Everything You Need
to Run a Better Rental

From pricing strategy to guest experience systems, explore practical resources built for owners that want clarity, confidence and stronger returns.

Our RESOURCES

We’re Hostly — experts in short-term rental hosting.

Built on smart systems. Focused on better returns.

Top 10 Tips to Set Up a Short-Term Rental (Properly)

  • Know your local rules first
    Zoning, consents, body corporate rules — sort this before you spend a dollar or make an offer.

  • Design for durability, not Instagram
    Looks matter, but wipeable, replaceable, and robust wins long-term.

  • Professional photos are non-negotiable
    This is the single biggest ROI spend in short-term rentals. Period.

  • Set up smart access from day one
    Key handovers don’t scale. Smart locks save time, money, and headaches.

  • Think hotel logic, not landlord logic
    Guests expect consistency, clarity, and convenience — not guesswork.

  • Start with dynamic pricing
    Fixed pricing leaves money on the table or kills occupancy. Usually both.

  • Choose cleaners before you go live
    Great cleaners = great reviews. Average cleaners = endless problems.

  • Stock once, document everything
    Create a baseline inventory so cleaners know what “ready” looks like.

  • Create a simple digital guide
    Fewer messages, happier guests, better reviews.

  • Build systems early
    The earlier you systemise, the easier it is to scale (or step back).

Top 10 Ways to Create a Five-Star Guest Experience

  • Nail the arrival experience
    Easy access, clear instructions, no friction. First impressions matter.

  • Over-communicate the important stuff
    Wi-Fi, heating, parking, check-out rules — remove uncertainty.

  • Under-promise, over-deliver
    A clean, well-prepared home beats gimmicks every time.

  • Comfort beats luxury
    Good beds, quality pillows, blackout curtains, proper heating.

  • Stock the essentials properly
    Enough toilet paper, bin bags, tea, coffee — don’t ration basics.

  • Add one thoughtful touch
    A “forgot something” basket or local treat goes a long way.

  • Make instructions idiot-proof
    If it needs explaining twice, simplify it.

  • Be proactive, not reactive
    Message guests before problems arise, not after complaints.

  • Fix small issues fast
    Tiny annoyances become bad reviews if ignored.

  • Ask for feedback (the right way)
    A friendly post-stay message often turns good stays into great reviews.

Top 10 Pricing Best Practices (That Actually Work)

  • Dynamic pricing beats guesswork
    Markets change daily — your pricing should too.

  • Price for demand, not emotion
    “I wouldn’t pay that” is not a pricing strategy.

  • Avoid cheap-looking pricing
    Low prices attract the wrong guests and worse behaviour.

  • Use minimum stays strategically
    Especially around weekends and events.

  • Adjust for local events early
    Waiting until the week of leaves money behind.

  • Know your true nightly floor
    Cleaning, consumables, wear and tear all count.

  • Don’t fear price increases
    Strong listings tolerate higher rates than you think.

  • Watch competitors — but don’t copy blindly
    Similar doesn’t mean equal.

  • Review pricing monthly at minimum
    Seasonality sneaks up fast.

  • Optimise for revenue, not occupancy alone
    A full calendar at low rates isn’t winning.

Ten Products Every Short-Term Rental Should Have

  1. Smart lock with temporary guest codes
    Security + convenience = no brainer.

  2. High-quality mattress & mattress protector
    Bad sleep = bad reviews.

  3. Two pillow types per bed
    Soft + firm covers 90% of guests.

  4. Quality blackout curtains or blinds
    Especially in summer.

  5. Multiple phone charging points
    Bedrooms and living areas.

  6. Good cookware (not mismatched junk)
    Guests notice — and reviewers mention it.

  7. Proper rubbish & recycling setup
    Clear labels, easy access.

  8. Strong Wi-Fi router (not ISP default)
    Streaming failures = angry guests.

  9. Basic maintenance kit
    Torch, batteries, spare light bulbs, screwdriver.

  10. Spare linen set (even with linen hire)
    Insurance for spills, accidents, and back-to-backs.

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