Are hotels and short-term rentals starting to blend? Orlie Benjamin thinks so — and she breaks it down in this insightful episode of the Host Planet Podcast.

Orlie shares what vacation rental hosts and property managers can learn from the hotel industry – from guest experience strategies to operational consistency. She also highlights why understanding your guests – and the type of trip they’re taking – is crucial for delivering stand-out service.

We also dive into the rise of AI in short-term rentals, and why building a recognisable, trusted brand is more important than ever in today’s competitive landscape. If you want to future-proof your STR business and take inspiration from the best in hospitality, this is a must-listen.

There are shout-outs for Marriott Homes & Villas and Rachel Alday during the episode, plus sponsor mentions for Hosthub and Zeal Tax.

Key takeaways:

• Hotels and short-term rentals are blending.

• Property managers must understand their target guest.

• Every business – no matter how small – should build its brand.

1:03 Why hotels and short-term rentals are blending

2:33 What STRs can learn from hotels

4:39 People, systems, and processes 

8:31 Know your guests and what kind of trip they’re taking

12:58 Don’t annoy your guests!

15:09 A new solution for hosts 

19:37 Everyone should have a brand

23:32 The future and AI

28:22 Lasoh

32:35 Favourite brand: Marriott Homes & Villas 

34:14 Individual shout-out: Rachel Alday

35:43 People are really friendly in the STR world

Episode sponsors:

Hosthub: https://www.hosthub.com/?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=HCH

Zeal Tax: https://gozeal.co.uk/services/industries/host-planet-furnished-holiday-lets/

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

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

Orlie Benjamin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orliebenjamin/

Lasoh: https://lasoh.io/

Episode to check next:

How Braydon Ross (AKA @MrAirbnb) Built a Short-Term Rental Empire: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_OP7oqGsmE&t=43s

The 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]

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