Host Planet: Airbnb, Holiday Let, and Vacation Rental Insights

In this episode of the Host Planet Playbook – powered by Hospitable – we sit down with Jeremy Rosen, a full-time nurse who has built a 20-property short-term rental portfolio in San Antonio, Texas.

Jeremy shares how he balances nursing with hosting, scaled his business while working full-time, and the systems and people that help him deliver a standout guest experience. From co-hosting tips and staff training to the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way, this episode is packed with practical insights for hosts at every stage.

The Host Planet Playbook series is your guide to mastering the short term rental industry. This series features 30 top property managers discussing what drives success in vacation rentals and how to achieve business growth. Learn their key lessons and the technology they use to ensure guest satisfaction, helping you to grow your vacation rental business. If you're serious about your real estate investment, this series is for you.

1:48 20 rentals in San Antonio, Texas

2:05 A full-time nurse invests in real estate 

3:40 Balancing nursing and hosting 

4:54 Scaling to 20 properties 

6:51 Tips to people who want to co-host while working a full-time job

8:37 The San Antonio market 

10:42 How Jeremy stands out 

14:08 How to deliver a great guest experience 

15:47 How to train staff to align with your methods 

18:04 Biggest lesson learned: who not how

19:14 What Jeremy loves most about hosting

20:46 Quickfire questions 

Jeremy Rosen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yhamllc/

Your Home Away Management: https://yham.host/

The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with 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/hostplanet

Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbook

The 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/

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Fenner, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association, to unpack the biggest policy and pressure points facing the short-term rental sector right now.

From the proposed visitor levy and how it should be administered, to the realities of tourism capacity, infrastructure investment, and the short-term lets registration scheme, Andy shares a clear industry perspective. We also explore the 182-day threshold in Wales, the value of industry events like the Host Planet Roadshow and Short Stay Summit 2026, and finish with Andy’s New Year resolution for the sector.

Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

Short Stay Summit '26: https://www.shortstaysummit.org/

1:06 The potential visitor levy

2:22 How much more can tourism take?

5:26 Lobbying the levy

7:58 How should the levy be administered?

11:59 Tourism infrastructure needs investment

14:16 Short-term lets registration scheme 

15:59 Why the registration scheme is a good idea

19:30 The 182-day threshold in Wales 

24:32 What people can expect from the Host Planet Roadshow 

26:08 The value of attending industry events 

29:50 Short Stay Summit 2026

33:30 Andy’s new year resolution for the industry 

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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Andy Fenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfenner2025/

Short Term Accommodation Association: https://ukstaa.org/

Episode to check next: Your Personal Brand Is Worth More Than Your Company Logo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR2UxICG0e8&t=3s

Host Planet Podcast 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #STAA #VisitorLevy #ShortStaySummit #HostPlanetRoadshow

Why should short-term rental hosts make time for in-person events in 20

In this Host Planet Bitesize episode – powered by Hostfully – Lisa Roads from the Women in Short Term Rentals Community shares five key reasons to attend the Host Planet Roadshow, starting in Cornwall on 5 February.

From hyperlocal content and a boutique, high-impact format to collaborative roundtables and creating more space for women to shape the future of the STR industry, this episode explains why the Roadshow is designed differently – and who it’s really for.

Get your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

2:05 Hyperlocal content for each location

3:23 Convenient for hosts in key holiday let regions

5:11 A boutique event – built for high-impact networking

6:32 A collaborative and engaging roundtable format

7:55 Encourage more women to shape the narrative of the short-term rental industry

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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Lisa Roads: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaroads/

Episode to check next: 5 Reasons Your STR Needs AI Right Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM-zt2OvS3k

Host Planet Bitesize 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #LisaRoads #WomenInShortTermRentals #Cornwall #Devon

Holiday let regulation is changing fast – and confusion is costing owners time, money, and peace of mind.

In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, we’re joined by Ben Spier from Sykes Holiday Cottages to unpack the latest UK Budget reaction, proposed tourism levy, business rates changes, and the growing list of compliance requirements facing holiday let owners across the UK.

We cover what owners really need to know about safety regulations, insurance, registration schemes, EPC ratings, and why rules vary so widely by region – plus how the industry can work together to thrive.

A must-watch for holiday let owners who want clarity, not headlines.

Disclaimer from Ben Spier: None of what I say should be taken as legal, planning, tax, health and safety or other kind of advice, rather as a prompt of the issues involved for further consideration. It shouldn't be relied upon as advice. Neither I nor Sykes will be responsible, or assume liability, for any loss or damage suffered due to reliance on it.

1:58 Budget reaction – including the proposed tourism levy

3:46 Message to mayors in favour of the tourism levy

4:50 How a tourism levy should be administered

5:49 Get your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

7:21 Changes to business rates 

11:26 What owners need to know about regulation 

12:48 Business rates

13:35 Fire and gas safety regulations 

16:27 Make sure you take out the right insurance policy

17:12 The impact of the 182-day business rates threshold in Wales 

19:43 Registration scheme for short-term rentals 

24:04 Talk of EPC minimum ratings for holiday lets 

27:37 Planning permission rules vary across the UK

29:46 The biggest misconceptions about holiday letting 

34:57 How Sykes helps owners keep up to date with rules and regulation 

36:57 How people can help the industry to prosper 

Ben Spier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-spier-099a503/

Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages to let your property: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

Call: 01244 356 666

Visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Episode to check next: 

Holiday Let Pricing Secrets & Hot Tub Hype: Maximise Your Revenue with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fu3kkR90-8&t=1s

Holiday Let Insider 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #SykesCottages #JamesVarley #BenSpier #STAA #PASCUK #ASSC

Welcome to the Host Planet Playbook, your guide to mastering short-term rentals. This series features top property managers sharing their success stories, key lessons, and the technology they use to deliver five-star guest experiences and ensure guest satisfaction. If you're serious about growing your short term rental business, and improving your overall hospitality, you're in the right place.

Starting a short-term rental business can feel overwhelming – especially when you’re juggling it alongside a full-time job.

In today's Host Planet Playbook feature – powered by Hospitable – I’m joined by Brendan McNeal, Founder of NoMi Stay, to talk about his journey into short-term rentals in Michigan. From getting started, overcoming analysis paralysis, and building a co-hosting model, to delivering great guest experiences and planning for long-term growth.

If you’re thinking about running short-term rentals as a side hustle – or scaling beyond your first few properties – this one’s for you.

1:39 Nomi Stay based in Michigan 

2:28 How Brendan got involved in short-term rentals

4:34 The journey 

7:27 Analysis paralysis 

9:42 Tips to people who want to manage rentals as a side hustle

12:04 Challenges and opportunities in Michigan 

16:03 How to deliver a great guest experience

19:56 Co-hosting

22:56 Providing great experiences for guests 

23:41 Quickfire questions

27:54 Ultimate goal

NoMi Stay: https://www.nomistay.com/

The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with 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/hostplanet

Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbook

The 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/

In this edition of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – we’re joined by Andy Easton, Managing Director of Beach Retreats, to talk candidly about selling a holiday let business.

Andy shares what it felt like to sell Beach Retreats, how the sale process unfolded, and the lessons he learned from due diligence, buyer conversations, and building a strong brand that delivered 97% direct bookings. He also offers practical advice for business owners considering an exit.

We also discuss the first leg of the Host Planet Roadshow, which kicks off in Cornwall on Thursday 5 February 2026, with Beach Retreats as Event Partner. Andy explains why events matter, the challenges facing short-term rental businesses in Cornwall, and what attendees can expect from the Roadshow.

0:45 What it felt like to sell Beach Retreats

1:46 The sale process

4:05 Reaching out to potential buyers

4:43 The due diligence process 

7:09 Advice to business owners who want to sell

7:58 Strong brand and marketing

8:59 How to achieve 97% direct bookings

10:32 Attend events to build relationships 

11:39 Andy’s feelings as he prepares to exit Beach Retreats

12:22 What’s next for Andy

13:15 Host Planet Roadshow kicks off in Cornwall on 5 February 2026

14:48 Sticking up for the industry

16:15 The challenges short-term rental businesses are facing in Cornwall 

17:26 What Roadshow attendees will benefit from

19:39 Expect actionable tips, major brands, and a local focus at the Roadshow

Get your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Andy Easton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyeaston/

Beach Retreats: https://www.beachretreats.co.uk/

Episode to check next:

Host Planet Podcast 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #BeachRetreats #AndyEaston #Cornwall #HostPlanetRoadshow

On this week's Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – James Varley welcomes Nick Massey from Proper Insurance to discuss essential insights for buying and managing short-term rental properties.

They tackle five common myths about vacation rental insurance and provide crucial information every host needs to hear. This episode is packed with tips to help you understand Airbnb insurance and protect your investment property effectively.

1:59 Myth number one: regular home insurance is substantial enough

4:08 Myth number two: free insurance from my OTA is enough protection

5:36 Myth number three: my property management company will have me covered

7:13 Myth number four: umbrella insurance covers everything

10:37 Myth number five: I cannot be held liable for the negligence of my guest

14:28 The examples Nick shares to encourage hosts to get the right cover

18:47 Proper Insurance: https://www.proper.insure/

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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Nick Massey: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmassey1/

Proper Insurance: https://www.proper.insure/

Episode to check next: The 5 Automations Every STR Host Needs to Scale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nszD2cXYM8

Host Planet Bitesize 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #Insurance #STRInsurance #VacationRentalInsurance #ProperInsurance #NickMassey

In this Host Planet Playbook feature, sponsored by property management software, Hospitable, we’re joined by Mina Saastad from Cabin Living in Norway.

Mina shares how Cabin Living got started, the realities of hosting in Norway, and what it takes to deliver a standout guest experience – from direct bookings to keeping owners happy.

1:39 Cabin Living – based in Norway

1:56 How Cabin Living got started 

2:28 The challenges and opportunities in Norway 

4:14 Target guests 

4:48 Domestic and international guests 

5:08 Delivering a great guest experience 

6:08 How to keep owners happy

6:52 What makes Cabin Living stand out

7:35 Details matter 

8:07 What Mina loves most about hosting

8:46 The regulatory situation in Norway 

9:27 Using social media to drive direct bookings

10:38 The most effective direct booking tactics 

11:37 Growth plans

12:23 Learning from the industry

13:12 Quickfire questions

Cabin Living: https://cabinliving.no/en/vacation-home-rental/

The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with 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/hostplanet

Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbook

The 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/

Kristina Castellina, the Founder of Empress Hall in Blackpool, is the special guest on today's Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully.

Kristina's advice for business owners: don't hide behind a logo. Instead, focus on building your personal brand across social media. 

She shares the story of the 10-bedroom Empress Hall, including how she documented every step of the refurbishment on social media – a tactic which achieved significant press coverage and helped to drive direct bookings.

Learn about Kristina's entrepreneurship journey and the valuable business tips for anyone looking to make their mark. Discover how to build a brand that resonates with your audience and cultivates a strong business mindset.

0:13 Hosting by the seaside in Blackpool

1:35 Setting up Empress Hall and Kristina’s initial goals

3:38 Marketing – including documenting every step of the refurbishment on social media 

4:42 How to get press coverage: contact journalists 

5:45 The amenities which sell Empress Hall 

7:08 Guest communication, including outsourcing 

8:03 Find the gap in the market 

11:37 How to attract tourists all-year-round

13:26 How to grow on Instagram: build a personal brand and don’t hide behind a logo

17:07 The opportunities social media has created for Kristina 

19:25 Website, Instagram, Facebook

20:54 Favourite brand: Charles Alexandar Short Stay

22:10 Individual shout-out: Swish Apartments 

23:00 Biggest lesson learned: it’s not for the faint hearted 

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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Kristina Castellina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinacastellina/

Empress Hall: https://www.empresshall.co.uk/

Episode to check next: Hosting in Paradise with Robin Bass (Hold the Rum!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEkLHIzef8&t=4s

Host Planet Podcast 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer

In this edition of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Carlos Castillo from Direct BookMe shares practical insights on how hosts can build trust, understand their ideal guest, and communicate with impact.

Carlos reveals why communication is your superpower, how automation should support (not replace) hospitality, and what every host must do to make guests feel confident booking directly. We also explore the balance between tech and human touch, plus simple ways to elevate your guest experience.

1:52 Build trust 

2:07 Get to know your ideal guest 

2:27 Communication is your superpower 

2:38 Automate where you can 

2:52 It’s hospitality – act like it!

3:46 How to make sure guests trust your business

4:28 The importance of understanding your target guest

5:25 Automation and guest communication 

6:50 Remember, it’s hospitality 

7:50 Direct BookMe

Looking for a great PMS 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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk

Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected] 

Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/

Carlos Castillo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-castillo-73732a36b/

Direct BookMe: https://directbookme.co/

Episode to check next: Beyond’s Guide to Profitable Slow Periods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLIi2ftGzSs&t=4s

Host Planet Bitesize 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: [email protected]

#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #CarlosCastillo #DirectBookMe