service and the human touch33:10 Was Johnny Palmer's plane really owned by Pablo Escobar?Connect with James Cornwell / Curated Property:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescornwell/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedpropertycompany/Get your ticket (just £40 each) for Host Planet Roadshow Bath: https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-bath#HostPlanet #SmarterHosting #ShortTermRentals

Mid-term rentals are having a moment — a perfect storm of supply shifts, rising nightly-rate competition, and a flood of 30–90 day demand.In this Build for Growth episode, Host Planet sits down with Frank Bosi from Hostfully to break down the mathematics of mid-term stays: how to price them, how to rework your listing to attract longer bookings, and which distribution channels actually deliver them.You'll learn the specific changes to make to your listing, why a digital guidebook becomes a serious conversion tool for mid-term guests, and what most hosts underestimate about protecting themselves on longer stays.⏱️ Timestamps1:46 Free PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life with Hostfully2:42 The growth of mid-term rentals — a perfect storm6:39 The mathematics of running mid-term rentals9:40 What needs to change in your listing to attract mid-term stays11:30 Why a digital guidebook helps immensely13:20 How to price mid-term rentals15:39 Distribution channels to achieve mid-term stays19:53 What hosts underestimate about mid-term stays — and how to protect yourself22:08 How to start attracting mid-term stays25:33 Get in touch with Frank

Is agentic AI about to take real work off your plate – not just give you more information?In this episode of AI-Powered Hosting, from Host Planet and BOOM, Moran Goldboim unpacks where the short-term rental industry really is with AI, why trust and lack of experience are the biggest blockers, and the next leap: from information to action.Learn what day-to-day tasks AI can already handle, how to think about architecture over features, why connected data is a game-changer, and how property management companies will be structured and run differently as AI models get more reliable.This series helps you build a smarter, more successful and more sustainable short-term rental business — with AI as a practical tool, not hype.IN THIS EPISODE:• Where the STR industry is with AI right now – and why experience matters more than trust• From information to action: what agentic AI actually means for property managers• The day-to-day tasks AI will take off your plate• Why architecture beats features when building with AI• How connected data unlocks real automation• How the property manager UX will shift substantially• Why AI models need a way out to eliminate hallucinations• How far are we from fully trusting AI? And how org structure will changeTIMESTAMPS:01:20 Where the STR industry is with AI right now03:10 Trust is a big thing in AI – but lack of experience is the core challenge04:35 The next leap: from information to action06:03 What day-to-day things will AI take off a property manager's plate08:54 How to understand agentic AI10:52 Start with architecture over features12:54 Connected data is a game-changer14:10 The user experience for property managers will shift substantially16:30 AI models need a way out to eliminate hallucinations19:45 How far away are we from people completely trusting AI?22:02 How AI will change the way property management companies are structured and run

Planning to attend a major short-term rental conference this year – but not sure how to actually get value out of it?In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Anne Gardner, Executive Director of the VRMA, breaks down everything you need to know about VRMA International 2026, heading to Nashville from 4-6 October.Host Planet is proud to be a Media Partner for this year's event.In this conversation we cover:- How to leverage an event this size – whether you manage one rental or thousands- Making the most of the side events and where the real connections happen- Why industry growth is driving international visitors to major events- What's new at VRMA International in 2026 and what attendees walk away with- How VRMA advocacy is supporting the short-term rental industryChapters:1:06 Get 20% off Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet1:47 VRMA International is heading to Nashville (4-6 October)2:59 How to leverage such a huge event4:48 Make the most of the side events6:16 Industry growth is driving international visitors7:39 Why Nashville is a natural fit8:59 How VRMA International has grown – and what's new in 202610:06 Suitable whether you manage one rental or thousands11:37 How VRMA advocacy supports the industry13:42 Promoting the positive impact of short-term rentals14:37 What attendees will walk away with15:47 STR competitors often work together17:02 Where the most valuable connections happen17:59 Why these events matter19:20 VRMA International tickets: https://www.vrma.org/annual-conferenceThe Host Planet Podcast is sponsored by Lodgify. Get 20% off here: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetLinks:VRMA 2026 tickets: https://www.vrma.org/annual-conferenceAnne Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gardner-mba-cae/Anne Gardner email: agardner@vrma.orgHost Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshowBath tickets (event on 7 October): https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-bath#VRMA #VacationRentalManagement #ShortTermRental #VacationRentals #Airbnb #PropertyManagement #Nashville

New Airbnb host? Katie Bessant from The Holiday Hive shares the most common mistakes new hosts make – and exactly how to fix them before they cost you bookings, reviews, and ranking.In this episode of The Independent Host, powered by Lodgify, Katie breaks down where most new hosts go wrong across pricing, photos, house rules, and cleaning – plus the quiet mistake that could be hurting your Airbnb ranking and what people keep getting wrong about the algorithm.The Independent Host is sponsored by Lodgify. Use code HOSTPLANET60 to get 60% off Lodgify. Offer valid until 31 August 2026: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet⏱️ Timestamps:1:12 Katie's journey in the world of short-term rentals3:44 The most common mistakes new hosts make7:02 How not to price your rental12:27 The importance of photography14:28 Check out Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet15:11 How Lodgify has helped Katie's hosting journey16:40 What hosts get wrong when creating house rules17:50 A mistake which might be quietly killing your ranking19:40 What people get wrong about the Airbnb algorithm21:26 What to do during a crisis 25:03 Is the damage reversible?26:31 The importance of getting cleaning right27:43 Get in touch with Katie

Direct bookings are the highest-margin channel most hosts still ignore – no OTA commission, full control of the guest relationship, and a booking engine you actually own.In this episode of Build for Growth, we sit down with Roger Gould, Director of Business Development at Hostfully, to break down exactly how to start, scale, and win with direct bookings.IN THIS EPISODE:▶ Why direct bookings matter (and what they're worth to your bottom line)▶ Where to start: building a direct booking website you control▶ How to turn lookers into bookers▶ How to gather guest data you actually own▶ Using a Hostfully digital guidebook to boost conversions▶ Guest verification and insurance for direct bookings▶ Payment processing that protects you▶ Getting your direct booking rates right▶ The complete direct booking strategy, step by stepCHAPTERS:1:50 Get free PMS onboarding and 30% off digital guidebooks for life with Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet2:54 Why direct bookings matter4:16 Where to start: You need a direct booking website5:28 Don't be intimidated by technology7:03 How to turn lookers into bookers10:25 How to gather guest data12:08 How to utilise a Hostfully digital guidebook effectively18:22 The digital guidebooks are mobile-friendly19:46 Guest verification and insurance for direct bookings20:54 Payment processing for direct bookings22:16 Getting the rates right on your direct booking website24:21 The direct booking strategy28:11 Get in touch with Roger: roger@hostfully.com

Revenue managers don't lose the room because their data is wrong – they lose it because they can't explain it.Dr Zak Ali (President, ISTRM) joins STR Pricing Pulse to walk through Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: lead with the answer, back it up with the numbers, and end with a decision senior management can act on.Download Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: https://go.beyondpricing.com/revenue-meeting-guide-3q26In this episode:- Why "growth feels like success" can be dangerously misleading- How to frame revenue at risk without losing the room- Why good automation (and AI) should increase your control – not reduce it- The most common mistake revenue managers make in the roomSTR Pricing Pulse is brought to you by Host Planet and Beyond. Discover more about Beyond's world-leading revenue management software for short-term rentals: https://beyondpricing.info/launchbase⏱️ Chapters0:00 Episode starts1:53 The importance of communicating with management5:02 Why people struggle to explain things to management9:09 Lead with the answer, back up with numbers, end with the decision12:30 Growth naturally feels like success (but it could be misleading)16:17 Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: https://go.beyondpricing.com/revenue-meeting-guide-3q2617:45 How to build and deliver better-than-expected results21:54 How to frame revenue at risk to management25:57 Good automation should increase control29:51 The most common mistake revenue managers make in the room32:56 Zak's advice for revenue managers heading into the room35:40 Join us at Revenue Management Intelligence in Leeds, 25 SeptemberUse code LEEDS for 50% off tickets for Revenue Management Intelligence: https://istrm.org/events#RevenueManagement #Airbnb #ShortTermRental #VacationRental #HotelRevenueManagement #DynamicPricing #Beyond #HostPlanet

Registration schemes on hold. A tourism levy fight nobody's sure we can win. Business rates squeezing operators. Janet Uttley, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association, joins Host Planet – powered by Lodgify – to break down exactly where STR regulation stands right now, and what a good registration scheme would actually look like.We also get into the STAA's first 12 months of targets, how they're working alongside PASC UK and the ASSC, and whether the new government (and Andy Burnham) will move the needle for hosts.This episode is powered by Lodgify — get 20% off with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetTimestamps:1:05 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET201:52 Janet's first few months at the STAA2:58 The make-up of the STAA4:05 STAA targets for the next 12 months5:48 Collaborating with other industry bodies like PASC UK and the ASSC7:07 What the STAA does and why operators should be interested9:13 The registration scheme is on hold11:21 What does a good registration scheme look like?13:48 Tourism levy update… a battle we won't win?18:13 Business rates20:34 The impact of the new government on short-term rentals. Will Andy Burnham help us?21:55 Collaborating with destination marketing organisations24:38 Short Stay Summit28:13 Supporting the Host Planet Roadshow30:39 Find out more about the STAA and the Short Stay SummitContact Janet Uttley: janet.uttley@ukstaa.orgHost Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshowThe Host Planet Podcast is powered by Lodgify — get 20% off with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet#ShortTermRentals #Airbnb #STAA #Lodgify #HostPlanetPodcast

Christin Schmidt spent 20 years working inside Booking.com – and in this episode of Built to Book, she reveals exactly what most hosts get wrong about their OTA ranking, why reviews matter differently on Airbnb vs Booking.com, and how to build an OTA vs direct booking strategy that doesn't leave money on the table.Built to Book is a six-part series from Host Planet and Smoobu, built to help hosts optimise revenue, ranking, and guest experience across every channel.⏱️ Timestamps1:18 What hosts misunderstand about their ranking on Booking.com3:26 If you want to boost your ranking tomorrow, this is what you should do4:18 Do all the OTAs rank properties the same way?5:58 Are reviews more important on Airbnb than on Booking.com?6:38 Should hosts think about OTA commission differently?9:07 How the OTA algorithms actually work13:17 Preferred Partner and Genius… worth it?16:38 Don't just put your rates up if you join a programme!18:04 The most counterintuitive thing to do to boost your ranking19:59 How to convert an OTA guest to a direct booker21:08 Get 20% off Smoobu: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_221:57 The early signals a listing is starting to struggle24:35 What should your rates be on OTAs vs your direct booking website?27:07 Should your direct booking website always be a bit cheaper than the OTAs?28:10 If you're auditing a listing with bookings, where to start?29:38 The OTA change nobody has adapted to

Turnover management is one of the toughest parts of running a short-term rental – and it only gets harder as you scale.In this episode of Turnover Tactics, brought to you by Host Planet and Turno, we sit down with Isa Bortolossi from Turno to unpack what's really going wrong behind the scenes of most cleaning operations – and how to fix it before it costs you a booking.Isa shares the craziest turnover story she's seen, breaks down the recurring problems her team spots across thousands of support tickets, and explains why anticipating issues beats firefighting them. We also get into the numbers: over 40% of Turno's projects last year were same-day turnovers, and Isa reveals the Turno Cleaner Guarantee and the hand-rating system hosts actually trust.If you're heading into peak season and want your cleaning operation to hold up under pressure, this one's for you.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS1:26 Check out Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planet2:17 There's always a new challenge with turnovers3:31 Isa's craziest story4:57 Anticipating problems is better than solving them on the fly6:07 Isa's team and the problems she sees again and again9:53 What support tickets show about problem operations11:33 The hand rating trusted by a Turno user13:00 More than 40% of Turno projects last year were same-day turnovers15:20 The Turno Cleaner Guarantee17:57 Isa's top tip for hosts approaching peak season20:17 Reach Isa and Turno

Direct bookings are more valuable than ever in 2026 – and Becky Ward, CEO of Simply Owners, breaks down exactly how hosts and property managers can win more of them without relying on the OTAs.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Becky shares the Simply Owners story, why accessible properties are converting more direct guests, how SEO and GEO strategy plays into visibility, and the biggest mistakes hosts make when they try to "go direct" without a real plan.We also cover the upcoming Host Planet Roadshow in Nottinghamshire, where Simply Owners is the Event Partner – including what attendees can expect, the roundtable sessions, and how to grab your ticket.

What's the best property management system... for YOU?

Shorter breaks. Last-minute bookings. Solo travellers. Group getaways. And a 1,389% spike in traffic from AI tools.The UK holiday let market is shifting – and if you're still managing your property the same way you were two years ago, you're probably leaving bookings on the table.In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, James Varley is joined by Owen Burt, SEO Manager at Sykes Holiday Cottages, for a data-driven breakdown of exactly where the UK staycation market stands right now – and what savvy owners are doing to stay ahead of it.

Dynamic pricing used to be a tool. Now it's a full revenue management system – and (in some cases) AI is running it.Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, joins James Varley on the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – to break down how the platform has evolved far beyond pricing, why so few hosts actually use dynamic pricing (and what's stopping them), and what the revenue manager's job looks like in an AI-powered world.

Is your property management software already holding you back? Shahar Goldboim, CEO and Co-Founder of BOOM, makes the case for agentic AI – and why property managers who don't adapt risk being left behind.In Episode 1 of AI-Powered Hosting – the new series from Host Planet and BOOM – Shahar breaks down exactly why the traditional PMS can no longer support a modern portfolio, and what the shift from short term rental automation to agentic execution means for your business in practice.Whether you're managing five properties or 50+, this conversation will change how you think about AI, decision-making, and where the STR industry is heading.

Starting an Airbnb? Lydia Patel shares the practical lessons she wishes she knew before welcoming her first guests – from pricing and photography to direct bookings, Instant Book, and getting your first reservation.This is Episode 1 of The Independent Host, a new monthly series from Host Planet and Lodgify for short-term rental hosts and property managers running their first 1–5 properties.Lydia talks openly about starting her short-term rental journey, the worries she had at the beginning, how her listing has improved over time, and what new hosts should prioritise before launching.In this episode, we cover:- How to get your pricing right from day one- Why professional photography can transform your listing- Where new hosts should list their property- How to create a direct booking website quickly- Whether you should turn on Instant Book- How much to spend preparing your property for guests- Why cleanliness matters for every booking- How long it can take to get your first reservation- What Lydia wishes she knew when she started- What holds people back from starting a short-term rental businessSave 60% on Lodgify: Use code HOSTPLANET60: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planetChapters:00:00 Episode starts01:31 Lydia's journey into short-term rentals03:00 What Lydia was excited and worried about at the start04:49 How to get pricing right from day one08:40 How Lydia's listing has improved over time09:58 The importance of photography and presenting your listing12:19 Save 60% on Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET60: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet14:18 Where to list your property when you're starting out16:12 Creating a direct booking website in minutes16:49 Should hosts turn on Instant Book straightaway?19:48 How much to spend getting your property ready for guests23:42 Why your rental needs to be spotless for every guest26:13 How long it takes to get your first booking28:16 What Lydia wishes she knew at the start29:39 What holds people back from starting30:37 Connect with LydiaLydia's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCIxIrXX87_Mn03CAIf2bDPA Lydia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiapatelllSubscribe to Host Planet for practical advice on building a smarter, more successful, and sustainable short-term rental business. Join thousands of hosts and property managers across the globe by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/

Why is your Airbnb not booking – even when the property looks great?In this episode of Build for Growth, a new Host Planet and Hostfully series, Ikram Mohamed explains the most common reasons Airbnb listings underperform and the practical fixes that can turn bookings around.We cover how Airbnb search ranking works, which host behaviours can push a listing down the results, and what smart dynamic pricing looks like for an everyday host. Ikram also explains how to improve an underperforming listing, why fast guest responses matter, and how to escape the “no reviews, no bookings” cycle.You'll also learn why distribution matters, including the role of Vrbo, Booking.com, and your own direct booking website, before finishing with a clear seven-day action plan to improve your listing.In this episode:- The most common reasons an Airbnb stops booking- How Airbnb search ranking works- Dynamic pricing for everyday hosts- The biggest fixes for underperforming listings- How response speed affects bookings- Breaking out of the no-reviews, no-bookings loop- Expanding beyond Airbnb through Vrbo, Booking.com, and direct bookings- A practical seven-day turnaround planBuild for Growth is a new series from Host Planet and Hostfully, built for vacation rental hosts and property managers who are serious about scaling smarter.

Most revenue managers don't lose owners over bad rates – they lose them over bad communication.In this episode of STR Pricing Pulse, powered by Beyond, Zak Ali, President of the International Society of Short-Term Rental Management (ISTRM), unpacks why the same owner questions keep catching revenue managers off guard – and how to stop it for good.We break down Beyond's Owner Confidence Checklist: a practical framework for explaining rate moves, calendar gaps, and season performance in a way that builds trust, not anxiety. Plus – why RevPAN should replace occupancy as the headline metric you report to owners.Guest: Zak Ali – President, ISTRM: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zak-a-056b2714/ISTRM: https://istrm.org/Download Beyond's Owner Confidence Checklist: https://go.beyondpricing.com/peak-season-owner-communication-checklist-3q26?utm_source=social&utm_medium=youtube

What does it take to build, value, and sell a successful holiday let business in a location with a highly defined peak season?In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Lodgify, John Keggin from Island Escapes shares the story of building a holiday rental business in the Isle of Man, managing demand during the TT Races, and hosting Brad Pitt and Channing Tatum while a Hollywood movie was being shot on the island.John also explains how he sold Island Escapes to Sapphire Holidays while staying involved in the business, how to value a company when the founder remains part of the operation, and what property managers should consider before selling.This is a practical conversation about holiday let management, business valuation, succession planning, and building a smarter, more sustainable short-term rental business.

What does professional hosting really look like when you're trying to build a short-term rental business that lasts?In episode one of Built to Book, Host Planet sits down with Jannik Abraham, Managing Director of Smoobu, to explore the difference between simply operating a holiday let and building a professional, sustainable business.Jannik explains why professionalism starts with the guest experience, how technology can help hosts focus on what matters, and why buying more tools will not solve an unclear business model. We also discuss the questions hosts should ask before changing their systems, how to build a clear financial picture, and what it really means to reach the next stage of maturity.If your rental business still feels like a side hustle, this episode offers practical steps you can take this week to improve your systems, decision-making and guest experience.Chapters:1:22 Where does professionalism start in short-term rentals?3:13 Delivering a great guest experience5:01 Hosts who thrive versus those who exit9:07 Buying tech to fix a feeling11:50 Questions to ask before changing anything16:42 Getting a clear financial picture18:49 Smoobu special offer19:41 What does adding tech to maturity mean?24:41 The guest experience standard every host should hit27:34 What to change this week if hosting is still a side hustleBuilt to Book is a six-part Host Planet series sponsored by Smoobu, focused on helping hosts build smarter, more successful and more sustainable short-term rental businesses. Across the series, we'll also explore the role of technology and AI in modern hosting.Built to Book is sponsored by Smoobu. Use code HOSTPLANET20 to get 20% off any Smoobu plan. Find out more: https://www.smoobu.com/en/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homepageJannik Abraham: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jannik-abraham/

Host Planet Founder James Varley sits down with Armand de Juniac, General Manager for Europe at Turno, to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a cleaning marketplace across borders — and why so many US short-term rental companies are making avoidable mistakes when they expand into Europe.From marketplace discipline and building supply first, to why your cleaner is your single most important line of defence — this episode is packed with strategic insight for hosts and operators who want to grow without sacrificing quality.

Most hosts never stay at their own property – and that blind spot is costing them guests they don't even know they're losing.In this episode, James Varley sits down with Ari Eryorulmaz, Founder at Extenteam, to unpack the quiet gaps in the short-term rental guest experience: where tech creates more friction than it solves, why hand-offs between tools are silently hurting your reviews, and what it actually looks like when the guest experience is done right.Whether you're managing one property or scaling a portfolio, this one's packed with honest takeaways.

AI is changing short-term rentals – but is it actually solving problems for hosts, or just adding more noise?In this episode of Build for Growth, Margot Schmorak, CEO and Co-Founder of Hostfully, cuts through the hype and breaks down what AI is genuinely automating right now, what is still more promise than reality, and what hosts risk losing if they don't build the right tech stack.Key questions answered in this episode:• What is AI actually changing in STR today – and what's still hype?• How close is AI to solving guest communication (the biggest time drain)?• Does your tech stack influence how Airbnb markets your property?• What does an AI-ready STR set-up look like right now?• What happens to hosts who don't adapt over the next three years?Build for Growth is a new series from Host Planet and Hostfully, built for vacation rental hosts and property managers who are serious about scaling smarter.

61% of Sykes' holiday let owners are already using AI — but how, and what does it actually mean for your listing, your guests, and your future?In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, James Varley sits down with Laura McKellar, Head of Digital Transformation & Optimisation at Sykes Holiday Cottages, to unpack the findings from their latest AI survey and what it means for hosts in 2026.They cover:✅ How holiday let owners are actually using AI right now✅ Whether AI kills the personal touch — or enhances it✅ Where to start if you're AI-curious but haven't taken the plunge✅ What Sykes is building for owners (and how you can try it)✅ How to stay visible as AI reshapes how guests search for properties✅ How life inside Sykes has changed since embracing digital transformationWhether you're already experimenting with AI or still on the fence, this episode will help you make sense of where things are heading — and what to do about it.━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Is UK short-term rental regulation finally working in hosts' favour?In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, Merilee Karr – CEO of UnderTheDoormat Group and former Chair of the Short Term Accommodation Association – breaks down exactly what's coming and what it means for your STR business.We cover UnderTheDoormat's acquisition of One Fine Stay's London and Paris portfolios, London's 90-day rule, the Renters' Rights Bill, Scotland's licensing system, and why the UK's registration scheme could finally give the STR industry the data it needs to fight back against the myths.

ChatGPT is changing how guests search for properties – and most short-term rental hosts are completely unprepared for what's coming. Here's how to get ahead of it.In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Amirali Mohajer, Founder of hostAI (gethostai.com), breaks down how LLM search is reshaping vacation rental discovery and what it means for your direct booking strategy right now.Guests aren't just using Google anymore. They're asking ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Gemini to find their next stay – and AI is already picking winners and losers based on signals most hosts don't know exist. Amirali explains exactly why one property gets recommended over another, how to make your listing visible to AI search, and why this shift could finally make direct bookings achievable at scale for independent hosts and property managers.

Most Airbnb hosts are leaving money on the table on event nights — not because they don't want to raise their prices, but because they never knew the event was happening.HostAlert is the tool that fixes that. Co-Founder Andy Crosby joins the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – to explain how it works, why it's different from dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs and Beyond, and which events hosts consistently underprice for.

Are you leaving money on the table with your Airbnb pricing strategy?In this episode of STR Pricing Pulse, we sit down with Dr Zak Ali – President of the International Society of Short Term Rental Management (ISTRM) – to break down the revenue management decisions costing hosts and property managers real money.This episode is powered by exclusive data from Beyond. Download The Automation Playbook using the link below.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is underway – and if you have a short-term rental in or near a host city, the next few weeks could make or break your season.Kyle Driskell from PriceLabs joins James Varley on the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – to break down exactly what the live data is showing: which markets are flying, which aren't, and the smart pricing moves hosts are making right now.Whether you're in the US, Canada, or Mexico – or just close to the action – this episode gives you a clear playbook for the tournament, including the all-important knockout rounds.

The Wimbledon fortnight is one of the biggest revenue opportunities for London Airbnb hosts – but one wrong move during a back-to-back turnover and your reviews pay the price.Chris Rule joins us on Turnover Tactics, the short-term rental cleaning and maintenance podcast from Host Planet and Turno.In this episode:– What separates hosts who are prepared from hosts who just hope for the best– What breaks down during multiple turnovers per day (and how to prevent it)– What you should offer your cleaners during peak season– Why you need a back-up cleaner before you need one– The most common negative guest feedback about turnovers– What to do after peak season to set yourself up for the next one0:00 Episode starts1:37 What separates hosts after a huge event4:28 Prepared vs. hoping for the best7:26 What happens when a back-to-back turnover goes wrong10:58 What breaks down with multiple turnovers per day16:17 What should hosts offer cleaners during peak season20:32 You need a back-up cleaner22:38 The most common negative guest feedback on turnovers26:38 What hosts should do after peak season29:03 About TurnoPowered by Turno — the leading platform for short-term rental turnover management.Try Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planetChris Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rule-88874b8/Host Planet is your go-to resource for short-term rental revenue, growth, and automation. Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/#TurnoverTactics #HostPlanet #Turno

AI is already handling 70% of guest messages for the most efficient short-term rental operators. The question is: are you one of them?In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Ruben Verplancke, Co-Founder & COO of Guestway, breaks down how to automate Airbnb guest messaging without losing the human touch.From saving 20 hours a week to cutting your energy bills through automation, this is the practical playbook for hosts serious about scaling.Ruben covers:✅ The pain point that led him to build Guestway✅ How AI guest messaging differs from a standard PMS✅ The 70% of messages AI can handle – and the 30% that still need you✅ What hosts get wrong when they start automating✅ The danger of slow response times and how to eliminate them✅ Ruben's warning to anyone managing multiple inboxes✅ How to make AI replies feel genuinely human✅ Cutting your energy bills through short-term rental automation

The Sykes Holiday Cottages Holiday Letting Outlook Report 2026 is here – and it's full of data every UK host needs to see.In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan from Sykes Holiday Cottages breaks down the key findings: how much owners are actually earning, which UK regions are performing best, and the property features that make the biggest difference to bookings and revenue.The numbers are clear – allowing pets generates eight extra bookings and 16% more annual revenue. Hot tubs move the needle too. And flexibility is becoming the defining trait of hosts who are future-proofing their investments.Whether you're already letting or considering holiday let investment in the UK, this is the benchmark data you need to make smarter decisions in 2026.What we cover:✅ How much holiday let owners are earning in 2026✅ The best-performing UK regions, starting with the Cotswolds✅ The best locations to invest in a holiday let right now✅ Which property types are performing best✅ Hot tub impact on bookings and revenue✅ Pets: 8 extra bookings and 16% more revenue per year✅ Why people are getting into holiday letting – and who they are✅ How owners are futureproofing their investments✅ Owner sentiment: rising costs, regulation concerns, and hands-on vs. hands-off management

Are you adding more tools to your vacation rental business but feeling more overwhelmed than ever? Jannik Abraham, Managing Director of Smoobu, joins the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, to reveal why simplicity is the future of short-term rentals – and how stripping back your tech stack might be the smartest move you make this year.If you're an Airbnb host or vacation rental manager looking to simplify operations, reduce tech overwhelm, and use AI more effectively – this episode is for you.

Most short-term rental hosts have more data than ever – and less clarity on what to do with it.In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, Melanie Brown from Key Data breaks down how AI is closing the gap between data overload and fast, prioritised decisions – and why the shift from reactive reporting to proactive operations is the biggest competitive edge in STR right now.But there's a catch: AI is only as good as the data you feed it. If your systems aren't talking to each other, you're getting garbage out.⏱️ Chapters0:00 Episode starts0:42 How property managers are using AI to understand STR analytics1:51 From data overload to faster, prioritised decisions3:39 Shifting from reactive reporting to proactive operations4:36 Why your data needs to talk to each other7:25 Getting your data in order (garbage in, garbage out)9:48 Dex AI at Key Data

Most hosts treat Airbnb pricing strategy as a numbers game. Amber Knight says that's exactly why they keep discounting themselves into trouble.Amber joined the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – to break down a real Airbnb pricing strategy: why discounting is a symptom of a deeper problem, how much you should actually rely on OTAs, what it looks like to own your demand before a guest ever opens Airbnb, and why the gap between marketing and revenue management quietly costs even the best operators thousands every year.In this episode:— Why discounting is a symptom, not a fix— How much OTA reliance is actually costing you— What "owning your demand" looks like in practice— The gap between marketing and revenue management (and why it's expensive)If you're a serious host, multi-property operator, or revenue manager — this one rewards a full listen.

Thinking about selling your Airbnb or short-term rental management business?Before you list it, there are steps that could dramatically increase the sale price – and mistakes that could cost you thousands.In this episode, we're joined by Simon Tolson – a twice-exited property management business owner and active industry consultant – who shares exactly what he did to maximise the value of his businesses when it came time to sell.What you'll learn:- Why starting an owner newsletter is one of the best things you can do before a sale- How increasing your direct bookings ratio boosts your business valuation- A simple accounting change that can improve your numbers on paper- How to approach the right buyer privately — and why this matters- What due diligence actually looks like from a seller's perspective- Why transparency on day one protects you throughout the process- How to handle fees and commissions on existing bookings post-saleWhether you're planning to exit in 12 months or just want to build a more valuable business right now, this episode is essential listening.

Your occupancy looks great. Your calendar is filling up. But are you actually leaving money on the table?In this episode of STR Pricing Pulse, we're joined by revenue management expert Dr. Zak Ali to break down the five numbers every short-term rental operator should be watching every single week – and what happens when you look at them together instead of in isolation.What you'll learn:- The 5 weekly metrics every STR operator needs to track- Why looking at numbers in isolation gives you a false picture- How strong occupancy can actually mask weak performance- Why your rates can look fine — but still miss the right price- The truth about unsellable nights and how to identify them- The risk of relying on too few bookings to drive revenue- The one question every host should ask themselves every weekWhether you're managing one property or a portfolio, this episode will change how you look at your numbers.

Shaun Shirazian, CEO of Lodgify, joins James Varley on the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – to explain why the era of the casual short-term rental host is over, and what professional hosts and property managers need to do to stand out in 2026.We cover how AI is reshaping the guest journey, why direct bookings matter (and why 100% direct can be risky), what the right tech stack actually looks like in 2026, the most common mistakes new hosts are still making, and what Lodgify is doing to get cited on LLMs like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.1:03: You can't afford to be a casual Airbnb host anymore3:08: How short-term rentals and hotels are learning from each other4:26: How hosts can stand out6:43: The common mistakes new vacation rental hosts make8:29: The importance of hosting systems from day one10:07: How to get direct bookings for your short-term rental investment from day one11:34: Why 100% direct bookings can be risky13:17: What Lodgify is doing to get cited on LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini16:02: What the right STR tech stack looks like in 202617:50: How AI is embedded throughout the Lodgify journey21:30: Will property managers build their own tech in future?24:19: The biggest opportunities for hosts in an AI-powered world26:02: LodgifyLooking for a great property management software or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planetKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-DemoEmail Frank: frank@hostfully.com Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Shaun Shirazian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunshiraz/Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshowEpisode to check next: Your Airbnb Guests Are Leaving Bad Reviews Because of This: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA-MyeJpm-kThe Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you're focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings.Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won't hear elsewhere. From hosted conversations with industry leaders and Airbnb ambassadors to actionable guidance on bookings and short-term rental growth, Host Planet helps hosts navigate short term rentals with confidence and clarity.The show is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #Lodgify #HolidayLet #PropertyManagement #AI #DirectBookings #IndependentHosts

Discover the top Airbnb tips for new hosts and experienced hosts alike – in this episode, Joseph Cox from Hostfully reveals what guests genuinely care about in 2026, including why an Airbnb digital guidebook could be your most powerful hosting tool this year.In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Joseph breaks down five things guests actually want right now, plus the practical upgrades that separate a forgettable stay from a five-star review.

Most Airbnb hosts don't lose money on bad bookings. They lose it on bad operations – delayed maintenance, unreliable cleaners, and putting out fires instead of running a system.In this episode of Turnover Tactics, Host Planet's James Varley sits down with Taylor Smith – short-term rental host, property manager, and Turno expert – to break down why vacation rental cleaning and maintenance is the most underestimated part of running a profitable business in 2026.What you'll learn:

Micah Adler joins the Host Planet Playbook series, powered by property management software, Hospitable, to share how Serenbe – a unique wellness community near Atlanta, Georgia – has built one of the most distinctive short-term rental operations in the US.Micah breaks down the real challenges of running STRs in a rural setting, why over-communicating with guests is central to the Serenbe experience, and the company culture principles that underpin everything they do. Plus his number one lesson after years of hosting: under-promise and over-deliver, every single time.Whether you manage one property or a hundred, there's something in this conversation for every serious host.1:43 Serenbe – a wellness community near Atlanta2:12 Serenbe's short-term rental story3:04 Challenges and opportunities of operating rurally3:53 Micah's biggest lesson: under-promise and over-deliver4:45 Top tips for outstanding guest experience6:52 What makes Serenbe stand out: over-communicating with guests9:31 How to build a strong company culture11:55 Why STR will always be part of Serenbe12:51 Micah's tips to emulate the Serenbe community18:48 What Micah loves most about hosting20:12 Quickfire questionsSerenbe: https://www.serenbe.com/Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbookThe Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with  property management software, Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanetThe Host Planet Playbook series is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Host Planet is the world's leading short-term rental media and education brand, created for Airbnb hosts, vacation rental operators, holiday let owners, and professional property managers who want to run smarter, more profitable STR businesses.Through our podcasts, YouTube channel, newsletter, and live events, we cover everything that matters in the short-term rental industry – from guest experience and dynamic pricing to automation, direct bookings, and scaling a property management portfolio. Whether you're a first-time Airbnb host or an experienced vacation rental operator managing dozens of units, Host Planet delivers practical, no-nonsense content from people who are actually doing it.The Host Planet Playbook is one of our major interview series, featuring in-depth conversations with some of the most experienced short-term rental hosts, holiday let operators, and STR entrepreneurs in the world. Every episode is built around real insights, real numbers, and real lessons – the kind of content that helps you improve your guest experience, increase your nightly rate, and build a short-term rental business that lasts.We also run the Host Planet Roadshow – a series of live STR events across the UK – and Launchbase Live, our premium revenue management summit for serious vacation rental operators and property managers. If you're serious about short-term rentals, Host Planet is where you belong.https://www.hostplanet.club/#ShortTermRental #AirbnbHost #STR #GuestExperience #PropertyManagement #HostPlanet #Serenbe #VacationRental

How long should a holiday cabin or glamping pod actually last? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – architect Peter Markos explains why too many UK cabins are showing serious wear after only five years, and what it takes to build cabins that last decades, not seasons.James Varley sits down with Peter to walk through the design, materials, and maintenance decisions that separate cabins built to last from cabins built to look good for the launch photos. They cover where the UK market is going wrong, what best practice looks like, why aesthetics may have been prioritised over durability – and why the future of the UK cabin and pod sector still looks bright if operators focus on quality over quantity.Peter is the Founder of Markos Design Workshop, an architecture practice specialising in cabin and pod design for the UK holiday let market.1:29 Why many UK cabins and pods aren't built to last3:21 Why some units only last five years6:05 Design and materials8:18 Maintenance issues11:52 What needs to change – regulation?15:05 What best practice looks like18:35 Has there been too much focus on how pods look over how they last?20:22 What to do if your pods are showing wear and tear22:16 The future of UK cabins and pods – a focus on quality24:30 Markos Design WorkshopMarkos Design Workshop: https://www.markosdesignworkshop.com/Peter Markos: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-markos-riba-40281bab/Looking for a great property management software or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planetKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-DemoEmail Frank: frank@hostfully.com About Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/Host Planet is the UK's leading content platform for short-term rental hosts and property managers. Subscribe for weekly episodes covering revenue management, tax, design, regulation, marketing and operations.

What does it really take to deliver a 5-star guest experience?In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, Suzy Turnbull – author of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple – shares five essential lessons every short-term rental host needs to know.In this episode, you'll learn:- Why hosting is first and foremost a hospitality business- How to build systems and processes that scale- Why reviews are the currency of your STR business- How to use the right tech (PMS, dynamic pricing tools)- The role of marketing and branding in standing outIf you want better reviews, more bookings, and a more professional hosting business – this episode is for you.Watch now and elevate your hosting.0:52 Suzy's background and the story of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple 7:05 Key learning No. 1: we're in the business of hospitality  9:08 Key learning No. 2: treat your short-term rental as a business – you need systems and processes  12:17 Key learning No. 3: reviews are the currency of your business 15:44 Key learning No. 4: research and use the right tech, such as property management software (PMS) and dynamic pricing  19:23 Key learning No. 5: the importance of marketing and branding 22:00 Freebie: Looking for a great property management software or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planetKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-DemoEmail Frank: frank@hostfully.com Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Suzy Turnbull: https://5starhostingmadesimple.com/about-suzy-turnbull/5-Star Hosting Made Simple: https://5starhostingmadesimple.com/Giveaway: https://5starhostingmadesimple.com/guest-review-analyzer-host-planet-giveaway/Episode to check next: Full-Time Job + Airbnb Income? Here's How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62oitcfez1IThe Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you're focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings.Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won't hear elsewhere. From hosted conversations with industry leaders and Airbnb ambassadors to actionable guidance on bookings and short-term rental growth, Host Planet helps hosts navigate short term rentals with confidence and clarity.The show is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #DirectBookings #STRMarketing #STRTech #AI #GuestExperience #SEO #GEO #ChatGPT #SideHustle #SuzyTurnbull #Author #5StarHostingMadeSimple

What's actually booking in the UK holiday let market in 2026?In this episode of Holiday Let Insider – powered by Host Planet and Sykes Holiday Cottages – James Varley sits down with Owen Burt to walk through the market signals UK operators need to know – including the finding that pet-friendly properties earn 8% more bookings and 16% more revenue than equivalent non-pet-friendly listings.Owen shares Sykes' latest data on which UK holiday let locations are booking strongest in 2026, the most in-demand dates of the year, the pet-friendly premium and how to pet-proof your property properly, and what's happening in the couples' market – when they're booking and what kind of rentals they're choosing.If you want your 2026 to be data-led rather than guesswork, this is the briefing.1:16 The most-booked UK holiday let locations in 20265:48 The most in-demand dates in the UK in 202610:26 Why pet-friendly properties earn 8% more bookings and 16% more revenue14:18 How to pet-proof your property18:01 When couples are booking – and what type of rental they're choosing22:05 More holiday let data from Sykes Holiday CottagesHoliday Let Insider is produced by Host Planet, in collaboration with Sykes Holiday Cottages. Each episode brings UK holiday let owners the market data, booking trends, and operational insights they need to run smarter, more profitable businesses.

How do you build a vacation rental business around themed properties – and turn it into a marketing engine that drives direct bookings?In this episode of the Host Planet Playbook – powered by property management software, Hospitable – James Varley sits down with Ryan Moyer, Founder of Cosmic Vacations, the operator behind one of the most distinctive themed rental portfolios in Florida and Utah.Ryan walks through how he made the leap from short-term rental investor to running a themed-rental brand, the operational reality of setting up themed properties, why theming is one of the strongest direct booking levers in 2026, and the specific tactics he uses to deliver the kind of guest experience that turns first-time stays into repeat bookings.Whether you're running one rental or scaling a portfolio, this is a practical case study in standing out in a crowded market.1:38 Cosmic Vacations in Utah and Florida2:29 From STR investor to managing Disney-themed rentals5:01 Why hospitality and staying ahead of the market matters7:55 How to set up a themed rental10:11 How theming drives marketing and direct bookings10:48 Top tips for delivering a great guest experience14:48 How to keep owners and co-hosts happy16:40 The challenges and opportunities of operating in Florida19:18 Cosmic Vacations' unique selling points20:51 Ryan's biggest lessons learned22:25 What Ryan loves most about hosting23:37 Quick-fire roundCosmic Vacations: https://cosmicvacations.com/Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbookThe Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with  property management software, Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanetThe Host Planet Playbook series is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/The Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you're focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings.Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won't hear elsewhere. From hosted conversations with industry leaders and Airbnb ambassadors to actionable guidance on bookings and short-term rental growth, Host Planet helps hosts navigate short term rentals with confidence and clarity.The show is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact: info@hostplanet.club#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPlaybook #ThemedVacationRental #ThemedAirbnb #VacationRental #ShortTermRental #DirectBookings #DisneyAirbnb #FloridaVacationRental #UtahVacationRental #CosmicVacations #RyanMoyer #STROperator #VacationRentalMarketing #HolidayLet

AI is reshaping how guests search, discover, and book short-term rentals — are you ready?In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, Gil Chan from CraftedStays explains how AI is changing direct bookings — and what hosts and property managers need to do now to stay ahead.In this episode, you'll learn:– Whether AI is a threat or opportunity for direct bookings– Why reliance on OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com may decline– How SEO is changing in an AI-first world– Why content is now “emperor”– What an AI-ready direct booking website actually looks like– How AI can improve conversion rates– The biggest mistakes STR brands are making with AI– Where direct bookings are heading over the next three yearsIf you want more direct bookings – and a future-proof strategy – this is essential viewing.Watch now and get ahead of the shift0:13 Is AI a threat or an opportunity to hosts who prioritise direct bookings? 1:30 AI will reduce dependency on OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com 3:50 There's a big opportunity for Airbnb 6:31 How do property managers need to rethink SEO in this new AI world? 8:52 Should your website feature a lot of questions and answers? 11:01 It's better to edit and humanise AI-generated content  13:11 Having a big footprint across the web is very important  14:26 Content is emperor (it's been promoted from king) 16:06 How is advertising going to change the game on platforms like ChatGPT? 18:08 Large Language Models like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Perplexity, and Claude know you much better than Google  19:35 Create content that's useful 20:23 What does an AI-ready direct booking website look like? 24:42 How can AI improve conversion on direct booking websites? 26:06 The way people search for trips is changing massively 31:49 The property you need, rather than the one you're most likely to book  34:06 The mistakes STR brands are making with AI 36:40 Where will direct bookings be in three years' time? 39:09 CraftedStays develops high-converting websites  Looking for a great property management software or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planetKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-DemoEmail Frank: frank@hostfully.com Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Gil Chan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thegilbertchan/CraftedStays: https://craftedstays.co/Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshowEpisode to check next: Your Airbnb Guests Are Leaving Bad Reviews Because of This: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QA-MyeJpm-kThe Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you're focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings.Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won't hear elsewhere. From hosted conversations with industry leaders and Airbnb ambassadors to actionable guidance on bookings and short-term rental growth, Host Planet helps hosts navigate short term rentals with confidence and clarity.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club

Matt Jeffery, from Zeal Tax, joins Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – to walk UK holiday let owners through the four tax topics that need to be on every operator's radar this year: Making Tax Digital, capital allowances, business rates, and why filing your tax return early matters more than usual in 2026.Most holiday let owners have never claimed capital allowances — and the window of opportunity is still open.0:38 Getting familiar with Making Tax Digital3:11 What MTD actually means (and whether your accountant will handle it)6:32 Capital allowances: the window of opportunity8:43 Why most holiday let owners haven't claimed10:22 Do your tax return early this year12:13 Switching to business rates and appealing your bill14:56 Zeal's Tax Resource Hub: https://gozeal.co.uk/pfb-members-resource-hub/Looking for a great property management software or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully!Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planetKeen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-DemoEmail Frank: frank@hostfully.com Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Matt Jeffery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jeffery-156a8245/Zeal Tax: https://gozeal.co.uk/services/industries/hch-furnished-holiday-lets/Episode to check next: Full-Time Job + Airbnb Income? Here's How: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=62oitcfez1IThe Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you're focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings.Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won't hear elsewhere. From hosted conversations with industry leaders and Airbnb ambassadors to actionable guidance on bookings and short-term rental growth, Host Planet helps hosts navigate short term rentals with confidence and clarity.The show is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #DirectBookings #STRMarketing #ZealTax #MattJeffery #CapitalAllowances