476. Hosting Hotline: Is Dynamic Pricing Worth It for Just One Seasonal Property?
This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're shaking things up by answering a listener question from the comments section of our YouTube channel. The question? Whether using a dynamic pricing tool like PriceLabs is really worth it if you only have one seasonal property.Spoiler alert: our answer is a resounding yes—and we’re breaking down why.In this episode, we discuss:What PriceLabs is and how it compares to Airbnb's Smart PricingWhy dynamic pricing is essential for seasonal propertiesHow a $20/month investment can yield huge returnsHow to use data to compete more effectively in your local marketThe top reason every host should prioritize a pricing tool in their tech stackEven if your booking calendar only gets busy for part of the year, having smart, data-informed pricing can help you make every single night count—and ultimately, bring in more revenue with less guesswork.If you're curious about dynamic pricing, we’ve got a full video that walks you through how to use PriceLabs and why it works.📺 Watch our YouTube video on dynamic pricingDrop your questions in the comments and your topic might be featured in a future episode!Resources mentioned: PriceLabs – Dynamic pricing tool we personally use and recommend. Offers a free trial (no credit card required).Thanks for Visiting YouTube Channel – Subscribe and leave your hosting questions in the comments.Hosting Handbook – Learn the basics of how to launch your listing
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475. Content Shoots at Your Airbnb: What to Ask, What to Charge, What to Avoid
A local photographer wants to use your Airbnb for a shoot. Should you say yes?In this episode, we’re walking through the exact questions we ask when we get these requests—and all the lessons we’ve learned the hard way. From influencer swaps to full-on commercial productions, we’ve seen it all. And we’re here to help you protect your property, price it properly, and make smart decisions about the kind of content being created in your space.Whether you’re already hosting photoshoots or a guest just asked to “pop in for a quick brand shoot,” this episode will help you set better boundaries, ask the right questions, and explore new income opportunities in a smart and sustainable way.In this episode, we cover:The different types of content shoots you might be approached aboutWhy it’s critical to ask what kind of content is being createdHow to protect yourself legally with a COI (Certificate of Insurance)What to charge (and why it’s not just your nightly rate!)How to manage timing, cleaning, and neighborhood impactReal stories from our own experiences—both great and not-so-greatRed flags to watch out for before you say yesResources📺 Subscribe to our YouTube channel | 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Airbnb Business📸 Check out Peerspace – a platform for listing your space for hourly rentals, perfect for photoshoots and production: peerspace.comMentioned 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.
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474. Hosting Hotline: Should You Trade Free Stays for Influencer Content?
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 bridgesWe 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)
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470. Hosting Hotline: Are You Leaving Money on the Table by Not Offering Gap Nights?
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
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465. Deepak Mehrota from California Design Den on the Bedding Mistakes Hosts Keep Making (and How to Fix Them)
This week, we’re diving deep into the world of sheets, stains, thread counts, and what your guests actually care about when it comes to the sleep experience. We’re joined by Deepak Mehrotra, founder of California Design Den, a luxury bedding brand trusted by thousands of short-term rental hosts—and the highest-rated cotton sheet brand on Amazon.In this episode, Deepak pulls back the curtain on everything you never knew you needed to know about bedding. From the science behind thread count to how microfiber might be hurting your guest experience (and your skin), this is the ultimate STR bedding masterclass.We cover:– Why 400 thread count cotton is the sweet spot for hosts – The difference between softness, smoothness, and weight (yes, there’s a difference) – Why microfiber is basically plastic—and what that means for your guests – The truth about poly/cotton blends and "hotel-grade" sheets – The easiest way to reduce wrinkles and stains (hint: it’s your dryer settings) – How often you really need to replace your sheets – Why Deepak built a VIP program just for hosts—and how to get in – What every host can learn from selling on marketplaces like AmazonIf you’ve ever wondered what sheets to buy, how long they last, or how to talk about linens in your listing description, this episode is packed with answers, clarity, and a few hot takes.RESOURCES:Try California Design Den’s STR programRequest samples and join their free host program: https://www.jotform.com/form/240328613238150Shop Standard Textile via HostGPOJoin to access hospitality-grade bedding, towels, and more: https://public.hostgpo.com/presignup.html?key=tfv&utm_source=tfv&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=affiliateSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | Top 10 Amazon Cleaning Must-Haves for Your AirbnbMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yesHostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yes
Get actionable advice and the essential fundamentals of running a profitable 5-star Airbnb side-hustle or full on business. Annette’s extensive background in business operations and Sarah’s experience in high-end hospitality management and interior design make them a powerhouse duo that will deliver high impact content. With almost a decade of combined hosting experience they will not only share their own stories welcoming thousands of guests from around the world but also those of other Superhosts to deliver you a wide array of stories, insights, and profitable and creative ideas to make your listing rise to the top. Whether you’re experienced, new, or nervous to start your own Airbnb this podcast promises to be informative, fun, and from the heart.
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