Host as Guest

How do you build a successful luxury vacation rental business—and deliver an experience guests remember? Rachel Alday, co-founder and co-owner of Abode Luxury Rentals, joins The Check-In to share how she and her husband grew their company to manage around 200 properties across Park City, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley.

Rachel explains why they focused on luxury vacation rentals early on, how professional property management is changing the market, and what it takes to earn the trust of high-end homeowners and guests. She also breaks down Abode’s approach to luxury hospitality, including multiple property inspections, in-person guest arrivals, and concierge services that help create a memorable stay.

The conversation goes beyond operations and revenue to explore Rachel’s idea of the “hospitality gene”: the human care and connection that build guest loyalty and stronger teams. Rachel also discusses her book, Please Do Disturb, and why connection matters in hospitality and leadership.

If you’re a vacation rental manager, property owner, or hospitality professional, this episode offers insights on luxury vacation rentals, guest experience, concierge service, and building a people-first hospitality business.

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this engaging episode of "The Host As Guest," host Leo sits down with Jeremy Worden, co-founder of BNBCalc, seasoned short-term rental owner, and experiential travel aficionado. Jeremy shares his unique journey from launching a boat rental business amidst the COVID-19 pandemic to becoming a prominent figure in the STR world, managing over 20 properties with a focus on creating unforgettable guest experiences.

Key Highlights:

• The Accidental STR Mogul: Learn how Jeremy transitioned from boat rentals to property management, spotting investment opportunities and developing a passion for experiential hospitality.
• B&B Calc's Origin Story: Discover the inspiration behind BNBCalc, a powerful tool born from the need to streamline property analysis and present compelling financial projections to owners and investors.
• Team Dynamics in STR Investing: Jeremy candidly discusses the importance of defining roles when partnering on property investments, emphasizing the need for a dedicated operator and passive investors.
• Direct Marketing Mastery: Uncover the secrets behind Jeremy's direct marketing approach, driving traffic through viral reels and social media engagement to attract the ideal guest avatar.
• Guest Avatar First: Jeremy challenges the conventional wisdom of market-first investing, advocating for a guest-centric approach that prioritizes understanding and catering to the target demographic.
• The Power of Experiential Hospitality: Explore Jeremy's passion for creating unique and memorable experiences for multiple families, focusing on properties with distinct amenities and features.
• OTAs as Allies, Not Enemies: Learn how to leverage OTAs like Airbnb to finalize bookings while maintaining a direct relationship with customers through effective branding and marketing strategies.
• Natural Scarcity and Defensible Assets: Gain insights into Jeremy's investment philosophy, seeking out properties with unique, hard-to-replicate features that ensure long-term defensibility and value.
• The Future of STRs: Jeremy shares his perspective on the evolving STR landscape, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing demand patterns and focusing on properties that offer lasting appeal.

Key Takeaways:

• Identify your guest avatar before investing in a market.
• Differentiate between direct marketing and direct bookings.
• Focus on creating unique experiences that cater to a specific target audience.
• Leverage OTAs strategically while building your own brand.
• Seek out properties with "natural scarcity" to ensure long-term defensibility.
• The STR industry offers unique opportunities for young entrepreneurs.

This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiring stories, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to succeed in the dynamic world of short-term rentals. Tune in to gain a competitive edge and unlock the potential of experiential hospitality!

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us at the STR Hospitality Summit for an insightful conversation with Stacey St. John of Cozy Getaways, a full-service property management firm in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina! Stacey shares her passion for creating memorable family vacations and the surprising joy of being a small part of someone's lifelong memories. Discover how Cozy Getaways manages 43 oceanfront properties, catering to families during the busy summer months and welcoming snowbirds from the Northeast for extended winter stays. Stacey reveals the unique revenue strategies required for longer stays and the importance of adapting to seasonal fluctuations.

We dive into the world of direct bookings, exploring Stacey's experiences with both the benefits and risks involved. From securing bookings through Airbnb and VRBO to leveraging Facebook groups for snowbirds and even Craigslist for off-season rentals, Stacey emphasizes the importance of a multi-faceted approach. She shares a cautionary tale about a direct booking chargeback scam, highlighting the value of security measures and partnerships with companies like Truvi for added peace of mind.

Stacey discusses her commitment to driving direct bookings, including a website rebrand and outbound marketing efforts, aiming for a 50-50 ratio between direct and OTA bookings. She emphasizes the power of providing exceptional guest service, leading to loyal guests and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Learn about the distinctive touches that set Cozy Getaways apart, such as a 24/7 team providing immediate assistance and intentionally designed properties that feel like home.

Discover how Cozy Getaways maintains a high level of service despite Stacey living 10 hours away from her properties. She emphasizes the importance of great people, clear communication platforms, and well-defined processes and procedures. Stacey shares the tech stack she relies on, including OwnerRez, Breezeway, and monday.com, for managing day-to-day operations and inventory.

Finally, Stacey shares her long-term vision for Cozy Getaways, expressing her love for the industry and her plans to keep it a family affair, potentially passing the business on to her children. Learn how to connect with Stacey and Cozy Getaways online and through the STR Sisterhood and Female Short Term Rental Investors Facebook group.

Key Takeaways (Bullet Points):

• Creating Memories Matters: Focus on being a part of guests' positive vacation memories.
• Seasonal Strategies: Develop revenue strategies for both peak and off-peak seasons, including targeting snowbirds.
• Direct Booking Risks: Be aware of the risks of direct bookings and implement security measures.
• Multi-Channel Marketing: Utilize a variety of marketing channels, including OTAs, Facebook groups, and direct booking websites.
• Exceptional Service: Provide outstanding guest service to create loyal customers and positive word-of-mouth.
• 24/7 Support: Offer round-the-clock support to address guest needs promptly.
• Home-Like Properties: Design properties to feel like home, creating a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere.
• Remote Management: Utilize effective communication, technology, and reliable local teams for remote management.
• Team Over Tech: Prioritize investing in great people over solely relying on technology.
• Integrations are Key: Chose what integrations work best for you!
• STR for Life?: Consider long-term strategies and potential exit plans for your business.

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us for an insightful conversation with Kyle James, CEO of Atomic Stays, at the SDR Hospitality Summit! Kyle shares his journey from managing a few properties to overseeing 175 across Colorado, emphasizing the importance of local expertise and a "act like an owner, feel like a guest" philosophy. Discover how Atomic Stays balances direct bookings with OTAs like Airbnb, Expedia, and booking.com, and their unique partnership with Marriott, offering access to a valuable clientele. Kyle dives deep into the nuances of managing properties in diverse Colorado markets, from the bustling city of Denver to the ski resort meccas of Winter Park and Vail, highlighting the shift towards year-round tourism with summer events and activities.

• Local Expertise Matters: Atomic Stays prioritizes hiring local employees who understand the nuances of Colorado's short-term rental markets.
• "Act Like an Owner, Feel Like a Guest": This core value drives Atomic Stays' approach to property management and guest experience.
• Diversify Booking Strategies: Atomic Stays balances direct bookings with OTAs like Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking.com, and leverages a partnership with Marriott.
• Embrace Year-Round Tourism: Focus on summer activities and events in mountain towns like Winter Park and Vail to maximize occupancy beyond ski season.
• Invest in High-Quality Content: Use professional video and photography to attract less price-sensitive guests through targeted marketing campaigns.
• Prioritize Operational Excellence: Implement meticulous cleaning and maintenance systems with thorough documentation.
• Empower Your Communications Team: A local, knowledgeable communications team is crucial for resolving issues and providing exceptional guest service.
• Advocate for the Industry: Get involved in local advocacy groups like the Mile High Host Board to protect the rights of short-term rentals and promote community harmony.
• Explore Commercial Opportunities: Consider obtaining lodging licenses for suitable properties to operate under more flexible regulations.
• Focus on Niche Markets: Specialize in specific types of properties (e.g., mountain homes) to develop expertise and deliver exceptional service.
• Be Resourceful in Remote Locations: Utilize creative solutions to find cleaners, handymen, and other resources in remote areas.

Tune in to gain valuable insights into the short-term rental industry, the power of exceptional service, and the importance of community advocacy.

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Unlock the secrets to skyrocketing direct bookings and cultivating a loyal base of return guests with Rose Tipka, owner of Your Family's Place! In this information-packed episode, Rose shares her innovative strategies for building an independent hospitality brand and achieving an impressive 40% repeat guest rate – all without relying on Airbnb.

Discover actionable direct booking best practices, including how to:

• Craft a compelling brand identity that resonates with your ideal guest.
• Identify and cater to a lucrative niche market (like multi-generational families).
• Design properties with unique amenities and accessibility features that create unforgettable experiences.
• Master the art of "endurance marketing" through engaging content creation and strategic social media engagement (Instagram stories, reels and carousel posts).
• Leverage guest surveys to gather invaluable insights and personalize the guest experience.
• Implement dynamic pricing strategies to maximize revenue and incentivize direct bookings on your direct booking website.
• Harness the power of influencer marketing to reach new audiences and drive traffic to your direct booking website.
• Create memorable "talk triggers" that generate buzz and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Implement innovative tactics like "Vacation Hero Certificates" and "Magic Boxes" to surprise and delight guests.
• Retargeting campaigns for existing guests.
• Email marketing strategies for retention.

Learn how Rose's "waist-down rule" simplifies family stays, why she prioritizes quality over quantity, and how she transformed a simple cookie recipe into a powerful brand ambassador.

Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, this episode is your roadmap to building a thriving direct booking website, fostering guest loyalty, and achieving long-term success in the short-term rental industry.

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this special case study episode, Katya Kachkovska sits down with seasoned property professional Oliver Harper, Managing Director of Harper Luxe Serviced Apartments, for an insightful conversation on building a purposeful short-term rental business rooted in sustainability, creativity, and care.

With over 45 years of experience in construction, property development, and management, Oliver shares his inspiring journey—from hod carrier at 15 to managing his own property portfolio and now running beautifully restored, eco-conscious serviced apartments in Bedfordshire, UK.

💡 In this episode, you'll hear about:

How Oliver transitioned from construction to real estate and eventually into short-term rentals
Why Harper Luxe’s Dunstable apartments are a blueprint for future sustainable hospitality projects
The power of guest screening and third-party protection with Truvi (formerly Superhog)
The unique benefits of Truvi’s Damage Waiver & automated verification services
How Oliver integrates sustainability and wellness into every facet of his guest experience—think repurposed Victorian buildings, filtered water, LED lighting, insect hotels, and free Pashley bikes for guests
His team’s commitment to offsetting carbon footprints, including planting a tree for every guest stay
Advice for property managers looking to stand out in a crowded market
🛠️ Standout Quote:
"You need something unique. Something that tells a story—and shows guests that you're not just running a business, you're building a community and giving something back." – Oliver Harper

🌿 Sustainability in Action:
From reusing building materials and furnishing with pre-loved pieces to eliminating single-use plastics and harvesting rainwater—Oliver’s approach to property development is both environmentally and guest-centric.

🔗 Explore More:
Visit www.harperluxe.co.uk to see the apartments, courtyard, and all the thoughtful details that make Harper Luxe a true gem in the hospitality space.

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, Leo is joined by Susan Montiel, the founder and CEO of Casa Montiel Properties — a short-term and midterm rental co-hosting business that operates across the United States. Susan joined us from her current home base in Virginia, about an hour south of Washington, D.C., where she and her husband continue to live the digital nomad life while managing their growing portfolio.

 Susan’s journey into the short-term rental world is refreshingly relatable. She didn’t start as a real estate investor or property manager — she started as a guest. Back in 2019, she and her husband sold most of their belongings, hit the road, and spent 14 months living in 14 different Airbnbs across the U.S., one month at a time. That trip — a kind of extended slow travel experiment — gave her a front-row seat to what worked, what didn’t, and what guests really value in a home away from home.

In this conversation, Susan talks about how that year shaped her perspective on hospitality, design, and the business of short-term rentals. She shares honest stories — like eating soup with a measuring cup in a poorly stocked kitchen — and explains how those experiences planted the seed for Casa Montiel. As she puts it, “We were constantly walking into places and saying, ‘This could be better.’” And eventually, she decided to do something about it. Leo and Susan explore what it means to build a property that people actually want to live in — not just sleep in. They dig into why furnishing with quality matters, why good guest experience starts with being thoughtful, and why it’s not always about lowering prices when bookings slow down — sometimes, the answer is to raise your standards. 

They also unpack the nuts and bolts of co-hosting. Susan explains how she and her husband launched their business by managing properties remotely — their first unit was in Texas while they were still based in California. She talks openly about the benefits of the co-hosting model, why she sometimes turns down owners, and how she uses data (from tools like AirDNA and PriceLabs) to make smart decisions about new properties in unfamiliar markets.

how she trains cleaning teams remotely, and what it really takes to manage properties across multiple time zones without burning out. By the end of the episode, it’s clear that Susan’s approach is grounded in care — care for the guest experience, care for her owners’ goals, and care for the craft of hosting itself. As she says, “If you want to raise your price, you have to raise your standard. Furnish it with love.” You’ll also hear: What makes a midterm stay feel truly livable How Susan balances hospitality with her digital nomad lifestyle Why some homes shouldn’t be turned into rentals (and how to spot them early) 

The most common reasons hosts ask for help — and the red flags Susan watches for What new co-hosts need to know about setting boundaries, building systems, and staying in control About Susan Montiel: Susan is the CEO of Casa Montiel Properties, a boutique co-hosting and consulting business helping property owners turn their homes into profitable, guest-ready spaces. With a background in tech, business operations, and hospitality, she brings a systems-first, guest-centric lens to every property she manages. She’s currently based in Virginia and continues to travel with her husband while building her business remotely. 

Connect with Susan: 

Instagram: @casamontielproperties 

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this case study, Katya sits down with Torbjörn Fredman, a seasoned leader in the Swedish and European travel industry. With a career that spans decades and includes high-level roles in both incoming and outgoing tourism, Torbjörn shares how his journey led him back to the short-term rental world—and how he’s building a host-first property management company with Stay Nordic.

We dive into the story behind Stay Nordic’s launch, their current portfolio of around 300 properties, and why Torbjörn believes the real challenge in this space isn’t finding guests—it’s earning the trust of property owners. He talks about the turning point that led him to seek out better protection solutions, and how working with Truvy has helped create more confidence among homeowners through guest screening and damage protection.

We also touch on cultural nuances around guest verification, how his team manages resistance when it comes up, and why flexibility and strong host relationships are at the heart of long-term success in this space.

Highlights from the conversation:

• Torbjörn’s early days in short-term rentals and his return to the industry after a brief pivot
• Why he started Stay Nordic and what sets their approach apart
• How Truvy’s protection services fit into their host-first philosophy
• The biggest pain point in short-term rentals—and how they’re addressing it
• Thoughts on guest screening, trust-building, and adapting to a fast-changing market

Stay tuned through to the end for Torbjörn’s honest, no-fluff advice for running a successful property management company.

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode of Host as Guest was recorded live at the SCALE Eastern Europe conference in Bulgaria, where we had the chance to sit down with Boris, the CEO and founder of Sun Spolato, a property management company based in Croatia.

Boris shares his journey from launching the business five years ago to now managing over 110 short-term rental properties across Croatia, including apartments, boutique rooms, and luxury villas. With a team of 10 people and a steady annual growth rate of 20 to 30 percent, Sun Spolato has become a standout name in the Croatian short-term rental market.

In this conversation, we explore what makes the Croatian vacation rental market so unique—and so challenging. Boris explains how high guest expectations, strict national standards, and the importance of maintaining strong owner relationships all contribute to the complexity of running a property management company in Croatia.

One of the ways Sun Spolato stays ahead of the competition is through technology. The company has developed its own custom owner portal, designed to offer complete transparency and real-time performance insights to property owners. According to Boris, this tech-driven approach is one of the key reasons they’ve been able to retain trust and scale sustainably.

We talk about the company’s approach to growth, focusing on quality over quantity, building processes before automating them, and prioritising happy guests as the route to happy owners. Boris also discusses how they assess whether to take on a new property, sharing red flags that might make them walk away, and what makes a new deal worth pursuing.

The conversation touches on the day-to-day of running a short-term rental business. Boris shares that he enjoys the logistics and operational side of things, and while he isn’t a control freak, he is very performance-oriented. He talks about how they support team development through regular training and goal setting, with an emphasis on individual growth within the company.

We also look at how Boris and his team manage the pressures of the high season, and why creating work-life balance is a priority across the company. While summer is all hands on deck, the quieter winter months provide space to recharge.

The episode wraps with a discussion about long-term vision. Boris isn’t focused on an exit strategy just yet—instead, he’s fully engaged in the work, enjoying the day-to-day challenges and rewards of growing a business that delivers real value to both guests and owners.

If you're interested in learning how to scale a vacation rental business sustainably, navigate the complexities of a high-standard tourism market, and build a strong brand in a local destination, this conversation with Boris offers plenty of insight.

Search terms: property management in Croatia, short term rentals Croatia, vacation rental business Europe, Host as Guest podcast, SCALE Eastern Europe conference, direct bookings vs OTAs, owner-guest relations short term rentals, Sun Spolato property management, luxury vacation rentals Croatia

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This episode of Host as Guest was recorded live at the SCALE Eastern Europe conference in Bulgaria, where we had the chance to sit down with Boris, the CEO and founder of Sun Spolato, a property management company based in Croatia.

Boris shares his journey from launching the business five years ago to now managing over 110 short-term rental properties across Croatia, including apartments, boutique rooms, and luxury villas. With a team of 10 people and a steady annual growth rate of 20 to 30 percent, Sun Spolato has become a standout name in the Croatian short-term rental market.

In this conversation, we explore what makes the Croatian vacation rental market so unique—and so challenging. Boris explains how high guest expectations, strict national standards, and the importance of maintaining strong owner relationships all contribute to the complexity of running a property management company in Croatia.

One of the ways Sun Spolato stays ahead of the competition is through technology. The company has developed its own custom owner portal, designed to offer complete transparency and real-time performance insights to property owners. According to Boris, this tech-driven approach is one of the key reasons they’ve been able to retain trust and scale sustainably.

We talk about the company’s approach to growth, focusing on quality over quantity, building processes before automating them, and prioritising happy guests as the route to happy owners. Boris also discusses how they assess whether to take on a new property, sharing red flags that might make them walk away, and what makes a new deal worth pursuing.

The conversation touches on the day-to-day of running a short-term rental business. Boris shares that he enjoys the logistics and operational side of things, and while he isn’t a control freak, he is very performance-oriented. He talks about how they support team development through regular training and goal setting, with an emphasis on individual growth within the company.

We also look at how Boris and his team manage the pressures of the high season, and why creating work-life balance is a priority across the company. While summer is all hands on deck, the quieter winter months provide space to recharge.

The episode wraps with a discussion about long-term vision. Boris isn’t focused on an exit strategy just yet—instead, he’s fully engaged in the work, enjoying the day-to-day challenges and rewards of growing a business that delivers real value to both guests and owners.

If you're interested in learning how to scale a vacation rental business sustainably, navigate the complexities of a high-standard tourism market, and build a strong brand in a local destination, this conversation with Boris offers plenty of insight.

Search terms: property management in Croatia, short term rentals Croatia, vacation rental business Europe, Host as Guest podcast, SCALE Eastern Europe conference, direct bookings vs OTAs, owner-guest relations short term rentals, Sun Spolato property management, luxury vacation rentals Croatia

Follow us on Social Media⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠