Host Planet

• Noise, Neighbours & STR Regulation: What Hosts Need to Know

  What does it take to be a great host and a great neighbour? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we’re joined by Nils Mattisson, CEO and Co-Founder of Minut – the leading smart monitoring solution designed for short-term rental hosts.Drawing on experience from his time at Apple and insights gained while founding Minut, Nils explains how hosts can maintain trust with neighbours, prevent party issues, and stay ahead of growing regulation – all while protecting guest privacy.We dive into how Minut works, how it’s evolving to meet the demands of 2025, and why it’s becoming an essential tool for hosts who want to be proactive and professional. Nils also shares valuable lessons from the field, real-world feedback from property managers and communities, and his take on how short-term rental regulation will continue to shape the future of hosting.Key takeaways:1. Minut helps hosts be better neighbours. It monitors noise, occupancy, and motion without compromising guest privacy, building trust on all sides.2. Tech can support compliance. As regulation increases, tools like Minut help hosts stay ahead of local rules and reduce complaints.3. Being a great host is about people. From communication to community impact, human connection still matters most – and smart tech should enhance that, not replace it.1:03 How to be a good neighbour3:35 How Minut can help hosts be good neighbours6:32 How Minut works11:09 Founding Minut, via Apple and Airbnb15:23 How Nils expects Minut tech to develop18:42 How Minut can help to combat regulation21:47 Feedback from owners and neighbours about Minut23:29 Communication in relation to using a monitoring tool25:18 2025 trends, starting with regulation27:28 Favourite brand: Wander28:14 Individual shout-out: Alexander Limpert, GuestReady28:41 No. 1 lesson learned: it’s all about peopleLooking 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/Nils Mattisson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nmattisson/Minut: https://www.minut.com/Episode to check next: This Vacation Rental Tool Thinks Differently: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sh_Bal6ll-w&t=1634sHost 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 #NilsMattisson #Minut #NoiseMonitoring #STR #Regulation

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• How to Rank Higher on Booking.com

  If you're listing your property on Booking.com, this episode is essential listening. We’re joined by Miro Gospodinov, Founder and CEO of my Data Value, who shares expert tips on how to improve your visibility, increase bookings, and get the most out of Booking.com’s powerful platform.Miro explains how Booking.com’s algorithm works, why consistent optimisation matters, and what hosts and managers often overlook – from using the extranet more effectively to testing changes with real-time data. Whether you're just getting started or want to boost your performance, this episode will help you unlock the full potential of one of the world’s most important OTAs.Key takeaways:1. Visibility = revenue. The higher you rank, the more bookings you’ll generate. Optimising your profile regularly is crucial.2. Use the tools Booking.com provides. From promotions to the extranet, leverage the platform’s features to stand out.3. Always be testing. Small changes (like pricing or messaging tweaks) should be tested and monitored to see what really moves the needle.2:26 The higher you rank, the more bookings you will achieve4:24 How to improve your ranking6:36 Can you always run a special offer?7:47 Tips to increase visibility10:29 Use the Booking.com extranet 13:50 Test the changes you make17:11 What you need to get right from day one19:49 my Data ValueLooking 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/Miro Gospodinov: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miro-g/my Data Value: https://www.mydatavalue.com/Episode to check next: Learn How To Take Great Photos For Your Airbnb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi9XiAQ1H-0&t=1sHost 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 #MyDataValue #JamesVarley #MiroGospodinov

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• Thinking of Buying a Holiday Let? Listen to This First

  Is now a good time to invest in a holiday let? According to Rachel Brennan, Senior Manager of Property Onboarding at Sykes Holiday Cottages, the answer is yes – provided you approach it the right way. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel explains why holiday lets continue to be a smart long-term investment and shares her top tips for choosing the right property and maximising returns.From picking the perfect location and securing the right mortgage to staying on top of regulations and making your property guest-ready, Rachel breaks down everything new and aspiring owners need to know. Whether you’re just starting your investment journey or looking to grow your portfolio, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world insight from someone who’s helped hundreds of owners get it right.Key takeaways:1. Location still reigns supreme. Choose your spot wisely: proximity to local attractions, amenities, and guest demand makes all the difference.2. Think like a guest. Whether it’s quirky features, high occupancy potential, or thoughtful furnishing, stand out by delivering what travellers want.3. Get expert support. From specialist mortgage brokers to tax advisors like Zeal, and trusted agents like Sykes, don’t go it alone.2:07 Why holiday lets are a good investment5:37 Is it a good time to buy a holiday let?8:07 Hang in there and reap the benefits8:47 Buy-to-let vs. holiday let13:25 Top tips for buying the right property19:10 No. 1 tip: location, location, location21:02 No. 2 tip: get the right mortgage22:40 No. 3 tip: contact Zeal for tax advice23:31 No. 4 tip: consider health and safety procedures25:06 No. 5 tip: regulation, rules, licensing26:51 No. 6 tip: think about renovation and furnishing28:01 No. 7 tip: get the occupancy level right29:13 No. 8 tip: pick your niche30:34 No. 9 tip: local amenities32:18 No. 10 tip: use the right agent34:38 Bonus tip: consider quirky rentalsHost Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/Rachel Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/Episode to check next: 10 Tips For Holiday Let Success: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kakSRC83aeo&t=2sHoliday Let Insider 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 #SykesCottages #JamesVarley #RachelBrennan

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• 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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