465. Deepak Mehrota from California Design Den on the Bedding Mistakes Hosts Keep Making (and How to Fix Them)

is week on the Hosting Hotline, Amy from Canada calls in with a common (but often overlooked) question: How should short-term rental hosts handle TVs and streaming services?We dive into:Where you should place TVs in your rental (and why it matters)Which streaming services to offer—and what to avoidSmart tips to protect guest privacy and your own subscriptionsOperational systems for checking logins, batteries, and connectivityHow your STR's brand and guest profile should influence your entertainment setupWhether you're running a cozy cabin or a large vacation rental, this episode will help you create a seamless, secure, and thoughtful guest experience around your in-home entertainment setup.

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

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.

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)

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

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

Welcome to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today, we’re answering a question from Joanna, a new host who admits she’s got zero design sense—and she’s not alone. Furnishing a short-term rental (STR) without making expensive mistakes is one of the biggest hurdles for new hosts. So what’s the smartest way to get it done?In this episode, Sarah and Annette break down:Why design matters more than ever in today’s competitive STR marketWhether you should hire an interior designer, stager, or go DIYWhat to look for in a short-term rental design specialistHow to interview designers (and avoid staging traps)Where to splurge vs. where to saveWhat guests really care about—and how that impacts your ROIThe truth about property management options (and why self-hosting still rules)Pro tips on sourcing quality furnishings and maximizing your setup budgetWhether you’re design-challenged or just need help avoiding analysis paralysis, this episode will set you up to furnish your rental with confidence—and without blowing your budget.Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel | STR tips, tricks, and top toolsMentioned in this episode:Somerled Designs | Short-term rental interior design Minoan | Save big on furniture and decor for your STRAre you a brand-new host? | Get the Hosting Handbook today!Mentioned in this episode:Doors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yesDoors to our membership are open: thanksforvisiting.com/yesProper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

This week we’re sharing an incredible story of resilience, risk, and hosting transformation inside our community. Meet one of our Hosting Business Mastery members who went from chemical engineer to thriving short-term rental owner—with nine beautifully designed units and a passion for guest care that can’t be taught.She didn’t just dip a toe in—she jumped in headfirst, took on rental arbitrage, faced an unexpected HOA shutdown, and fought to stay in business. Along the way, she found support, built a powerful partnership with her landlord, and even showed up to City Council to advocate for Houston hosts.In this episode, we cover:– How she transitioned from corporate life into hosting– The emotional and financial rollercoaster of rental arbitrage– What happened when her first property was shut down by an HOA– How she negotiated new landlord partnerships—and had them pitch in– Her advocacy work and public testimony that helped reverse STR policy changes– Pro tips she implemented to boost her bookings and revenue (hello, rule sets and late checkout fees!)– The power of community, coaching, and asking for help before calling it quitsIf you’ve ever questioned whether you’re cut out for this, or felt like giving up—this story is your reminder to keep going. Real hosts face real challenges, and there’s real support waiting for you when you show up.Resources:– Ola’s Website: www.snoozelane.com– Snooze Lane on Instagram: @thesnoozelane– Connect with Ola: @olagiwa– Local Interview with Ola: Voyage Houston– Join us inside Hosting Business Mastery: thanksforvisiting.com/yes– Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: Airbnb House Rules That Actually Work (Copy These!)Mentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.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

Welcome back to another Tuesday Hosting Hotline! Today’s question comes from Sarah in Redwood, Mississippi, who’s been crushing it with over 30 stays in just six months. She’s asking something we hear all the time: What sheets actually hold up in short-term rentals? She's tried cotton, poly, bamboo—and still ends up with wrinkled, snagged bedding and lint rollers in hand.We’re breaking it all down:– Why the problem might start with your washer, dryer, or water quality, not the sheets themselves– The detergents and laundering tools that could be making things worse– Our go-to hospitality-grade sheet brands (including those used in Hilton and Marriott properties)– What standard hotels do differently to fight lint, hair, and wrinkles– Why the “easy button” doesn’t exist—and what realistic SOPs can make your beds shine– Why lint rolling will always be part of the job– The truth about cotton vs. poly blend sheets and how to reduce wrinkles– Why your sheets might be fine—but your expectations need to be aligned with professional standardsIf you’ve ever wondered what linens last longest, look best, and still feel good for your guests, this episode is for you.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:Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Today’s guest is a powerhouse of resilience and resourcefulness: Janice Thayer of Curated Properties in Abingdon, Virginia. As a longtime member of Hosting Business Mastery (HBM), Janice shares her remarkable journey from navigating personal upheaval to launching a thriving short-term rental business — all while living on-site.In this inspiring conversation, Janice explains how she leveraged her design expertise and entrepreneurial background to build a luxury hosting brand, create multiple rentable spaces within her own home, and master the art of direct bookings. She walks us through the challenges of launching during COVID, navigating property renovations, and the mindset that has allowed her to double her revenue every year since opening.We also discuss how Janice uses dynamic pricing, multiple social media platforms, and creative SEO tactics to attract guests — including how she’s achieved a 28% direct booking rate with zero paid advertising. Plus, she shares her strategies for guest screening, why she chooses to stay involved in HBM years after launching, and why resilience is every host’s superpower.If you’ve ever wondered whether you can truly take control of your STR income and build a sustainable, guest-loved business — this is the episode for you.In this episode, we cover:• How Janice’s interior design and hospitality background set her apart as a host• Starting a STR business after a major life transition• The pros and cons of living onsite with your guests• Renovating and reconfiguring space to maximize bookings• Why dynamic pricing was a game-changer for Janice’s revenue• How she built a direct booking website that now accounts for nearly 30% of her income• Tips for using social media and SEO to attract direct bookings• Managing cleaners and maintaining high standards• Why Janice stays engaged in Hosting Business Mastery year after year• The #1 mindset shift every host needs to succeedResources mentioned:• Join our FREE upcoming workshop: thanksforvisiting.com/workshop• Watch on YouTube: The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to know about!• Follow Janice and explore her properties: linktr.ee/curatedpropertiesllcMentioned in this episode:Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Make More Money This Year | Join our LIVE Workshop!