Recovering from a Sex Toy Incident (And Other Airbnb Nightmares)

Recovering from a Sex Toy Incident (And Other Airbnb Nightmares)

Every host will eventually face a guest complaint—but some are far more memorable than others. In this episode of Confessions of a Host, we're sharing the real stories behind some of the most unexpected guest issues we've encountered, including the infamous sex toy incident, a broken A/C during a guest's stay, bugs in a cabin, and more. We break down exactly how we handled each situation, the guest recovery strategies that worked, and the lessons we've learned from years of managing vacation rentals. Whether it's responding with empathy, offering thoughtful solutions, or knowing when to go the extra mile, these are the moments that separate good hosts from great ones. If you're a vacation rental host or property manager, this episode will leave you better prepared for the unexpected—and show you how even the biggest hospitality nightmares can still end with a 5-star review. Connect with us on Instagram: @confessionsofahost

Building, Buying & Scaling STR Management Companies with Patryk Swietek

In this episode of Confessions of a Host, we sit down with Patryk Swietek, Co-Founder of The Cohost Company, to talk about one of the hottest topics in the short-term rental industry: acquiring and scaling vacation rental management companies. Patryk shares what he looks for when evaluating management businesses, how acquisitions work behind the scenes, and what it takes to build a company that's attractive to buyers. Whether you're planning to grow your portfolio, scale your management business, or eventually prepare for an exit, this conversation is full of valuable insights for hosts and property managers alike. If you've ever wondered what makes an STR management company worth acquiring, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Follow us on Instagram: @confessionsofahost Reach out to Patryk: @patryk_swietek

Owner Red Flags: When to Say Yes... and When to Walk Away

Not every owner is the right owner. In this episode, we're sharing the biggest red flags we've encountered when onboarding vacation rental owners—from unrealistic income expectations and micromanagement to deferred maintenance and communication issues. We'll also discuss the green flags that make for successful, long-term partnerships and why saying "no" to the wrong client can be one of the best business decisions you'll ever make. Follow us on Instagram: @confessionsofahost

"I Made $250,00 Renting My Pool (Not My Airbnb)"

In this episode, Natalie shares how her journey into hosting didn’t start with Airbnb at all. It started by renting out her backyard pool on Swimply, eventually generating over $200,000 in revenue.We dive into the unconventional ways homeowners and Airbnb hosts can monetize their properties beyond overnight stays, including renting spaces for movie productions, photo shoots, events, and content creation through platforms like Peerspace and Giggster. If you’re looking for creative ways to unlock additional income from your home, this episode is packed with ideas and real-world experiences. You can follow along Natalie's pool journey at @TheOrangePool or join the pool hosting FB Group "Pool Hosting 101" Websites for the site are: Swimply.com Peerspace.com Giggster.com Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/confessionsofahost.podcast https://instagram.com/hostwithmariam https://instagram.com/nataliebykov

Go Bolder, Get Booked: Interior Design Tips for Airbnb Success

Ever wonder why some Airbnbs stop you mid-scroll while others blend into the crowd? In this episode, we're diving into the boldest, craziest, and most memorable Airbnb properties we've come across and breaking down what makes them stand out. From jaw-dropping amenities and unique design choices to the must-have features that guests now expect in certain markets, we're talking about what actually moves the needle when it comes to bookings. Is that expensive upgrade worth it? What amenities are becoming non-negotiable? And when does "unique" cross the line into "what were they thinking?" We also tackle one of the biggest mistakes hosts make: designing a home for themselves instead of designing for their guests. If you've ever struggled to balance personal taste with profitability, this conversation is for you. Go bold or go home. We're sharing what works, what doesn't, and how to create a property that guests can't stop talking about.