Behind the Stays

StayWatch
Behind the Stays

Welcome to Behind the Stays — a podcast that shares the stories behind your favorite Airbnbs, boutique hotels, and hospitality brands and the hosts, operators, and entrepreneurs who’ve brought them to life. Every Tuesday and Friday you’ll meet the military veterans, retired flight attendants, tech entrepreneurs, school teachers, single moms, and real estate investors who are all, in their unique ways, shaping the future of travel and hospitality. Discover how these visionaries — from all over the world — have built chic cabins in the mountains, designed bohemian bungalows on the beach, erected eclectic off-grid and nature-immersed escapes, and so much more. Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet’s best destination for deals on incredible stays across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and beyond. You can subscribe for free at staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-Founder and CEO of StayWatch.

  1. HACE 2 DÍAS

    Transforming Landscapes into Luxury Stays: The Future of Glamping with Edward Haynes

    Meet Edward Haynes — a visionary entrepreneur with roots in the event rental industry, now revolutionizing the luxury glamping space.  What started as a pivot during the pandemic has become a mission to help landowners transform beautiful landscapes into high-end, profitable escapes. Edward’s journey reflects the intersection of innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality, blending unique structures with unforgettable guest experiences. His company EJH Distribution sources and distributes premium accommodations—from safari tents to stunning glass “Tubo” structures—while Posh Outdoors empowers landowners to build luxury stays through profit-sharing partnerships. For Edward, success is more than just unique units; it’s about crafting experiences that make the first and last impressions unforgettable. Tune in to hear: How Edward pivoted from events to hospitality in response to the pandemic The rise of luxury glamping and why travelers are turning away from conventional hotels Posh Outdoors’ unique business model, helping landowners monetize with minimal upfront costs Why Edward believes ski resorts and vineyards will become the next big hubs for luxury stays The challenge of balancing prefab solutions with customization to maintain uniqueness How Posh’s first site in Sky Ridge, Canada will set a new standard for luxury glamping F&B innovations for remote resorts and the power of shared spaces in hospitality Edward’s deep understanding of both events and hospitality means no detail is overlooked, from on-site amenities to the guest journey itself.  Whether you’re curious about starting your own micro-resort or fascinated by the latest glamping trends, this conversation offers insights into the future of luxury hospitality. Alright, friends—without further ado, get ready to meet Edward.  Learn more about EJH Distribution  Learn more about Posh Outdoors Connect with Edward on LinkedIn This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests? Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line. But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    51 min
  2. HACE 6 DÍAS

    How an HGTV Director and Executive Chef Brought Two Luxury Inns to Life: The Story of The Lost Fox Inn and Foxfire Mountain House

    Meet Eliza Clark, the Co-Founder of Foxfire Mountain House and The Lost Fox Inn, two remarkable boutique hotels in New York and Connecticut.  Eliza is an inspiring storyteller turned hospitality entrepreneur who grew up outside of Toronto. From her beginnings as a novelist and TV director for HGTV, to co-founding two breathtaking inn Eliza’s journey is all about crafting immersive experiences that bring people together. The story of Eliza’s journey into hospitality entrepreneurship is really a love story — after a hard divorce, she met now-husband Tim, an executive American chef.  It was their romance that ultimately inspired Eliza to take a leap from television to hospitality.  Together, they’ve created boutique properties that seamlessly blend history, design, and unforgettable food and beverage experiences. Their hotels aren’t just places to stay; they’re curated environments built with heart, imagination, and a whole lot of hard work. Tune in to hear: How Eliza’s storytelling background influences every aspect of her properties The challenges and joys of running a hospitality business as a family The creative process behind transforming a bioluminescent fungus into a brand story (you won’t want to miss this one!) Lessons from balancing beautifully designed spaces with Tim’s world-class food and beverage programs Why Eliza believes boutique hospitality is about offering personalized, “indie” travel experiences And so much more Alright, friends, without further ado, let’s jump in with Eliza Clark. Book a Stay at Lost Fox Inn Book a Stay at Foxfire Mountain House Follow Lost Fox on Instagram Follow Byrd Studio on Instagram  This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests? Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line. But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    58 min
  3. 22 OCT

    Held at Gunpoint, 96 Acres, and a Sabbatical That Changed Everything: The Story of Missing Hotel

    Meet Stephen and Sam Hopkins —  the founders of Missing Hotel, a one-of-a-kind retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country. With 96 acres bordering a nature preserve and uniquely designed domes and villas, the property offers more than just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to disconnect and reconnect with what matters most. We dive deep into their founding story, from working corporate jobs in the energy sector to making the bold decision to take a year-long sabbatical that transformed their lives and careers. Their passion for creating experiences stems from their own love of travel, and with Missing Hotel, they’ve crafted a stay that combines surprise, spontaneity, and simplicity to create meaningful moments for guests. Tune in to hear: How the inspiration for Missing Hotel struck during a sabbatical and a few bottles of rum in Australia The challenges (and a few wild stories) of building unique structures during COVID, including being held at gunpoint over $3,000 Why Stephen and Sam believe in keeping elements of mystery and surprise throughout their guests’ stays Their approach to creating spaces that offer a mental reset through digital detox and immersive, experiential hospitality Their exciting plans to expand Missing Hotel into new states and wilder ideas in the next five years This conversation is packed with insights into creating unforgettable guest experiences, the power of brand storytelling, and the future of experiential hospitality. Discover Missing HotelFollow Missing Hotel on InstagramApply for the Experiential Hospitality Community  This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option. If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.  And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    1 h
  4. 18 OCT

    How to Leave Your 9-5 And Go All In on Building Unique Airbnbs: In Conversation with Zoey Berghoff

    Meet Zoey Berghoff, the entrepreneur and visionary who's transforming the short-term rental landscape by creating unique, unforgettable stays—and teaching others how to do the same. Zoey is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a mom who travels full-time—all while building an incredible community on Instagram. She's dedicated to helping others leave their 9-to-5 jobs and dive into entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality space, especially focusing on unique and memorable stays. In this conversation, we dive deep into Zoey's remarkable journey—from leaving her corporate job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and influencer in the short-term rental world. Tune in to hear: Where the idea of renting out a yurt, her first unique stay, came from  The challenges and triumphs of scaling unique stays in remote locations The power of building a personal brand on social media and how it amplifies business growth Why Zoey believes that offering out-of-the-ordinary experiences is the future of hospitality How she balances entrepreneurship and motherhood while traveling full-time with her family Her insights on the next big opportunities in the unique stays and boutique hotel space And so much more. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Zoey.  Connect with Zoey on Instagram This episode is brought to you by The Content House If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully. What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special. Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with… The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations… Follow The Content House on Instagram Dunlap Hollow Reel Live Oak Lake Reel FLOHOM Reel Villa Stay Texas Reel About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    59 min
  5. 15 OCT

    She's on a Mission to Build Iconic Stays Near Every U.S. National Park: Meet Hillary Flur of Folly

    Meet Hillary Flur, the Co-Founder and Co-Visionary behind Folly, a collection of stunning off-grid retreats in the Mojave Desert and beyond that are redefining sustainable luxury travel. Hillary didn’t start out in hospitality. She began her hospitality entrepreneurship journey by renting out a small, kitchen-less studio apartment on Airbnb—but what started as a side hustle quickly evolved into a portfolio of design-forward, off-grid getaways that blend architecture, nature, and luxury in a next-gen, outo-of-this-world sort of way. In this conversation, we dive deep into Hillary’s journey—from surviving her first DIY build in Joshua Tree to creating expansive desert compounds that attract everyone from A-list celebrities to adventure-seeking travelers.  Tune in to hear: Where the idea of creating magical, architecturally stunning stays first came from The challenges of scaling unique stays like Folly’s and why they’re betting on pop-up locations next The genius behind Folly’s exclusive membership program and how it offers hyper-personalized stays for their guests Why Hillary believes AI will be pivotal in helping hoteliers and hospitality entrepreneurs hyper-personalize their guest experience at scale Hillary’s vision of having a Folly near every National Park  And so much more Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Hillary.  This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests? Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line. But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    48 min
  6. 11 OCT

    From Global Brands to Boutique Stays: Katie Cline on Unlocking PR for Growth in Hospitality

    Meet Katie Cline, a powerhouse in hospitality PR who’s worked with renowned brands like Ritz Carlton, W Hotels, and St. Regis. But Katie isn’t just a PR strategist—she’s also a vacation rental entrepreneur and the host of Sweet Success, a brand-new podcast where she interviews hospitality leaders from her world of luxury hotels and beyond. Katie's journey into short-term rentals began just over a year ago, blending her deep expertise in PR with a newfound passion for creating unique guest experiences at her own properties. Since then, she’s launched a second vacation rental and is building an exciting podcast focused on the intersection of hospitality, innovation, and guest experience. In this episode, we dive deep into Katie’s multifaceted career, exploring her approach to creating standout PR strategies and how she’s applied her hotel background to the world of short-term rentals. Tune in to hear: How Katie crafted a guest experience at her rentals inspired by luxury hotel standards Her expert take on PR for independent hospitality brands, and why media coverage is key for growth The challenges of maintaining brand consistency across multiple properties and platforms Personal stories of resilience, including how her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has shaped her journey Connect with Katie on LinkedIn Checkout her podcast Suite Success on Apple Podcasts Subscribe to Podcast Email Updates This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers.  Hudson Creative  is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option. If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.  And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    1 h y 2 min
  7. 8 OCT

    Building Outpost X: How Travis Chambers Created the World's Most Unique Desert Hotel

    Meet Travis Chambers, the genius behind Outpost X, a mind-bending desert hotel that’s redefining experiential stays. Travis didn’t just wake up one day and decide to build a viral hotel—he first built an ad agency where he worked with brands like Vitamin Water, Turkish Airlines, and Old Navy to create viral social content. After selling the agency for $17 million in 201, he used that capital to create something completely new in the world of hospitality. In this conversation, we dive deep into Travis’s unique approach to hospitality, where he blends art, adventure, and immersive storytelling to create an experience like no other. His goal? To push guests beyond their comfort zones in a place designed to make you feel slightly uncomfortable—in the best way possible. And here’s the kicker: Outpost X is just the beginning. Travis has developed an elaborate storyline that will eventually connect all of his future properties across the world, building a universe where each stay is part of a larger narrative. Tune in to hear: How Travis generated nearly $1 million on Indiegogo to fund the Outpost X build The genius behind designing a hotel that’s more art project than resort, and why some guests call it better than Disneyland while others simply don’t get it Why he believes creating immersive experiences will save humanity in an AI-driven world His ambitious plans to tie every future property into a sci-fi-inspired world And so much more This was one of the most amazing, inspiring, and crazy interviews I’ve ever conducted.  You’re going to love it. Check out Outpost X Follow Travis on Instagram Follow Outpost X on Instagram  This episode is brought to you by The Content House If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully. What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special. Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with… The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations… Follow The Content House on Instagram Dunlap Hollow Reel Live Oak Lake Reel FLOHOM Reel Villa Stay Texas Reel About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    1 h y 4 min
  8. 4 OCT

    How They're Reimagining Affordable Experiential Travel by Building a National Hostel Brand

    Meet Nathan St Cyr, the co-founder of Howzit Hostels, a next-generation travel brand transforming hostel stays in the U.S.  Nathan and his co-founder Michael have been on the pod before, but Nathan joined us at the recent Unique Stays Summit that Ben Woldff and I hosted so I wanted to bring him back on to share some more details on what he’s building. In this episode, Nathan shares the bold and inspiring journey behind building Howzit—a hospitality brand focused on creating affordable, community-driven, and experiential stays that challenge the traditional hostel model. Nathan and I discuss: How his team recognized the gap in the U.S. hostel market, with over 300,000 hotels but only 309 hostels, and the vision for Howzit Hostels to fill that void. Their mission to grow into a $400 million company while maintaining responsible growth and delivering unforgettable guest experiences. The surprising fulfillment Nathan and his team have found in cultivating the hostel community, which initially started as a pure financial opportunity. The challenges and opportunities in scaling their brand in cities like Austin, Boston, and Denver, and why they focus on underappreciated real estate assets. What sets Howzit Hostels apart from other experiential brands like Selena, and how Nathan's unique approach to hostel development is fueling growth. Tune in to hear Nathan’s thoughtful insights on what it takes to build a large-scale hostel brand in an overlooked market and why Howzit Hostels is perfectly positioned to shape the future of affordable experiential travel in the U.S. This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully. Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests? Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play. This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line. But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered. About the Show Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.

    26 min

Acerca de

Welcome to Behind the Stays — a podcast that shares the stories behind your favorite Airbnbs, boutique hotels, and hospitality brands and the hosts, operators, and entrepreneurs who’ve brought them to life. Every Tuesday and Friday you’ll meet the military veterans, retired flight attendants, tech entrepreneurs, school teachers, single moms, and real estate investors who are all, in their unique ways, shaping the future of travel and hospitality. Discover how these visionaries — from all over the world — have built chic cabins in the mountains, designed bohemian bungalows on the beach, erected eclectic off-grid and nature-immersed escapes, and so much more. Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet’s best destination for deals on incredible stays across Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com and beyond. You can subscribe for free at staywatch.ai Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-Founder and CEO of StayWatch.

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