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

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Frank Bosi breaks down why a property management system (PMS) is the backbone of any serious STR operation.

Learn how a PMS delivers channel manager sync, direct booking support, automated guest messaging, smart-home integrations, and payments and reporting that actually save time and lift revenue.

Frank also shows how Hostfully’s digital guidebooks complete the guest journey.

Want to see it in action? Book a demo with Frank and choose the right PMS for your business:

Book a demo with Frank: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

Email Frank: [email protected]

1:58 Nerding out on tech in the STR world

3:05 You need channel manager magic

3:51 Make sure the PMS supports direct bookings

4:17 Automated guest messaging

6:11 Integrate smart home devices

8:00 Payments and reporting

9:30 Hostfully digital guidebooks

11:21 Use the right property management software

13:28 Book a demo with Frank to learn more about Hostfully: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo

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

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

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

Episode to check next: How Great Photography Boosts Your Vacation Rental Business: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiQ6mYlT6pk&t=1s

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 #Software #Tech #PropTech

In this Host Planet Playbook episode, we head to Acorn Glade near York in the UK to speak to Wendy Wilkinson Coe.

Wendy shares her STR journey into glamping, how she’s crafted a standout guest experience (from wildlife moments to thoughtful touches), and what she learned at British Airways about service that truly lands.

We dig into location challenges and opportunities, working with the local community, defining ideal guests, and how she’s flipping the script on direct bookings. If you’re building a nature-led stay with five-star hospitality, this one’s packed with practical tips and inspiration.

1:43 Acorn Glade

2:10 Wendy’s short-term rentals journey

3:50 Glamping

4:41 How Wendy has developed the guest experience at Acorn Glade

5:31 Wendy’s top tips for delivering a great guest experience

7:30 What Wendy learned from her work with British Airways

8:19 The challenges and opportunities in Wendy’s location

9:28 The importance of good relations with the local community 

10:40 Wildlife and the unique selling points of Acorn Glade 

12:23 Ideal guests 

13:39 Biggest lesson learned

15:03 The joy of meeting such a diverse group of people

15:51 Flipping the script on direct bookings

17:01 Quickfire questions

20:03 Shout-outs: Sarah Orchard and Paul Anderson

20:17 Ultimate goal for the business

Acorn Glade: https://acornglade.co.uk/

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: 

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

What’s really happening in the UK short-term rental market heading into 2026?

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Sally Henry, VP of Business Development at Key Data, breaks down late-booking trends, the right OTA vs direct mix, why pricing discipline matters, and how hosts/managers can lock in early demand for peak periods.

1:15 What’s happening in the UK’s STR industry in 2025?

4:52 Is late booking the new normal?

6:51 Hosts need to cover their costs

8:27 Property managers need to be agile

10:59 OTA channels are growing at the expense of direct bookings  

14:04 What’s a good mix of OTA channels and direct bookings?

16:37 Rates are holding firm – pricing discipline is important

18:02 The holy grail is to get the early bookings

19:43 How to prepare for Christmas and New Year 

21:01 Short-term rentals are outperforming hotels in Scotland and Wales 

22:24 Get on every channel you can and understand your pricing and competitors

23:23 Find out more about Key Data: https://www.keydatadashboard.com/products/prodata?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook

Link to the Key Data report: https://www.keydatadashboard.com/uk-quarterly-report

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/

Sally Henry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-henry-3516229/

Key Data: https://www.keydatadashboard.com/products/prodata?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook

Episode to check next: Welsh Holiday Let Owners Are Giving Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB-a8ZM5xWU&t=1s

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 #SallyHenry #KeyData #Data #Trends #UKMarket

Booking windows are shrinking and winter is coming – so how should hosts price the shoulder season?

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Siana Vesselinova from PriceLabs breaks down UK summer trends, why you shouldn’t panic-drop rates, and the pricing and occupancy signals to watch as we head into winter.

You’ll learn practical tactics to capture demand in a slower market: flexible minimum stays, dynamic minimum stay settings, workation-friendly policies, and how to use PriceLabs to set smarter rates. We also cover why knowing your financials and floor rates matters more than ever.

Plus: Host Planet Roadshow details and how to start a 30-day free trial with PriceLabs.

2:00 Summer trends in the UK

3:34 The booking window is shortening

5:03 Don’t panic and tank your rates too quickly

6:23 Pricing and occupancy trends heading into winter

7:29 Tips to capture demand in a slower market

9:39 Flexibility and minimum stays

10:57 Travel trends, including workations

12:39 How PriceLabs helps STR hosts

14:47 How PriceLabs works when setting rates

16:10 Dynamic minimum stay settings

17:28 The importance of knowing your financials

18:45 Host Planet Roadshow

19:30 30-day free trial with PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=hostplanet&utm_term=hp

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/

Siana Vesselinova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sianavesselinova13/

PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=hostplanet&utm_term=hp

Episode to check next: Master Your Minimum Stay Strategy with PriceLabs: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TivYkUjBrMI&t=1s

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 #PriceLabs #DynamicPricing #SianaVesselinova

Thinking about diversifying your farm income? In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Katie Williams from Sykes Holiday Cottages explains why holiday letting can outperform other property investments – and how to get started the right way.

What we cover:

- Why diversification into holiday lets makes sense for farms.

- Best conversions (barns, annexes, shepherd’s huts) and must-have amenities.

- A real case study and what to focus on first.

- Planning permission and regulation essentials.

- How Sykes can help you launch and scale.

1:49 Why diversification is a good idea for farmers 

3:09 The advantages of holiday letting compared to other forms of property investment

4:55 Join us for Holiday Let Success at Sykes HQ in Chester on Tuesday 11 November

5:47 The type of conversions which work best

7:05 The amenities guests are looking for

12:06 Diversification case study

17:26 What to concentrate on at the start of your diversification journey

22:00 Planning permission and regulation

23:22 Speak to Sykes if you’d like to get started: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

Farm Business Innovation Show: 5-6 November: https://www.farmbusinessshow.co.uk/

Holiday Let Success: Tuesday 11 November, Sykes HQ, Chester: https://www.hostplanet.club/events (this event is now fully booked!)

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

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

Katie Williams: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-williams-5949a0a2/

Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

Episode to check next: Responsible Holiday Letting: Boost Accessibility & Enhance the Guest Experience: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWPro9KuSFA&t=5s

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 #KatieWilliams #Farming #Diversification

For our latest Host Planet Playbook feature, we’re joined by James Cornwell, Co-Founder of Curated Property, to discuss scaling operations, challenges and opportunities in the holiday let industry, and how to prosper in the luxury sector.

James shares candid insights on:

- Scaling ops: playbooks for quality control, owners, and multi-market growth.

- UK landscape: how current legislation impacts STR strategy.

- Work-life balance: hard-won lessons from the founder seat.

- Upsells that serve: why not every upsell should be a cash grab.

- Tech stack: essential tools powering Curated Property.

- Plus, shout-outs for Alistair Handyside, Graham Donoghue, and Rudy Abrahams.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the short-term rental space.

1:39 Curated Property

2:13 James’s journey in the STR space

3:03 How Curated Property stands out

4:07 The main challenges and opportunities, including fire risk assessments and planning permission

7:03 What the industry needs to do to fight back

7:54 The sweet spot in relation to property management and customer service

10:54 How to keep owners happy

12:55 Great guest experience starts with training for staff

16:37 Upselling to high-end guests

17:56 Biggest lesson learned

20:28 Good financial hygiene is essential 

21:56 Work-life balance 

24:06 What James loves most about his work

26:00 Quickfire questions

28:02 Most memorable hosting moment

29:00 Shout-outs: Alistair Handyside, Graham Donoghue, and Rudy Abrahams

31:17 Ultimate goal

James Cornwell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescornwell/

Curated Property: https://www.curated-property.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: 

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

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Natalie Dowling breaks down DAC7 – the EU directive changing how short-term rental income is reported and taxed.

We cover:

- What DAC7 is and why it was introduced.

- How it affects hosts and property management companies.

- Who’s responsible for data collection and reporting.

- How to stay compliant — and what happens if you don’t.

- The real penalties for getting DAC7 wrong.

Many STR businesses are still in the dark about DAC7 – this episode gives you the clarity you need to stay ahead, stay compliant, and protect your business.

0:49 What is DAC7 and why was it introduced?

6:32 How DAC7 affects short-term rental hosts and property managers

8:02 The platform authority is responsible for reporting

8:30 How to collect data and report earnings 

11:10 Some companies are still in the dark about DAC7

12:24 Where property management companies can go for help

13:49 Where PMCs should start

15:49 Can an accountant deal with this?

17:21 The difference between personal and company set-ups on the OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com

18:44 The potential penalties of not complying with DAC7

Blog post featuring key links: https://www.hostplanet.club/post/dac7-what-every-short-term-rental-business-needs-to-know

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/

Natalie Dowling: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-dowling-53b52171/

Hartford Consulting: https://www.hartfordconsultants.co.uk/

Episode to check next: Welsh Holiday Let Owners Are Giving Up: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SB-a8ZM5xWU

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 #DAC7 #NatalieDowling #HartfordConsulting

In this special solo episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – James Varley shares everything you need to know about Holiday Let Success – a free, one-day event taking place on Tuesday 11 November at Sykes Holiday Cottages HQ in Chester.

1:47 Holiday Let Success: Tuesday 11 November at Sykes HQ in Chester

2:38 The speakers and topics you can look forward to

3:24 Alistair Handyside from PASC UK will be discussing lobbying efforts

3:52 Zak Ali from Launchbase will be talking about data and revenue management 

4:16 Matt Jeffery on holiday let taxes

4:42 Avantio’s Finlay Nesbitt on direct bookings

5:00 Ian Thompson from Beyond will be talking about market pacing

5:10 Johanne Hedges from the LiBi Collection on wowing your guests with luxury products

5:28 Louis Andrews from OVO Network on elevating the guest experience

5:48 Harriet Kerr from Sykes Holiday Cottages

6:02 Sharon Biggar from PriceLabs on how to master dynamic pricing

6:10 Steven Core from VoltShare on increasing revenue with EV charging

6:30 Robin Clifford from Guesty on self-driving homes (yes, really!)

6:48 Learn from the best, network, and share knowledge

7:30 This event is 100% free – and includes a free lunch and free glass of fizz!

Holiday Let Success is now fully booked. See you in Chester! Keen to attend our next events? Grab a ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow today: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

Agenda for Holiday Let Success: https://www.hostplanet.club/post/agenda-confirmed-for-holiday-let-success-free-event-for-short-term-rental-professionals

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

Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

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] 

Episode to check next: Why Short-Term Rental Hosts Should Attend SCALE UK in Manchester: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3UFdoHuDUw&t=1s

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 #HolidayLetSuccess #SykesHolidayCottages #Chester

In this episode of the Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, Joe Stallard from House and Holiday Home Mortgages explains exactly when and why holiday let owners should consider remortgaging.

We cover:

- Moving onto your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR).

- How to find the best remortgage deals – sometimes with your current lender.

- When to start planning your remortgage.

- Switching for better rates or post-refurbishment.

- Understanding mortgage terms, usage changes, and ownership structure.

If you’re a host or property investor navigating holiday let finance, this episode is packed with insights to help you make smarter mortgage decisions.

0:57 Moving on to your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR)

4:02 Your current lender could offer the best deal

5:18 When to start thinking about remortgaging 

7:21 Switching to get a better interest rate

8:27 Refinancing post-refurbishment

9:45 Change of rate type

12:05 Change of usage

14:14 Breaching mortgage terms and conditions

15:24 Changing the ownership style

16:44 Criteria reasons

18:34 Raising capital

20:33 House and Holiday Home Mortgages: https://www.hhhmortgages.com/host-planet

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

Joe Stallard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-stallard-9b462429/

House and Holiday Home Mortgages: https://www.hhhmortgages.com/host-planet

Episode to check next: Holiday Let vs Buy-to-Let Mortgages: A Guide for Airbnb Hosts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NCm0RONCdI

Host Planet Mortgage 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 #HolidayLets #HolidayLetMortgage #Mortgages #JoeStallard #JamesVarley #Remortgage

For our first Host Planet Playbook feature, we’re joined by Graham Donoghue, CEO of Forge Holiday Group, to discuss what it takes to scale from 5,000 to 30,000 short-term rental properties while keeping the local touch that makes hospitality special.

Graham shares candid insights on:

- The challenges of rapid growth and integration in the world of vacation rentals.

- How AI can give every holiday let operator a “superpower”.

- A simple AI hack using image metadata to drive traffic and visibility on platforms like ChatGPT.

- His best tips for keeping holiday let owners happy and guests coming back.

Plus – shout-outs to Simon Lehmann, Antonio Bortolotti, and other industry greats.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about growth, innovation, and the bright future of the STR industry.

1:51 Who, what, where

2:57 The growth of Forge Holiday Group

4:15 The main challenges of going from 5,000 to 30,000 short-term rentals

6:13 How to keep the local flavour post-acquisition

8:42 We do what we say

10:59 The objective is for AI to give everyone a superpower

12:53 How AI will impact the STR industry

15:34 What companies can do to leverage large language models like ChatGPT

19:18 Simple AI hack: image metadata

20:42 Challenges and opportunities 

22:58 Tips to keep owners happy

25:09 Tips to deliver an outstanding guest experience

27:07 Biggest lesson learned: there’s nothing as funny as folk

28:52 It’s a great industry

29:57 Quickfire questions

33:56 Shout-outs: Simon Lehmann, Antonio Bortolotti, and many others

35:11 Ultimate goal for Forge Holiday Group

Graham Donoghue: https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamdonoghue/

Forge Holiday Group: https://www.forgeholidays.com/

Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/

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/