454. Hosting Hotline: Are your Airbnb bookings down?

It’s Money-Making May—and today’s guest proves that revenue management doesn’t have to be overwhelming.We’re joined by Wendy Doris, founder of Mostess and a powerhouse co-host based in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona. Wendy manages a portfolio of 17 highly curated homes and has become a sought-after voice in the STR world for her detailed, data-driven approach to pricing and guest experience.In this episode, Wendy walks us through her journey from “weekend pricing guesswork” to full-on revenue strategy. Whether you’re hosting one property or scaling your co-hosting business, Wendy’s lessons will inspire you to finally take control of your pricing—with confidence.What we cover:Wendy’s transition from flipping homes to thriving as a design-forward co-hostWhy she ditched Airbnb smart pricing and what she uses insteadHow she uncovered thousands in lost revenue with one mindset shiftThe difference between pricing software and pricing strategyHow calendar rules, booking windows, and stay minimums are part of revenue managementWhy weekly check-ins on your numbers are essentialWendy’s go-to reports inside PriceLabs and how she uses them to hit owner goalsThe surprising benefits of weekday promos and one-night staysHow co-hosts can use pricing expertise to win and retain clientsThis episode is a masterclass in practical pricing—without the overwhelm.Resources You May Need:Subscribe to our YouTube channel | The #1 Airbnb Revenue Management Metric You NEED to Know About!Learn more about Wendy’s hosting business: mostess.hostReady to finally price your property like a pro? | Join our May Bootcamp: Priced & ProfitableMentioned in this episode:StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

Airbnb’s new Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy has left a lot of hosts wondering: Can you still use tools like StayFi to collect guest emails?Today on the Hosting Hotline, Natasha calls in with a smart and timely question—and we bring in the best person to answer it: Arthur Colker, CEO of StayFi.In this episode, we cover:How Airbnb’s updated policy affects communication and guest data collectionWhat it means to have guests “opt in” under the new rulesWhy StayFi’s WiFi marketing and email tools are still compliant (and important!)How to use this moment as an opportunity for a full business compliance checkOur own experience continuing to use StayFi for both our urban STRs and new glamping propertyIf you're focused on building your direct booking strategy while staying fully compliant, this is an important conversation you won't want to miss.Resources:The Hidden Truth: Why Most Airbnb Hosts Fail (And How to Succeed) | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more host strategies and support!Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency PolicyLearn more about StayFi and get 50% off your first 3 monthsMentioned in this episode:Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayMake More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

We’re hearing it from hosts everywhere: “I want more bookings.”But when we look behind the scenes, a big reason you’re missing out is your minimum stay requirements. You’re unintentionally telling guests “no” and pushing them to book with your competitors.This episode is a deep dive into how your calendar settings might be working against you—without you even knowing it.In this episode, we cover:Why Airbnb (and other OTAs) reward availabilityHow your minimum stay rules create unbookable calendar gapsChoosing profitability over convenience (with action steps)Using dynamic pricing instead of stay restrictions to manage demandThe mindset shift: You don’t set the rules—the market doesYour calendar should work for you—not against you.Let’s make sure you’re not blocking bookings with outdated settings.Resources:Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | 3 Genius Ways to Make Your Airbnb Stand Out & Get More Bookings!Try PriceLabs (our preferred dynamic pricing software) | Free 30-day trialMentioned in this episode: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 in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

Big changes are coming to Airbnb's terms of service—and hosts need to take action. In this bonus episode, we break down Airbnb’s updated Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy, which officially goes into effect May 10, 2025.From mandatory fees and upsells to off-platform communication, security deposits, and software compliance, we walk through the biggest updates, what they mean for your short-term rental business, and how to stay compliant without panic.You’ll learn:What must be listed in your Airbnb description now (and why)How to handle upsells the right way under the new policyWhether you can still use services like Hostfully, StayFi, or other API toolsThe gray areas (and why you should be cautious)Our personal take on why this might be a good thing for hosts in the long runThis episode is not legal advice—we’re sharing what we know and what we’re hearing across the industry. Be sure to do your own research, talk to your tech partners, and reach out to Airbnb directly for your specific circumstances.Resources:Airbnb Off-Platform and Fee Transparency Policy UpdateHow to Create a Direct Booking Site for Your Airbnb Business | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel!Mentioned in this episode:Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!

This week on the Hosting Hotline, we're digging into a question from Penny, a host of two jaw-dropping luxury rentals in Hocking Hills, Ohio. With properties clocking in at over 10,000 and 13,000 square feet, a saltwater pool, and four separate apartments, Penny’s homes are stunning — but she's stuck on one big question: how should she charge her cleaning fee?Should she bake the fee into the nightly rate or break it out as a separate line item? What’s the “right” way to do this, especially when hosting large groups or events?In this episode, we walk through:Why understanding your actual cost to clean is step oneHow to assess guest perception of your fee and reduce sticker shockWays to use dynamic pricing software (like PriceLabs) to stay competitive and track market cleaning feesWhy breaking down booking feedback and sales data is criticalWhen it makes sense to blend cleaning fees into your nightly ratePlus, we revisit a real-world case study from Episode 321 with Monique from PriceLabs, where she adjusted her pricing to recover cleaning costs and stay competitive in her market.Whether you’re hosting luxury travelers or managing smaller STRs, this is a must-listen if you’ve ever wrestled with how to present your cleaning fee to guests.Resources:Follow these incredible Hocking Hills properties:The CliffsThe Box HopDunlap Hollow CabinsFollow our land journey in Hocking Hills:@richhollowretreatCheck out Penny’s luxury homes:@woodland_retreatsListen to Episode 321 – PriceLabs Dynamic Pricing vs. Airbnb Cleaning FeesStart using PriceLabs (our preferred pricing tool): https://pricelabs.co/users/sign_up?referral=RTj8a0Subscribe to our YouTube Channel | 5 Red Flags Your Airbnb Cleaner Isn't Doing Their JobMentioned in this episode:Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Make More Money in 2025! Join us for a Pricing Boot Camp!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to give your short-term rental a seasonal refresh. In today’s episode, we're walking you through a host-focused maintenance checklist to ensure your property is not only clean and cozy but also safe and guest-ready as the temperatures rise.If you want to prevent emergency repairs, avoid guest complaints, and extend the life of your property’s key features, this list is for you. It’s also an opportunity to show your guests that every detail matters—which goes a long way toward 5-star reviews.From deep cleaning windows and testing AC units to preparing your patio furniture and swapping out winter blankets, we're digging into all the must-do maintenance tasks for spring and summer success.In this episode, we cover:How to assess and refresh your windows and screensThe importance of routine HVAC maintenance (and why spring is the ideal time to schedule it)Why your "Forgot Something" basket needs a seasonal updateOutdoor furniture and patio safety tips (including an important reminder from our friend Justin Ford)What to review with your landscaping and lawn care vendorsHow to prepare for storm season and emergency accessWhy you should swap seasonal amenities (like heavy bedding and outdoor gear)Whether you manage your own cleanings or you’re working with a team, use this checklist to ensure your STR is set up for safe, successful hosting this season.Resources:Check out Justin Ford – International Short-Term Rental Safety ExpertWatch: How to Set Up Your “Forgot Something” Basket | Subscribe to our YouTube Channel Mentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!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.Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!

Are your Airbnb bookings slower than usual… or does it just feel that way?This week, Courtney calls in with a question we’ve heard from more and more hosts: “Is it just me, or are bookings down and cancellations up?”We’re digging into that exact question—because while it’s easy to blame the economy or the season, the truth might be hiding in your data (or your photos… or your minimum night stay settings).Resources:Want to join us live and learn how to price your property like a pro? Get on the waitlist here: thanksforvisiting.com/bootcampOur Favorite Dynamic Pricing Tool | Click here to try PriceLabsSubscribe to our YouTube Channel |This Secret Airbnb Setting That Can Improve Your Listing by 300%Read: 2025 Short-Term Rental Trends from AirDNA | AirDNA Blog ArticleMentioned in this episode:Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment Today

It’s tax time, and if you're a short-term rental host, this episode is a must-listen.We’re breaking down the five biggest tax mistakes we see STR hosts make—and how to avoid them so you can keep more of what you earn. From understanding the seven-day rule to knowing how your cleaning schedule could trigger self-employment tax, we’re unpacking how STR income is classified and what actually qualifies for those juicy tax deductions.We’re also sharing actionable tips on how to track your time, understand depreciation, and avoid missteps with personal use and local tax rules. Plus, we’ll introduce you to a tax pro we trust if you need expert guidance.Quick disclaimer: We are not CPAs or tax professionals—just experienced hosts sharing what we’ve learned and linking you to the right resources. Always talk to your own tax pro!Resources :Connect with Amanda Han — Tax advisor specializing in STR and real estate investorsDownload our STR Host Tax Cheat SheetSubscribe to our YouTube Channel | 6 Ways to Use ChatGPT in Your Airbnb BusinessMentioned in this episode:Minoan | Visit MinoanExperience.com and tell them TFV sent you!Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.

Today’s question comes from Melody, and it is all is all about upsells: specifically, how should hosts collect payment for add-ons like early check-in and late checkout?In this episode, we cover:What qualifies as an upsellThe pros and cons of using Airbnb’s Resolution CenterAlternatives like Venmo, PayPal, QuickBooks, and property management softwareWhy proper tracking is critical (especially as your team grows)How to keep things easy and professional with tools like Hostfully guidebooksReal host results: thousands in additional revenue from upsells alone!Whether you’re using Airbnb, Vrbo, direct booking, or a combination of all three, we’ll help you choose the right path for boosting your income—without complicating your systems.Resources mentioned:Get on the waitlist for our next BootcampTry Hostfully Guidebooks3 Genius Ways to Make Your Airbnb Stand Out & Get More Bookings! (YouTube) |Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Proper Insurance | Book Your Risk Assessment TodayQuiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!

Spring cleaning isn't just for your own home—your short-term rental deserves a deep refresh too. In this episode, we're giving you seven essential tips to help you roll up your sleeves and bring your Airbnb back to life after winter. From deep cleaning overlooked appliances to inventorying kitchen essentials, and refreshing outdoor spaces, we walk through a full-property plan to get your place sparkling clean and guest-ready.Need help getting started? We’re sharing what to clean, what to replace, and how to budget the time and energy needed for a successful spring reset.Resources:Shop with Us | Round-Up of our Favorite Cleaning suppliesWhen to FIRE your Airbnb Cleaner! | Subscribe to our YouTube ChannelMentioned in this episode:Quiz | Take our quiz to reveal your hosting personality style!Hostfully | Go to https://www.hostfully.com/tfv and use TFV500 to get $500 off your subscription.Host Checklist | Grab our Airbnb Essentials Checklist and make stocking your Airbnb a breeze – we've got all your hosting needs covered!StayFi | Go to www.stayfi.com and enter TFV to get 50% off your first three months.