Hosting with intention because 5-star experiences come first
Hosting with intention because 5-star experiences come first
Families make up a huge portion of short-term rental (STR) travelers. Whether it’s parents booking a cozy weekend with their toddler, or a multi-generational family reunion with teenagers in tow, hosting children (ages 2–18) and babies (0–2) requires some extra…
Here it is, the middle of September. And for me, it feels like fall and the holidays will be here in the blink of an eye. When the holidays roll around, it’s tempting to deck out your short-term rental with…
Renting your home on Airbnb or VRBO is exciting, but it also opens the door to risks: guest damage, liability, loss of income, and more. Standard homeowners insurance often doesn’t cover those risks. This is why short-term rental (STR) insurance…
Managing a large short-term rental, think 4+ bedrooms, 8+ guests, can feel like running a mini-hotel. Between sheets, showers, and surprise messes, turn-overs can eat hours (and profits). The key? A system. With the right flow, time estimates, and pricing…
If you’re thinking about welcoming longer-stay guests, those booking for two weeks or more, and especially 28+ nights, there’s huge upside: higher occupancy, fewer turnovers, and more predictable revenue. There are also new expectations and a few legal considerations you…
Biggest “No-Nos” for STR Hosts Yes, many of these will seem like common sense, and all are best practices. As a host who is always striving for 5 star reviews due to happy guests, I stick to these basic “rules”…
The Quick Win Checklist: 10-Minute Tasks That Keep Your 5-Star Reviews Sparkling When you interact with kp_bnb and click on affiliate links, you’re supporting a small creator, and I’m truly grateful. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.…
If you’ve been hosting for a while, you’ve likely got the basics down: your property is listed, bookings are rolling in, and guests are generally happy. But once you reach what I call the “Optimize” stage in your short-term rental…
As an Airbnb host and someone who takes pride in creating a welcoming, functional space, both for Airbnb guests and my friends and family, I’ve come to realize that small details matter more than we think. Sure, everyone loves a…
A Warm Welcome to the World of Short-Term Rentals Welcome to the bustling universe of short-term rentals, where every host has their own unique tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned host or just dipping your toes into this thriving…
When I first started hosting, I thought I had all the essentials covered: towels, extra sheets, coffee, and a few snacks in the pantry. But one of my early international guests (visiting from England) gave me a lesson I’ll never…
When I first got started hosting on Airbnb nearly a decade ago, I was just focused on providing a great stay and collecting my first reviews. Back then, the idea of creating a direct booking website sounded complicated, expensive, and…
When I started hosting on Airbnb nearly a decade ago, I wasn’t thinking about “scaling.” I just wanted to offer a great guest experience, make the space shine, and bring in some supplemental income. But once I had my first…
As a short-term rental host and homeowner, I’ve asked myself this question more than once: How important is landscaping, really? The short answer? It depends. While some properties truly benefit from lush gardens and carefully staged outdoor (think event spaces…
Running a short-term rental can be incredibly rewarding, and if you’re anything like me, you quickly discover just how many tiny conversations go into hosting every single booking. From welcoming messages to pet policies to check-in instructions, I found myself…
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve hosted dozens of stays, managing a short-term rental (STR) comes with a steep learning curve. Hosts wear many hats: cleaning coordinator, guest services, repair manager, and sometimes, conflict resolution expert. To help you…
More than a handful of times I’ve had to play detective after receiving a message from a guest who was expressing some sort of dissatisfaction. It’s disheartening when we try to keep track of every detail and make sure every…
As a short-term rental host, it’s easy to focus on what to provide: stylish decor, a stocked kitchen, thoughtful extras, but just as important is what you shouldn’t leave in your Airbnb. Keeping your rental free from risky or high-maintenance…
As a short-term rental host, your space is under constant use. Unlike a typical household, your furniture, linens, and everyday essentials are put through more wear and tear, often with less care. But how often should you replace key items…
Now that I also own a short-term rental, I find myself applying those same principles, but with a slightly different lens. While sellers usually renovate for buyers, STR owners renovate for guests. And while some upgrades are cosmetic luxuries, others…