Host Planet: Expert Insights for Short-Term Rentals

James Varley | Host Planet
  • 5.0 (4)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Short-term rental hosting, Airbnb tips, direct bookings, vacation rental management – Host Planet is your go-to source for expert insights and real estate strategies.

  1. 18H AGO

    The Gap Between Average and Exceptional Property Managers

    In this Host Planet Playbook episode – powered by Hospitable – we’re joined by Sab Mulligan from Zzzing, one of the biggest short-term rental operators in Malta. Sab shares her journey into hosting, how Zzzing has scaled, and what really sets the brand apart in a competitive island market. We dive into delivering outstanding guest experiences, navigating the challenges and opportunities unique to Malta, and the branding and marketing tactics Zzzing uses to drive direct bookings. From hard-earned lessons to quickfire insights, this episode is packed with practical takeaways for hosts and operators looking to build a stronger, more recognisable short-term rental brand. 1:35 Zzzing – based in Malta and scaling fast  2:01 Sab’s journey into short-term rentals  3:02 The growth of Zzzing 4:10 What makes Zzzing stand out 5:40 How to deliver an outstanding guest experience 7:40 The challenges and opportunities in Malta  11:00 Biggest lesson learned  12:16 Branding and marketing tips  14:50 The marketing tactics to drive direct bookings  16:48 What Sab loves about hosting 17:44 Quickfire questions  Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbook The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with the property management software, Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanet Sab Mulligan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinamulligan/ Zzzing: https://www.zzzing.com/ The Host Planet Playbook series is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ The Host Planet Podcast is where Airbnb hosts, Booking.com hosts, Vrbo hosts, and short-term rental operators come to learn what actually works. Each episode features expert insights from people actively building, managing, and scaling short-term rentals, covering everything from Airbnb hosting fundamentals to advanced rental strategies. Whether you’re focused on guest satisfaction, rental management, or smarter automation tips, the show delivers practical advice you can apply immediately to improve performance and increase Airbnb bookings. Across the series, we explore Airbnb host tips, listing optimization, price optimization, and Airbnb listing optimization – alongside real-world investing insights and behind-the-scenes Airbnb secrets you won’t hear elsewhere. From hosted conversations with industry leaders and Airbnb ambassadors to actionable guidance on bookings and short-term rental growth, Host Planet helps hosts navigate short term rentals with confidence and clarity. The show 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: info@hostplanet.club #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer

    26 min

  2. 2D AGO

    The Biggest Mistake Airbnb Hosts Make With Pricing

    Shorter booking windows, unpredictable demand, and more competition – pricing short-term rentals has never been more challenging. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – we're joined by Siana Vesselinova from PriceLabs to break down the key pricing trends hosts need to understand heading into 2026. We talk about how to respond to last-minute bookings without panic discounting, why local market data matters more than ever, and how to optimise minimum stays and listings to maximise revenue. This video examines whether reducing rates too soon is a misstep for property managers, emphasising the importance of data analysis for informed decision making. Instead of relying on broad market trends, hosts should focus on leveraging data to understand their hyper-local context. We explore effective pricing strategies and the need for thorough market analysis to maintain competitive rates. If you want to price with confidence – not fear – this episode is for you. 0:12 Emerging trends hosts need to be aware of 1:12 How hosts can deal with a shortening booking window 3:16 The booking patterns from 2025 which will continue in 2026 4:56 Hold your nerve – don’t tank your rates too quickly! 6:53 Understand what’s going on locally to set your rates accordingly 8:34 PriceLabs helps you get pricing right 9:20 How to maximise revenue – get your minimum stay strategy right 12:29 How to optimise your listing  16:02 Siana’s recommended checklist for hosts heading into 2026 18:36 Attend the Host Planet Roadshow – network and learn to grow your STR business 21:51 Hosts outperform the market when they adapt to clear market shifts  24:12 Meeting hosts and property managers across the UK PriceLabs Listing Optimizer: https://hello.pricelabs.co/listing-optimizer/ Looking for a great property management software 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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo Email Frank: frank@hostfully.com  Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Siana Vessilinova: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sianavesselinova13/ PriceLabs: https://hello.pricelabs.co/?utm_source=hostplanet&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=hostplanet&utm_term=hp Episode to check next: Is Your Direct Booking Website Useless?: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGewt3ZV6UA&t=397s Host 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: info@hostplanet.club #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #PriceLabs #DynamicPricing #Rates #Money #Data #Analysis

    31 min

  3. 4D AGO

    The Truth About Cleaning Pet-Friendly Short-Term Rentals

    Managing pet-friendly short-term rental properties comes with its own challenges – especially when it comes to cleanliness and odours. In this Host Planet Bitesize episode – powered by Hostfully – Sean Kemper from ETI Solutions shares practical tips on keeping odours out of your property, managing pet hair, and setting up the right cleaning processes to maintain five-star standards. From prioritising cleaning tasks to training your team and even leaving the right products for guests, this episode is packed with actionable advice for pet-friendly hosts. 1:54 How to keep odours out of the property 3:25 Understand your cleaning priorities for pets 5:37 Dealing with pet hair 6:57 Get your cleaning processes right 7:46 Implement the knowledge and training 9:16 Leave cleaning products for guests to clean up (if necessary!) 10:03 ETI Solutions Looking for a great property management software 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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo Email Frank: frank@hostfully.com  Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Sean Kemper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-kemper-51958312/ ETI Solutions: https://dropngocleaningproducts.com/ Episode to check next: The 5 Automations Every STR Host Needs to Scale: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6nszD2cXYM8&t=1s Host 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: info@hostplanet.club #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #SeanKemper #ETISolutions #Pets #Dogs #Cats

    13 min

  4. 5D AGO

    How to Prepare Your Short-Term Rental for the FIFA World Cup

    Major events can supercharge bookings – or completely overwhelm your operations. In the first episode of Turnover Tactics, a new series from Host Planet powered by Turno, we explore how short-term rental hosts can operate smoothly during high-demand events like the FIFA World Cup 2026, taking place across the US, Canada, and Mexico. Joined by Chris Rule from Turno and Katelyn Almeda from Host With Kate, we cover rapid turnovers, back-up cleaners, pricing strategies, setting expectations, and the systems you need to secure five-star reviews when guest volume peaks. If you’re showing up for major events in 2026, this episode will help you do it profitably, professionally, and without panic. 2:45 How to deal with rapid turnovers 5:26 Back-up cleaners and clear systems8:41 How to optimise your listing for mega-events13:50 Getting the rates right during major events like the FIFA World Cup17:59 Strong integrations will ensure smooth operations22:43 Two Turno features which are non-negotiable for success25:36 How you can surprise and delight guests 31:49 How to set up your space for high traffic36:20 How to secure five-star reviews38:54 Setting expectations clearly (especially for those rowdy England fans!)42:12 Find out more about Turno: https://turno.com/find-cleaners/?utm_source=ad&utm_medium=promoted&utm_campaign=hch_a_to_z43:20 Host With Kate: https://www.hostwithkate.com/ Turnover Tactics is powered by Turno – the all-in-one cleaning and turnover management platform built specifically for short-term rental hosts. Click here to get started: https://turno.com/find-cleaners/?utm_source=ad&utm_medium=promoted&utm_campaign=hch_a_to_z Turnover Tactics is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ Chris Rule: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-rule-88874b8/ Katelyn Almeda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katelynalmeda/ #ShortTermRentals #VacationRental #AirbnbHost #STRHosts #PropertyManagement #HolidayLets #ProfessionalHosting #TurnoverTactics #STRCleaning #RentalOperations #Turnovers #GuestExperience #FiveStarHosting #CleaningSystems #MajorEvents #EventHosting #WorldCup2026 #FIFAWorldCup #MegaEvents #HighDemandHosting #EventPricing #Turno #STRTech #PropertyManagementSoftware #Automation #HostTools #HospitalityTech #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetYouTube #VacationRentalCommunity #USHosts #CanadaHosts #MexicoHosts #GlobalHosting

    45 min

  5. JAN 17

    How This Nurse Manages 20 Rentals While Still Working

    In this episode of the Host Planet Playbook – powered by Hospitable – we sit down with Jeremy Rosen, a full-time nurse who has built a 20-property short-term rental portfolio in San Antonio, Texas. Jeremy shares how he balances nursing with hosting, scaled his business while working full-time, and the systems and people that help him deliver a standout guest experience. From co-hosting tips and staff training to the biggest lessons he’s learned along the way, this episode is packed with practical insights for hosts at every stage. The Host Planet Playbook series is your guide to mastering the short term rental industry. This series features 30 top property managers discussing what drives success in vacation rentals and how to achieve business growth. Learn their key lessons and the technology they use to ensure guest satisfaction, helping you to grow your vacation rental business. If you're serious about your real estate investment, this series is for you. 1:48 20 rentals in San Antonio, Texas 2:05 A full-time nurse invests in real estate  3:40 Balancing nursing and hosting  4:54 Scaling to 20 properties  6:51 Tips to people who want to co-host while working a full-time job 8:37 The San Antonio market  10:42 How Jeremy stands out  14:08 How to deliver a great guest experience  15:47 How to train staff to align with your methods  18:04 Biggest lesson learned: who not how 19:14 What Jeremy loves most about hosting 20:46 Quickfire questions  Jeremy Rosen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yhamllc/ Your Home Away Management: https://yham.host/ The Host Planet Playbook was created in collaboration with Hospitable. Interested in using a PMS which will help you manage your rentals on autopilot? Get 25% off Hospitable for the first three months: https://hospitable.com/partners/hostplanet Download a free copy of the Host Planet Playbook: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-playbook The Host Planet Playbook series is presented by James Varley, Founder and CEO of Host Planet. Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/

    26 min

  6. JAN 15

    The Visitor Levy Debate That's Holding Back UK Tourism

    In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we’re joined by Andy Fenner, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association, to unpack the biggest policy and pressure points facing the short-term rental sector right now. From the proposed visitor levy and how it should be administered, to the realities of tourism capacity, infrastructure investment, and the short-term lets registration scheme, Andy shares a clear industry perspective. We also explore the 182-day threshold in Wales, the value of industry events like the Host Planet Roadshow and Short Stay Summit 2026, and finish with Andy’s New Year resolution for the sector. Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow Short Stay Summit '26: https://www.shortstaysummit.org/ 1:06 The potential visitor levy 2:22 How much more can tourism take? 5:26 Lobbying the levy 7:58 How should the levy be administered? 11:59 Tourism infrastructure needs investment 14:16 Short-term lets registration scheme  15:59 Why the registration scheme is a good idea 19:30 The 182-day threshold in Wales  24:32 What people can expect from the Host Planet Roadshow  26:08 The value of attending industry events  29:50 Short Stay Summit 2026 33:30 Andy’s new year resolution for the industry  Looking for a great property management software 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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo Email Frank: frank@hostfully.com  Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Andy Fenner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andyfenner2025/ Short Term Accommodation Association: https://ukstaa.org/ Episode to check next: Your Personal Brand Is Worth More Than Your Company Logo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nR2UxICG0e8&t=3s Host 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: info@hostplanet.club #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #STAA #VisitorLevy #ShortStaySummit #HostPlanetRoadshow

    36 min

  7. JAN 13

    Don't Miss Host Planet Roadshow | Lisa Roads Explains Why

    Why should short-term rental hosts make time for in-person events in 20 In this Host Planet Bitesize episode – powered by Hostfully – Lisa Roads from the Women in Short Term Rentals Community shares five key reasons to attend the Host Planet Roadshow, starting in Cornwall on 5 February. From hyperlocal content and a boutique, high-impact format to collaborative roundtables and creating more space for women to shape the future of the STR industry, this episode explains why the Roadshow is designed differently – and who it’s really for. Get your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow 2:05 Hyperlocal content for each location 3:23 Convenient for hosts in key holiday let regions 5:11 A boutique event – built for high-impact networking 6:32 A collaborative and engaging roundtable format 7:55 Encourage more women to shape the narrative of the short-term rental industry Looking for a great property management software 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://tinyurl.com/3ay8bhtk Keen to book a Hostfully demo? Click here to connect with Frank Bosi: https://tinyurl.com/Hostfully-Demo Email Frank: frank@hostfully.com  Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Lisa Roads: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaroads/ Episode to check next: 5 Reasons Your STR Needs AI Right Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM-zt2OvS3k Host 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: info@hostplanet.club #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS #DigitalGuidebooks #SpecialOffer #LisaRoads #WomenInShortTermRentals #Cornwall #Devon

    13 min

  8. JAN 12

    Holiday Let Regulation: The Truth Behind the Headlines

    Holiday let regulation is changing fast – and confusion is costing owners time, money, and peace of mind. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, we’re joined by Ben Spier from Sykes Holiday Cottages to unpack the latest UK Budget reaction, proposed tourism levy, business rates changes, and the growing list of compliance requirements facing holiday let owners across the UK. We cover what owners really need to know about safety regulations, insurance, registration schemes, EPC ratings, and why rules vary so widely by region – plus how the industry can work together to thrive. A must-watch for holiday let owners who want clarity, not headlines. Disclaimer from Ben Spier: None of what I say should be taken as legal, planning, tax, health and safety or other kind of advice, rather as a prompt of the issues involved for further consideration. It shouldn't be relied upon as advice. Neither I nor Sykes will be responsible, or assume liability, for any loss or damage suffered due to reliance on it. 1:58 Budget reaction – including the proposed tourism levy 3:46 Message to mayors in favour of the tourism levy 4:50 How a tourism levy should be administered 5:49 Get your ticket for the Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow 7:21 Changes to business rates  11:26 What owners need to know about regulation  12:48 Business rates 13:35 Fire and gas safety regulations  16:27 Make sure you take out the right insurance policy 17:12 The impact of the 182-day business rates threshold in Wales  19:43 Registration scheme for short-term rentals  24:04 Talk of EPC minimum ratings for holiday lets  27:37 Planning permission rules vary across the UK 29:46 The biggest misconceptions about holiday letting  34:57 How Sykes helps owners keep up to date with rules and regulation  36:57 How people can help the industry to prosper  Ben Spier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-spier-099a503/ Work with Sykes Holiday Cottages to let your property: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/ Call: 01244 356 666 Visit: https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/letyourcottage/ Host Planet: https://www.hostplanet.club/ James Varley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdsvarley/ Episode to check next:  Holiday Let Pricing Secrets & Hot Tub Hype: Maximise Your Revenue with Sykes Holiday Cottages: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fu3kkR90-8&t=1s Holiday 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: info@hostplanet.club #HostPlanet #HostPlanetPodcast #HostPlanetBitesize #ShortTermRentals #VacationRentals #HolidayLets #Airbnb #BookDirect #PropertyManagement #PropertyInvestment #BookingCom #Vrbo #SykesCottages #JamesVarley #BenSpier #STAA #PASCUK #ASSC

    39 min
See All (249)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Short-term rental hosting, Airbnb tips, direct bookings, vacation rental management – Host Planet is your go-to source for expert insights and real estate strategies.

Information

You Might Also Like