Thanks For Visiting

Every market has a slow season—and no, it doesn’t mean your listing is broken. This week, Sarah and Annette break down how to use your slow season strategically so you can maximize revenue when demand returns.In this episode, we cover:What actually defines a slow season (and why every market has one)How to stop “panic pricing” when demand doesn’t existThe industry secret: using a slow season to get aheadThe operational tasks that matter most right nowWhy a deep clean isn’t just about your space—it’s about your numbersHow to reconnect with past guests and segment your audienceWhat financial foundations every host should review annuallyHow reinvesting in yourself leads to better revenue outcomesYou can’t change the market. But you can change how you respond to it—and a smart slow-season strategy sets you up for your most profitable year yet.Resources mentioned:Priced & Profitable Bootcamp Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Alexandra asks a common question: “How do you screen guests?”Sarah and Annette break down why the word “screening” doesn’t belong in hospitality—and how hosts can shift their approach to something far more effective: guest alignment.In this episode, we cover:Why your language matters more than you thinkHow to approach bookings from a hospitality-first mindsetWhat Airbnb’s trust and verification system actually protectsWhy Instant Book can help—not hurt—your businessWhat red flags are worth reviewing (and which aren’t)The key question to ask every guest to confirm fitHow to communicate expectations without sounding accusatoryWhy consistency matters more than creating the “perfect” processWhether you’re new to hosting or refining your systems, this episode will help you evaluate bookings with confidence—without slipping into fear-based hosting.Resources mentioned:Truvi (identity verification for direct bookings)Priced & Profitable Bootcamp

This week, Sarah and Annette break down a simple but powerful strategy every host should be using to stay competitive: analyzing your comp set the same way professional revenue managers do—without spending thousands on data tools.Inside the episode, they walk you through a three-step workflow for using ChatGPT to read, synthesize, and analyze your competitors’ guest reviews so you can understand what travelers actually value, what’s frustrating them, and where you can immediately stand out.But before the AI magic, they start by defining what a comp set really is—and why most hosts get this part wrong. If you feel like your property has “no competitors,” this episode will challenge that thinking in a way that makes your marketing sharper and your operations more profitable.They also highlight one listener property, Snow Place Like Home, and walk through their smart paid marketing strategy using regional travel publications.Inside the episode you’ll learn:• What a competitive set actually is (and why 90 percent of hosts build it incorrectly)• How OTAs decide which listings you compete with• Why relying on intuition instead of data limits your revenue potential• A step-by-step workflow to extract and analyze 50–100 competitor reviews using ChatGPT• How to identify what guests consistently love, dislike, or wish was different• How to use review language to improve your listing copy and boost conversions• How to prioritize amenity upgrades based on real demand• How to refine your brand positioning using insights from your comp set• Why this AI-powered review analysis is like getting a free market research report• How to use your own reviews to stay ahead of guest expectationsThis is a practical, repeatable workflow you can implement today—and revisit every quarter—to stay sharp in your market without expensive consultants, tools, or guesswork.Chat GPT Prompt:How to Use This Prompt Copy and paste the full prompt below into your favorite AI chatbot (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.). Then simply follow the step-by-step instructions — the AI will walk you through analyzing competitor reviews, pulling key insights from your own guest reviews, and turning that data into clear action steps, improved listing copy, and a stronger brand position for your short-term rental. This is a practical, guided exercise to help you turn guest feedback into a competitive advantage using real guest language — not marketing fluff.Quick Disclaimer Every AI system is a little different. If you don’t get the output you were hoping for, feel free to tweak or rephrase parts of the prompt to better fit your specific property, goals, or chatbot platform. The structure is flexible — the power is in how you use it. Your insights will get stronger each time you revisit this process with new reviews or updated listing information.You are an expert short-term rental strategist and AI assistant trained to help Airbnb and Vrbo hosts analyze guest reviews (both from competitors and their own listings) to identify patterns, improve amenities, enhance listings, and strengthen brand positioning.Your user is a short-term rental host who has just watched or listened to a podcast or YouTube video about using AI for competitive insight. They want to use this prompt to turn competitor and guest reviews into actionable improvements for their property listings. The AI should guide them step-by-step through collecting, analyzing, and applying these insights.The AI must be compatible with any chatbot platform (ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.) and should use a simple, conversational, and educational tone that makes even complex steps easy for first-time users.Your task is to guide the user through a structured, multi-step process to:Analyze competitor reviews to find what...

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer a question from Susie, a host who’s leveling up her short-term rental and wants to know: should you provide shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in every bathroom?It seems simple, but this small decision says a lot about your professionalism, your brand standards, and the overall guest experience. The answer is yes—and Sarah and Annette dive into why this baseline amenity matters more than hosts often realize.Inside the episode, they cover:• The Nashville stay that proved why missing basics can sink an otherwise great property• How guest expectations have drastically evolved going into 2025 and beyond• Why amenities are less about luxury and more about clarity, consistency, and professionalism• How missing basics show up in reviews (and how providing them quietly prevents friction)• Why standardized bathroom setups reduce mental load and improve operations• The role of comp-set research when choosing what to provide• How to anticipate guest needs using hotel-level hospitality thinking• An inside perspective from Taylor at Minoan on why amenities directly impact five-star reviewsWhether you’re a new host or scaling a professional operation, this episode is a reminder that thoughtful basics are never optional. They are the foundation of a frictionless stay.Resources Mentioned: Minoan: Professional-grade supplies and better-than-trade pricing for hostsThanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Join the waitlistMentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down their data-backed predictions for the 2026 short-term rental market. After a recalibration year in 2025—marked by softened bookings, rising standards, and increased competition—they’re sharing the six major trends every host needs to prepare for.They cover what a “flat but stable” market really means, why guest expectations continue to climb, how regulations will tighten nationwide, the growing dominance of drive-to markets, shrinking traveler loyalty, and the economic factors shaping demand.Whether you’re navigating new permitting rules, rethinking your guest experience, or finally committing to a revenue management plan, this episode will help you build a smarter, more resilient hosting strategy for the year ahead.What You’ll Learn:Why 2025 was a recalibration year and what that means going into 2026What “flat is the new normal” means for hostsWhy guest standards continue to rise everywhereHow tightening regulations will impact your businessThe continued dominance of drive-to destinations and 3–4 night staysWhy traveler loyalty is fading and trust now drives bookingsWhat economic factors may shape demandHow to audit your 2025 data and plan intentionally for the new yearWhy 2026 is the “professional era” for hostsResources Mentioned:Rent Responsibly — An education and community-building platform for short-term rental operators that helps owners, hosts, and managers navigate their local laws and professionalize their hospitality businesses.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, Sarah and Annette answer a thoughtful question from Emily in Australia, who’s deciding between two strong guest avatars for her soon-to-launch short-term rental: a family-friendly, non-toxic stay or a high-demand wedding-guest retreat located just steps from one of the area’s most popular venues.If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re choosing the right avatar—or worried you might be leading with emotion rather than strategy—this episode breaks down exactly how to assess your market, understand your demand drivers, and choose an avatar that aligns with your goals.Sarah and Annette walk through the realities of both niches, how ADR and booking windows change based on guest type, and why “when you confuse, you lose” is one of the most important truths in STR marketing.Whether you're defining your avatar for the first time or rethinking your current strategy, this conversation gives you the clarity and confidence you need to position your property for success.In this episode we cover:How to evaluate whether your chosen guest avatar aligns with your market The difference between a family-friendly stay and a wedding/event traveler Why appealing to everyone leads to confusion and fewer bookings (“confuse and lose”) How to define what success looks like before choosing your niche (profitability vs. alignment) Key differences in ADR, booking windows, and seasonality across both avatars How proximity to a major wedding venue impacts demand and pricing strategy Why clarity in marketing, photography, and copy directly boosts conversions When (and how) to pivot if your current avatar isn’t performing Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Airbnb’s new 24-hour free cancellation policy is officially live—and if you’re not prepared, this change could mean a bumpy ride ahead. In this week’s episode, Sarah and Annette break down exactly what’s new, what’s going away, and how these updates impact hosts of every size.From understanding the shift toward guest-friendly policies, to forecasting cancellations as a standard cost of doing business, to tightening up your communication strategies—this conversation gives you the mindset, tactics, and next steps you’ll need to stay profitable and confident.Whether you’re managing a luxury cabin, an urban apartment, or an entire portfolio, this episode will help you adapt quickly and strategically to Airbnb’s platform-wide changes.What we cover in this episode:What Airbnb’s new 24-hour free cancellation policy includesWhy strict cancellation policies are being phased out for new listingsWhat existing hosts can expect moving forwardHow to forecast cancellations as a normal cost of businessThe importance of proactive guest communicationHow to reduce cancellations through relationship-buildingWhat these changes mean for larger or luxury propertiesSteps to stay prepared, not reactive, as the platform evolvesKey takeaway:You can’t control Airbnb’s policy decisions, but you can control how prepared you are. Anticipating cancellations, knowing your numbers, and communicating intentionally are now essential pillars of running a resilient STR business.Resources: Airbnb Help Center: Updated Cancellation PoliciesMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Avalara | Book a demo to save $100

How long should you clean your own property before handing it off to a professional cleaner? In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette tackle one of the biggest questions for new hosts: when to outsource cleaning—and how to make sure your standards don’t slip once you do.From systemizing your process to defining what a “done” bed actually looks like, the duo walks through the mindset shift every host needs to make: your guests should never be the ones to discover a bad clean. Learn how to document your cleaning routine, train your team with clarity, and implement “trust but verify” systems that keep your short-term rental running like a pro.They also peek into the future of cleaning (yes, robot cleaners are coming!) and share tips for maintaining quality control, even from afar.Resources mentioned: Neo Cleaning Robot (coming 2026)Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

This week, Sarah and Annette sit down with CPA and tax strategist Amanda Han to break down the major tax updates hosts need to know heading into 2025.From the newly passed “One Big Beautiful Bill” to evolving depreciation rules, Amanda explains what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how short-term rental owners can use these updates to maximize savings and make smarter financial decisions.She also shares why bookkeeping is the “bad B word” no host can ignore, the truth about the short-term rental loophole (and why it’s not actually shady), and how to identify a CPA who truly understands the STR world.If you’ve ever felt intimidated by tax talk, this conversation will help you feel empowered, informed, and ready to approach 2026 with confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:What the One Big Beautiful Bill means for STR investorsHow to qualify for the short-term rental “loophole” (and why that term can be misleading)Updates to bonus depreciation and cost segregationWhat “material participation” actually looks like in practiceHow to structure your bookkeeping and track expenses property-by-propertyTips for hiring your kids, using sub-accounts, and working with the right CPAThe growing role of AI in accounting and what not to trust it withResources mentioned:Amanda Han, Keystone CPARelay Financial: Business banking we use at Thanks for VisitingMentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

When should you actually use Airbnb promotions—and are they really just discounts in disguise?In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette clear up the confusion around Airbnb’s promotion tools and explain how to use them strategically to boost visibility, not slash profits.They cover:How Airbnb really calculates your “discount” (hint: it’s not off your nightly rate)Why promotions should be treated as a visibility lever, not a crutchWhen to activate a promo to surface higher in searchThe key data you must track—booking window, market demand, and median ratesWhy a 5–10% promotion can sometimes outperform a massive markdownIf you’ve ever wondered whether Airbnb promotions actually work, this episode will teach you how to use them to your advantage without undercutting your value.Resources mentioned:Airbnb Help ArticleLodgify — Create your direct booking website and connect your Airbnb listings (use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plans)Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

If you’ve been collecting guest emails for years but never actually sent one—this episode is for you.Sarah and Annette are walking you through five repeatable guest email ideas to help you stay connected with past guests, strengthen loyalty, and drive more direct bookings—all without sounding pushy or salesy.From newsletters to new-amenity announcements, you’ll learn how to keep your property top of mind and build a marketing system that runs year-round.You’ll Learn:Why your email list is one of your most valuable business assetsHow to reintroduce yourself and your property with every emailThe five guest email types you can send over and over againHow to use these ideas across social media and your website for extra mileageWhy consistent communication builds trust (and more repeat stays)Resources mentioned:Lodgify: Build a direct booking website with no tech stress — use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plansMentioned in this episode: Avalara | Book a demo to save $100Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

This Hosting Hotline question comes from Renee, a Superhost in Tucson, Arizona, who found herself in an incredibly frustrating situation: after purchasing a new property, Airbnb deactivated the listing—citing “violations” she couldn’t see and refusing to explain why.In this episode, Sarah and Annette unpack what to do if this ever happens to you. They’ll walk through practical next steps for appealing the decision, plus the smart moves every host should make before a problem like this arises.Here’s what they cover:How to navigate Airbnb’s opaque appeal process (and what might actually move the needle)Why violations often follow the property address—not the ownerHow AI and private feedback now influence listing reviews behind the scenesWhy diversifying beyond Airbnb is no longer optionalSteps to build your direct booking presence and safeguard your incomeIf you’ve ever wondered how much control Airbnb really has over your business, this episode is your wake-up call.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Think charging extra per guest is helping you make more money? Think again.In this episode, Sarah and Annette reveal how per-guest pricing could actually be hurting your short-term rental business—and why it’s one of the most common (and costly) settings hosts overlook.They’ll break down:Why Airbnb’s new “all-in” pricing model makes per-guest fees confusing and expensive for guestsHow hidden fees tank your conversion rate without you realizing itA smarter alternative that keeps your pricing clear and competitiveHow to create “parent” and “child” listings that attract different guest groups—without frictionIf you’ve been wondering why your bookings have slowed down lately, this episode might reveal the small tweak that makes a big difference.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify: Use code TFE20 for 20% off annual or biannual plansMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you! Avalara | Book a demo to save $100

If your guests keep telling you your place is too cheap, this episode is for you.This week on the Hosting Hotline, Sarah is joined by COO and revenue management expert Colleen Prochaska to unpack one of the trickiest parts of hosting—pricing your short-term rental.They break down:How to know if your property is truly “doing well” (spoiler: five-star reviews don’t pay the bills)The difference between feeling successful and being profitableHow to use dynamic pricing tools like PriceLabs the right wayWhy pricing is never “set it and forget it,” and how to make data-driven tweaks that keep you ahead of the marketWhether you’re new to hosting or a seasoned pro, this conversation will help you rethink your pricing strategy so you can stop leaving money on the table and start running your property like a real business.Tune in to learn how to confidently charge what your space is worth.Resources mentioned: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

What does it take to turn a 10,000-square-foot building into a thriving short-term rental that can host up to 42 guests? For Andrew Llewellyn, the answer included grit, rejection, and relentless problem-solving.In this episode, Sarah and Annette sit down with Andrew to hear how he went from running ice cream shops and a food truck to becoming a real estate developer along Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail. Andrew shares how he convinced a bank to back his vision (after 40 rejections), why he leans on parent-child listings to maximize occupancy, and the systems his team uses to pull off back-to-back turnovers for massive groups.You’ll learn:How Andrew pivoted from muffins to multi-unit rentals during COVID.Why defining your ideal guest avatar matters for large group stays.How to set up parent-child listings that increase revenue and flexibility.What it takes to build cleaning systems that can handle 42-guest turnovers.Why direct bookings and SEO fuel long-term sustainability.Andrew’s hard-won advice for dealing with city regulations and securing financing.This conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable strategies—whether you host a one-bedroom cottage or are dreaming about your own large-scale project.Resources:PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. SuperStay STR – Andrew’s direct booking site for large group stays in Louisville, Kentucky.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

Should you use your company logo instead of your photo on Airbnb? It’s a question that comes up often—and in this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah is joined by a special guest: Thanks for Visiting’s Chief Operations Officer, Colleen Prochaska.With Annette out on a well-deserved vacation, Sarah and Colleen team up to tackle Samantha’s question about whether Airbnb hosts can (and should) use their company name and logo as their profile picture.They cover:What Airbnb’s terms and conditions actually say about using a company logoWhy some hosts choose logos over personal photos—and the real issue of discrimination behind itHow guests perceive management companies vs. individual hostsWhy your profile photo still matters for guest trust and conversionWhat you can do to encourage guests to book directly after their stayWhether you’re managing multiple properties or just getting started, this episode explains why your Airbnb profile is about more than compliance—it’s about connection.Resources mentioned: Airbnb Terms of Service: Review Airbnb’s official profile photo policies to ensure compliance.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Are you bragging about being the first to get booked for a big event or next year’s vacation season? If so, you might be losing money without even realizing it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down Far Out Premium Pricing—their favorite feature in dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) that has saved them from missed revenue and tough conversations with guests.You’ll learn:What “far out” pricing actually means (and how it differs across markets).Why getting booked first isn’t always a win.How to set far out premiums to protect your calendar and maximize revenue.Real-life examples of how premium pricing strategies have generated thousands of extra dollars.Why pairing premium pricing with premium hospitality is the ultimate formula for success.Whether you’re new to dynamic pricing or just need a mindset shift around your calendar, this episode will help you think like a revenue manager and keep your profits strong.Resources: PriceLabs – Our go-to dynamic pricing software with powerful features like far out premiums. Try it FREE for 30 days!Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

In this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette take on a question from a new host who’s been live on Airbnb for a month without a single booking. Frustrated, they’re wondering if the problem is market saturation, high guest fees, or simply the fact that the neighbor’s house has a pool.If you’ve ever launched a property and heard crickets, you’re not alone. Sarah and Annette walk through the mindset shift and tactical steps every host needs when bookings aren’t rolling in:Stop blaming what you can’t control. Saturation, guest fees, and neighbor amenities aren’t the full story. Hosts need to focus on the levers they can control.Audit your listing presentation. Are your photos professional, clear, and guest-focused? Is your description highlighting unique value? Is your calendar even open and bookable?Identify true comps. The house with a pool isn’t a fair comparison if you don’t have one. Focus on properties with similar size, amenities, and guest profiles.Read your analytics. Airbnb’s insights show where guests drop off, whether you’re showing up in search, and what your conversion rate looks like. Data removes guesswork.Adopt an owner’s mindset. Hosting isn’t passive income — it’s active business ownership. Treat your listing like a product that needs to be tested, tweaked, and improved.At the heart of this episode is a challenge to hosts: take extreme ownership. If your listing isn’t getting booked, don’t wait for Airbnb’s algorithm to save you. The hosts who succeed are the ones who audit their listing, study their competition, and make data-driven changes until they get results.Resources mentioned: YouTube Video: The Secret Airbnb Setting That Improves Listings by 300% – Deep dive into Airbnb settings that can boost visibility and conversions.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20

Local events are one of the biggest missed opportunities for hosts. Whether it’s a football game, a concert, or a citywide convention, event-driven demand can skyrocket your revenue—if you know how to capture it.In this episode, Sarah and Annette share their system for spotting demand spikes and making the most of them with the help of dynamic pricing software like PriceLabs. From annual football schedules to hidden “sleeper events” like comedy shows and board game conventions, they’ll show you how to combine human insight with smart tech to boost your earnings.You’ll learn:Why event-driven demand creates pricing power for STR hosts.How to map out annual and quarterly event calendars.The difference between obvious citywide events and “sleeper hits.”How to layer local knowledge on top of dynamic pricing software.Why you should never “set it and forget it” with your rates.Don’t give away nights at your property when demand is at its highest. With the right strategy, you’ll be prepared to capture every opportunity—big and small.Resources: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing software that automatically adjusts your rates based on real-time demand. In May 2025, PriceLabs users earned an average of $222 more on event dates.Mentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

This week’s Hosting Hotline question comes from Shaune, who has a short-term rental in a small town that hosts a massive week-long festival every year. The big question: should you require a full week-long stay during the event, or will multiple shorter bookings at premium rates bring in more revenue?Sarah and Annette break down three smart strategies to help you decide:Require a week-long stay (ideal if demand is strong for full-week bookings).Allow shorter stays at premium rates (often a higher revenue generator).Try a hybrid approach (adjusting minimum nights as the festival gets closer).Beyond the tactics, Sarah and Annette emphasize the importance of understanding your market and your goals. Do people actually stay for the entire week? Or are two- and three-night trips the norm? Do you want maximum revenue, or would a single booking simplify your life during the chaos of festival season?This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever wondered how to balance personal goals with smart business strategy. By analyzing demand patterns, testing different approaches, and staying flexible, you’ll learn how to maximize your revenue and still keep your sanity.Resources mentioned: Hosting Hotline – Submit your own question to be answered on the show.Mentioned in this episode:Lodgify | Use code TFV20