Hotel secrets to supercharge
your short-term rental
Elevate Your STR with Proven Strategies from the World’s Best Hotel Brands
Booking sites like Airbnb and VRBO have made it easier than ever to list your property online and for travelers to find, book and stay in your home. So why do some guests continue to choose hotels over short-term rentals (STRs)?
This is often a perception problem: travelers might worry that STRs lack quality and consistency. They may feel more confident that a hotel will uphold certain standards while offering impeccable hospitality as well. It doesn’t hurt that hotels have also mastered branding and marketing, transforming their guests into raving brand fans while maximizing revenue.
But what if you could take the playbook from the top hotel brands and use it to supercharge your STR? That’s where I come in.
Hi! I’m Katie.
I’m an award-winning public relations professional who has led global communications for world-renowned hotel brands such as Ritz-Carlton, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, St. Regis, W Hotels, JW Marriott, Edition, Bulgari Hotels, The Luxury Collection and Le Méridien in both New York and in London.
I’m also the owner of two short-term rentals in upstate New York: Trout Landing (near Lake George) and Gallant Fox (in Saratoga Springs).
Every Thursday, I host Suite Success, a new Hospitality.FM Original podcast, where I interview hotel executives, hospitality leaders & industry innovators to uncover the techniques that make hotels and short-term rentals stand out.
I love sharing my experience in the hotel world with other short-term rental owners. I truly believe that we can master and implement the strategies and secrets from world-renowned hotel brands to maximize our revenue, create loyal guests and make our short-term rentals stand out against the competition.
Subscribe to my weekly newsletter to learn:
Hotel Secrets for STRs
We all know that hotels are inherently different from STRs. But there are still countless lessons we can learn from them to implement into our business. The craft of hospitality, the business of experiences, the art of the arrival, unwavering standards, revenue management, crisis communications, spirit of cooperation, booking channels, and a laser-focus on technology are all key areas of focus.
STR
Superpowers
There are some things that STRs inherently do better than hotels. And guess what? Even the best hotels know it! Learn what these ‘superpowers’ are and how to amplify and spotlight them to increase guest consideration, generate more bookings and nurture loyal guests into becoming repeat visitors. Examples include embracing the local (and the local), being a human vs. a corporation, and providing guests a different offering.
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
Let me let you in on a little secret—the best hotels spend a lot of time identifying their unique selling points: the things they have that their competition doesn’t and the things only they can do uniquely well. Then, they market those like crazy. Learn how to use their exact exercise to identify the USPs of both your property and your destination, and hone in on those details to differentiate yourself in the market.
The Essentials of Branding
Many of the best hotels in the world have developed a strong brand, whether they have one location or multiple. Explore the key elements of branding: what makes a strong brand, how to create one, and why you need one for your STR. I’ll guide you through the process of creating a brand—from defining core values and passion points to determining your target audience. See case studies of other properties who are doing it well.
Brand + USPs = Memorable Stays
Now that you’ve created your brand and identified your USPs, how do you integrate those across every touchpoint of the consumer journey? And why would doing so give your listing a leg up on the competition? Fusing these TK together in your design, partnerships, social media, content, marketing, and of course, throughout your digital listing, will ensure you leave a lasting impression on your guests for years to come.
Resource Library
Build Your Own Brand (BYOB) template
Free
An interactive worksheet guides you through the process of creating a brand for your STR. Used by top hotels, this will help you elevate your property.
*AVAILABLE NOW
Destination USP
Worksheet
Free
Identify the unique characteristics, attractions, and experiences that draw visitors to your destination.
*COMING SOON
Hotel Essentials:
STR Set Up Guide
Free
A checklist of key amenities to consider, alongside a hyperlinked list of where to buy Five-Star Rental approved decor, linens, furnishings and replenishables.
*COMING SOON
Property USP
Worksheet
Free
A tried and true exercise used by top hotels around the world to identify what makes your property truly unique.
*COMING SOON
Brand + USPs
Customer Journey Wheel
Free
Your brand and your USPs should infiltrate everything: your STR design, partnerships, social media, content, marketing & your digital listing.
*COMING SOON
Book a Coaching Call
with me!
Let’s talk about your STR. I want to hear your plans, see your listing (or help you build it), review your pricing and so much more.
*AVAILABLE NOW
