In this Host Planet Playbook feature, sponsored by property management software, Hospitable, we’re joined by Mina Saastad from Cabin Living in Norway.
Mina shares how Cabin Living got started, the realities of hosting in Norway, and what it takes to deliver a standout guest experience – from direct bookings to keeping owners happy.
1:39 Cabin Living – based in Norway
1:56 How Cabin Living got started
2:28 The challenges and opportunities in Norway
4:14 Target guests
4:48 Domestic and international guests
5:08 Delivering a great guest experience
6:08 How to keep owners happy
6:52 What makes Cabin Living stand out
7:35 Details matter
8:07 What Mina loves most about hosting
8:46 The regulatory situation in Norway
9:27 Using social media to drive direct bookings
10:38 The most effective direct booking tactics
11:37 Growth plans
12:23 Learning from the industry
13:12 Quickfire questions
Cabin Living: https://cabinliving.no/en/vacation-home-rental/
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/
Kristina Castellina, the Founder of Empress Hall in Blackpool, is the special guest on today's Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully.
Kristina's advice for business owners: don't hide behind a logo. Instead, focus on building your personal brand across social media.
She shares the story of the 10-bedroom Empress Hall, including how she documented every step of the refurbishment on social media – a tactic which achieved significant press coverage and helped to drive direct bookings.
Learn about Kristina's entrepreneurship journey and the valuable business tips for anyone looking to make their mark. Discover how to build a brand that resonates with your audience and cultivates a strong business mindset.
0:13 Hosting by the seaside in Blackpool
1:35 Setting up Empress Hall and Kristina’s initial goals
3:38 Marketing – including documenting every step of the refurbishment on social media
4:42 How to get press coverage: contact journalists
5:45 The amenities which sell Empress Hall
7:08 Guest communication, including outsourcing
8:03 Find the gap in the market
11:37 How to attract tourists all-year-round
13:26 How to grow on Instagram: build a personal brand and don’t hide behind a logo
17:07 The opportunities social media has created for Kristina
19:25 Website, Instagram, Facebook
20:54 Favourite brand: Charles Alexandar Short Stay
22:10 Individual shout-out: Swish Apartments
23:00 Biggest lesson learned: it’s not for the faint hearted
Looking for a great property management software 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Kristina Castellina: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinacastellina/
Empress Hall: https://www.empresshall.co.uk/
Episode to check next: Hosting in Paradise with Robin Bass (Hold the Rum!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEkLHIzef8&t=4s
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer
In this edition of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Carlos Castillo from Direct BookMe shares practical insights on how hosts can build trust, understand their ideal guest, and communicate with impact.
Carlos reveals why communication is your superpower, how automation should support (not replace) hospitality, and what every host must do to make guests feel confident booking directly. We also explore the balance between tech and human touch, plus simple ways to elevate your guest experience.
1:52 Build trust
2:07 Get to know your ideal guest
2:27 Communication is your superpower
2:38 Automate where you can
2:52 It’s hospitality – act like it!
3:46 How to make sure guests trust your business
4:28 The importance of understanding your target guest
5:25 Automation and guest communication
6:50 Remember, it’s hospitality
7:50 Direct BookMe
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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Carlos Castillo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlos-castillo-73732a36b/
Direct BookMe: https://directbookme.co/
Episode to check next: Beyond’s Guide to Profitable Slow Periods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLIi2ftGzSs&t=4s
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #CarlosCastillo #DirectBookMe
In this episode of Host Planet Playbook – powered by property management software, Hospitable – we’re joined by Greg Lupone, Founder of Stingray Villa in Cozumel, Mexico.
Greg shares his journey into short-term rentals – from a career in the US Navy, to running restaurants, and ultimately building a standout vacation rental brand in one of Mexico’s most popular island destinations. We explore what makes Stingray Villa unique, how Greg uses blogging and photography to build an online presence, and why guest experience sits at the heart of his hosting strategy.
This episode is packed with practical insights for hosts looking to stand out in destination markets, attract the right guests, and build a brand that lasts.
1:36 Stingray Villa in Cozumel, Mexico
1:56 Getting involved in short-term rentals
3:05 From the US Navy to restaurants and eventually short-term rentals
3:59 How Stingray Villa stands out in Cozumel
5:03 Building an online presence with blog posts
5:57 The location and target guests
6:34 Great photography is key
7:12 How to deliver a great guest experience
8:00 The power of blog posts
11:02 What makes your brand stand out
11:46 Challenges and opportunities in Cozumel
12:49 What Greg loves about hosting
13:28 Biggest lesson learned
13:54 Quickfire questions
Greg Lupone / Stingray Villa, Cozumel: https://stingrayvilla.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/
What happens when you stop treating property like real estate – and start treating it like hospitality?
Real estate investor Frank Iglesias joins the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – to explain why vacation rentals outperform traditional property strategies, and what investors need to understand to build a five-star, guest-first business.
1:08 The lightbulb moment
6:07 Step one: look for properties in vacation areas
8:58 Vacation rentals compared to other types of property investment
12:31 Understand you’re buying a business – this is hospitality
15:38 How to deliver a great guest experience
19:14 The tech you need when starting out: start by leveraging Airbnb and Vrbo
22:06 How to achieve five-star reviews
24:12 Favourite brands: Amazon and Walmart
25:29 Shout-out
27:19 Biggest lesson learned
Looking for a great property management software 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Frank Iglesias: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-iglesias-755415b9/
Episode to check next: Budget Hits Holiday Let Owners | Here's What Changed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5frnO4oY20
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #FrankIglesias
Tired of manual check-ins, missed cleaning notifications, and utility bills going through the roof? It's time to automate your short-term rental business!
In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – we welcome Dipen Gala from Lynx, the leading smart home automation software for property managers. Dipen shares the five essential automations that will free up your time, cut operating costs, and dramatically enhance your guest experience.
These automations are the secret to running a true hands-off, scalable STR business.
2:08 Door locks
2:37 Text the guest the moment they arrive
3:21 Personalise the TV screen
4:11 Temperature control for energy saving
5:15 Upselling
10:15 Lynx
Looking for a great property management software 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Dipen Gala: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dipengala/
Lynx: https://www.getlynx.co/
Episode to check next: How Short-Term Rental Hosts Can Utilise AI Today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJCr2Aq47v0&t=1183s
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #STRAutomation #SmartHome #VacationRental #LynxAutomation #PropertyManagement #AirbnbHost #DipenGala #HospitalityTech #Lynx
In this Host Planet Playbook episode, powered by Hospitable, James sits down with Allison Craft, Founder of Crafty Hosting, who scaled from a single rental to 16 listings in Tampa, Florida.
Allison shares her journey from corporate finance into vacation rentals, how she built a family-oriented brand, the systems that keep owners happy, and what it really takes to deliver a great guest experience at scale.
She also breaks down the opportunities in Florida, the realities of regulation, her biggest lessons learned, and her advice for anyone dreaming of leaving their job to become a co-host.
1:42 Crafty Hosting – 16 listings in Tampa, Florida
2:16 From the first rental to co-hosting
3:23 Scaling to 16
4:43 From corporate finance to vacation rentals
7:40 How Allison stands out with a family-oriented brand
9:09 How to keep owners happy
10:31 How to deliver a great guest experience
13:23 Opportunities in Florida
14:29 Regulation
15:37 Biggest lesson learned
18:51 What Allison loves most about hosting: creating the systems
20:21 Advice for people who want to leave their jobs and start co-hosting
21:47 Quickfire questions
Allison Craft / Crafty Hosting: https://craftycohost.com/
The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanet
Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbook
The Host Planet Playbook series is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn:
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
On today's Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Matt Jeffery from Zeal Tax explains how a client with 15 holiday lets was able to save thousands in tax by claiming previously overlooked capital allowances.
This case highlights the importance for furnished holiday let owners to stay informed on UK business tax strategies. Ensure you're not missing out on crucial savings – reach out to Zeal for expert advice today.
0:51 Key takeaways from the budget
7:39 The impact of higher taxes on dividends (it might be more than you think)
9:23 People with jobs and property income are likely to suffer from stealth taxes – because personal allowances are not moving
10:33 Should people with property in their personal name incorporate it into a limited company?
14:16 Stamp duty implications for investors incorporating into a limited company
15:51 Was there any positive news from the budget? Business rates, perhaps?
20:39 The government’s Making Tax Digital campaign
28:13 Capital allowances – why holiday let owners need to claim now
20:25 The deadline for claiming capital allowances
Looking for a great property management software 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Matt Jeffery: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-jeffery-156a8245/
Zeal Tax: https://gozeal.co.uk/services/industries/hch-furnished-holiday-lets/
Episode to check next: Holiday Let Pricing Secrets & Hot Tub Hype: Maximise Your Revenue with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fu3kkR90-8
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #ZealTax #HolidayLetTax #FHL #MattJeffery
In this Host Planet Bitesize episode, sponsored by Hostfully, Thomas Tewolde from Charge Automation shares five powerful automation tips that every short-term rental host should implement.
Thomas breaks down how to automate everything before arrival, keep the check-in flow short, personalise the guest journey, provide instant access, and reduce guest effort at every stage.
If you want to streamline operations, save time, and improve guest satisfaction, these insights are essential.
1:56 Automate everything before arrival
2:18 Keep the check-in flow short
3:15 Personalise the journey for each guest
5:41 Give instant access
7:15 Reduce guest effort
8:37 Charge Automation
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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Thomas Tewolde: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-tewolde-22098a30/
Charge Automation: https://chargeautomation.com/
Episode to check next: 5 Reasons Your STR Needs AI Right Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM-zt2OvS3k
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #ChargeAutomation #Automate #ThomasTewolde
Discover how Amy O’Sullivan built Wild Hideaways – a collection of six luxury lodges with an on-site spa in the heart of south-west Ireland – and turned it into one of the region’s most memorable five-star escapes.
In this inspiring Host Planet Playbook episode – powered by property management software, Hospitable – Amy shares her journey from Somerset to Cork (with stopovers in Manchester and Australia), her leap from music and drama teacher to hospitality entrepreneur, and the passion behind creating a space guests instantly fall in love with.
We explore how Wild Hideaways generated direct bookings from day one, why guests keep coming back, what makes the brand stand out, and the biggest challenges and opportunities facing rural luxury accommodation. Amy also reveals her top tips for delivering an unforgettable guest experience, the power of upselling, and the importance of community in Cork.
1:39 Wild Hideaways: six luxury lodges + on-site spa
2:12 The journey to south-west Ireland, from Somerset, via Manchester and Australia
2:50 Sharing a special space
3:38 Music and drama teacher to five-star hotel in a field
5:50 Direct bookings from day one
7:29 Repeat bookings from happy guests
9:15 What makes Wild Hideaways stand out
11:09 Challenges and opportunities
12:30 Tips for delivering an outstanding guest experience
15:32 Upselling
17:33 Community is huge in Cork
19:20 Biggest lesson learned
21:04 Loving those five-star reviews
21:51 Quickfire questions
Amy O'Sullivan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-o-sullivan-540909302/
Wild Hideaways: https://wildhideaways.ie/
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:
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/
The lines between hotels and short-term rentals are dissolving. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – we sit down with Rebecca Hollants Van Loocke, COO EMEA of Frasers Hospitality, one of the world's largest serviced apartment operators.
Rebecca shares key strategies on:
Corporate and extended stays: how to attract and manage reliable, long-term corporate bookings (the most stable revenue stream).
The luxury of space: why spacious, home-like functionality is now non-negotiable for high-end guests.
Scaling quality: lessons on using smart technology and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistent, hotel-level service across a global portfolio.
If you want to professionalise and secure long-stay revenue, this episode is essential viewing.
0:49 Why serviced apartments are the future
1:56 How the pandemic supercharged serviced apartments
3:34 Nomadic young people who work remotely
6:14 Lack of seasonality and high corporate demand
7:45 The non-negotiables for serviced accommodation
9:16 Revenue management
11:33 Blended portfolio helps to avoid some regulation
13:19 Distribution channels, including 70% direct bookings
13:48 Business development, including direct sales management
15:02 Loyalty programme
16:28 How to attract more corporate bookings
17:45 Essential tech stack for serviced accommodation
19:53 Delivering a local experience
22:40 Favourite brand
24:22 Another favourite brand: Kayak
24:57 Key learning from serviced apartment space
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: frank@hostfully.com
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: Hosting in Paradise with Robin Bass (Hold the Rum!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PTEkLHIzef8&t=4s
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer
Thinking about buying a holiday let, or looking to boost the income from your current property? This Holiday Let Insider episode is packed with data-driven strategies from one of the industry's top experts!
We sit down with Rachel Brennan from Sykes Holiday Cottages to unpack the operational, marketing, and pricing tweaks that can instantly increase your holiday let revenue.
Discover the secrets to securing more bookings, earning higher prices, and optimising your property for modern guests.
2:30 The best places to buy a holiday let
5:42 Do your research
7:22 Pets: a good revenue driver or too much hassle?
9:40 Hot tubs, EV chargers, and other amenities
11:57 No Wi-Fi is no go!
13:04 The biggest pricing mistake hosts make
16:18 The importance of being flexible and keeping up with booking trends
20:27 Reduce your minimum stay for extra visibility
21:35 Photography is everything
24:01 Upsells that guests love and hosts earn from
27:41 The operational tweaks that increase revenue
30:36 How to increase revenue straightaway
32:10 Everyone has a dedicated account manager with Sykes
Staycation Index 2025: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-staycation-index-2025/
Rachel Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/
Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages to let your property:
Call: 01244 356 666
Visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Episode to check next: Farm Diversification: Make Holiday Lets Work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slITtAudCAs&t=1s
Holiday Let Insider is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Contact the show: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #SykesCottages #JamesVarley #RachelBrennan
How do you manage a premium property and foster a loyal guest base that books directly?
For our latest Host Planet Playbook feature, we speak with Louis Andrews from OVO Network, a leading luxury chalet and holiday rental company based in the French Alps. Louis shares the playbook for building a high-value rental business, from driving direct bookings to perfecting the end-to-end guest experience.
This conversation is essential for any host managing high-end properties who wants to reduce OTA dependency and maximise profit through superior service and brand loyalty.
1:40 OVO Network works with 200+ properties in the French Alps and Switzerland
2:31 Louis’s short-term rental journey
4:06 From studying art to vacation rentals
4:52 How artistic skills help in the STR space (Brian Chesky isn't the only one!)
6:08 What makes OVO Network stand out
7:37 Direct bookings
10:35 Getting exposure on platforms like ChatGPT
12:42 Challenges and opportunities in the Alps
14:27 Snow machines and regulation
16:34 Tips to deliver a great guest experience
18:49 Upsells
19:17 How to keep owners happy
20:23 Biggest lesson learned
22:02 What Louis loves most about the business
22:51 Quickfire questions
28:35 Ultimate goal for OVO Network
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
Louis Andrews: https://www.linkedin.com/in/louis-jacques-andrews/
OVO Network: https://www.ovonetwork.com/en/home
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/
#DirectBookings #LuxuryChalet #OvoNetwork #VacationRental #HostTips #ShortTermRental #GuestExperience #FrenchAlps #PropertyManagement #HostPlanetPlaybook #HostPlanet #Hospitable #PMS #PropertyManagementSoftware
Join us for a trip to the sun-drenched shores of St. Croix, US Virgin Islands, as we sit down with Robin Bass, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of Premier Properties USVI. Robin has built a booming portfolio of luxury villas and high-end rentals on a stunning island.
In this Host Planet Podcast episode – powered by Hostfully – Robin describes how she hosts remotely, prioritising human connection, mastering team and contractor retention, and leveraging technology to enhance genuine hospitality.
This is a masterclass in building a scalable, luxury brand where relationships truly equal revenue.
1:03 Managing units in the US Virgin Islands from New Hampshire
5:13 Tech and systems which help Robin manage rentals remotely
11:48 How to deliver a great guest experience
18:15 Developing direct bookings
23:01 Intrigued by AI
24:33 How Robin got involved in the STR world
28:56 Robin’s favourite brands and people in vacation rentals
31:52 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Robin Bass: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinbass/
Premier Properties USVI: https://premierpropertiesusvi.com/
Episode to check next: What STRs Must Learn from Holiday Parks & Hotels: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_mtHPA2wYDQ
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #RobinBass #USVI #StCroix
Is AI hype or is it the future of short-term rental hosting?
In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – we sit down with Cole Rubin from Conduit, the company using conversational AI to revolutionise hospitality operations.
Cole shares five compelling, actionable reasons why every STR host – from single-unit owners to large property managers – needs to stop viewing AI as a luxury and start treating it as essential for scaling success and maximising revenue.
1:56 Fast responses = better reviews
3:26 Your team is freed up to focus on higher leverage tasks
4:49 AI can help you develop a huge company database
6:07 AI can boost upselling
7:46 Brand voice, rules, and policies are consistent
8:34 Conduit: https://www.conduit.ai/
9:11 How AI will change the vacation rental industry
10:01 How STR managers can utilise 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Cole Rubin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colerubin/
Conduit: https://www.conduit.ai/
Episode to check next: Beyond’s Guide to Profitable Slow Periods: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLIi2ftGzSs&t=4s
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #STR #AIforSTR #VacationRental #ConduitAI #PropertyManagement #AirbnbHost #HospitalityTech #ColeRubin
In this Host Planet Playbook feature, sponsored by Hospitable, James speaks with Anna Calder Urquhart Morris from Adore Scotland and The Edinburgh Address.
Anna shares her remarkable journey from studying psychology to taking over her family’s apartment and ultimately scaling into one of Scotland’s most respected short-term rental operators.
She discusses the mindset and transferable skills that helped her grow from one property to more than 100, the unique challenges of hosting in Edinburgh, and the impact of Scotland’s controversial licensing laws. Anna also explains why lawmakers need to listen more closely to the sector, how the regulations have affected the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and what it takes to deliver an exceptional guest experience while keeping owners happy.
1:43 Adore Scotland and The Edinburgh Address
2:16 Anna’s STR journey: from psychology to running a family apartment
5:40 The transferable skills from psychology
8:47 Scaling from 1-100
10:17 Hosting in Edinburgh
11:29 Scotland’s controversial licensing laws for short-term rentals
15:55 Scottish lawmakers need to listen to the sector
16:59 How licensing has affected the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
19:12 How to deliver a great guest experience
21:16 How to keep owners happy
23:27 What Anna loves most about her work
24:28 Quickfire questions
27:50 Shoutout
28:28 Ultimate goal for the business
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
Anna Calder Urquart Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-calder-urquhart-morris-85533317/
Adore Scotland: https://www.adorescotland.com/
The Edinburgh Address: https://www.theedinburghaddress.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 episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – James sits down with Zen Valli from RMS Cloud for a masterclass in cross-industry learning.
Zen shares what short-term rental operators can take from holiday parks and hotels, where the biggest upsell opportunities are hiding, and why giving guests a reason to book direct is more essential than ever.
You’ll also hear his take on the ideal lean tech stack, which integrations deliver the best ROI, and the lessons holiday parks can learn from the STR world. Plus, Zen reveals his favourite brands and the biggest lesson he’s learned in the industry.
0:39 What can short-term rentals learn from holiday parks
6:59 Upselling opportunities
8:15 What can STR operators learn from hotels
10:39 What can holiday parks learn from STRs
13:52 The ideal lean tech stack for STRs
15:08 Give your guests a reason to book direct
16:38 Which integrations deliver the most ROI
17:43 RMS Cloud
18:26 Favourite brands
19:33 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: frank@hostfully.com
Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/
James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/
Zen Valli: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zunaid-zen-v-06091b8a/
RMS Cloud: https://www.rmscloud.com/
Episode to check next: How Short-Term Rental Hosts Can Utilise AI Today: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJCr2Aq47v0&t=1183s
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #ZenValli #RMSCloud #HolidayParks
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: frank@hostfully.com
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: info@hostplanet.club
#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: frank@hostfully.com
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: info@hostplanet.club
#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #AI #FlorianMontag #Apaleo