Host Planet

• Stop Building on Someone Else’s Land

  Are short-term rental hosts putting their entire business at risk by relying too heavily on platforms like Airbnb? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully, we sit down with Humphrey Bowles, Founder and CEO of Truvi (formerly Superhog), to unpack why hosts need to stop "building on someone else’s land" – and what they can do to protect their properties and future-proof their operations.From the risks of unchecked guest bookings to the myths around instant book and platform policies, Humphrey offers a no-nonsense take on why verification and guest screening are non-negotiables in today’s market. He also dives into Truvi’s evolving tech, how it differs from Airbnb and Booking.com’s approach, and why thinking like a true hospitality business owner – not just a platform host – is the mindset shift STR pros need now more than ever.Key takeaways:1. Airbnb isn’t your safety net – Hosts must take ownership of guest screening, verification, and risk mitigation instead of relying on platforms to protect them.2. Guest screening tech has evolved – Tools like Truvi go beyond basic checks, offering a smarter, scalable way to verify guests and protect your property.3. Think like a business owner – To build long-term success, stop acting like a user of someone else’s system – and start building your own trusted brand and booking flow.1:09 Stop building your business on someone else’s land3:09 Would we be having this conversation if Airbnb didn’t exist?6:32 Airbnb has so much power (so hosts need to fight back)10:31 The danger of just being an Airbnb host12:10 Does Airbnb have a shelf life?15:34 Airbnb’s policy changes17:06 Truvi19:20 The verification process21:37 Risks of not verifying your guests23:44 Are Airbnb and Booking.com doing enough when it comes to guest screening?27:49 The difference between Airbnb and Booking.com31:26 How guest screening tech is evolving34:19 The biggest myth about guest screening37:21 Instant book is OK – so long as you screen guests38:48 Favourite brands: Boostly, StayFi, Breezeway, PriceLabs, Beyond40:07 Individual shout-out: the guests who book direct41:28 Stop thinking like a platform host and start thinking like a hospitality business ownerLooking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully! Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2CEmail Frank: [email protected] Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Humphrey Bowles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humphrey-bowles/Truvi: https://truvi.com/The Entrepreneurial Illusion: They Take the Gold, You Keep the Glitter | Humphrey Bowles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARGCJ7cSsDIEpisode to check next: This Vacation Rental Pricing Tool Thinks Differently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh_Bal6ll-wHost Planet Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: [email protected]#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #HumphreyBowles #Truvi #Superhog #GuestScreening

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• How to Impress Guests (Without Breaking the Bank)

  What separates an average short-term rental from one that guests rave about? According to Mark Lumpkin from STR Cribs, it often comes down to the simple, thoughtful details that elevate comfort, security, and overall experience. In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Mark shares practical, no-nonsense upgrades that property managers and hosts can implement to boost reviews, improve operations, and impress guests from the moment they arrive.From the type of bedding you choose, to the importance of a full-length mirror, and why smart locks aren’t optional anymore, Mark walks us through the small changes that can make a big difference. He also dives into location-specific amenities, how to think like your guest avatar, and the work STR Cribs is doing to help hosts design guest-centric stays that convert.Key takeaways:1. Smart locks = smart hosting – a high-quality smart lock adds convenience, security, and a smoother guest check-in experience.2. Design for your guest avatar – tailoring your amenities and decor to your ideal guest helps you stand out in a crowded market.3. Details matter – quality bedding, a full-length mirror, and relevant amenities can be the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star stay.1:59 Use a good quality smart lock4:01 Use high quality bedding5:30 Install a full-length mirror6:58 Location-specific amenities7:57 Think about your guest avatar 9:28 STR CribsLooking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully! Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi, Hostfully's Senior Director of Partner Development: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2CHost Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Mark Lumpkin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lumpkin-84b173142/Mark's email: [email protected]: https://strcribs.com/Episode to check next: Learn How To Take Great Photos For Your Airbnb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9XiAQ1H-0Host Planet Bitesize is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: [email protected]#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #MarkLumpkin #STRCribs #Hostfully

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• This Vacation Rental Pricing Tool Thinks Differently

  If you're still setting a base price and hoping for the best, it's time to rethink your entire approach to pricing. On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully, we’re joined by Neal Cyr, CEO and Co-Founder at Quibble, to talk all things dynamic pricing – and why the strategies many hosts rely on are not just outdated, but potentially costing them bookings and revenue.Neal explains why fixed minimum rates and base prices might be doing more harm than good, how to find your occupancy sweet spot, and what hosts can learn from the airline industry about pricing with discipline. He also shares how Quibble sets itself apart from other tools, especially when dealing with unique properties, and why tweaking your strategy regularly is key to long-term success.Three key takeaways:1. Forget the base price – Neal argues that starting with a fixed base rate can limit your revenue potential and prevent you from adapting to real-time market conditions.2. Aggressive discounting is a mistake – Many hosts over-correct when trying to fill their calendars, but smart, data-driven pricing is more effective than slashing rates.3. Discipline is everything – Just like airlines, successful STR hosts treat pricing as a performance lever, not a set-and-forget function.0:56 Why is setting a base price a waste of time?1:43 How can you find the optimal price?5:03 Comparisons to other dynamic pricing tools7:50 Is there an argument to say you shouldn’t set a minimum rate?9:23 The occupancy level sweet spot11:02 The challenge of pricing ‘unique’ rentals11:55 What to consider when pricing13:56 How Quibble is different to other tools16:25 Is this set and forget?18:14 How often should hosts be tweaking their rates?19:29 The most common pricing mistake: aggressive discounting21:06 How airlines price (and what we can learn)22:50 What we can learn from airline pricing: discipline24:34 The correct set-up is essential for dynamic pricing 26:02 Quibble success stories27:04 $10 per property, per month. Check out Quibble:27:26 AI confusion 28:43 Favourite brand: Casago29:26 Individual shout-out: Jim Barlow30:06 Biggest lesson learnedLooking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully! Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2CEmail Frank: [email protected] Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Neal Cyr: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealcyr/Quibble: https://quibblerm.com/Episode to check next: The Smart Way to Price Your Vacation Rental: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsHYwAUreLsHost Planet Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: [email protected]#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #Quibble #NealCyr #RevenueManagement #DynamicPricing #JamesVarley

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• Stop Sounding Like a Robot! Messaging Tips for STR Hosts

  In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – sponsored by Hostfully – we welcome Jay Ullrich, CEO and Co-Founder of HostBuddy AI, to share five expert tips for automating your guest messaging without losing the personal touch.Whether you're just getting started with automation or looking to fine-tune your current setup, this episode will help you level up your systems, avoid common pitfalls, and get the most out of your AI tools – without sounding like a robot.Key takeaways:* Create well-timed, value-driven guest touch points that feel human.* Use automation to boost occupancy with smart gap-night upsells.* Avoid robotic AI by using SOPs and digital guidebooks to guide your tools.1:57 Create touch points with your guests3:20 Stop sending messages to the wrong guest at the wrong time5:21 Automate gap night upsells7:24 Don’t use AI that doesn’t sound like you10:44 Use standard operating procedures and digital guidebooks to help the AI (it will need it!)14:11 Check out HostBuddy AILooking for a great PMS or digital guidebook? You need Hostfully! Check out these special offers:Property Management Software: Get $500 off onboarding by using the code PLANET500.Digital Guidebooks: Get 30% off for life by using the code HOSTPLANETGB.Click here to sign up for Hostfully: https://get.hostfully.com/46p7pafubra1Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://cal.mixmax.com/frankbosi/demo?re=IiY1x2YuQXZuFGbwR3cvhGQzVWbhpmI&rn=ISelxmchZFIzVWbhpkI&messageId=UjWJnyJQ1a9zxhP2CEmail Frank: [email protected] Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Jay Ullrich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaytullrich/HostBuddy AI: https://www.hostbuddy.ai/Episode to check next: Airbnb Hosts: Stop Saying No To Pets!: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_MoRATH9coHost Planet Bitesize is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: [email protected]#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #AI #GuestCommunication #Automation

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• Top 5 Holiday Let Mortgage Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

  Thinking of buying a holiday let? Before you dive into the mortgage process, don’t make these common mistakes.In this episode of the Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, we’re joined by Ben Walker from House and Holiday Home Mortgages, who shares the top five mistakes holiday let mortgage applicants often make — and how to avoid them. From choosing the right type of mortgage to ensuring your paperwork is in order, Ben offers clear, practical advice for navigating the finance side of short-term rental investing.We also cover legal requirements, location strategy, and the value of working with a specialist broker who truly understands the holiday let market. Plus, Ben gives us a quick update on current mortgage rates in the UK.Key takeaways:1. Location matters more than you think – lenders consider market demand and seasonality when assessing your application.2. Using the wrong mortgage product (e.g. buy-to-let instead of holiday let) can land you in hot water.3. Work with a specialist broker who knows the holiday let sector – it’ll save you time, stress, and potentially thousands of pounds.0:42 House and Holiday Home Mortgages 2:57 Mistake No. 1: ignoring location and market demand6:29 Mistake No. 2: using the wrong type of mortgage9:16 Mistake No. 3: overlooking legal and licensing requirements 11:12 Mistake No. 4: submitting incomplete documentation 13:32 Mistake No. 5: not using a specialist holiday let mortgage broker 15:38 Current mortgage ratesHost Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Ben Walker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-walker-8983a237/House and Holiday Home Mortgages: https://www.hhhmortgages.com/host-planetEpisode to check next: Key Considerations For Holiday Let Investors: https://www.hhhmortgages.com/host-planetHost Planet Mortgage Podcast is presented by James Varley, a holiday let investor and property manager who is also the Founder of Host Planet. Before founding Host Planet, James spent 20 years in the media, including a decade leading corporate communications for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.Contact the show: [email protected]#HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #HolidayLets #HolidayLetMortgage #Mortgages #BenWalker #JamesVarley

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