Mato just raised pre-seed Read more
Podcast charts
Published by James Varley | Host Planet
Host Planet: Expert Insights for Short-Term Rentals is the go-to podcast for short-term rental hosts, property managers, and vacation rental operators. Hosted by James Varley, each episode shares practical strategies on Airbnb hosting, holiday let management, direct bookings, revenue management, guest experience, and listing optimisation. If you run an STR or want to grow a smarter hosting business, Host Planet gives you actionable insights from leading voices in the industry.
On the charts
Every published chart this podcast appears in, in the snapshot behind this page. Each one links to the chart it came off.
The Mato Topic Intelligence Platform does not report this podcast as charting in a published category in this snapshot.
From the feed
The latest episodes published to this podcast’s own RSS feed. Titles and descriptions are the publisher’s.
Wales' 182-day rule is pushing self-catering owners to the brink – and there's a narrow window to change it. Almost a third of holiday letting businesses in Wales have already collapsed under 'hideous' council tax bills, and 26% are running at a loss. But there may finally be light at the end of the tunnel. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – James Varley sits down with Nicky Williamson of PASC UK to unpack the 182-day threshold for self-catering properties in Wales: why it's crippling businesses, why the Welsh Government has launched a 12-week consultation, what the right level should be, and how proposed exemptions could create big winners and big losers. If you operate in Wales, this is your chance to be heard. We cover exactly what owners need to do – and how to respond to the consultation before it closes. 👉 If you found this useful, subscribe for weekly short-term rental insight, and share it with a host who needs to see it. The Host Planet Podcast helps short-term rental hosts and property managers build smarter, more successful and more sustainable businesses — covering regulation, revenue, AI, guest experience, direct bookings and more. Sponsored by Lodgify: use code HOSTPLANET20 for 20% off. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 1:09 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20 1:59 The 182-day limit in Wales 3:14 Welsh hosts stung with 'hideous' council tax bills 4:40 30% of holiday letting businesses have collapsed 5:48 26% of STR businesses in Wales running at a loss 7:42 The Welsh Government's 12-week consultation on 182 9:13 What is the right level? 10:31 England's number – and what Wales should reduce to 13:01 Averaging nights over several years, and charity nights 14:50 Exemptions: big winners and big losers 16:22 What Welsh owners need to do – contribute to the consultation 18:24 The potential outcome of the consultation 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES Nicky Williamson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolawilliamson/ PASC UK: https://www.pascuk.co.uk/ PASC UK 182 campaign: https://www.pascuk.co.uk/182-2/ Respond to the consultation – 'Classification of self-catering properties for local tax purposes': https://www.gov.wales/classification-self-catering-properties-local-tax-purposes #shorttermrental #vacationrental #airbnbuk #selfcatering #wales #holidaylet #pascuk #hostplanet #lodgify #airbnbhost
Why don't guests book direct – and how do you fix it? In this episode of Built to Book, Jonas Baum, Head of CX at Smoobu, breaks down how to build a direct booking website that converts. Learn the trust signals, AI workflows, and booking flow fixes to help you build a smarter, more successful, and more sustainable short-term rental business. If you're getting traffic but no bookings, this is your 30-day plan to turn Airbnb and Booking.com guests into repeat direct bookers – with offers the OTAs can't match, better photography, stronger brand, and a frictionless checkout. Special offer: Get 20% off Smoobu with the code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_3 In this episode we cover: - What goes wrong when a guest doesn't book direct - Why brand matters whether you have one property or hundreds - Core trust signals every direct booking website needs - How to utilise AI to build your brand and content faster - Where booking flows lose people – and how to fix drop-off - What to offer direct that Airbnb can't match - How to convert an OTA booker to a direct booker next time - Photography, about pages, add-ons and the traffic-but-no-bookings fix - Simple 30-day plan for more direct bookings Timestamps: 1:34 When a guest doesn't book, what's gone wrong? 5:12 Brand means the same whether you have one property or hundreds 8:54 The core trust signals on a direct booking website 10:42 Get 20% off Smoobu with the code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_3 11:36 How to utilise AI to build your brand 14:38 Where booking flows lose people 16:58 What to offer on your direct booking website (that the OTAs like Airbnb and Booking.com can't match) 19:59 Turn an OTA booker into a direct booker next time 22:23 What a website that's quietly killing bookings looks like 24:02 The importance of photography 25:46 The fix that flips the switch for hosts getting traffic but no bookings 27:12 A good add-on is a strong about page 28:31 The simple 30-day plan to achieve more direct bookings Built to Book from Host Planet and Smoobu helps hosts drive more direct bookings with practical tips on websites, brand, marketing and automation. #HostPlanetPodcast #BuiltToBook #DirectBookings
Is your holiday let truly winter ready..? Because a cold property is a 1-star review waiting to happen. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, from Host Planet and Sykes Holiday Cottages, Rachel Brennan shares exactly how smart hosts protect their property, price correctly, and deliver a 5-star guest experience when temperatures drop – helping you build a smarter, more successful and more sustainable business. This series shares practical insights for holiday let owners and managers, including how AI and automation can support winter pricing, guest communications, and property operations. Rachel breaks down the biggest winter pricing mistake owners make, how to adjust your listing and marketing to attract winter guests, and the simple touches that create a warm arrival and keep guests happy when it's raining outside. In this episode you'll learn: - The #1 winter pricing mistake that leaves your calendar empty - How to adapt your listing and marketing for winter demand - How to protect your property before the temperature drops - How to keep guests entertained on rainy days - How to deliver a warm arrival that drives 5-star reviews Timestamps: 1:46 It’s time to get winter ready 3:29 The biggest pricing mistake owners make in winter 6:53 Adjust your listing and marketing to reach winter guests 10:01 Protect your property before the temperature drops 11:51 Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/ 12:32 A cold rental is a 1-star review waiting to happen 14:56 How to keep guests entertained at the property when it’s raining outside 17:35 How to give your guests a warm arrival 19:52 The biggest impact for hosts in winter Guest: Rachel Brennan, Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/ Want to work with Sykes Holiday Cottages? Learn more about letting with Sykes and getting year-round support to maximise your occupancy and revenue: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/ Join STR professionals in 100+ countries by subscribing to the Host Planet Newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/ #HolidayLet #SykesHolidayCottages #HostPlanet #HolidayLetInsider #ShortTermRental
Luxury hosting is getting harder – fire regulations, guest expectations, and running a UK business from abroad. Here's how top operators stay ahead. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Lodgify, James Cornwell joins us ahead of the Host Planet Roadshow in Bath, where his business, Curated Property, is Event Partner. We talk bringing the STR community together, collaborating with competitors, and managing in the luxury space. Plus: speaker Johnny Palmer on turning a plane linked to Pablo Escobar into an Airbnb – and James answers: was it really Escobar's plane? Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet Timestamps: 0:58 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 1:42 Bringing the STR community together in Bath 2:40 The value of attending industry events 5:01 Collaborating with competitors 6:28 Discover more about Johnny Palmer's Escobar plane 9:50 The story of Curated Property 13:51 Biggest challenges in 2026: fire risk regulations 18:25 Managing a UK business from Portugal 23:40 Challenges of managing in the luxury space 26:16 Customer service and the human touch 33:10 Was Johnny Palmer's plane really owned by Pablo Escobar? Connect with James Cornwell / Curated Property: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamescornwell/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curatedpropertycompany/ Get your ticket (just £40 each) for Host Planet Roadshow Bath: https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-bath #HostPlanet #SmarterHosting #ShortTermRentals
Mid-term rentals are having a moment — a perfect storm of supply shifts, rising nightly-rate competition, and a flood of 30–90 day demand. In this Build for Growth episode, Host Planet sits down with Frank Bosi from Hostfully to break down the mathematics of mid-term stays: how to price them, how to rework your listing to attract longer bookings, and which distribution channels actually deliver them. You'll learn the specific changes to make to your listing, why a digital guidebook becomes a serious conversion tool for mid-term guests, and what most hosts underestimate about protecting themselves on longer stays. ⏱️ Timestamps 1:46 Free PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life with Hostfully 2:42 The growth of mid-term rentals — a perfect storm 6:39 The mathematics of running mid-term rentals 9:40 What needs to change in your listing to attract mid-term stays 11:30 Why a digital guidebook helps immensely 13:20 How to price mid-term rentals 15:39 Distribution channels to achieve mid-term stays 19:53 What hosts underestimate about mid-term stays — and how to protect yourself 22:08 How to start attracting mid-term stays 25:33 Get in touch with Frank 🔗 Connect & Resources 🎁 Hostfully is offering Build for Growth listeners FREE PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life. Find out more: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet 📧 Email Frank: frank@hostfully.com 📅 Book a Hostfully demo with Frank: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2C #MidTermRentals #BuildForGrowth #Hostfully #AirbnbHost #VacationRental
Is agentic AI about to take real work off your plate – not just give you more information? In this episode of AI-Powered Hosting, from Host Planet and BOOM, Moran Goldboim unpacks where the short-term rental industry really is with AI, why trust and lack of experience are the biggest blockers, and the next leap: from information to action. Learn what day-to-day tasks AI can already handle, how to think about architecture over features, why connected data is a game-changer, and how property management companies will be structured and run differently as AI models get more reliable. This series helps you build a smarter, more successful and more sustainable short-term rental business — with AI as a practical tool, not hype. IN THIS EPISODE: • Where the STR industry is with AI right now – and why experience matters more than trust • From information to action: what agentic AI actually means for property managers • The day-to-day tasks AI will take off your plate • Why architecture beats features when building with AI • How connected data unlocks real automation • How the property manager UX will shift substantially • Why AI models need a way out to eliminate hallucinations • How far are we from fully trusting AI? And how org structure will change TIMESTAMPS: 01:20 Where the STR industry is with AI right now 03:10 Trust is a big thing in AI – but lack of experience is the core challenge 04:35 The next leap: from information to action 06:03 What day-to-day things will AI take off a property manager's plate 08:54 How to understand agentic AI 10:52 Start with architecture over features 12:54 Connected data is a game-changer 14:10 The user experience for property managers will shift substantially 16:30 AI models need a way out to eliminate hallucinations 19:45 How far away are we from people completely trusting AI? 22:02 How AI will change the way property management companies are structured and run 🔗 Explore BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026 📬 Connect with Moran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95/ AI-Powered Hosting is a six-part series from Host Planet and BOOM exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the short-term rental industry – from automation to full agentic execution. Quote 'Host Planet' to get 50% off PMS onboarding with Boom: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026 #AgenticAI #PropertyManagement #ShortTermRental #VacationRental #PropTech #AIAutomation #Airbnb #HostPlanet #BOOM #AIPoweredHosting
Planning to attend a major short-term rental conference this year – but not sure how to actually get value out of it? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Anne Gardner, Executive Director of the VRMA, breaks down everything you need to know about VRMA International 2026, heading to Nashville from 4-6 October. Host Planet is proud to be a Media Partner for this year's event. In this conversation we cover: - How to leverage an event this size – whether you manage one rental or thousands - Making the most of the side events and where the real connections happen - Why industry growth is driving international visitors to major events - What's new at VRMA International in 2026 and what attendees walk away with - How VRMA advocacy is supporting the short-term rental industry Chapters: 1:06 Get 20% off Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 1:47 VRMA International is heading to Nashville (4-6 October) 2:59 How to leverage such a huge event 4:48 Make the most of the side events 6:16 Industry growth is driving international visitors 7:39 Why Nashville is a natural fit 8:59 How VRMA International has grown – and what's new in 2026 10:06 Suitable whether you manage one rental or thousands 11:37 How VRMA advocacy supports the industry 13:42 Promoting the positive impact of short-term rentals 14:37 What attendees will walk away with 15:47 STR competitors often work together 17:02 Where the most valuable connections happen 17:59 Why these events matter 19:20 VRMA International tickets: https://www.vrma.org/annual-conference The Host Planet Podcast is sponsored by Lodgify. Get 20% off here: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet Links: VRMA 2026 tickets: https://www.vrma.org/annual-conference Anne Gardner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-gardner-mba-cae/ Anne Gardner email: agardner@vrma.org Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow Bath tickets (event on 7 October): https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-bath #VRMA #VacationRentalManagement #ShortTermRental #VacationRentals #Airbnb #PropertyManagement #Nashville
New Airbnb host? Katie Bessant from The Holiday Hive shares the most common mistakes new hosts make – and exactly how to fix them before they cost you bookings, reviews, and ranking. In this episode of The Independent Host, powered by Lodgify, Katie breaks down where most new hosts go wrong across pricing, photos, house rules, and cleaning – plus the quiet mistake that could be hurting your Airbnb ranking and what people keep getting wrong about the algorithm. The Independent Host is sponsored by Lodgify. Use code HOSTPLANET60 to get 60% off Lodgify. Offer valid until 31 August 2026: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet ⏱️ Timestamps: 1:12 Katie's journey in the world of short-term rentals 3:44 The most common mistakes new hosts make 7:02 How not to price your rental 12:27 The importance of photography 14:28 Check out Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 15:11 How Lodgify has helped Katie's hosting journey 16:40 What hosts get wrong when creating house rules 17:50 A mistake which might be quietly killing your ranking 19:40 What people get wrong about the Airbnb algorithm 21:26 What to do during a crisis 25:03 Is the damage reversible? 26:31 The importance of getting cleaning right 27:43 Get in touch with Katie 🔗 Connect with Katie: The Holiday Hive website: https://theholidayhive.com/ The Holiday Hive Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theholidayhive/?kuid=ca9c0158-8acf-43b0-afa1-edb9b676331a-1787338585&kref=https%3A%2F%2Ftheholidayhive.com%2F Subscribe to Host Planet for practical advice on building a smarter, more successful and sustainable short-term rental business. Join thousands of hosts and property managers across the globe by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/
Direct bookings are the highest-margin channel most hosts still ignore – no OTA commission, full control of the guest relationship, and a booking engine you actually own. In this episode of Build for Growth, we sit down with Roger Gould, Director of Business Development at Hostfully, to break down exactly how to start, scale, and win with direct bookings. IN THIS EPISODE: ▶ Why direct bookings matter (and what they're worth to your bottom line) ▶ Where to start: building a direct booking website you control ▶ How to turn lookers into bookers ▶ How to gather guest data you actually own ▶ Using a Hostfully digital guidebook to boost conversions ▶ Guest verification and insurance for direct bookings ▶ Payment processing that protects you ▶ Getting your direct booking rates right ▶ The complete direct booking strategy, step by step CHAPTERS: 1:50 Get free PMS onboarding and 30% off digital guidebooks for life with Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet 2:54 Why direct bookings matter 4:16 Where to start: You need a direct booking website 5:28 Don't be intimidated by technology 7:03 How to turn lookers into bookers 10:25 How to gather guest data 12:08 How to utilise a Hostfully digital guidebook effectively 18:22 The digital guidebooks are mobile-friendly 19:46 Guest verification and insurance for direct bookings 20:54 Payment processing for direct bookings 22:16 Getting the rates right on your direct booking website 24:21 The direct booking strategy 28:11 Get in touch with Roger: roger@hostfully.com 🎁 Hostfully is offering Build for Growth listeners FREE PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life. Find out more: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet 📧 Email: roger@hostfully.com 📅 Book a Hostfully demo with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2C This episode is part of the Build for Growth series from Host Planet, in partnership with Hostfully. #DirectBookings #VacationRental #AirbnbHost #ShortTermRental #Hostfully #BuildForGrowth
Revenue managers don't lose the room because their data is wrong – they lose it because they can't explain it. Dr Zak Ali (President, ISTRM) joins STR Pricing Pulse to walk through Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: lead with the answer, back it up with the numbers, and end with a decision senior management can act on. Download Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: https://go.beyondpricing.com/revenue-meeting-guide-3q26 In this episode: - Why "growth feels like success" can be dangerously misleading - How to frame revenue at risk without losing the room - Why good automation (and AI) should increase your control – not reduce it - The most common mistake revenue managers make in the room STR Pricing Pulse is brought to you by Host Planet and Beyond. Discover more about Beyond's world-leading revenue management software for short-term rentals: https://beyondpricing.info/launchbase ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 Episode starts 1:53 The importance of communicating with management 5:02 Why people struggle to explain things to management 9:09 Lead with the answer, back up with numbers, end with the decision 12:30 Growth naturally feels like success (but it could be misleading) 16:17 Beyond's Revenue Meeting Guide: https://go.beyondpricing.com/revenue-meeting-guide-3q26 17:45 How to build and deliver better-than-expected results 21:54 How to frame revenue at risk to management 25:57 Good automation should increase control 29:51 The most common mistake revenue managers make in the room 32:56 Zak's advice for revenue managers heading into the room 35:40 Join us at Revenue Management Intelligence in Leeds, 25 September Use code LEEDS for 50% off tickets for Revenue Management Intelligence: https://istrm.org/events #RevenueManagement #Airbnb #ShortTermRental #VacationRental #HotelRevenueManagement #DynamicPricing #Beyond #HostPlanet
Registration schemes on hold. A tourism levy fight nobody's sure we can win. Business rates squeezing operators. Janet Uttley, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association, joins Host Planet – powered by Lodgify – to break down exactly where STR regulation stands right now, and what a good registration scheme would actually look like. We also get into the STAA's first 12 months of targets, how they're working alongside PASC UK and the ASSC, and whether the new government (and Andy Burnham) will move the needle for hosts. This episode is powered by Lodgify — get 20% off with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet Timestamps: 1:05 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20 1:52 Janet's first few months at the STAA 2:58 The make-up of the STAA 4:05 STAA targets for the next 12 months 5:48 Collaborating with other industry bodies like PASC UK and the ASSC 7:07 What the STAA does and why operators should be interested 9:13 The registration scheme is on hold 11:21 What does a good registration scheme look like? 13:48 Tourism levy update… a battle we won't win? 18:13 Business rates 20:34 The impact of the new government on short-term rentals. Will Andy Burnham help us? 21:55 Collaborating with destination marketing organisations 24:38 Short Stay Summit 28:13 Supporting the Host Planet Roadshow 30:39 Find out more about the STAA and the Short Stay Summit Contact Janet Uttley: janet.uttley@ukstaa.org Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow The Host Planet Podcast is powered by Lodgify — get 20% off with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet #ShortTermRentals #Airbnb #STAA #Lodgify #HostPlanetPodcast
Christin Schmidt spent 20 years working inside Booking.com – and in this episode of Built to Book, she reveals exactly what most hosts get wrong about their OTA ranking, why reviews matter differently on Airbnb vs Booking.com, and how to build an OTA vs direct booking strategy that doesn't leave money on the table. Built to Book is a six-part series from Host Planet and Smoobu, built to help hosts optimise revenue, ranking, and guest experience across every channel. ⏱️ Timestamps 1:18 What hosts misunderstand about their ranking on Booking.com 3:26 If you want to boost your ranking tomorrow, this is what you should do 4:18 Do all the OTAs rank properties the same way? 5:58 Are reviews more important on Airbnb than on Booking.com? 6:38 Should hosts think about OTA commission differently? 9:07 How the OTA algorithms actually work 13:17 Preferred Partner and Genius… worth it? 16:38 Don't just put your rates up if you join a programme! 18:04 The most counterintuitive thing to do to boost your ranking 19:59 How to convert an OTA guest to a direct booker 21:08 Get 20% off Smoobu: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_2 21:57 The early signals a listing is starting to struggle 24:35 What should your rates be on OTAs vs your direct booking website? 27:07 Should your direct booking website always be a bit cheaper than the OTAs? 28:10 If you're auditing a listing with bookings, where to start? 29:38 The OTA change nobody has adapted to 🎧 Built to Book is brought to you by Smoobu – get 20% off your subscription: https://www.smoobu.com/en/hostplanet/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=podcast_2 👉 Subscribe to Host Planet for more short-term rental strategy, OTA optimisation and channel manager advice: https://www.hostplanet.club/ #BuiltToBook #Smoobu #BookingComTags
Turnover management is one of the toughest parts of running a short-term rental – and it only gets harder as you scale. In this episode of Turnover Tactics, brought to you by Host Planet and Turno, we sit down with Isa Bortolossi from Turno to unpack what's really going wrong behind the scenes of most cleaning operations – and how to fix it before it costs you a booking. Isa shares the craziest turnover story she's seen, breaks down the recurring problems her team spots across thousands of support tickets, and explains why anticipating issues beats firefighting them. We also get into the numbers: over 40% of Turno's projects last year were same-day turnovers, and Isa reveals the Turno Cleaner Guarantee and the hand-rating system hosts actually trust. If you're heading into peak season and want your cleaning operation to hold up under pressure, this one's for you. ⏱️ TIMESTAMPS 1:26 Check out Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planet 2:17 There's always a new challenge with turnovers 3:31 Isa's craziest story 4:57 Anticipating problems is better than solving them on the fly 6:07 Isa's team and the problems she sees again and again 9:53 What support tickets show about problem operations 11:33 The hand rating trusted by a Turno user 13:00 More than 40% of Turno projects last year were same-day turnovers 15:20 The Turno Cleaner Guarantee 17:57 Isa's top tip for hosts approaching peak season 20:17 Reach Isa and Turno 🔗 Connect with Isa Bortolossi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isadora-bortolossi/ 🔗 Learn more about Turno: https://turno.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=host_planet Turnover Tactics is a Host Planet series in partnership with Turno, helping short-term rental hosts build smarter, more sustainable operations. 🎙️ Subscribe to Host Planet for more short-term rental strategy, automation tips, and host interviews every week: https://www.hostplanet.club/
Direct bookings are more valuable than ever in 2026 – and Becky Ward, CEO of Simply Owners, breaks down exactly how hosts and property managers can win more of them without relying on the OTAs. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – Becky shares the Simply Owners story, why accessible properties are converting more direct guests, how SEO and GEO strategy plays into visibility, and the biggest mistakes hosts make when they try to "go direct" without a real plan. We also cover the upcoming Host Planet Roadshow in Nottinghamshire, where Simply Owners is the Event Partner – including what attendees can expect, the roundtable sessions, and how to grab your ticket. 🎟️ Grab your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire: https://www.hostplanet.club/hp-roadshow-nottingham 💰 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 🔗 Learn more about Simply Owners: https://www.simplyowners.net/ TIMESTAMPS: 1:00 Grab your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow 1:27 Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20 2:13 The story of Simply Owners 3:18 How Simply Owners helps people get direct bookings 4:20 How the business is developing 5:59 Accessible properties can achieve more direct bookings 7:59 Focus on SEO and GEO 9:18 Why direct bookings matter so much in 2026 12:20 Where hosts go wrong when they try to go direct 13:54 Host Planet Roadshow Nottinghamshire: taking education to the regions 15:45 What attendees can expect at the Notts event 17:44 The roundtable competitions at Host Planet Roadshow events 19:41 Becky Ward and Lisa Roads on stage 21:18 What people should do to get more direct bookings Host Planet is the home of everything short-term rental – helping hosts and property managers build smarter, more profitable, more sustainable STR businesses. Subscribe for weekly episodes, guest interviews, and actionable strategy. #HostPlanetPodcast #DirectBookings #ShortTermRentals
What's the best property management system... for YOU? 🏠 In this episode of Build for Growth, James Varley sits down with Frank Bosi from Hostfully to break down how short-term rental hosts should actually evaluate a PMS – and the biggest mistake operators make when choosing one. We cover researching PMS options on YouTube, where ChatGPT/Claude recommendations can lead you astray, the must-have features every host needs, and how to pressure-test a system before committing. 🎁 Hostfully is offering Build for Growth listeners FREE PMS onboarding + 30% off digital guidebooks for life. Find out more: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet 📧 Email Frank: frank@hostfully.com 📅 Book a Hostfully demo with Frank: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2C TIMESTAMPS 2:49 Free PMS onboarding + 30% off guidebooks with Hostfully 3:59 What's the best PMS… for me? 6:32 The biggest mistake operators make when choosing a PMS 10:05 How to research PMS options on YouTube 12:50 Where to be careful with ChatGPT/Claude recommendations 17:52 Features every host needs from a PMS 21:22 Why now is the right time to start using a PMS 24:28 How to pressure-test a PMS 27:19 AI that saves time vs. AI that's just a buzzword 29:09 How to choose the right PMS first time 32:53 Frank's elevator pitch for Hostfully 33:52 Connect with Frank + check out Hostfully #Airbnb #ShortTermRental #PropertyManagementSystem #Hostfully #VacationRental #AirbnbHost #STR
Shorter breaks. Last-minute bookings. Solo travellers. Group getaways. And a 1,389% spike in traffic from AI tools. The UK holiday let market is shifting – and if you're still managing your property the same way you were two years ago, you're probably leaving bookings on the table. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, James Varley is joined by Owen Burt, SEO Manager at Sykes Holiday Cottages, for a data-driven breakdown of exactly where the UK staycation market stands right now – and what savvy owners are doing to stay ahead of it. 🕐 Episode Chapters: 00:00 Episode starts 1:45 Staycations in the UK remain very popular 4:35 Guests are booking shorter breaks at short notice 9:25 The most popular UK locations – and what to do if you're in a quieter area 14:59 The peak booking periods you need to plan around 19:51 How Sykes Holiday Cottages can help you manage your holiday let 20:40 The huge impact of solo travellers on the market 25:33 The growth of group travel 30:36 1,389% jump in traffic from AI tools – what it means for your listings 34:41 The one thing owners should do after listening to this episode 🔑 Key insights from this episode: • Why the UK staycation market is still growing – and which guest segments are driving it • How last-minute, shorter-break bookings are reshaping how owners price and manage availability • What to do if your property isn't in one of the UK's most popular holiday let locations • Solo and group travel: the two booking trends that are quietly changing occupancy patterns • The 1,389% traffic surge from AI search tools – and what it means for holiday let visibility • The single most important thing owners should act on right now Holiday Let Insider is a series from Host Planet, powered in partnership with Sykes Holiday Cottages. Blog – How Different Holiday Let Guests are Booking in 2026: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/advice/article/holiday-let-guest-types The Sykes Staycation Index 2026: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-staycation-index-2026/ July 2026 Holiday Letting Pulse Report: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/advice/article/holiday-letting-pulse-report Let your property with Sykes: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/ Subscribe to Host Planet for weekly insights on holiday let management, Airbnb growth, vacation rental marketing, and automation strategies that scale: https://www.hostplanet.club/ #HolidayLetInsider #HolidayLet #UKStaycation #ShortTermRental #SykesHolidayCottages
Dynamic pricing used to be a tool. Now it's a full revenue management system – and (in some cases) AI is running it. Julie Brinkman, CEO of Beyond, joins James Varley on the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Lodgify – to break down how the platform has evolved far beyond pricing, why so few hosts actually use dynamic pricing (and what's stopping them), and what the revenue manager's job looks like in an AI-powered world. 🕒 Chapters: 0:00 Episode starts 1:26 Get 20% off Lodgify: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 2:08 Beyond's evolution from dynamic pricing tool to much more 4:59 The problems Beyond is solving for STR hosts & PMs 10:10 AI can run your revenue management through Beyond 12:41 How useful an AI agent could be to property managers 17:41 How many hosts use dynamic pricing (and why isn't it higher?) 24:25 What does the revenue manager's job look like in future? 28:10 How to ensure humans stay informed in an AI world 32:34 How to get ahead & what's next on the Beyond roadmap 34:56 Contact Julie & find out more about Beyond 📌 Resources mentioned: 🔹 Beyond: https://beyondpricing.com/products/why-beyond?utm_medium=seo&utm_source=partner-2024&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook_2024 🔹 Julie Brinkman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrbrinkman/ 🔹 Beyond's Listing Lens: https://beyondpricing.com/products/listing-lens 🔹 Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow 🏠 This episode is powered by Lodgify – the all-in-one vacation rental software for hosts who want to take control of their bookings. Get 20% off Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET20: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 🎙️ The Host Planet Podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. Join thousands of STR hosts and property managers across the world by subscribing to our newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/ #AirbnbHost #DynamicPricing #ShortTermRental
Is your property management software already holding you back? Shahar Goldboim, CEO and Co-Founder of BOOM, makes the case for agentic AI – and why property managers who don't adapt risk being left behind. In Episode 1 of AI-Powered Hosting – the new series from Host Planet and BOOM – Shahar breaks down exactly why the traditional PMS can no longer support a modern portfolio, and what the shift from short term rental automation to agentic execution means for your business in practice. Whether you're managing five properties or 50+, this conversation will change how you think about AI, decision-making, and where the STR industry is heading. 🎙️ In this episode: – Is the traditional PMS as we know it dead? – Why legacy software can't support a modern STR portfolio – The critical difference between automation and agentic execution – Everything under one platform: what BOOM actually does – How closing every loop transforms the guest experience – Can you really trust an agentic AI system to run your business? – Why the PMS is still the centre of truth — but its role is evolving 👤 Guest: Shahar Goldboim, CEO & Co-Founder, BOOM 📌 Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:03 Is the PMS as we know it dead? 4:33 Why a traditional PMS can't support a modern STR portfolio 6:23 Automation vs agentic execution — the key differences 8:51 Check out BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026 9:44 Inside BOOM – everything under one platform 16:18 What an AI badge on legacy software actually means 19:05 How closing all loops improves the guest experience 24:49 Can you trust an agentic AI system? 30:09 The PMS era is not over — it remains the centre of truth 32:33 Connect with Shahar and BOOM 🔗 Explore BOOM: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026 📬 Connect with Shahar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar-goldboim-80820b95/ AI-Powered Hosting is a new series from Host Planet and BOOM exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming the short-term rental industry — from automation to full agentic execution. Quote 'Host Planet' to get 50% off PMS onboarding with Boom: https://www.boomnow.com/?utm_source=HostPlanet&utm_medium=Sponsor&utm_campaign=2026 #ShortTermRental #AgenticAI #PropertyManagement
Starting an Airbnb? Lydia Patel shares the practical lessons she wishes she knew before welcoming her first guests – from pricing and photography to direct bookings, Instant Book, and getting your first reservation. This is Episode 1 of The Independent Host, a new monthly series from Host Planet and Lodgify for short-term rental hosts and property managers running their first 1–5 properties. Lydia talks openly about starting her short-term rental journey, the worries she had at the beginning, how her listing has improved over time, and what new hosts should prioritise before launching. In this episode, we cover: - How to get your pricing right from day one - Why professional photography can transform your listing - Where new hosts should list their property - How to create a direct booking website quickly - Whether you should turn on Instant Book - How much to spend preparing your property for guests - Why cleanliness matters for every booking - How long it can take to get your first reservation - What Lydia wishes she knew when she started - What holds people back from starting a short-term rental business Save 60% on Lodgify: Use code HOSTPLANET60: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet Chapters: 00:00 Episode starts 01:31 Lydia’s journey into short-term rentals 03:00 What Lydia was excited and worried about at the start 04:49 How to get pricing right from day one 08:40 How Lydia’s listing has improved over time 09:58 The importance of photography and presenting your listing 12:19 Save 60% on Lodgify with code HOSTPLANET60: https://www.lodgify.com/hostplanet/?utm_source=landing-page&utm_medium=creator-collab&utm_campaign=host-planet 14:18 Where to list your property when you’re starting out 16:12 Creating a direct booking website in minutes 16:49 Should hosts turn on Instant Book straightaway? 19:48 How much to spend getting your property ready for guests 23:42 Why your rental needs to be spotless for every guest 26:13 How long it takes to get your first booking 28:16 What Lydia wishes she knew at the start 29:39 What holds people back from starting 30:37 Connect with Lydia Lydia's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCIxIrXX87_Mn03CAIf2bDPA Lydia's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lydiapatelll Subscribe to Host Planet for practical advice on building a smarter, more successful, and sustainable short-term rental business. Join thousands of hosts and property managers across the globe by subscribing to our free weekly newsletter: https://www.hostplanet.club/
Why is your Airbnb not booking – even when the property looks great? In this episode of Build for Growth, a new Host Planet and Hostfully series, Ikram Mohamed explains the most common reasons Airbnb listings underperform and the practical fixes that can turn bookings around. We cover how Airbnb search ranking works, which host behaviours can push a listing down the results, and what smart dynamic pricing looks like for an everyday host. Ikram also explains how to improve an underperforming listing, why fast guest responses matter, and how to escape the “no reviews, no bookings” cycle. You’ll also learn why distribution matters, including the role of Vrbo, Booking.com, and your own direct booking website, before finishing with a clear seven-day action plan to improve your listing. In this episode: - The most common reasons an Airbnb stops booking - How Airbnb search ranking works - Dynamic pricing for everyday hosts - The biggest fixes for underperforming listings - How response speed affects bookings - Breaking out of the no-reviews, no-bookings loop - Expanding beyond Airbnb through Vrbo, Booking.com, and direct bookings - A practical seven-day turnaround plan Build for Growth is a new series from Host Planet and Hostfully, built for vacation rental hosts and property managers who are serious about scaling smarter. 🎙️ Guest: Ikram Mohamed: ikram@hostfully.com 🏠 Hostfully special offer: Get $500 off PMS onboarding and 30% off digital guidebooks for life: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet 01:34 Check out Hostfully 02:34 Why is my Airbnb not booking? The most common culprits 05:31 How Airbnb’s search ranking works 08:38 What smart, dynamic pricing looks like 11:37 The biggest fixes for underperforming listings 15:16 Why responding quickly to guests matters 17:52 Breaking out of the no-reviews, no-bookings loop 20:25 The importance of distribution 23:36 The seven-day action plan 🔔 Subscribe to Host Planet for weekly short-term rental strategy: https://www.hostplanet.club/ 📲 Try Hostfully: https://www.hostfully.com/host_planet
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 19, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
Apple and Apple Podcasts are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Pairs with
Bring this source into Mato to read its transferable patterns, then turn them into an original show for your own audience.