In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, Charlie Gibbons from Beyond shares a clear playbook for autumn/winter: watch your booking lead times, don’t slash rates too fast, and judge success by REVPAN (revenue per available night) – not vanity metrics.

Charlie tackles minimum stay rules, stresses knowing your true costs so every booking is profitable, and shows how to adapt tactics as the market shifts. Smart, practical moves to keep calendars healthy when demand softens.

1:56 Booking lead times matter

3:38 Don’t tank the rate too quickly

4:49 Revenue is the goal – but the definition of success can change

6:59 Charlie’s message to hosts who don’t want to drop their minimum stay rules

8:19 REVPAN (revenue per available night) is the most important metric

11:00 It’s critical to understand your numbers (and make a profit)

13:04 Play to your strengths

15:11 Leverage strategies that evolve as your market does

18:33 Check out Beyond: https://www.beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024

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/

Charlie Gibbons: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-gibbons-875a51116/

Beyond: https://www.beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024

Episode to check next: Which Tools Actually Boost Your Airbnb Income?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJCFX9ExvIc&t=36s

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 #CharlieGibbons #Beyond #ShoulderSeason #DynamicPricing #RevenueManagement

In this Host Planet Playbook episode, Dean McLuckie shares the roller-coaster rise of Euphoric Leisure in South Africa – from a travel club to scaling fast in a complex, ever-evolving STR market.

We dig into regulation challenges, how industry rivals have united to protect responsible hosting, and what makes Euphoric Leisure stand out. Dean drops practical tips for five-star guest experience, why you should never waste a good crisis, and how joy returns to the job when you get the guest journey right.

1:52 The story of Euphoric Leisure

2:21 From a travel club to the short-term rentals industry (via Netflix)

4:32 The wild journey from 0-100

6:46 How the South African STR space is developing

8:12 The challenges in South Africa, starting with regulation

13:15 The threat of regulation has united competitors in South Africa 

16:05 What makes Euphoric Leisure stand out

19:01 Tips to deliver an outstanding guest experience

23:43 Never waste a good crisis

26:09 Delivering a great guest experience makes the job joyful

27:22 Quickfire questions

32:02 Shout-out: Nick Taylor

32:53 Ultimate goal

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

The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with the property management software, Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanet

Dean McLuckie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanmcluckie/

Euphoric Leisure: https://euphoricleisure.com/

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 Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, Florian Montag from Apaleo breaks down how short-term rental managers can use AI today – including what tools to try, the best live use cases, and where humans still matter.

We touch on OpenAI’s Operator model, practical workflows for tech-savvy hosts to stay ahead, and the STR trends for 2025 (including what Airbnb is up to). Florian also spotlights standout operators and closes with actionable tips to start – or scale – your AI journey.

0:52 How should STR managers be using AI?

4:46 The AI tools STR managers should be trying

6:57 The best use cases involving AI right now

11:12 AI won’t take over completely

13:45 How can tech-savvy hosts stay ahead of the curve in relation to AI

17:35 OpenAI’s Operator model

20:46 Apaleo

24:24 STR trends in 2025, including what Airbnb is up to

26:04 Favourite brand: Cuckoo and Co in Switzerland 

27:16 Shout-out: Jessica Gillingham from Abode Worldwide

28:06 Top tips for people who want to use AI

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/

Florian Montag: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fmontag/

Apaleo: https://apaleo.com/

Episode to check next: UK STR Outlook: Late Bookings, Channel Mix & Pricing Discipline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fnaFLgeYjl4&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 #AI #FlorianMontag #Apaleo

In this Host Planet Bitesize, Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke from Frasers Hospitality shares quick wins for hosts and property managers to attract remote workers.

She discusses flexibility, the importance of fast, reliable Wi-Fi, offering adaptable services (early check-in, housekeeping on demand), and wellbeing extras such as great coffee and gym access.

1:57 Flexibility is imperative

3:16 Fast, reliable Wi-Fi is essential

4:46 Adaptable services are important

6:24 Offer wellbeing extras, such as great coffee and facilities like a gym

7:36 Bring in a membership for people who want to use your space for work

8:55 Frasers Hospitality 

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/

Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccahollants/

Frasers Hospitality: https://www.frasershospitality.com/en/

Episode to check next: Why Every STR Needs a PMS (Not Spreadsheets): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7otG2iYxI0

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

From Broadway to brilliant hosting. In this Host Planet Playbook episode, Sarah Karakaian, Co-Founder of Thanks for Visiting, shares how she swapped the stage for short-term rentals and built brands that wow guests and keep owners smiling. We dig into the nuts and bolts of five-star guest experience, why boundaries matter, standing out in Columbus, Ohio, and the most common questions new hosts ask. Sarah closes with practical advice for getting started – and the mindset that turns hosting into a meaningful, scalable business.

1:42 Sarah’s journey in the STR space

2:25 From Broadway to vacation rentals

5:29 Thanks for Visiting has replaced the acting bug

6:05 How to deliver an outstanding guest experience 

7:40 Boundaries are a good thing

8:54 How to keep owners happy

10:12 Challenges and opportunities in Columbus, Ohio 

11:50 How Sarah’s brands stand out

14:09 What Sarah loves about hosting 

15:33 Thanks for Visiting

19:58 The common questions new hosts ask

21:38 Advice to people starting out

25:16 Quickfire questions

27:28 Shout-out: Justin Ford

28:16 Ultimate goal

Sarah Karakaian: https://www.linkedin.com/in/skarakaian/

Thanks for Visiting: https://thanksforvisiting.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/

On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – we’re joined by Conrad O’Connell, Founder of BuildUp Bookings, to break down how STR operators can move from OTA dependency to meaningful direct bookings in as little as three months.

Conrad shares the non-negotiable pages every direct booking site needs, the most common SEO mistakes he sees (and how to fix them), and the quick wins that actually drive traffic.

We also cover Google Business Profile, the current state of Google Vacation Rentals, and how to use social media and paid ads to feed your site (without burning budget). You’ll also learn the smartest way to build an email list, why direct bookings aren’t free, and the one mistake operators should stop making today.

If you’re serious about owning your demand, this conversation is a blueprint. Plus: Conrad’s biggest marketing win of the year, favourite brands, and a few shout-outs you’ll want to note.

0:00 Episode starts

1:00 From OTA dependency to direct bookings in three months 

4:22 Dealing with hosts who want more direct bookings 

6:01 Direct bookings are not free 

8:25 The pages every direct booking website needs

11:01 Common SEO mistakes short-term rental managers make

12:26 The simple things you can do to drive website traffic

15:14 Let your guests know you have a direct booking website

16:40 Google Business Profile 

18:50 Google Vacation Rentals 

21:56 Utilise social media to drive people to your website 

22:59 Paid ads on social media 

24:44 The smartest way to build an email list 

27:30 The one mistake operators should stop making

29:18 The biggest marketing win this year 

31:56 Build Up Bookings: https://www.buildupbookings.com/

32:24 Favourite brands: Luxury Retreats and Fieldtrip

34:01 Shout-out: Tyann Marcink Hammond 

35:18 Biggest lesson learned

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/

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

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

Episode to check next: The Smart Way to Price Your Vacation Rental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsHYwAUreLs

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 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