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

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Henrik Kjellberg, CEO of Awaze, is the special guest on today’s show.

Awaze is home to a host of well-known brands in the holiday rentals industry, including Hoseasons, NOVASOL, and Cottages.com, who between them manage more than 100,000 properties across Europe.

During this episode, learn:

• How to keep owners and guests happy
• The top three amenities for short-term rentals 
• Key trends in the STR industry
• What Awaze prioritises during the acquisitions process

3:04 Henrik’s journey in the travel industry
4:31 The growth of Awaze
6:00 How to delight owners and guests
8:34 The importance of being ‘hyperlocal’
10:43 How to deliver an outstanding guest experience
13:48 Getting your rates right
16:26 Henrik’s top tips for hosts and property managers
19:08 Key trends in the STR space
20:35 What makes a great acquisition for Awaze
22:24 Favourite brand: Ardennes Etape
23:37 Individual shout-out: Simon Lehmann 
24:27 No. 1 piece of advice: deliver a great product

Links:

James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/
Free ticket for STR Zone on 4-5 October: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/str-zone
Priority list for new e-book: https://www.holidaycottagehandbook.com/e-book

Henrik Kjellberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/henrikkjellberg/
Awaze: https://www.awaze.com/

Mentions:

Ardennes-etaps: https://www.ardennes-etape.co.uk/
Simon Lehmann: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Touch Stay: https://touchstay.com/?utm_source=HolidayCottageHandbook&utm_medium=email+social&utm_campaign=airbnb

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

RentalWise: https://www.rentalwise.com/

Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/hch/

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Mark Shepherd, Founder and Managing Director of Apollo 3D, is the special guest on this week’s podcast.

Apollo 3D works with a large number of short-term rental owners, helping them develop 3D virtual tours, drone videos, and direct booking websites.

During this episode, learn:

• How Apollo 3D content can be utilised across numerous different channels
• How you can create a video version of a digital guidebook
• Why Apollo 3D can be a cost-effective solution 
• The process for developing content and direct booking websites

4:30 The story of Apollo 3D
5:53 Apollo 3D services for STR owners: photography, videos, drone shots, and direct booking websites
7:46 The content can be utilised across different channels: website, social media, newsletter, etc.
9:15 The process for creating video content for your property 
12:53 A guest communication tool: the video version of a digital guidebook
14:06 The package of goods STR owners will receive from Apollo 3D
15:39 The feedback from STR hosts proves the value of this content
17:34 Apollo 3D has developed content for garden sheds up to country piles (and everything in between)
18:55 Apollo 3D is operational across the UK and works with trusted collaborators abroad
19:51 The cost varies from a few hundred pounds upwards and depends on the brief 
21:04 The process for developing direct booking websites 
22:43 Apollo 3D’s flagship projects with leading brands
24:01 The growth of the holiday let industry in the UK
25:22 No. 1 lesson learned from founding Apollo 3D

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB
Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY
Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY
Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6
Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Mark Shepherd: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thisisshep/
Apollo 3D: https://apollo3d.co.uk/fhl/

Sponsor links:

Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/hch/

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

Orana Stay: https://www.oranastay.com/

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Dale Smith, CEO and Founder of Host & Stay, is the special guest on today’s Holiday Cottage Handbook Podcast.

Dale discussed Host & Stay’s rapid growth, the importance of marketing, hosting tips, key amenities for short-term rentals, industry trends, and more.

During this episode, learn:

·       Why Host & Stay stands out in the property management space

·       Why the location of your rental is so important

·       Ideal amenities

·       Cleaning and maintenance tips

·       Trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry

Dale picked Boom for his favourite brand and gave Rudy Abrahami from Maveriks a special shout-out.

4:38 The story of Host & Stay

7:17 What makes Host & Stay stand out

9:19 Host & Stay’s expansion across the UK

10:53 Onboarding properties: make sure you invest in marketing 

13:16 What Host & Stay looks for in acquisitions

15:28 How to utilise marketing to grow your property management business 

18:27 The wider Host & Stay Group

22:06 The future for Host & Stay: more growth, international focus

23:37 Dale’s top hosting tips, starting with location being key

26:44 The key amenities: why you need to be dog-friendly

28:41 Cleaning and maintenance tips

31:35 Key trends in the short-term rentals industry

35:27 Host & Stay’s commitment to sustainability 

38:14 Challenges and opportunities in the sector

40:51 Favourite brand: Boom

41:27 Individual shout-out: Rudy Abrahami from Maveriks

42:23 No. 1 lesson learned: there’s no perfect answer

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Dale Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalesmithpvl/

Host & Stay: https://hostandstay.co.uk/host/?utm_source=holidaycottagehandbook&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=HOST&utm_content=20240618content

Sponsor links:

Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/hch/

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

Orana Stay: https://www.oranastay.com/

Mentions:

Boom: https://www.boomnow.com/

Rudy Abrahami: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-abrahami-21622368/

Maveriks: https://www.maveriks.com/

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Margot Schmorak, the CEO and Co-Founder of Hostfully, is the special guest on today’s Holiday Cottage Handbook Podcast.

Margot discussed her varied career, the story of Hostfully, and shared hosting tips and trends.

During this episode, learn:

·       The story of Hostfully and why it stands out in the property management software space

·       Why Guesty’s acquisition of Rentals United was no surprise

·       Why you should use a digital guidebook

·       Trends to look out for as a host and property manager

Margot picked PriceLabs for her favourite brand and gave Robin Craigen and Nicholas Halverson special shout-outs.

3:21 Margot’s career: nanny, barista, architecture, Apple, start-ups…and Hostfully!

5:47 The story of Hostfully

8:41 What makes Hostfully stand out in the PMS space

11:40 Margot’s thoughts on Guesty’s acquisition of Rentals United

12:51 Will we see more consolidation in the PMS space?

14:45 Solutions can be more user-friendly

16:20 A number of STR platforms are too complicated

17:20 The challenges the STR industry is facing

21:21 Being a female founder

25:15 Top tips for hosts and property managers 

27:57 Major trends in the STR industry

30:18 Favourite brand in the STR space: PriceLabs

31:33 Individual shout-outs: Robin Craigen from Moving Mountains and Nicholas Halverson from Osa Property Management 

32:56 Biggest lesson learned since founding Hostfully

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Margot Schmorak: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mschmorak/

Hostfully: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

Touch Stay: https://touchstay.com/?utm_source=HolidayCottageHandbook&utm_medium=email+social&utm_campaign=airbnb

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

Mentions:

PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/

Robin Craigen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robincraigen/

Moving Mountains: https://www.movingmountains.com/

Nicholas Halverson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholashalverson/

Osa Property Management: https://osapropertymanagement.com/

Other:

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Dami Okedara from Search and Stay is the special guest on today’s Holiday Cottage Handbook Podcast.

Dami shares the story of Search and Stay – a commission-free (for hosts) online travel agency based in Australia.

During this episode, learn:

·       Why hosts should list on Search and Stay

·       How to use SEO to boost your listings

·       Why you need to utilise data and set seasonal rates 

·       The importance of outstanding photography

Dami picked Interhome for his favourite brand and gave the Search and Stay Founder, plus HCH Founder, James Varley, a special shout-out.

4:19 Dami’s journey in the short-term rentals world

5:05 The story of Search and Stay

6.37 How Search and Stay stands out 

7:27 The future for Search and Stay: international growth

8:18 Why hosts should list on Search and Stay (zero commission!)

10:56 Removing commission fees for hosts 

12:34 How to upload your rentals to Search and Stay

14:12 How you can utilise SEO to boost your listings

16:08 Head to www.searchandstay.com for further details

17:14 Top hosting tips: utilise data and set seasonal rates 

18:50 Eye-catching photography is crucial

20:31 STR trends to look out for

21:45 Favourite brand: Interhome

22:50 Individual shout-out: Search and Stay Founder and HCH Founder, James Varley (very kind!)

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Dami Okedara: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dami-okedara-head-of-sales-7146292b0/

Search and Stay: https://www.searchandstay.com/

Sponsor links:

Hosthub: www.hosthub.com/hch

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

RentalWise: https://www.rentalwise.com/

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

Smiling House Luxury: https://smilinghouse.ch/

Orana Stay: https://www.oranastay.com/

Mentions:

Interhome: https://www.interhome.co.uk/

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Vanessa de Souza Lage, CEO and Co-Founder of Sustonica, is the special guest on today’s Holiday Cottage Handbook Podcast.

From property management in Rome to setting up Rentals United and eventually founding Sustonica, Vanessa is a trailblazer in the short-term rentals space.

During this episode, learn:

·       Why Sustonica is making a difference in the STR space

·       How to achieve sustainability certification for your rental

·       The advantages of earning certification

·       The simple things you can do to be more sustainable 

·       Why we need more education about sustainability 

Vanessa picked Enso Connect for her favourite brand and gave Cristiana Carpini a special shout-out.

4:31 Vanessa’s story in the STR industry

7:27 Top tips for hosts and property managers

10:11 How the STR industry has developed since Rentals United was launched 

13:54 The elevator pitch for Sustonica

17:06 How to earn sustainability certification (it’s simpler than you think)

20:58 The advantages of earning sustainability certification

22:34 The cost and further information 

23:47 Guests are looking to stay at eco-friendly rentals

24:26 The simple things you can do to be more sustainable 

28:20 More education is needed to help people implement sustainability

30:56 What would you say to hosts who say they don’t have the time or money for sustainability?

34:31 Favourite brand: Enso Connect

35:04 Individual shout-out: Cristiana Carpini

35:52 No. 1 lesson learned since founding Sustonica 

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Vanessa de Souza Lage: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanessadesouzalage/

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

Sponsor links:

Hosthub: www.hosthub.com/hch

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

RentalWise: https://www.rentalwise.com/

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

Orana Stay: https://www.oranastay.com/

Mentions:

EnviroRental: https://envirorental.earth/

Enso Connect: https://ensoconnect.com/

Cristiana Carpini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristiana-carpini-40b65413/

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Matt Landau, Founder of www.VRMB.com, is the special guest on today’s Holiday Cottage Handbook Podcast.

The episode traverses the joy of travel, breaking up gang violence in Panama(!), hosting tips, guest emotions, eco-friendly rentals, AI, direct bookings, regulation, and much more.

Matt picked Inhabit for his favourite brand and gave Valerie Gangas from Juniper Holiday + Home a special shout-out.

4:48 Matt’s story begins with a love for travel

11:43 Dealing with gang violence in Panama

15:31 The elevator pitch for VRMB.com

19:25 How to be a brilliant host

24:06 Guest emotions are important 

28:15 Are guests demanding eco-friendly rentals?

29:36 How is AI changing the industry?

32:14 Are direct bookings the be-all and end-all?

35:32 Matt’s message to political leaders about STR regulation

45:43 Favourite brand: Inhabit

50:01 Individual shout-out: Valerie Gangas from Juniper Holiday + Home

52:02 No. 1 piece of advice: don’t do it! 

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Matt Landau: https://www.linkedin.com/in/landaumatt/

VRMB.com: https://www.vrmb.com/

Petition to reverse government plans to abolish the furnished holiday lettings tax regime: https://rb.gy/u0n35j

Sponsor links:

Hosthub: www.hosthub.com/hch

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Sustonica: https://www.sustonica.com/

RentalWise: https://www.rentalwise.com/

Mentions:

Inhabit: https://inhabit.com/

Valerie Gangas: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valerie-gangas/

Juniper Holiday + Home: https://www.juniperholidayandhome.com/

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Alex Caravitis, CEO and Co-Founder of Hosthub, is the special guest on today’s show.

Find out more about one of the top-rated property management solutions on the market, plus discover 2024 trends and various hosting tips.

Listen in to learn:

·       Why professionalisation is the leading trend

·       How AI can supercharge your guest communication

·       The benefits of having a direct booking channel

·       How Hosthub can take your business to the next level 

·       Hosthub’s AI assistant takes the stress out of guest communication

Alex picked Tourmie as his favourite brand and gave a special shout-out to Marcus Rader from Hostaway.

Hosthub offers a 14-day free trial and 30% off for Holiday Cottage Handbook readers! Hosthub's team will set you up and get you synced with zero effort on your side. Benefit from world-class partners and take your vacation rental business to the next level. 

3:41 2024 is tracking up compared to last year 

4:36 Demand remains strong for short-term rentals 

5:06 What we should call our industry 

7:08 What we can do to ensure any regulation is fair and equitable 

9:03 Key trends in the industry: professionalisation is number one 

11:58 How to ensure success in 2024

14:48 AI can help to supercharge your guest communication

16:23 Why you need a direct booking channel 

19:11 Advice to hosts who are worried about running a website

20:56 The elevator pitch for Hosthub

23:03 The key things Hosthub can help hosts and property managers achieve

25:06 Hosthub’s AI assistant answers guest questions 

28:59 Favourite brand: Tourmie

29:43 Individual shout-out: Marcus Rader from Hostaway

30:26 No. 1 lesson learned since co-founding Hosthub

Links:

Petition to reverse government plans to abolish the furnished holiday lettings tax regime: https://rb.gy/u0n35j

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Alex Caravitis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandercaravitis/

Hosthub: www.hosthub.com/hch

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Mentions:

Tourmie: https://tourmie.com/

Marcus Rader: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marketingmarcus/

Hostaway: https://www.hostaway.com/

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Alistair Handyside, Executive Chair of the Professional Association of Self Caterers (PASC UK), is the special guest on today’s show.

Alistair discusses his story in the industry – from software development all the way through to launching PASC UK, via holiday rentals near Silverstone, setting up in Devon, and playing a key role in the growth of Premier Cottages.

Listen in to learn:

·       Property management and guest experience tips

·       How PASC UK helps hosts and managers 

·       What PASC UK is doing in response to the spring budget 

·       Why the UK government needs data

·       What Alistair would say to our political leaders 

Alistair picked Touch Stay as his favourite brand and gave special shout-outs to Robert Kennedy, from SuperControl, and Richard Vaughton, from Yes Consulting.

3:55 Alistair’s story: from software to Silverstone

5:30 Setting up in Devon

7:20 Property management tips 

9:57 How to deliver a great guest experience 

11:38 Biggest lessons learned

13:29 Premier Cottages and setting up PASC UK

16:58 COVID-19 was a game-changer for PASC UK

20:46 PASC UK: support for people with one property or hundreds 

22:15 Reaction to the spring budget 

26:06 It is unclear what the abolition of furnished holiday lettings tax regime means

28:57 A change of government might move the goalposts again 

30:04 The government needs data

33:04 What Alistair would say to politicians

35:30 Is the STR industry stopping first-time buyers from buying property?

37:37 How can we avoid being an easy target for the media and politicians?

39:39 PASC UK’s lobbying efforts

40:56 Favourite brand: Touch Stay 

41:45 Individual shout-outs: Robert Kennedy and Richard Vaughton

43:20 Advice to people worried about the spring budget 

Links:

Petition to reverse government plans to abolish the FHL tax regime: https://rb.gy/u0n35j

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

E-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Alistair Handyside: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alistair-handyside-mbe-4170b216/

PASC UK: https://www.pascuk.co.uk/

Premier Cottages: https://www.premiercottages.co.uk/

Higher Wiscombe: https://www.higherwiscombe.com/

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Hosthub: www.hosthub.com/hch

Mentions:

Robert Kennedy: https://supercontrol.co.uk/about-us/meet-the-team

Richard Vaughton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardvaughton/

Touch Stay: https://touchstay.com/?utm_source=HolidayCottageHandbook&utm_medium=email+social&utm_campaign=airbnb

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Tyann Marcink Hammond – Touch Stay’s Queen of Guest Experience – is the special guest on today’s show.

Learn:

• How to deal with guest expectations
• How often you should communicate with guests 
• How great communications can help you get better reviews and more direct bookings 
• How to ask for a great review
• The trends hosts and property managers need to be aware of
• Offering the right upsells for your rental 

Tyann picked Conrad O’Connell and BuildUp Bookings for her favourite brand, and gave Amber Erickson-Hurdle a special individual shout-out.

Special offer!

Use code HCH10 to get 10% off your first annual subscription with Touch Stay (offer valid until 30 June 2024).

3:38 Starting out with family one-upmanship

6:44 In the early days, people sent cheques through the post 

9:06 How to deal with ever-rising guest expectations 

11:41 How a Touch Stay digital guidebook can amaze your guests

13:47 How to sign up for Touch Stay 

17:01 Guests love Touch Stay – and often mention it in reviews

19:44 How often you should communicate and when 

22:56 How communications can help you get better reviews and more direct bookings 

24:50 Asking for a review can help you get top marks every time

25:41 The big trends: experiential and transformative travel

27:47 The upsells you can offer and how Touch Stay can help to market them

29:27 No 1 piece of advice: quality and timely communication 

31:16 Individual shout-out: Amber Erickson Hurdle 

32:06 No 1 lesson learned from being an experienced host: use white linens and towels

32:48 Favourite brand in the STR space: Conrad O’Connell and BuildUp Bookings 

Links:

James Varley: https://shorturl.at/rstAB

Holiday Cottage Handbook website: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free newsletter: https://shorturl.at/xLMRY

Free e-book: https://shorturl.at/imtW6

Survey: https://shorturl.at/axOV6

Tyann Marcink Hammond: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyannmarcink/

Touch Stay: https://touchstay.com/?utm_source=HolidayCottageHandbook&utm_medium=email+social&utm_campaign=airbnb

Petition to reverse government plans to abolish the furnished holiday lettings tax regime: https://rb.gy/u0n35j

Sponsor links:

HCH Financial Services: https://www.hchfs.com/ Call: 0333 1234 536 Email: [email protected]

Hosthub: www.hosthub.com/hch

Mentions:

Amber Erickson-Hurdle: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theamberhurdle/

Conrad O’Connell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/conradoconnell/

BuildUp Bookings: https://www.buildupbookings.com/

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Email the show: [email protected]