Daily Cleaning Mistakes That Are Secretly Costing STR Hosts

Short-term rental daily cleaning guide

Daily cleaning mistakes are one of the most overlooked reasons short-term rental listings underperform. Whether it is an inconsistent schedule, the wrong setup for your property size, or failing to meet what guests in your area have come to expect – getting this wrong shows up in your reviews faster than almost anything else. In […]

Why a Welcome Gift Is Always a Good Idea…

Why a welcome gift is always a good idea

In the competitive world of short-term rentals, creating a memorable guest experience is what sets top-performing properties apart. While many hosts focus on pricing and décor, one of the simplest (and most effective) ways to stand out is offering a welcome gift. If you’re looking to improve Airbnb reviews, increase guest satisfaction, and boost your listing performance, […]

How To Set Up Minimum Night Stays For Your Short Term Rental

How to set your STR minimum nights

When it comes to short-term rentals, minimum night stays are one of the most powerful and most misunderstood tools in your pricing strategy. It sounds simple enough: set a minimum, secure longer bookings, reduce admin, maximise revenue. But in reality, it’s a far more nuanced balancing act. Let’s break it down. Why Minimum Night Stays Matter At […]

The Smart Way to Set Your Holiday Rental Damage Deposit

11 on Fairway Villa - How to determine your damage deposit amount

Setting the right damage deposit for your short-term rental can feel like a balancing act. Charge too much, and you risk deterring bookings. Charge too little, and you may leave yourself exposed. So how do you find the sweet spot? Start with Your Property’s Value As a general rule, your damage deposit should reflect your property’s […]

Worried About Guest Damage? Here’s What The Data Really Shows

Worried About Guest Damage? Here’s What The Data Really Shows

How Common Is Guest Damage in Short-Term Rentals? One of the biggest concerns homeowners have before listing their property is guest damage. It’s understandable. Your holiday home is a valuable asset, and the idea of strangers staying in it can feel risky. But what does the data actually say? Over the past 2.5 years, Euphoric […]

Don’t Wait to Upgrade: Your First Guests Matter More Than You Think

Modern upgraded living room

One of the biggest mistakes new short-term rental hosts make is delaying essential improvements until “after the bookings start.” It’s tempting to test the waters before investing, but here’s the truth: your first guests can make or break your property’s success. Early impressions matter more than you think. If a guest has an underwhelming stay, those […]

How a Simple Inventory & Warranty System Can Save Thousands

multiple appliances under warranty

When furnishing or upgrading your property, create a single inventory document using a tool like Google Sheets or Excel. This document becomes your go-to reference for everything in the home. What to Include in Your Inventory Sheet We recommend setting up the following columns: For example, if you purchased an appliance on 1 January 2025 with a 2-year warranty, your warranty expiry date […]

Smart Tech Changed Our STR Noise Approach

How smart tech changed our approach to Short-Term rental noise complaints

  We’ve all been there – caught in the middle of a “he said, she said” situation when a neighbour complains about noise. As a property owner, it’s frustrating and can strain relationships with both guests and neighbours. We faced this challenge head-on when a neighbour repeatedly complained about noise – even on nights the […]

STR Mistakes That Could Be Costing You Thousands

Common-str-mistakes

Owning a short-term rental (STR) in South Africa can be a lucrative investment, but even small mistakes can eat into your profits. If you’re not seeing the returns you expected, you might be making one of these costly errors. 1. Pricing Incorrectly Many homeowners either overprice and scare off bookings or undervalue their property, missing […]

Cotton vs. Polyester Linen: Which Is Best for Your Holiday Home?

Cotton-vs-Polyester-linen

When it comes to outfitting your holiday home, linen is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Not only does it impact your guests’ comfort, but it also helps set the tone for the overall vibe of your space. But when it comes to choosing the right fabric, the debate often boils down to […]