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.
Top 10 Tips to Set Up a Short-Term Rental (Properly)
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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
Smart lock with temporary guest codes
Security + convenience = no brainer.High-quality mattress & mattress protector
Bad sleep = bad reviews.Two pillow types per bed
Soft + firm covers 90% of guests.Quality blackout curtains or blinds
Especially in summer.Multiple phone charging points
Bedrooms and living areas.Good cookware (not mismatched junk)
Guests notice — and reviewers mention it.Proper rubbish & recycling setup
Clear labels, easy access.Strong Wi-Fi router (not ISP default)
Streaming failures = angry guests.Basic maintenance kit
Torch, batteries, spare light bulbs, screwdriver.Spare linen set (even with linen hire)
Insurance for spills, accidents, and back-to-backs.
Get started today
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