This week on the Hosting Hotline, listener Julia calls in with a timely question: should you host influencers in exchange for a free or discounted stay—especially when your property is new and you’re trying to build buzz?

Julia runs a fully immersive Star Wars-themed short-term rental in Kissimmee, Florida, and recently experimented with a creator collaboration through the platform Stayamo. While she didn’t see immediate bookings, the exposure raised awareness and boosted her Instagram following. But is that worth the cleaning fee—or more?

In this episode, we dig into:

– How to evaluate whether an influencer is truly a good fit

– What red flags to watch for when receiving creator collaboration requests

– How to define success from influencer content

– Smart ways to protect your time, energy, and budget

– Why a holistic influencer marketing plan beats saying yes ad hoc

– And how to communicate “no” without burning bridges

We also share our favorite tips for setting expectations, building contracts, and using influencer content intentionally—so you’re not left wondering if the trade was worth it.

Resources:

– YouTube: The Right Way to Use Influencers to Promote Your Airbnb

– Stayamo (influencer collaboration platform)

When a once-in-a-generation storm hit the mountains of Western North Carolina, Superhost Catherine Morris found herself not only without power—but with stranded guests, canceled reservations, and major cleanup ahead. In this episode, we talk with Catherine of Edenwood NC about her transition from corporate life to full-time hosting, the realities of managing two unique properties (yes, she still does the cleaning herself!), and the lessons she learned when Hurricane Helene shut everything down.

From insurance battles to wood-fired hot tubs, this episode covers the gritty details of what it really looks like to be a hands-on host through disaster and recovery.

Whether you're new to short-term rentals or a seasoned pro, Catherine’s insights on preparedness, communication, and guest care will leave you inspired—and better equipped for anything that comes your way.

• Catherine’s Rentals: https://edenwoodnc.com
• Follow on Instagram: @edenwoodnc
• Airbnb Business Loss Coverage Info: https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/1320/extenuating-circumstances-policy

Mentioned in this episode:

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

In this Hosting Hotline episode, listener Colby from Humble Abode in Australia calls in with a question many hosts are asking: Can you still nudge guests toward booking direct after their stay—even with Airbnb’s updated policies?

Colby has been sending post-stay messages encouraging repeat visits and direct bookings. But with Airbnb tightening its rules, is that strategy still allowed?

We break down:

• Why post-stay messages via Airbnb’s platform are now a hard no
• What is still okay when it comes to asking for reviews
• How to compliantly shift communication off-platform
• Why your in-home marketing game matters more than ever
• Simple tools and strategies (like StayFi) that keep you compliant and effective
• The real reason you shouldn’t try to outsmart Airbnb's AI

Plus, we share smart alternatives to keep your marketing efforts alive—without breaking the rules.

🔗 Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi: A platform for collecting guest emails with consent, post-booking

Thanks for Visiting Bootcamp: Get on the waitlist for our next deep-dive session

This week on Hosting Hotline, we’re joined by Phil Kennard, founder of FutureStay—a platform built specifically for rental-preneurs. Whether you're managing one short-term rental or a growing handful, Phil is here to help you take back control of your business and stop relying solely on platforms like Airbnb.

We dig into:

• What it means to be a “rental-preneur”
• The truth about Airbnb's off-platform policy
• Why direct bookings aren’t as scary (or risky) as you think
• How to use the “billboard effect” to drive bookings
• Common listing mistakes that quietly hurt your ranking
• The direct booking loop and how to build guest trust
• Why even 10% direct bookings can change your bottom line

Whether you’re brand new or deep in your hosting journey, this episode will inspire you to think like a business owner—and start setting yourself up for long-term success.

RESOURCES:

• FutureStay | Direct booking platform for rental-preneurs (exclusive offer for TFE listeners)
• Google Vacation Rentals | Where 70%+ of travel searches begin
• Airbnb’s Off-Platform Policy | New rules effective May 2025
• Proper Insurance | STR insurance designed for hosts
• The Hosting Handbook | Your beginner’s guide to starting strong

Mentioned in this episode:

Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

This week on Hosting Hotline, we’re answering a question from Joanna—a host in Central Virginia—who’s working to increase bookings by upselling gap nights before or after a guest’s stay.

Also known as adjacent nights or half-day stays, these nights are often overlooked revenue opportunities. But the truth is, guests are more willing than you think to arrive early or stay late—if you offer it the right way and at the right time.

In this episode, we cover:

– What “gap nights” really are (and why guests say yes)

– The 3 best times to offer a gap night

– Why “half-day stay” might sell better than “early check-in”

– The importance of testing and tracking guest responses

– How to automate these offers without sacrificing conversions

– A reminder that your core upsell is your core product: the stay!

Whether you’re managing a single unit or scaling a portfolio, don’t miss this conversation about one of the easiest ways to boost your revenue without increasing your workload.

Want to get your questions answered on the show? Visiting HostingHotline.com.

RESOURCES:

– Hostfully | PMS with automated messaging tools

– Breezeway | Smart guest messaging & turnover management

– Get the Hosting Handbook | New host? Start here

You’ve heard whispers of a short-term rental tax loophole that can save hosts big money—but is it real? And more importantly, does it apply to you?

In this episode, we're joined by Amanda Han, CPA and tax strategist, who breaks down exactly how short-term rental owners can legally reduce their tax burden without qualifying as a real estate professional. Amanda walks us through the difference between material participation and real estate professional status, how to track your hours, and how to avoid some of the most common mistakes hosts (and even CPAs!) make when trying to claim this benefit.

We also talk about:

• How short-term rentals create tax losses even when they cash flow
• What actually counts toward your material participation hours
• Whether midterm rentals qualify (spoiler: not usually)
• Common write-offs hosts overlook—and how to structure your finances to make the most of them
• When a cost segregation study makes sense (and when it doesn’t)
• How to find the right tax professional for your STR business

This episode is a must-listen if you own, co-host, or are considering investing in a short-term rental and want to keep more of the money you’re making.

Resources:

• Amanda’s Website: Keystone CPA
• Amanda on Instagram
• Amanda’s YouTube Channel
• STR Host Tax Advantage Cheat Sheet
• Should You Fire Your Property Manager? (Or Are Your Expectations Misaligned?) | Subscribe to our YouTube channel

Mentioned in this episode:

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!

If you're a new host wondering whether a Ring camera is worth the investment—or how to manage your smart locks like a pro—you’re not alone.

On this Hosting Hotline episode, Sarah and Annette answer listener Winn’s questions about securing her very first short-term rental. They cover everything from guest privacy concerns to how often you should change your keypad code.

You’ll learn:

• What your insurance provider needs to know about outdoor cameras
• How to decide whether security devices are right for your listing
• Best practices for guest communication
• Manual vs. automated keypad code systems
• How to use SimplySafe or similar services for an extra layer of protection

Whether you’re managing one property or building a short-term rental portfolio, this episode will help you feel more confident about keeping your space—and your guests—safe.

Want to get your question answered on the show? Visit HostingHotline.com

RESOURCES:

• Hosting Handbook: Our on-demand course for new STR hosts
• SimplySafe: Affordable and easy-to-install home security systems
• Schlage Keypad Electronic Deadbolt
• Yale Assure Wi-Fi Connected Smart Lock

This week’s episode is a special one—we’re taking you behind the scenes of an exclusive short-term rental retreat held in the UK at the stunning, historic Knowsley Hall. Alongside 17 founders, CEOs, and global leaders in the STR space, we got to talk shop, exchange ideas, and ask bold questions about where our industry is headed.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Knowsley Hall (est. 1385!) is blending historic preservation with modern hospitality
• Lessons from tech leaders who got their start as hosts—and the problems they built businesses to solve
• Candid insights on profitability, pricing, direct bookings, AI risk, and OTA algorithms
• Interviews with Ella (Autohost), Bart (Autorank), Phil (Futurestay), and Marc (Boostly)—all with actionable takeaways for your business

We asked them:

• What separates thriving hosts from those struggling right now?
• Is there hope for direct bookings—and how do we make it work?
• What tech is worth investing in (and what can you ditch)?
• What’s one trend in hosting that needs to die already?

If you’ve ever wanted an inside look at the STR industry from a global perspective, this episode is packed with high-level insight, practical advice, and some spicy opinions on what needs to change.

RESOURCES:

• Hostfully | Use Code TFV500 for $500 off!
• Stayfi | Provide an exceptional WiFi experience for your vacation rental guests
• Autohost.ai – Smart Screening for Hosts
• Autorank.io – Optimize Your Airbnb Ranking
• Futurestay – Simplified Property Management
• Boostly – Build Your Direct Booking Brand
• Short Stay Summit
• Knowsley Hall on Instagram

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your Airbnb

Mentioned in this episode:

StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.

Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.