• Creating Unforgettable Moments in the Belizean Jungle
    Feb 21 2026

    What's it really like hosting in the Belize jungle?


    In this episode of the Host Planet Playbook – powered by Hospitable – James Varley speaks with Cheryl McConnaughey, from Lucky Dreamer Lodge in Belize, about building a unique short-term rental business in one of the world’s bucket list destinations.


    Cheryl shares:


    • Her journey from running a US bed & breakfast to hosting in Belize

    • The realities and challenges of operating in the jungle

    • How to attract the right guests using social media, blogs, and SEO

    • The essential amenities you need (even without air conditioning or microwaves!)

    • How to deliver an authentic, memorable guest experience

    • The biggest lesson she’s learned as a host


    If you’re an Airbnb host, vacation rental owner, or property manager looking to create a distinctive guest experience and stand out in a competitive STR market, this episode is packed with practical insight.


    Watch or listen now and discover what it takes to run a truly authentic short-term rental business.


    1:45 Lucky Dreamer Lodge – hosting in the Belize jungle

    2:14 From bed & breakfast hosting in the US to Belize

    3:06 What Cheryl loves about Belize: the people

    4:01 The challenges of hosting in the jungle

    8:15 How to attract the right types of guests (social media, blogs, SEO)

    10:08 Belize is a bucket list destination

    11:41 Essential amenities in the jungle, including an outdoor kitchen and laundry hut

    13:48 Authentic hosting: no air conditioning and no microwaves!

    17:02 Tips to deliver a great guest experience

    20:30 Biggest lesson learned: don’t assume anything

    21:26 Meeting people from across the globe

    22:30 Quickfire questions

    30:42 Industry shout-outs

    32:03 Ultimate goal for the business


    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 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


    Lucky Dreamer Lodge: https://www.luckydreamerlodge.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


    #DirectBookings #VacationRental #HostTips #ShortTermRental #GuestExperience #PropertyManagement #HostPlanetPlaybook #HostPlanet #Hospitable #PMS #PropertyManagementSoftware #Belize #Jungle #JungleHosting

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    35 Min.
  • The Guest Opinion Circus That's Killing Airbnb Hosts
    Feb 19 2026

    Is the Airbnb review system fundamentally broken?


    In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – James Varley sits down with Humphrey Bowles, Founder of Truvi, to challenge one of the most controversial parts of the short-term rental industry: reviews.


    We discuss:


    • Why a four-star review feels like the end of the world

    • The real impact of one-star ratings on Airbnb hosts

    • Whether guests should always receive five stars

    • Why the “guest opinion circus” needs reform

    • How luxury rentals are unfairly categorised

    • What Airbnb could learn from Amazon and other review-led platforms

    • Humphrey’s vision for a smarter, fairer review system


    If you’re an Airbnb host, property manager, or vacation rental operator worried about ratings, this episode will make you rethink how reviews should work in the STR industry.


    Watch now and join the debate.


    0:00 Why is the short-term rental review system broken?

    0:55 A four-star review feels like the end of the world

    3:35 Should you give every guest a five-star rating on Airbnb?

    5:47 The whole guest opinion circus needs to change

    7:26 The impact of poor reviews on Airbnb

    10:29 The impact of getting a one-star review on Airbnb

    12:23 Should guests be encouraged to be brutally honest?

    15:46 Humphrey’s vision of a new review system

    19:39 Who decides which section a rental ends up in?

    23:09 Luxury properties don’t want to be lumped in with the rest

    26:08 Should we learn from Amazon and other review-focused platforms?

    28:45 ‘Better than beautiful lies’ – the mindset shifts hosts should make


    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/


    Humphrey Bowles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/humphrey-bowles/


    Truvi: https://truvi.com/


    Episode to check next:

    The 2026 Holiday Let Compliance Checklist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITvlxKPA8v0&t=1s


    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 #HumphreyBowles #Truvi

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    36 Min.
  • 5 STR Trends for 2026 | What Hosts Must Know
    Feb 17 2026

    What will separate winning short-term rental hosts from the rest in 2026?


    In this Host Planet Bitesize episode, powered by Hostfully, Sally Henry from Key Data breaks down five critical trends every STR host and property manager needs to understand – from pricing agility and rate discipline to shrinking booking windows and changing guest behaviour.


    Covered in this episode:


    • Why pricing agility matters more than ever

    • Why cheaper isn’t always better

    • Shorter stays and tighter booking windows

    • Airbnb and Booking.com gaining ground on direct bookings

    • What the data is telling us about 2026


    2:06 Rate agility – be super dialled-in to your pricing

    3:59 Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

    5:21 Rate discipline – cheaper is not always better

    7:31 Length of stay continues to contract

    10:36 Booking windows are getting shorter

    12:17 Direct bookings channels are losing market share to Airbnb and Booking.com

    15:42 Key Data: https://www.keydatadashboard.com/products/prodata?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook


    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/


    Sally Henry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-henry-3516229/


    Key Data: https://www.keydatadashboard.com/products/prodata?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=holiday_cottage_handbook


    Episode to check next: 5 Reasons Your STR Needs AI Right Now: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GM-zt2OvS3k


    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 #DirectBookings #STRMarketing #Sally Henry #KeyData #Trends

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    18 Min.
  • Scaling Rentals Without Breaking? Here's What Most Hosts Get Wrong
    Feb 16 2026

    Turnovers are the hardest – and most stressful – part of running a short-term rental. But they don’t have to be.


    In this episode of Turnover Tactics, James Varley is joined by Assaf Karmon, CEO and Co-Founder of Turno, to break down what actually goes wrong with turnovers – and how the best operators fix it.


    We cover:


    • Why turnovers cause more stress than any other part of hosting

    • Why some high-income investors still clean their own rentals (and why that’s a big problem)

    • The most common turnover mistakes hosts make

    • What breaks first when you start to scale – and how to overcome it

    • Where automation has the biggest impact on operations

    • Why optimising for stability beats chasing the lowest cost

    • Individual cleaners vs cleaning companies

    • Cultural differences between US hosts and other markets

    • What a great turnover really looks like (so your business can run without you)


    1:44 Turnovers are the hardest part of hosting

    5:04 So many high-income investors clean their own rentals (which is crazy!)

    6:57 Why turnovers cause so much stress

    8:15 Assaf’s lightbulb moment which led to founding Turno

    10:47 The most common turnover mistakes

    14:38 What breaks first when you scale – and how do you overcome that?

    17:20 Where automation can make the biggest difference for vacation rental hosts

    20:19 Optimise for stability over cost

    23:47 Working with individual cleaners or companies

    25:42 The cultural differences between hosts in the US and other parts of the world

    27:52 What a great turnover should look like – you can run your rental from your grave!


    If you’re a host or property manager looking to scale sustainably, reduce stress, and build a business that doesn’t rely on you, this episode is a must-watch.


    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/


    Assaf Karmon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/assafkarmon/


    #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

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    31 Min.
  • From Hotel Desk to 55 STRs | Scaling on the Basque Coast
    Feb 14 2026

    How do you scale a short-term rental business in one of France’s most competitive coastal markets?


    In this episode of the Host Planet Playbook – powered by Hospitable – Oihan Campandegui from Destination Côte Basque shares his journey from hotel receptionist to managing 55 short-term rental listings on the Basque coast, including Biarritz. We dive into standardised systems, delivering standout guest experiences, and the biggest lessons learned when scaling a property management business.


    Topics include:


    • Scaling with systems and procedures

    • Competing in Biarritz’s premium market

    • Standing out as a local operator

    • The mindset shift every host needs

    • Rapid-fire questions to finish


    1:37 Managing 55 listings on the Basque coast in France

    2:35 From hotel receptionist to short-term rental owner and manager

    5:01 Scaling with standardised procedures

    8:23 How to deliver an outstanding guest experience

    12:54 Challenges and opportunities in Biarritz

    21:14 How Oihan stands out among the competition

    24:05 Biggest lesson learned: don’t take it personally

    25:48 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 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


    Destination Côte Basque: https://destinationcotebasque.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


    #DirectBookings #VacationRental #HostTips #ShortTermRental #GuestExperience #PropertyManagement #HostPlanetPlaybook #HostPlanet #Hospitable #PMS #PropertyManagementSoftware #CoteBasque #France #Biarritz

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    29 Min.
  • Has Airbnb Peaked? Jamie Lane on Booking.com, Direct Bookings & 2026 Trends
    Feb 12 2026

    Is Airbnb losing ground – and why is Booking.com winning right now?


    On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – James Varley is joined by Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA, to break down what the data is really telling us about the short-term rental market.


    We cover:


    • Has Airbnb peaked?

    • Airbnb vs Booking.com vs Vrbo – who’s winning and why

    • The impact of Airbnb’s commission hike on US hosts

    • Guest behaviour and booking trends

    • The rise of themed rentals and lifestyle-led stays

    • Why direct bookings continue to grow

    • Jamie’s predictions for 2026, including the impact of the FIFA World Cup in the US, Canada & Mexico

    • How to analyse your competition using AirDNA


    If you’re a short-term rental host, property manager, or investor, this episode is packed with data-backed insight you can actually act on.


    1:06 Has Airbnb peaked?

    1:58 Will the new things take off?

    5:14 Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo right now

    7:31 Booking.com is winning right now 3:31

    11:26 The impact of Airbnb’s commission hike for US, property management software-connected hosts

    15:55 Bookings were relatively strong after US hosts didn’t hike their rates

    17:58 Analysing strongly themed rentals, such as those aimed at bachelorette / hen parties

    22:28 Lifestyle boutique hotel rooms are being themed

    24:29 2026 trends to help short term rental hosts and property managers

    30:03 Guest behaviour

    36:18 The growth of direct bookings

    39:42 Jamie’s predictions for 2026, including disruptions like the FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico

    42:38 Favourite brand in the STR industry: Airbnb

    44:16 Shout-out: Brandreth Canaley

    45:27 Check out your competition on AirDNA: https://www.airdna.co/


    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/


    Jamie Lane: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiehlane/


    AirDNA: https://www.airdna.co/


    Episode to check next:

    The 2026 Holiday Let Compliance Checklist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITvlxKPA8v0&t=1s


    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 #BookingCom #Vrbo #JamesVarley #Hostfully #PMS

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    48 Min.
  • Cristiana Carpini Advises STR Hosts How to Win in 2026
    Feb 10 2026

    In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Cristiana Carpini, CEO of Tara Home Consulting, shares why focus beats volume when building a successful property management business.


    We discuss:


    * Why branding is no longer optional

    * How to build a strong, recognisable brand

    * Getting your distribution strategy right

    * Where property management businesses should be visible

    * How technology and AI can support growth

    * Practical ways operators can start using AI today

    * Why stepping outside your comfort zone matters


    Cristiana also shares why narrowing your focus can unlock faster, more sustainable growth — and how hosts and property managers can apply this thinking immediately.


    1:59 Focus beats volume

    3:51 Join us for the Host Planet Roadshow: https://www.hostplanet.club/host-planet-roadshow

    5:11 Branding is no longer optional

    7:29 How to build a brand

    9:48 Get your distribution right

    11:29 Where property management businesses should be visible

    14:02 Think about technology and how you can utilise AI

    17:50 How people can use AI

    19:11 Get out of your comfort zone

    21:28 Tara Home Consulting


    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/


    Cristiana Carpini: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristiana-carpini-strconsulting/


    Tara Home Consulting: https://tarahome.consulting/


    Episode to check next: STR Insurance Myths That Cost Hosts Thousands: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Ug-VzTECag


    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 #DirectBookings #STRMarketing #CristianaCarpini #TaraHomeConsulting #Branding #AIinHospitality

    Mehr anzeigen Weniger anzeigen
    24 Min.
  • Being Relentlessly Proactive: Your Shortcut to Excellent Reviews in 2026
    Feb 9 2026

    What actually separates average holiday lets from the best-reviewed ones?


    In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, James Varley is joined by Rachel Brennan from Sykes Holiday Cottages to break down how reviews are really won – and lost – across the guest journey.


    We cover:


    • The fundamentals: care, clarity & cleanliness

    • Where reviews are actually won or lost

    • What top-reviewed holiday lets have in common

    • Why small details make a big difference

    • How honest photos set the right expectations

    • The mindset hosts need when a bad review lands

    • Why defensive replies hurt future bookings

    • Turning negative experiences into positives

    • How to be relentlessly proactive to earn 5-star reviews in 2026


    If you’re a holiday let owner or property manager looking to improve reviews, boost trust, and increase bookings, this episode is packed with practical insight you can use immediately.


    1:52 Care, clarity, cleanliness

    5:42 At what points in the guest journey are reviews won or lost?

    9:51 What do the best reviewed holiday lets have in common?

    14:31 Small details show you care for your guests and can have a huge impact

    17:56 The role photos play in setting expectations for guests – be honest and truthful

    20:30 The mindset hosts need when a bad review comes in

    22:03 Don’t be too emotional and go into defensive mode

    23:02 Think about your future guests when responding to a bad review

    24:33 You can turn a negative experience into a positive one – most guests don’t expect perfection

    25:54 Be relentlessly proactive to earn excellent reviews in 2026


    Rachel Brennan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-brennan-26098118a/


    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:

    The 2026 Holiday Let Compliance Checklist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITvlxKPA8v0&t=2s


    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 #RachelBrennan #STAA #PASCUK #ASSC #Reviews #FiveStars

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    29 Min.