Best James Varley Host Planet Podcasts (2025)

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Designing Magic at Acorn Glade: Guest Experience, Community, Direct Bookings (and Alpacas) 21:35

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2d ago21:35

21:35

In this Host Planet Playbook episode, we head to Acorn Glade near York in the UK to speak to Wendy Wilkinson Coe. Wendy shares her STR journey into glamping, how she’s crafted a standout guest experience (from wildlife moments to thoughtful touches), and what she learned at British Airways about service that truly lands. We dig into location challe…

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UK STR Outlook: Late Bookings, Channel Mix & Pricing Discipline 25:23

8h ago25:23

25:23

What’s really happening in the UK short-term rental market heading into 2026? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Sally Henry, VP of Business Development at Key Data, breaks down late-booking trends, the right OTA vs direct mix, why pricing discipline matters, and how hosts/managers can lock in early demand for peak …

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Shorter Booking Windows? Get Your Rates Right with PriceLabs 20:52

2d ago20:52

20:52

Booking windows are shrinking and winter is coming – so how should hosts price the shoulder season? In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Siana Vesselinova from PriceLabs breaks down UK summer trends, why you shouldn’t panic-drop rates, and the pricing and occupancy signals to watch as we head into winter. You’ll learn pr…

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Farm Diversification: Make Holiday Lets Work 26:03

3d ago26:03

26:03

Thinking about diversifying your farm income? In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Katie Williams from Sykes Holiday Cottages explains why holiday letting can outperform other property investments – and how to get started the right way. What we cover: - Why diversification into holiday lets makes sense for farms. - Best conversions (barns, annex…

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How to Scale a Luxury Holiday Let Business 33:20

5d ago33:20

33:20

For our latest Host Planet Playbook feature, we’re joined by James Cornwell, Co-Founder of Curated Property, to discuss scaling operations, challenges and opportunities in the holiday let industry, and how to prosper in the luxury sector. James shares candid insights on: - Scaling ops: playbooks for quality control, owners, and multi-market growth.…

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DAC7 Explained: What Every STR Host and Property Manager Needs to Know 23:14

7d ago23:14

23:14

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Natalie Dowling breaks down DAC7 – the EU directive changing how short-term rental income is reported and taxed. We cover: - What DAC7 is and why it was introduced. - How it affects hosts and property management companies. - Who’s responsible for data collection and reporting. - Ho…

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Don’t Miss Holiday Let Success in Chester! | Free Event for Holiday Let Owners 9:38

12d ago9:38

9:38

In this special solo episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – James Varley shares everything you need to know about Holiday Let Success – a free, one-day event taking place on Tuesday 11 November at Sykes Holiday Cottages HQ in Chester. 1:47 Holiday Let Success: Tuesday 11 November at Sykes HQ in Chester 2:38 The speakers and topics…

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Holiday Let Mortgages Explained: When (and How) to Remortgage 21:35

12d ago21:35

21:35

In this episode of the Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, Joe Stallard from House and Holiday Home Mortgages explains exactly when and why holiday let owners should consider remortgaging. We cover: - Moving onto your lender’s standard variable rate (SVR). - How to find the best remortgage deals – sometimes with your current lender. - When to start plann…

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Graham Donoghue on AI, Acquisitions & the Future of Short-Term Rentals 37:57

13d ago37:57

37:57

For our first Host Planet Playbook feature, we’re joined by Graham Donoghue, CEO of Forge Holiday Group, to discuss what it takes to scale from 5,000 to 30,000 short-term rental properties while keeping the local touch that makes hospitality special. Graham shares candid insights on: - The challenges of rapid growth and integration in the world of …

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From ‘Host Hacking’ to Hospitality: Chad Harker on Scaling Vacation Rentals for Business Growth 23:43

18d ago23:43

23:43

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Canadian STR expert Chad Harker shares his journey from ‘host hacking’ to scaling a successful vacation rental business. Chad discusses how to deliver unforgettable guest experiences and drive direct bookings through social media. He also taps into the power of community and user-g…

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How Great Photography Boosts Your Vacation Rental Business 14:37

17d ago14:37

14:37

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – we explore how photography can revolutionise your vacation rental business. Frank Bosi from Hostfully shares expert insights on lighting, composition, storytelling, and detail shots that can elevate your property’s appeal. Learn why investing in professional photography is essential f…

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Why Short-Term Rental Hosts Should Attend SCALE UK in Manchester 21:19

22d ago21:19

21:19

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – Damian Sheridan previews SCALE UK, taking place in Manchester on 12-13 November. Discover why attending short-term rental events is crucial for operators looking to enhance their guest experience and achieve more direct bookings. Damian outlines who will gain the most from attendin…

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Enhancing Guest Experience: Stress-Free Check-Ins with Smart Tech for Vacation Rentals 14:29

24d ago14:29

14:29

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, we dive into how to enhance the guest experience and simplify check-ins for vacation rentals. Frank Bosi from Hostfully shares expert tips on transforming the often stressful moments of arrival and departure into seamless five-star experiences. With effective communication and smart technology, such as smart…

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Responsible Holiday Letting: Boost Accessibility & Enhance the Guest Experience 19:42

25d ago19:42

19:42

In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Claire Binns, Senior Impact Manager at Sykes Holiday Cottages, shares insights on responsible holiday letting focused on guest experience and sustainability in vacation rentals. Learn how to reduce both costs and your carbon footprint while being a great neighbour and improving accessibility for all guests, i…

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Welsh Holiday Let Owners Are Giving Up 33:57

29d ago33:57

33:57

Holiday let operators in Wales are leaving (or attempting to leave) the sector in droves due to the onerous 182-day letting threshold imposed by the government. Nicky Williamson from PASC UK joins this week's Host Planet Podcast – powered by Hostfully – to paint a grim picture for the self-catering sector in the Principality. She explains that arou…

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Quick Wins for Optimising Your Airbnb Listing 13:59

1M ago13:59

13:59

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Mastering OTA Strategies for Direct Bookings and Brand Growth 24:30

1M ago24:30

24:30

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How to Achieve 5-Star Reviews – with Hostfully’s Frank Bosi 18:40

1M ago18:40

18:40

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, we dive into reviews – and how you can achieve five stars every time that help you to drive direct bookings and enhance your guest experience. Frank Bosi from Hostfully shares a simple, repeatable system for earning five-star reviews, covering everything from the initial impression to the crucial follow-up a…

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Holiday Let vs Buy-to-Let Mortgages: A Guide for Airbnb Hosts 13:11

1M ago13:11

13:11

In this month's Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, we dive into the world of short-term rentals and financial strategies with Beth Taylor from House and Holiday Home Mortgages. This episode breaks down the crucial differences between buy-to-let and holiday let mortgages, what lenders scrutinise, and how rates and affordability are assessed. We highlight…

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Winning World Cup Hosting Strategies: Boost Your Bookings with Tyann Marcink Hammond 23:27

2M ago23:27

23:27

Join us for the latest episode of the Host Planet Podcast as we dive into the world of vacation rentals with Tyann Marcink Hammond from Branson Family Retreats. As the FIFA World Cup approaches, we explore crucial insights into optimising your bookings. Tyann will guide both new hosts and seasoned STR managers through her World Cup Hosting Crash Co…

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Cut Energy Costs and Enhance Guest Experience with resicentral 17:34

2M ago17:34

17:34

On today's Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Suzanne Luscombe from resicentral demonstrates how smart building tech can significantly reduce energy bills while enhancing the guest experience. From remote triage to energy mapping, she explains the practical steps STR operators can take to save costs, resolve issues quickly, and focus on …

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Terry Whyte’s Vacation Rental Comeback: Resilience After Two Hurricanes 29:24

2M ago29:24

29:24

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we hear from Terry Whyte of Anna Maria Island Beach Rentals as he details his inspiring comeback in the vacation rental industry after facing two hurricanes in two months. Discover how his strategic approach not only addressed immediate recovery challenges but also laid the foundation for sustained busine…

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Cleaning Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts: Maximise Guest Experience and Ratings 14:15

2M ago14:15

14:15

In this episode of Host Planet, we’re joined by Joseph Cox from Hostfully, who shares invaluable cleaning tips tailored for short-term rental (STR) hosts looking to enhance their guest experience and secure positive reviews. Cleanliness is essential for driving direct bookings and maintaining high ratings. Joseph discusses how to hire reliable clea…

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Maximising Revenue in Dubai's Short-Term Rentals: Strategies for Success 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

Dubai is one of the world’s most dynamic short-term rental markets, offering immense opportunities for business growth. With year-round demand, premium ADRs, and no personal income tax, understanding how to operate effectively in this unique environment is essential. In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, Oriol Plana – op…

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Essential Guest Screening Tips for Vacation Rentals: Protecting Profit and Reputation 9:54

2M ago9:54

9:54

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Bevan Thompson from Hostfully discusses essential guest screening tips for vacation rental hosts and property managers. Guest screening is crucial for protecting profit and reputation in the short-term rental market. By verifying identity, applying risk checks, and adhering to local regulations, hosts can en…

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Set the Standard: Onboarding Essentials for Holiday Let Hosts | Sykes Holiday Cottages 25:53

2M ago25:53

25:53

If you want happier guests, higher ratings, and fewer headaches, start with the foundations. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan shares the Sykes Holiday Cottages onboarding playbook – from non-negotiable safety and quality checks to the communication habits that shape every short-term rental stay. We cover cleaning standards, de…

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Cornwall’s Beach Retreats: The Direct Booking Blueprint for Successful Short-Term Rental Hosting 38:14

2M ago38:14

38:14

On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we dive into direct bookings with Andy Easton of Beach Retreats, a Cornwall-based brand achieving an impressive 97% direct bookings. This episode unpacks the effective marketing strategies they’ve employed to avoid the pitfalls of channel chasing. Learn how to ace guest experience by knowing exactly who y…

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Enhance Guest Experience: Communication Tips for Successful Airbnb Hosting 13:52

2M ago13:52

13:52

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Joseph Cox from Hostfully shares actionable guest communication tips tailored for Airbnb hosts. Discover effective strategies that not only enhance the guest experience but also lead to increased direct bookings and revenue growth. Joseph’s first recommendation is to create a digital guidebook, serving as a …

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Love/Hate Your Tech Stack? Enhancing Guest Experience in Short-Term Rentals 32:39

2M ago32:39

32:39

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we explore the intersection of technology and guest experience in short-term rentals with Jessica Gillingham, Founder and CEO of Abode Worldwide. Jessica unpacks the core themes of her enlightening book, Tech Enabled Hospitality, which sheds light on how hospitality tech – from PMS to guest apps – evolves…

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Pricing Smarter: Guardrails, Demand & Deals 11:15

3M ago11:15

11:15

On this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Bevan Thompson from Hostfully breaks pricing down to what actually fills calendars without killing profit. He explains why most hosts should lean on dynamic pricing – with smart guardrails – so rates rise when demand spikes and ease off when the market softens. The goal isn’t the lowest price or the highest …

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Holiday Let Mortgages: Documents You Need + Affordability Tips 15:04

3M ago15:04

15:04

On this month's Host Planet Mortgage Podcast, Joe Stallard from House and Holiday Home Mortgages walks holiday let owners through the practical steps that make a mortgage application faster and stronger. From the very first checklist – ID, proof of address, income evidence, and bank statements – to how lenders read those documents, Joe explains wha…

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Listen Up Holiday Let Owners! Why the Host Planet x STAA Roadshow Matters for UK Hosts 30:07

3M ago30:07

30:07

On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, James Varley sits down with Andy Fenner, Chief Executive of the Short Term Accommodation Association (STAA), to announce the Host Planet Roadshow 2026 – a national series built for short-term rental hosts, property managers, agencies, and industry professionals. Kicking off in Cornwall in February 2026 an…

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From OTAs to Direct: STR Listing Strategy with Hostfully 16:39

3M ago16:39

16:39

Short-term rental distribution can make or break your occupancy. In this episode, Joseph Cox from Hostfully breaks down where you must be listed, how Airbnb and Booking.com dominate demand, and what truly differentiates the major online travel agencies (OTAs). He also spotlights niche platforms that punch above their weight for certain audiences, p…

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How the End of FHL Tax Relief Affects Holiday Let Owners 26:34

3M ago26:34

26:34

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Matt Jeffery from Zeal Tax breaks down the recent changes to the Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL) tax regime and what they mean for short-term rental owners and investors. With the FHL regime being abolished in April, many hosts are left wondering how this will affect their current ta…

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Instagram Strategies Every Airbnb Host Needs to Know 12:56

3M ago12:56

12:56

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – powered by Hostfully – Jennifer Knight from Savvy Social Solutions shares actionable tips for short-term rental hosts looking to step up their Instagram game. From creating authentic content that showcases your property’s personality to leveraging location-based posts that catch the right audience, Jennifer…

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Agency vs Self-Managing Your Holiday Let – What’s Best? 25:38

3M ago25:38

25:38

In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel Brennan, Senior Manager of Property Onboarding at Sykes Holiday Cottages, explains why partnering with an agency can be a game-changer for holiday let owners. Drawing on her experience helping thousands of property owners navigate the onboarding process, Rachel highlights how Sykes provides the tools, …

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How to Run Smarter STR Operations with Breezeway 30:48

3M ago30:48

30:48

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, powered by Hostfully, we sit down with Jeremy Gall, the Founder and CEO of Breezeway, to explore what it really takes to run smart operations in the short-term rental (STR) world. From his early days building FlipKey to his current mission with Breezeway, Jeremy brings a wealth of experience and insight i…

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Never Miss Trash Day Again – STR Tips from CanMonkey 18:19

3M ago18:19

18:19

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, we’re diving into one of the most overlooked – and often most frustrating – aspects of short-term rental management: trash. Alex Shapiro, CEO and Co-Founder of CanMonkey, joins us to share five practical tips to help hosts manage waste more efficiently, avoid neighbour complaints, and p…

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How AI & Automation Can Help STR Hosts Win Back Time 38:09

3M ago38:09

38:09

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we dive into the world of automation, AI, and practical tech tools that help short-term rental (STR) hosts reclaim their time and streamline operations. Our guest is Adam Buckmaster, Director, Product Marketing & Strategic Solutions at eviivo, a leading property management system (PMS) known for empowerin…

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Master Your Minimum Stay Strategy with PriceLabs 12:12

3M ago12:12

12:12

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, powered by Hostfully, we’re joined by Karishma Lunawat, Programme Operations Manager at PriceLabs, who breaks down five data-driven tactics short-term rental (STR) hosts can use to optimise their minimum stay strategies. Whether you're struggling to fill last-minute gaps or looking to avoid locking in bookin…

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Holiday Let Mortgages Explained: What You Need to Know 14:47

4M ago14:47

14:47

Getting the financial side right is the foundation of any successful holiday let investment – and our special guest knows exactly how to help you do that. Joe Stallard, Director at House and Holiday Home Mortgages, joins the Host Planet Mortgage Podcast to break down what hosts and property investors really need to know when financing a short-term …

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Is Your Direct Booking Website Useless? 53:25

4M ago53:25

53:25

In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast – sponsored by Hostfully – we sit down with Louis Andrews, Director and President of OVO Network, a leading direct booking brand with a portfolio of high-performing chalets in the French Alps. Louis doesn’t hold back on what most short-term rental operators are getting wrong when it comes to their direct b…

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Design Tips for Stunning Short-Term Rentals 18:43

4M ago18:43

18:43

Design is more than just aesthetics – it’s how your space makes guests feel, how it connects to the surroundings, and how well it stands the test of time. In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, award-winning architect Peter Markos shares five essential design principles every short-term rental host should consider before breaking ground or revamp…

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Noise, Neighbours & STR Regulation: What Hosts Need to Know 30:19

4M ago30:19

30:19

What does it take to be a great host and a great neighbour? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, we’re joined by Nils Mattisson, CEO and Co-Founder of Minut – the leading smart monitoring solution designed for short-term rental hosts. Drawing on experience from his time at Apple and insights gained while founding Minut, Nils explains how hos…

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How to Rank Higher on Booking.com 23:35

4M ago23:35

23:35

If you're listing your property on Booking.com, this episode is essential listening. We’re joined by Miro Gospodinov, Founder and CEO of my Data Value, who shares expert tips on how to improve your visibility, increase bookings, and get the most out of Booking.com’s powerful platform. Miro explains how Booking.com’s algorithm works, why consistent …

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Thinking of Buying a Holiday Let? Listen to This First 37:40

4M ago37:40

37:40

Is now a good time to invest in a holiday let? According to Rachel Brennan, Senior Manager of Property Onboarding at Sykes Holiday Cottages, the answer is yes – provided you approach it the right way. In this episode of Holiday Let Insider, Rachel explains why holiday lets continue to be a smart long-term investment and shares her top tips for choo…

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Stop Building on Someone Else’s Land 44:18

4M ago44:18

44:18

Are short-term rental hosts putting their entire business at risk by relying too heavily on platforms like Airbnb? In this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully, we sit down with Humphrey Bowles, Founder and CEO of Truvi (formerly Superhog), to unpack why hosts need to stop "building on someone else’s land" – and what they can …

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How to Impress Guests (Without Breaking the Bank) 11:03

4M ago11:03

11:03

What separates an average short-term rental from one that guests rave about? According to Mark Lumpkin from STR Cribs, it often comes down to the simple, thoughtful details that elevate comfort, security, and overall experience. In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize, Mark shares practical, no-nonsense upgrades that property managers and hosts can…

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This Vacation Rental Pricing Tool Thinks Differently 31:42

4M ago31:42

31:42

If you're still setting a base price and hoping for the best, it's time to rethink your entire approach to pricing. On this episode of the Host Planet Podcast, sponsored by Hostfully, we’re joined by Neal Cyr, CEO and Co-Founder at Quibble, to talk all things dynamic pricing – and why the strategies many hosts rely on are not just outdated, but pot…

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Stop Sounding Like a Robot! Messaging Tips for STR Hosts 17:34

4M ago17:34

17:34

In this episode of Host Planet Bitesize – sponsored by Hostfully – we welcome Jay Ullrich, CEO and Co-Founder of HostBuddy AI, to share five expert tips for automating your guest messaging without losing the personal touch. Whether you're just getting started with automation or looking to fine-tune your current setup, this episode will help you lev…