Tristan Kavanagh helps run two stargazing dome stays in NSW. He also built Host Port after struggling to find affordable booking management software for small hosts. He joins Ray and Silvia to talk about hosting, direct bookings, and building the tools he needed.We discuss his path into hosting, managing bookings across different platforms, guest communication, and how much to automate when you run a small accommodation business.Connect with Tristan<ul><li><a href="http://www.hostport.co">Host Port website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/host_port/">Host Port on Instagram — @host_port</a></li></ul>Tristan’s stays<ul><li><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1438723901524218678">Romantic Stargazing Dome Retreat — Megalong Valley</a></li><li><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/42647791">Beyond Bubbles Stargazing Dome with Hot Tub — Bucketty</a></li></ul>Stay with Ray and Silvia<ul><li><a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb">Ray’s properties</a></li><li><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X">Silvia’s Sydney Airbnb</a></li></ul>Follow the hosts<ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld/">Ray on Instagram — @rayzworld</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under/">Superhosts Down Under on Instagram</a></li></ul>Follow Superhosts Down Under for more conversations with hosts across Australia and beyond.

Tristan Kavanagh helps run two stargazing dome stays in NSW. He also built Host Port after struggling to find affordable booking management software for small hosts. He joins Ray and Silvia to talk about hosting, direct bookings, and building the tools he needed. We discuss his path into hosting, managing bookings across different platforms, guest communication, and how much to automate when you run a small accommodation business. Connect with TristanHost Port websiteHost Port on Instagram — @host_portTristan’s staysRomantic Stargazing Dome Retreat — Megalong ValleyBeyond Bubbles Stargazing Dome with Hot Tub — BuckettyStay with Ray and SilviaRay’s propertiesSilvia’s Sydney AirbnbFollow the hostsRay on Instagram — @rayzworldSuperhosts Down Under on InstagramFollow Superhosts Down Under for more conversations with hosts across Australia and beyond.

Tristan Kavanagh helps run two stargazing dome stays in NSW. He also built Host Port after struggling to find affordable booking management software for small hosts. He joins Ray and Silvia to talk about hosting, direct bookings, and building the tools he needed.We discuss his path into hosting, managing bookings across different platforms, guest communication, and how much to automate when you run a small accommodation business.Connect with Tristan<ul><li><a href="http://www.hostport.co" rel="noopener noreferrer">Host Port website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/host_port/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Host Port on Instagram — @host_port</a></li></ul>Tristan’s stays<ul><li><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/1438723901524218678" rel="noopener noreferrer">Romantic Stargazing Dome Retreat — Megalong Valley</a></li><li><a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/42647791" rel="noopener noreferrer">Beyond Bubbles Stargazing Dome with Hot Tub — Bucketty</a></li></ul>Stay with Ray and Silvia<ul><li><a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ray’s properties</a></li><li><a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silvia’s Sydney Airbnb</a></li></ul>Follow the hosts<ul><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ray on Instagram — @rayzworld</a></li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Superhosts Down Under on Instagram</a></li></ul>Follow Superhosts Down Under for more conversations with hosts across Australia and beyond.

Ep 68: Stargazing Domes and Building Host Port, with Tristan Kavanagh

This week Silvia and Ray open with a myth worth killing: that hosting and property management run on autopilot, and that anyone in the business is really just a rent collector. Ray goes back to collecting cash rent from a roofer at twenty one, Silvia makes the case that it is a job that takes real experience, and Carlos adds the line that frames the rest of the episode. Automation does not remove the work, it just moves it. The judgment layer is the real job.From there we turn to Carlos Castillo, co-founder of DirectBookMe, a subscription based direct booking platform he and his wife launched in October 2024 with no tech background, no real estate background and no outside funding. Around 150 hosts are on the site today.Carlos is candid about the parts most founders leave out: the valley you walk into after the idea high, hiring web development agencies when you cannot write the code yourself, and the fact that growth has been slower than he expected. He is equally clear that he is not asking anyone to leave Airbnb. Run direct alongside it, move fifteen to twenty percent of your bookings across, and own the guest relationship that the big platforms keep for themselves.What we cover<ul><li>The myth that hosting runs on autopilot, and why the labour never disappears</li><li>Ray on collecting cash rent at twenty one, and why doing the job yourself makes you a better client later</li><li>Whether AI can take over hosting, and where the human part starts</li><li>The moment Carlos realised he was building on rented land</li><li>How DirectBookMe works, with no commission on either side</li><li>The two pricing tiers, and why subscription rather than per booking</li><li>How payments work, with Stripe for subscriptions and the booking left to the host</li><li>What stays on the host: rental agreements, deposits, insurance, damage coverage</li><li>Why the platform is deliberately not algorithm driven</li><li>Owning your guest data, and capturing repeat guests</li><li>Trust and safety, and the gap where AirCover sits</li><li>Running direct alongside the OTAs, iCal sync and PMS integration</li><li>Building a platform with no technical background</li><li>What is next: ID verification, easier onboarding, and a vetted partner resources page</li></ul>Find Carlos DirectBookMe: <a href="https://www.directbookme.co">https://www.directbookme.co</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/directbookme">@directbookme</a>Sponsor This episode is recorded with Riverside. Use code RAY15 for 15% off.Stay with us Ray's place, Scandinavian Suite in South Yarra: <a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb">https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb</a> Silvia's Airbnb: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X">https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X</a>Follow the hosts Ray on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld">https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld</a>

This week Silvia and Ray open with a myth worth killing: that hosting and property management run on autopilot, and that anyone in the business is really just a rent collector. Ray goes back to collecting cash rent from a roofer at twenty one, Silvia makes the case that it is a job that takes real experience, and Carlos adds the line that frames the rest of the episode. Automation does not remove the work, it just moves it. The judgment layer is the real job. From there we turn to Carlos Castillo, co-founder of DirectBookMe, a subscription based direct booking platform he and his wife launched in October 2024 with no tech background, no real estate background and no outside funding. Around 150 hosts are on the site today. Carlos is candid about the parts most founders leave out: the valley you walk into after the idea high, hiring web development agencies when you cannot write the code yourself, and the fact that growth has been slower than he expected. He is equally clear that he is not asking anyone to leave Airbnb. Run direct alongside it, move fifteen to twenty percent of your bookings across, and own the guest relationship that the big platforms keep for themselves. What we coverThe myth that hosting runs on autopilot, and why the labour never disappearsRay on collecting cash rent at twenty one, and why doing the job yourself makes you a better client laterWhether AI can take over hosting, and where the human part startsThe moment Carlos realised he was building on rented landHow DirectBookMe works, with no commission on either sideThe two pricing tiers, and why subscription rather than per bookingHow payments work, with Stripe for subscriptions and the booking left to the hostWhat stays on the host: rental agreements, deposits, insurance, damage coverageWhy the platform is deliberately not algorithm drivenOwning your guest data, and capturing repeat guestsTrust and safety, and the gap where AirCover sitsRunning direct alongside the OTAs, iCal sync and PMS integrationBuilding a platform with no technical backgroundWhat is next: ID verification, easier onboarding, and a vetted partner resources pageFind Carlos DirectBookMe: https://www.directbookme.co Instagram: @directbookme Sponsor This episode is recorded with Riverside. Use code RAY15 for 15% off. Stay with us Ray's place, Scandinavian Suite in South Yarra: https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb Silvia's Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X Follow the hosts Ray on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld

This week Silvia and Ray open with a myth worth killing: that hosting and property management run on autopilot, and that anyone in the business is really just a rent collector. Ray goes back to collecting cash rent from a roofer at twenty one, Silvia makes the case that it is a job that takes real experience, and Carlos adds the line that frames the rest of the episode. Automation does not remove the work, it just moves it. The judgment layer is the real job.From there we turn to Carlos Castillo, co-founder of DirectBookMe, a subscription based direct booking platform he and his wife launched in October 2024 with no tech background, no real estate background and no outside funding. Around 150 hosts are on the site today.Carlos is candid about the parts most founders leave out: the valley you walk into after the idea high, hiring web development agencies when you cannot write the code yourself, and the fact that growth has been slower than he expected. He is equally clear that he is not asking anyone to leave Airbnb. Run direct alongside it, move fifteen to twenty percent of your bookings across, and own the guest relationship that the big platforms keep for themselves.What we cover<ul><li>The myth that hosting runs on autopilot, and why the labour never disappears</li><li>Ray on collecting cash rent at twenty one, and why doing the job yourself makes you a better client later</li><li>Whether AI can take over hosting, and where the human part starts</li><li>The moment Carlos realised he was building on rented land</li><li>How DirectBookMe works, with no commission on either side</li><li>The two pricing tiers, and why subscription rather than per booking</li><li>How payments work, with Stripe for subscriptions and the booking left to the host</li><li>What stays on the host: rental agreements, deposits, insurance, damage coverage</li><li>Why the platform is deliberately not algorithm driven</li><li>Owning your guest data, and capturing repeat guests</li><li>Trust and safety, and the gap where AirCover sits</li><li>Running direct alongside the OTAs, iCal sync and PMS integration</li><li>Building a platform with no technical background</li><li>What is next: ID verification, easier onboarding, and a vetted partner resources page</li></ul>Find Carlos DirectBookMe: <a href="https://www.directbookme.co" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.directbookme.co</a> Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/directbookme" rel="noopener noreferrer">@directbookme</a>Sponsor This episode is recorded with Riverside. Use code RAY15 for 15% off.Stay with us Ray's place, Scandinavian Suite in South Yarra: <a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb</a> Silvia's Airbnb: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X</a>Follow the hosts Ray on Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.instagram.com/rayzworld</a>

Ep 67: If You Don't Own the Data, You Don't Have Anything, with Carlos Castillo

Welcome to Superhost Down Under! In this week's episode, Silvia and Ray tackle the great pet debate: to host or not to host furry friends? We are then joined by Lis, a former magazine decorating editor turned successful farmhouse Airbnb host. Lis shares her origin story of turning an investment property into a highly sought-after rural retreat, the power of professional photography, and her top cleaning hacks for managing large properties.Are you a creator looking to dramatically reduce your marketing workflow? This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Riverside's AI suite handles post-production effortlessly, offering perfectly vertical shorts with dynamic captions, and one-click studio-grade audio.<ul><li>​Special Offer: Try Riverside for free and get 15% off any paid plan using the code REY15.</li></ul>Silvia and Ray discuss their differing views and personal experiences regarding pet-friendly short-term rentals:<ul><li>​The City Apartment (Silvia): Does not allow pets due to space and building constraints. Silvia shares a cautionary tale from a fellow host involving a dog and a hallway wall.</li><li>​The Traveling Pet Owner (Ray): Traveling with a large Greyhound is tough. While Ray seeks pet-friendly spots on the road, his studio apartment isn't durable or large enough to host pets.</li><li>​The Farmhouse Approach (Lis): Welcomes pets with a sliding doggy door. She mitigates risks by checking for flea treatments, ensuring current vaccinations, and charging an extra cleaning fee.</li></ul>From Magazine Editor to HostLis turned an investment property in Wairala into a thriving retreat known as the <a href="https://www.bigsunnyfarmhouse.com.au/">Big Sunny Farmhouse</a>. After dealing with a nightmare long-term tenant, she pivoted to short-term rentals, outfitting the large space with spare furniture to attract families and working teams.Styling & Photography InsightsDrawing from her career as a decorating editor, Lis emphasizes that styling for the camera is everything.<ul><li>​Ditch the iPhone: Professional lighting and photography are non-negotiable for making your listing stand out.</li><li>​Budget-Friendly Upgrades: Paint old pine furniture white and incorporate cotton tablecloths with distinct accent colors.</li><li>​Unique Touches: To help rural guests find the driveway, Lis creates custom, arty letterboxes through <a href="https://www.letterboxart.com/airbnb">Letterbox Art</a>.</li></ul>Pricing and Technology<ul><li>​Manual Pricing: Lis found that dynamic pricing tools didn't work for her rural market. She prefers firm cancellation policies and manual pricing.</li><li>​Direct Websites: Instead of relying entirely on OTAs, Lis built a custom direct booking website to host local maps and provide added value to guests.</li></ul>Cleaning a massive farmhouse is time-consuming. Here is how Lis streamlines the process:<ul><li>​Ditch the Long Checklist: Lis created a hidden page on her website with photos showing cleaners exactly how to arrange towels and set up rooms.</li><li>​Furniture Sliders: Put sliders under heavy furniture so cleaners can easily push them back to vacuum underneath.</li><li>​Robo-Vac: Invest in a robot vacuum to clean under beds while human cleaners tackle other tasks.</li><li>​Color-Coded Linens: Keep three sets of sheets on hand, color-coded by bed size.</li><li>​BBQ Fees: Leave a polite note with cleaning tips for the BBQ, including a warning that a small fee applies if left excessively dirty.</li></ul>Connect with Lis:<ul><li>​Direct Booking Website: <a href="https://www.bigsunnyfarmhouse.com.au/">Big Sunny Farmhouse</a></li><li>​Airbnb Listing: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/46340021?unique_share_id=84f4981b-48c8-400f-be5d-2564952100f3&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76">Lis's Farmhouse Retreat</a></li><li>​Custom Letterboxes: <a href="https://www.letterboxart.com/airbnb">Letterbox Art</a></li><li>​Instagram: @bigsunnyfarmhouse </li></ul>Other Resources:<ul><li>​Ray's Direct Booking Sites: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://raymondyee.com.au">raymondyee.com.au</a> & <a href="https://lanestay.com.au/">lanestay.com.au</a></li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X">Silvia's Airbnb⁠</a></li></ul>

Welcome to Superhost Down Under! In this week's episode, Silvia and Ray tackle the great pet debate: to host or not to host furry friends? We are then joined by Lis, a former magazine decorating editor turned successful farmhouse Airbnb host. Lis shares her origin story of turning an investment property into a highly sought-after rural retreat, the power of professional photography, and her top cleaning hacks for managing large properties. Are you a creator looking to dramatically reduce your marketing workflow? This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Riverside's AI suite handles post-production effortlessly, offering perfectly vertical shorts with dynamic captions, and one-click studio-grade audio.​Special Offer: Try Riverside for free and get 15% off any paid plan using the code REY15.Silvia and Ray discuss their differing views and personal experiences regarding pet-friendly short-term rentals:​The City Apartment (Silvia): Does not allow pets due to space and building constraints. Silvia shares a cautionary tale from a fellow host involving a dog and a hallway wall.​The Traveling Pet Owner (Ray): Traveling with a large Greyhound is tough. While Ray seeks pet-friendly spots on the road, his studio apartment isn't durable or large enough to host pets.​The Farmhouse Approach (Lis): Welcomes pets with a sliding doggy door. She mitigates risks by checking for flea treatments, ensuring current vaccinations, and charging an extra cleaning fee.From Magazine Editor to Host Lis turned an investment property in Wairala into a thriving retreat known as the Big Sunny Farmhouse. After dealing with a nightmare long-term tenant, she pivoted to short-term rentals, outfitting the large space with spare furniture to attract families and working teams. Styling & Photography Insights Drawing from her career as a decorating editor, Lis emphasizes that styling for the camera is everything.​Ditch the iPhone: Professional lighting and photography are non-negotiable for making your listing stand out.​Budget-Friendly Upgrades: Paint old pine furniture white and incorporate cotton tablecloths with distinct accent colors.​Unique Touches: To help rural guests find the driveway, Lis creates custom, arty letterboxes through Letterbox Art.Pricing and Technology​Manual Pricing: Lis found that dynamic pricing tools didn't work for her rural market. She prefers firm cancellation policies and manual pricing.​Direct Websites: Instead of relying entirely on OTAs, Lis built a custom direct booking website to host local maps and provide added value to guests.Cleaning a massive farmhouse is time-consuming. Here is how Lis streamlines the process:​Ditch the Long Checklist: Lis created a hidden page on her website with photos showing cleaners exactly how to arrange towels and set up rooms.​Furniture Sliders: Put sliders under heavy furniture so cleaners can easily push them back to vacuum underneath.​Robo-Vac: Invest in a robot vacuum to clean under beds while human cleaners tackle other tasks.​Color-Coded Linens: Keep three sets of sheets on hand, color-coded by bed size.​BBQ Fees: Leave a polite note with cleaning tips for the BBQ, including a warning that a small fee applies if left excessively dirty.Connect with Lis:​Direct Booking Website: Big Sunny Farmhouse​Airbnb Listing: Lis's Farmhouse Retreat​Custom Letterboxes: Letterbox Art​Instagram: @bigsunnyfarmhouse Other Resources:​Ray's Direct Booking Sites: raymondyee.com.au & lanestay.com.au​Silvia's Airbnb⁠

Welcome to Superhost Down Under! In this week's episode, Silvia and Ray tackle the great pet debate: to host or not to host furry friends? We are then joined by Lis, a former magazine decorating editor turned successful farmhouse Airbnb host. Lis shares her origin story of turning an investment property into a highly sought-after rural retreat, the power of professional photography, and her top cleaning hacks for managing large properties.Are you a creator looking to dramatically reduce your marketing workflow? This episode is brought to you by Riverside. Riverside's AI suite handles post-production effortlessly, offering perfectly vertical shorts with dynamic captions, and one-click studio-grade audio.<ul><li>​Special Offer: Try Riverside for free and get 15% off any paid plan using the code REY15.</li></ul>Silvia and Ray discuss their differing views and personal experiences regarding pet-friendly short-term rentals:<ul><li>​The City Apartment (Silvia): Does not allow pets due to space and building constraints. Silvia shares a cautionary tale from a fellow host involving a dog and a hallway wall.</li><li>​The Traveling Pet Owner (Ray): Traveling with a large Greyhound is tough. While Ray seeks pet-friendly spots on the road, his studio apartment isn't durable or large enough to host pets.</li><li>​The Farmhouse Approach (Lis): Welcomes pets with a sliding doggy door. She mitigates risks by checking for flea treatments, ensuring current vaccinations, and charging an extra cleaning fee.</li></ul>From Magazine Editor to HostLis turned an investment property in Wairala into a thriving retreat known as the <a href="https://www.bigsunnyfarmhouse.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Big Sunny Farmhouse</a>. After dealing with a nightmare long-term tenant, she pivoted to short-term rentals, outfitting the large space with spare furniture to attract families and working teams.Styling &amp; Photography InsightsDrawing from her career as a decorating editor, Lis emphasizes that styling for the camera is everything.<ul><li>​Ditch the iPhone: Professional lighting and photography are non-negotiable for making your listing stand out.</li><li>​Budget-Friendly Upgrades: Paint old pine furniture white and incorporate cotton tablecloths with distinct accent colors.</li><li>​Unique Touches: To help rural guests find the driveway, Lis creates custom, arty letterboxes through <a href="https://www.letterboxart.com/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Letterbox Art</a>.</li></ul>Pricing and Technology<ul><li>​Manual Pricing: Lis found that dynamic pricing tools didn't work for her rural market. She prefers firm cancellation policies and manual pricing.</li><li>​Direct Websites: Instead of relying entirely on OTAs, Lis built a custom direct booking website to host local maps and provide added value to guests.</li></ul>Cleaning a massive farmhouse is time-consuming. Here is how Lis streamlines the process:<ul><li>​Ditch the Long Checklist: Lis created a hidden page on her website with photos showing cleaners exactly how to arrange towels and set up rooms.</li><li>​Furniture Sliders: Put sliders under heavy furniture so cleaners can easily push them back to vacuum underneath.</li><li>​Robo-Vac: Invest in a robot vacuum to clean under beds while human cleaners tackle other tasks.</li><li>​Color-Coded Linens: Keep three sets of sheets on hand, color-coded by bed size.</li><li>​BBQ Fees: Leave a polite note with cleaning tips for the BBQ, including a warning that a small fee applies if left excessively dirty.</li></ul>Connect with Lis:<ul><li>​Direct Booking Website: <a href="https://www.bigsunnyfarmhouse.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Big Sunny Farmhouse</a></li><li>​Airbnb Listing: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/46340021?unique_share_id=84f4981b-48c8-400f-be5d-2564952100f3&amp;viralityEntryPoint=1&amp;s=76" rel="noopener noreferrer">Lis's Farmhouse Retreat</a></li><li>​Custom Letterboxes: <a href="https://www.letterboxart.com/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Letterbox Art</a></li><li>​Instagram: @bigsunnyfarmhouse </li></ul>Other Resources:<ul><li>​Ray's Direct Booking Sites: <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=https://raymondyee.com.au" rel="noopener noreferrer">raymondyee.com.au</a> &amp; <a href="https://lanestay.com.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer">lanestay.com.au</a></li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silvia's Airbnb⁠</a></li></ul>

Episode 60: Farmhouse Hosting, Pet Policies, and Pro Styling on a Budget with Lis

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray Yee and Silvia are joined by short-term rental industry veteran Geoff Gedge. Geoff shares his incredible 18-year hosting journey and the secrets behind maintaining a near-perfect 5.0-star track record. We dive deep into his properties—Bluegums Retreat and Kurrajong Retreat in beautiful Hepburn Springs, Victoria—and discuss how he navigates multi-platform listings across Airbnb, Stayz, and Booking.com. Geoff also opens up about his innovative, "ultra-personal" hosting concept where he lives alongside guests to act as a local guide, finishing the experience with a community-first dinner finale. Finally, as an Airbnb Ambassador and Host Advisory Board member, Geoff shares his perspective on advocacy and the future of true hospitality in Australia. In This Episode, We Cover: <ul><li>​</li><li>​The 18-Year Origin Story & Portfolio: Geoff discusses starting out on Stayz back in 2008 and joining Airbnb in 2013, highlighting how the regional short-term rental landscape has evolved over nearly two decades.</li><li>​</li><li>​The Multi-Platform Juggle: Practical insights into seamlessly managing calendars and guest experiences across Airbnb, Booking.com, and Stayz without double bookings.</li><li>​</li><li>​The Ultra-Personal Model: Geoff breaks down his fascinating pivot to staying with guests at Bluegums Retreat, acting as a professional guide, and navigating the social dynamics and boundaries involved.</li><li>​</li><li>​A Community-First Dinner Finale: How hosting a farewell dinner at a local restaurant fundamentally changes a guest's connection to the local region.</li><li>​</li><li>​The Secret to a 5.0-Star Rating: The operational non-negotiables of running a top-tier listing in a competitive wellness destination like Hepburn Springs, plus tips on balancing hands-on prep with outsourcing.</li><li>​</li><li>​Leadership & Host Advocacy: Insights from Geoff's work on the Airbnb Host Advisory Board and his role as an official Ambassador advocating for Australian hosts.</li><li>​</li><li>​Evolving the Hosted Experience: Looking ahead to the next stage of Geoff's hosting career and the enduring legacy of hospitality.</li><li>​</li></ul> About the Guest:Geoff Gedge is an Airbnb Ambassador, Host Advisory Board member, and long-time hospitality host operating in Hepburn Springs, Victoria. Explore Geoff's Listings: <ul><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2142768?unique_share_id=187079c4-f0aa-4eee-bf9b-0b7216242ba0&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Bluegums Retreat — Airbnb Listing 1</a></li><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17101725?unique_share_id=16663c30-2b5d-4d0e-abe9-b3fef8fa81bd&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Kurrajong Retreat — Airbnb Listing 2</a></li><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/796157330288249225?unique_share_id=e219ea19-be28-469e-b9df-ac01c07065d9&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Hepburn Springs Property — Airbnb Listing 3</a></li></ul> <ul><li>​@geoff.gedge </li></ul> Where to stay — hosted by the Superhosts Down Under team: <ul><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Ray's South Yarra Airbnb</a></li><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Silvia's Airbnb</a></li><li>​</li></ul>

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray Yee and Silvia are joined by short-term rental industry veteran Geoff Gedge. Geoff shares his incredible 18-year hosting journey and the secrets behind maintaining a near-perfect 5.0-star track record. We dive deep into his properties—Bluegums Retreat and Kurrajong Retreat in beautiful Hepburn Springs, Victoria—and discuss how he navigates multi-platform listings across Airbnb, Stayz, and Booking.com. Geoff also opens up about his innovative, "ultra-personal" hosting concept where he lives alongside guests to act as a local guide, finishing the experience with a community-first dinner finale. Finally, as an Airbnb Ambassador and Host Advisory Board member, Geoff shares his perspective on advocacy and the future of true hospitality in Australia. In This Episode, We Cover: ​​The 18-Year Origin Story & Portfolio: Geoff discusses starting out on Stayz back in 2008 and joining Airbnb in 2013, highlighting how the regional short-term rental landscape has evolved over nearly two decades.​​The Multi-Platform Juggle: Practical insights into seamlessly managing calendars and guest experiences across Airbnb, Booking.com, and Stayz without double bookings.​​The Ultra-Personal Model: Geoff breaks down his fascinating pivot to staying with guests at Bluegums Retreat, acting as a professional guide, and navigating the social dynamics and boundaries involved.​​A Community-First Dinner Finale: How hosting a farewell dinner at a local restaurant fundamentally changes a guest's connection to the local region.​​The Secret to a 5.0-Star Rating: The operational non-negotiables of running a top-tier listing in a competitive wellness destination like Hepburn Springs, plus tips on balancing hands-on prep with outsourcing.​​Leadership & Host Advocacy: Insights from Geoff's work on the Airbnb Host Advisory Board and his role as an official Ambassador advocating for Australian hosts.​​Evolving the Hosted Experience: Looking ahead to the next stage of Geoff's hosting career and the enduring legacy of hospitality.​ About the Guest: Geoff Gedge is an Airbnb Ambassador, Host Advisory Board member, and long-time hospitality host operating in Hepburn Springs, Victoria. Explore Geoff's Listings: ​​Bluegums Retreat — Airbnb Listing 1​​Kurrajong Retreat — Airbnb Listing 2​​Hepburn Springs Property — Airbnb Listing 3 ​@geoff.gedge Where to stay — hosted by the Superhosts Down Under team: ​​Ray's South Yarra Airbnb​​Silvia's Airbnb​

In this episode of Superhosts Down Under, hosts Ray Yee and Silvia are joined by short-term rental industry veteran Geoff Gedge. Geoff shares his incredible 18-year hosting journey and the secrets behind maintaining a near-perfect 5.0-star track record. We dive deep into his properties—Bluegums Retreat and Kurrajong Retreat in beautiful Hepburn Springs, Victoria—and discuss how he navigates multi-platform listings across Airbnb, Stayz, and Booking.com. Geoff also opens up about his innovative, "ultra-personal" hosting concept where he lives alongside guests to act as a local guide, finishing the experience with a community-first dinner finale. Finally, as an Airbnb Ambassador and Host Advisory Board member, Geoff shares his perspective on advocacy and the future of true hospitality in Australia. In This Episode, We Cover: <ul><li>​</li><li>​The 18-Year Origin Story &amp; Portfolio: Geoff discusses starting out on Stayz back in 2008 and joining Airbnb in 2013, highlighting how the regional short-term rental landscape has evolved over nearly two decades.</li><li>​</li><li>​The Multi-Platform Juggle: Practical insights into seamlessly managing calendars and guest experiences across Airbnb, Booking.com, and Stayz without double bookings.</li><li>​</li><li>​The Ultra-Personal Model: Geoff breaks down his fascinating pivot to staying with guests at Bluegums Retreat, acting as a professional guide, and navigating the social dynamics and boundaries involved.</li><li>​</li><li>​A Community-First Dinner Finale: How hosting a farewell dinner at a local restaurant fundamentally changes a guest's connection to the local region.</li><li>​</li><li>​The Secret to a 5.0-Star Rating: The operational non-negotiables of running a top-tier listing in a competitive wellness destination like Hepburn Springs, plus tips on balancing hands-on prep with outsourcing.</li><li>​</li><li>​Leadership &amp; Host Advocacy: Insights from Geoff's work on the Airbnb Host Advisory Board and his role as an official Ambassador advocating for Australian hosts.</li><li>​</li><li>​Evolving the Hosted Experience: Looking ahead to the next stage of Geoff's hosting career and the enduring legacy of hospitality.</li><li>​</li></ul> About the Guest:Geoff Gedge is an Airbnb Ambassador, Host Advisory Board member, and long-time hospitality host operating in Hepburn Springs, Victoria. Explore Geoff's Listings: <ul><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/2142768?unique_share_id=187079c4-f0aa-4eee-bf9b-0b7216242ba0&amp;viralityEntryPoint=1&amp;s=76" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bluegums Retreat — Airbnb Listing 1</a></li><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/17101725?unique_share_id=16663c30-2b5d-4d0e-abe9-b3fef8fa81bd&amp;viralityEntryPoint=1&amp;s=76" rel="noopener noreferrer">Kurrajong Retreat — Airbnb Listing 2</a></li><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/796157330288249225?unique_share_id=e219ea19-be28-469e-b9df-ac01c07065d9&amp;viralityEntryPoint=1&amp;s=76" rel="noopener noreferrer">Hepburn Springs Property — Airbnb Listing 3</a></li></ul> <ul><li>​@geoff.gedge </li></ul> Where to stay — hosted by the Superhosts Down Under team: <ul><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">Ray's South Yarra Airbnb</a></li><li>​</li><li>​<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" rel="noopener noreferrer">Silvia's Airbnb</a></li><li>​</li></ul>

Ep 59 - 18 Years of Hosting, 5-Star Standards, and the Ultra-Personal Model with Geoff Gedge

<h2>Episode Description</h2>In this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by Jenny, a San Francisco-based Superhost who shares a deeply personal journey into Airbnb hosting. What began as a way to navigate a major life transition turned into a sustainable lifestyle, allowing Jenny to keep her family home while welcoming guests from around the world.The episode opens with a discussion on guest expectations, particularly around air conditioning, and how hosts can manage situations where amenities are misunderstood. Jenny then shares how she transformed her property into a high-performing Airbnb, her approach to creating a warm, community-driven experience, and the systems she’s built to maintain a near-perfect rating over eight years.<h2>In This Episode, We Cover:</h2><ul> <li>Guest expectations vs listing transparency, especially around air conditioning</li> <li>Why guests need to check listings carefully before booking</li> <li>Jenny’s journey into Airbnb after separating from her partner</li> <li>How she restructured her home to live downstairs and rent out the full upstairs</li> <li>Creating a “home, not a rental” experience that guests immediately feel</li> <li>Building a strong neighbourhood and community vibe for guests</li> <li>Maintaining a 4.99 rating across 250+ stays</li> <li>The pressure of chasing a perfect 5.0 rating and why letting go matters</li> <li>Jenny’s cleaning systems, including monthly deep cleans and walkthrough checks</li> <li>Using Instant Book strategically to attract the right guests</li> <li>Hosting families, repeat guests, and musicians using her piano</li> <li>How Airbnb allows her to cover all property expenses and keep her home</li></ul><h2>Interview with Guest: Jenny</h2>Jenny is a San Francisco-based Superhost with over eight years of hosting experience. After a major life transition, she turned to Airbnb as a way to keep her family home and generate income.By redesigning her space and focusing on warmth, detail, and consistency, she has built a highly rated listing with a 4.99 average rating. Her approach combines strong operational systems with a genuine passion for making guests feel at home.Stay at Jenny’s property: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30129780?unique_share_id=86857236-e02b-43ba-a77a-fee29c31f732&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76">https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30129780?unique_share_id=86857236-e02b-43ba-a77a-fee29c31f732&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76</a><h2>Where to stay - hosted by the Superhosts Down Under team</h2>Ray’s Airbnbs: <a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb">https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb</a>Silvia’s Airbnb: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X">https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X</a>

Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by Jenny, a San Francisco-based Superhost who shares a deeply personal journey into Airbnb hosting. What began as a way to navigate a major life transition turned into a sustainable lifestyle, allowing Jenny to keep her family home while welcoming guests from around the world. The episode opens with a discussion on guest expectations, particularly around air conditioning, and how hosts can manage situations where amenities are misunderstood. Jenny then shares how she transformed her property into a high-performing Airbnb, her approach to creating a warm, community-driven experience, and the systems she’s built to maintain a near-perfect rating over eight years.In This Episode, We Cover: Guest expectations vs listing transparency, especially around air conditioning Why guests need to check listings carefully before booking Jenny’s journey into Airbnb after separating from her partner How she restructured her home to live downstairs and rent out the full upstairs Creating a “home, not a rental” experience that guests immediately feel Building a strong neighbourhood and community vibe for guests Maintaining a 4.99 rating across 250+ stays The pressure of chasing a perfect 5.0 rating and why letting go matters Jenny’s cleaning systems, including monthly deep cleans and walkthrough checks Using Instant Book strategically to attract the right guests Hosting families, repeat guests, and musicians using her piano How Airbnb allows her to cover all property expenses and keep her homeInterview with Guest: JennyJenny is a San Francisco-based Superhost with over eight years of hosting experience. After a major life transition, she turned to Airbnb as a way to keep her family home and generate income. By redesigning her space and focusing on warmth, detail, and consistency, she has built a highly rated listing with a 4.99 average rating. Her approach combines strong operational systems with a genuine passion for making guests feel at home. Stay at Jenny’s property: https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30129780?unique_share_id=86857236-e02b-43ba-a77a-fee29c31f732&viralityEntryPoint=1&s=76Where to stay - hosted by the Superhosts Down Under teamRay’s Airbnbs: https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb Silvia’s Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X

Episode DescriptionIn this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by Jenny, a San Francisco-based Superhost who shares a deeply personal journey into Airbnb hosting. What began as a way to navigate a major life transition turned into a sustainable lifestyle, allowing Jenny to keep her family home while welcoming guests from around the world.The episode opens with a discussion on guest expectations, particularly around air conditioning, and how hosts can manage situations where amenities are misunderstood. Jenny then shares how she transformed her property into a high-performing Airbnb, her approach to creating a warm, community-driven experience, and the systems she’s built to maintain a near-perfect rating over eight years.In This Episode, We Cover:<ul> <li>Guest expectations vs listing transparency, especially around air conditioning</li> <li>Why guests need to check listings carefully before booking</li> <li>Jenny’s journey into Airbnb after separating from her partner</li> <li>How she restructured her home to live downstairs and rent out the full upstairs</li> <li>Creating a “home, not a rental” experience that guests immediately feel</li> <li>Building a strong neighbourhood and community vibe for guests</li> <li>Maintaining a 4.99 rating across 250+ stays</li> <li>The pressure of chasing a perfect 5.0 rating and why letting go matters</li> <li>Jenny’s cleaning systems, including monthly deep cleans and walkthrough checks</li> <li>Using Instant Book strategically to attract the right guests</li> <li>Hosting families, repeat guests, and musicians using her piano</li> <li>How Airbnb allows her to cover all property expenses and keep her home</li></ul>Interview with Guest: JennyJenny is a San Francisco-based Superhost with over eight years of hosting experience. After a major life transition, she turned to Airbnb as a way to keep her family home and generate income.By redesigning her space and focusing on warmth, detail, and consistency, she has built a highly rated listing with a 4.99 average rating. Her approach combines strong operational systems with a genuine passion for making guests feel at home.Stay at Jenny’s property: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30129780?unique_share_id=86857236-e02b-43ba-a77a-fee29c31f732&amp;viralityEntryPoint=1&amp;s=76" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.airbnb.com.au/rooms/30129780?unique_share_id=86857236-e02b-43ba-a77a-fee29c31f732&amp;viralityEntryPoint=1&amp;s=76</a>Where to stay - hosted by the Superhosts Down Under teamRay’s Airbnbs: <a href="https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb</a>Silvia’s Airbnb: <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X</a>

Ep 56 - From Separation to Superhost: Jenny’s Airbnb Journey

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Superhosts Down Under, the podcast that takes you on a journey into the world of Airbnb hosting. We are your hosts, Ray and Silvia. In this episode, we delve into the considerations and insights essential for anyone contemplating becoming an Airbnb host. Ray's Property<a href="Ray's Property https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb</a> Silvia's Property<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠⁠</a> Direct Message Us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠@superhosts_down_under⁠⁠</a> SponsorKeyNest - 50% off first month coupon code: superhostpodcast50

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Superhosts Down Under, the podcast that takes you on a journey into the world of Airbnb hosting. We are your hosts, Ray and Silvia. In this episode, we delve into the considerations and insights essential for anyone contemplating becoming an Airbnb host. Ray's Property https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb Silvia's Property ⁠⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠⁠ Direct Message Us on Instagram ⁠⁠@superhosts_down_under⁠⁠ Sponsor KeyNest - 50% off first month coupon code: superhostpodcast50

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Superhosts Down Under, the podcast that takes you on a journey into the world of Airbnb hosting. We are your hosts, Ray and Silvia. In this episode, we delve into the considerations and insights essential for anyone contemplating becoming an Airbnb host. Ray's Property<a href="Ray's Property https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.raymondyee.com.au/airbnb</a> Silvia's Property<a href="https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X" rel="noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠https://www.airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X⁠⁠</a> Direct Message Us on Instagram<a href="https://www.instagram.com/superhosts_down_under/" rel="noopener noreferrer">⁠⁠@superhosts_down_under⁠⁠</a> SponsorKeyNest - 50% off first month coupon code: superhostpodcast50

Ep 1 - Considerations when starting an Airbnb in Australia

Hosted by Ray &amp; Silvia Superhosts Down Under is a podcast that guides and inspires aspiring Airbnb hosts on how to successfully set up and run an Airbnb in Australia. Each episode features engaging stories, lessons, and insights from different guests — from seasoned hosts to industry experts — sharing their unique experiences in short-term rental hosting. Join Ray and Silvia as they explore Australia’s most remarkable Airbnbs and uncover the stories of the owners who make them possible.

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Hosted by Ray & Silvia Superhosts Down Under is a podcast that guides and inspires aspiring Airbnb hosts on how to successfully set up and run an Airbnb in Australia. Each episode features engaging stories, lessons, and insights from different guests — from seasoned hosts to industry experts — sharing their unique experiences in short-term rental hosting. Join Ray and Silvia as they explore Australia’s most remarkable Airbnbs and uncover the stories of the owners who make them possible.

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