STR Global Unlocked with Simon Lehmann

Simon Lehmann

Simon Lehmann talks to the people running short-term rental at scale.
Operators, platform CEOs and investors, on the decisions that separate
businesses that scale from ones that plateau.

No panel-discussion politeness and no vendor pitches. Guests have included
the co-founder of Vacasa, the president and CEO of Booking Holdings, and the
founder of Holidu. The conversations go where the operating problems actually
are: unit economics, distribution, AI, capital, and what breaks when you grow.

Simon is a former CEO of Interhome, co-founder and chairman of Vacasa Europe,
past president of Phocuswright, and sat on the HomeAway board before the IPO.
He now advises operators, investors and hospitality technology vendors.

New episodes every Tuesday.

simonlehmann.net

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S1 · E45
Tuesday · 52 min
045: The Real Cost of Furnishing a Short-Term Rental | Andria Santos
Most short-term rental operators invest heavily in acquiring a property - but treat furnishing and interior design as an afterthought. Yet design may be one of the most powerful levers for increasing bookings, improving guest reviews and driving more revenue. In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Andria Santos, Founder and CEO of Fülhaus, about why furnishing remains one of the most undercapitalized decisions in the short-term rental industry. Andrea explains how operators should budget for furniture and design, where quality matters most and where it is possible to save. She also reveals why guests book with their eyes, how professional photography shapes expectations and why beautiful images can never compensate for an uncomfortable stay. Which Questions Are Answered in This Episode? Why is design one of the most overlooked investments in rental properties? How can interior design increase bookings, revenue and guest satisfaction? Where should property owners invest—and where can they save? Why can cheap furniture become expensive in the long run? How important are professional photos when guests choose a property? How do operators balance visual appeal with comfort and functionality? How is AI changing interior design and furniture procurement? How can property managers convince owners to invest in upgrades? Which amenities and furnishings do guests now expect as standard? How often should rental properties be renovated or refreshed? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E44
August 25 · 53 min
Hotel vs. Airbnb Is Over: Here’s What Wins | Niko Karstikko
Hotels, serviced apartments and short-term rentals are moving closer together - but most hospitality companies are still operating as if these old categories matter. In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Niko Karstikko, Co-Founder and CEO of Bob W, about the emergence of a new, technology-enabled hospitality category built around flexibility, consistency and the needs of the modern traveler. Niko explains why the Airbnb generation expects more than either traditional hotels or inconsistent short-term rentals can offer. He also reveals how Bob W delivers a full-service guest experience without a traditional front desk, operates with a fraction of the staff of a comparable hotel and uses technology to remove repetitive work without losing the human touch. Questions Answered in This Episode: - Why are traditional hospitality categories becoming irrelevant? - What does the modern traveler actually expect from accommodation? - Are hotels and short-term rentals becoming one category? - Why could the traditional front desk become obsolete? - How does Bob W deliver full service with one-seventh of the staff? - Can technology improve both efficiency and the guest experience? - Which hospitality operators are most at risk? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E43
August 18 · 57 min
043: Why Big Property Managers Should Be Worried | Jannik Abraham
Book a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultation Small hosts are becoming more professional, technology is getting more powerful, and guest expectations are rising fast. But what does this shift mean for the future of short-term rentals? In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, i speak with Jannik Abraham about why the next generation of successful STR operators will not necessarily be the biggest - but the ones that understand their business, master the basics and use technology intelligently. We discuss why scaling to more units is not always the right goal, how small hosts can now compete with professional property managers, why PMS platforms are evolving into operating systems, and where AI and automation can actually create value. Questions answered in this episode: - What separates a casual host from a professional STR operator? - Why is scaling to more units not always the right goal? - Can small hosts really compete with large property managers? - How much should STR operators rely on Airbnb and other OTAs? - When does multi-channel distribution actually make sense? - How are PMS platforms evolving into operating systems? - Where can AI and automation create the most value in hospitality? - What parts of the guest journey should never be automated? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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August 11 · 11 min
Why Scaling Your STR Breaks Without This System
Book a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultation Scaling a short-term rental business shouldn’t mean hiring endlessly, adding more tools, or working longer hours. Yet for many STR operators, growth creates more complexity, tighter margins, and a business that still depends heavily on the founder. In this video, I break down what actually makes a short-term rental business scalable. Drawing on decades of experience building and leading companies in the hospitality industry and working with operators managing anywhere from 50 to 10,000+ units, he explains why most STR businesses build the wrong kind of systems. You’ll discover the three pillars every scalable STR operating system needs, why SOPs and technology alone aren’t enough, and what separates a documented process from a system that actually works without you. Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E42
August 4 · 57 min
042: Why Your Rental Business Is Easy to Replace | Rachel Alday
Most short-term rental operators are trying to stand out with better photos, smarter pricing, stronger listings, and more automation. But what if the real problem is not visibility - but replaceability? In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Rachel Alday, founder of Abode Luxury Rentals, a boutique property management company with more than 200 luxury vacation homes across Park City, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley. Rachel explains why many vacation rental businesses do not actually have a memorable brand, why competing on price keeps operators dependent on platforms, and how service standards, company culture, consistency, and direct guest relationships create real differentiation. Which questions are answered in this episode? Why do many short-term rental operators struggle to build a brand guests actually remember? How can property managers differentiate themselves without competing only on price? Why are direct guest relationships so important for reducing OTA dependency? How did Abode Luxury Rentals achieve more than 60% direct bookings? What role do service standards, company culture, and consistency play in building a strong vacation rental brand? How can operators scale their portfolio without losing service quality? Why should profitability matter more than simply adding more properties? When does bringing housekeeping in-house make sense? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E41
July 28 · 52 min
041: This Property Manager Increased Profit by 160% With AI | Alex Zemianek
Book a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultation In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Alex Zemianek, CEO of JZ Vacation Rentals, about how he rebuilt his operations around internal AI agents. From finance and marketing to security, development and daily reporting, Alex explains how his company increased operating income by 160% without significantly increasing its unit count or headcount. You’ll discover how AI agents can reduce manual work, replace an overloaded tech stack and help property managers operate more efficiently. Alex also reveals why AI should support employees rather than replace them, how his company continues working while he sleeps and which tasks still require human judgement. Which questions are answered in this episode? - How can property managers use AI agents to increase profitability without adding more units or employees? - Why is the traditional property management tech stack becoming increasingly inefficient? - What is the difference between using AI as a simple tool and building an AI-powered operating system? - How can internal AI agents support finance, operations, marketing, security, and development? - Which property management tasks can run autonomously, and where is human approval still essential? - How should operators onboard and train AI agents like new team members? 00:00 – How AI is reshaping property management 03:02 – The biggest lie in property management 05:13 – Automating a critical operational role 08:54 – 160% more operating income without more units 12:20 – Inside the AI-powered “Mission Control” 19:02 – How 12 specialized AI agents work together 26:23 – Running a property business that never stops 29:56 – Three rules for successfully implementing AI 37:48 – Where property managers should start with AI 44:11 – Why humans remain essential in hospitality Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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July 23 · 14 min
The 5 Levels of STR Companies Explained
Many property management companies grow quickly - until they suddenly hit an invisible ceiling. But why do some short-term rental businesses successfully scale to thousands of units while others struggle to grow profitably despite increasing bookings? In this video, i explain the five key growth stages of a professional property management company - from the founder-operator managing a small portfolio to an international industry leader with more than 2,500 units. You will learn which structures, systems, and leadership roles are required at each stage, why more than 80% of PMCs get stuck during the transition from Level 2 to Level 3, and why working harder alone is not enough to reach the next level of growth. Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E40
July 21 · 1 hr
040: How to Turn STR Guests Into Loyal Customers | Matthew Orley
Most short-term rental operators focus on adding more units, entering new markets, and automating their operations. But what if the strongest competitive advantage is not the size of your portfolio, but the relationship you build with your guests? In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Matthew Orley, CEO of Red Cottage, about how STR operators can build a memorable brand that drives guest loyalty, repeat stays, and direct bookings. Matthew explains why many property managers do not truly own their guest relationships, how Red Cottage built a successful membership program, and why loyalty needs to offer more than simple discounts. He also shares how a clearly defined target guest, a consistent portfolio, and proactive communication can turn one-time bookings into long-term customer relationships. Which questions are answered in this episode? - How can STR operators build a brand guests actively return to? - Why do many property managers still not truly own their guest relationships? - What makes a membership and loyalty program work in short-term rentals? - How can STR brands increase repeat stays and direct bookings without relying on discounts? - Why are brand consistency, guest communication, and a clearly defined target audience so important? - How should operators balance AI and automation with high-touch human service? - And why could the human relationship become the strongest competitive advantage in an increasingly automated STR industry? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E39
July 7 · 1 hr
039: Hospitality Isn’t Ready for the Future Guest | Jamie Lane
AI is changing hospitality, but I believe the bigger question is not just how AI will change our tools, our operations, or our businesses. The bigger question is: what happens when AI starts changing the customer? In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I’m joined by Jamie Lane, Chief Economist at AirDNA and one of the leading voices on travel demand, market trends, and the future of short-term rentals. Together, we talk about how AI-driven productivity, job shifts, income distribution, and changes in disposable income could reshape travel demand in the years ahead. Because while many operators are focused on how AI can improve pricing, guest communication, automation, and efficiency, I think we also need to understand what AI could do to the wider economy around our guests. Which questions are answered in this episode? What happens when AI starts changing the customer, not just hospitality businesses? How could AI-driven productivity, job shifts, and income distribution affect travel demand? Why should short-term rental operators pay attention to macroeconomic trends? Could changes in disposable income reshape who travels, how often they travel, and where they stay? And what can hospitality leaders do today to prepare for the future guest? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E38
June 30 · 58 min
038: Short-Term Rentals Are Entering Their Most Dangerous Era | Shaun Shirazian
In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with Shaun Shirazian, CEO of Lodgify, about one of the biggest shifts happening in short-term rentals and hospitality: the rise of AI search, direct bookings, and the future of guest experience. Shaun shares what Lodgify is seeing across more than 30,000 hosts and 100,000 listings, why the short-term rental market has become more competitive, and why the old price advantage over hotels is disappearing. He explains why direct bookings are becoming more important, how hosts can reduce dependency on OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia, and why some operators are already seeing bookings come directly from ChatGPT. Which questions are answered in this episode? How is AI changing the way travelers search for short-term rentals? Why are hosts already getting bookings from ChatGPT? Are direct bookings becoming more important for STR operators? What percentage of direct bookings is realistic for hosts today? Why is the short-term rental price advantage over hotels disappearing? What do the best operators understand that average hosts still miss? How can hosts reduce their dependency on Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia? Why is guest experience becoming the real competitive advantage? What role will technology play in professionalizing short-term rental operations? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E37
June 23 · 1 hr 3 min
037: Will AI Replace Hospitality Teams? | Stone Fish, Vancauwenberghe, Ullrich, Rubin
Book a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultation AI is transforming guest communication in short-term rentals and hospitality. In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I speak with industry leaders Aarlo Stone Fish, Anthony Vancauwenberghe, Jay Ullrich and Cole Rubin about AI agents, automation, guest experience, operations, reviews, upsells, and the future of hospitality. We discuss what operators often get wrong about automation, why guest communication is no longer just a support function, how AI can improve response times and guest satisfaction, and where the human touch still matters. The conversation also explores the future of STR operations, revenue opportunities through upsells, and whether guests will still talk to humans in an AI-powered hospitality world. Which questions are answered in this episode? How is AI changing guest communication in hospitality and short-term rentals? What do operators often get wrong when implementing AI agents? Should AI fully replace human guest communication teams? Where is the line between automation and human hospitality? How can AI improve response times, reviews, and guest satisfaction? What is the real ROI of AI automation for property managers? Can AI reduce headcount and increase company value? How can AI identify upsell opportunities like early check-in, late checkout, and add-on services? Why is guest communication connected to operations, cleaning, locks, PMS, and workflows? Will guests still talk to humans in the future of hospitality? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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June 16 · 14 min
The Margin Mistake Killing Most STR Companies!
Book a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultation Profit margins can make or break a short-term rental business - but most operators are looking at the wrong numbers. In this video, I break down the real profit benchmarks for STR operators across different business models, including property management companies, aparthotels, hybrid models, urban portfolios, and resort/vacation rentals. You’ll learn what healthy gross and net margins look like, why revenue alone can be misleading, and which KPI reveals whether your business is truly profitable or just looks good on paper: contribution margin per unit per year. Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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#26
June 9 · 53 min
036: How to Build a Business That AI Can’t Replace | Siddhi Mittal
Book a strategic consultation with me now: https://bit.ly/simon-consultation In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I sit down with Siddhi Mittal, co-founder of yhangry, a Y Combinator–backed hospitality marketplace scaling across the UK and US. Together, they explore what AI-first hospitality really means beyond faster guest messages, automation tools, and surface-level efficiency. Siddhi shares how yhangry is rebuilding parts of the company around AI-native workflows, including an internal agent that reached 75% autonomous bug resolution in under 14 days. This conversation dives into the future of hospitality, marketplaces, operations, AI agents, customer experience, and human value in a world where execution is becoming automated. We discuss why average businesses are becoming more exposed, why technical competence alone is no longer enough, and why the next competitive advantage may come from judgment, taste, curiosity, trust, and emotional intelligence. Which questions are answered in this episode? - What does AI-first hospitality actually mean beyond faster guest communication? - How is AI changing the way operators, founders, and leaders think about work, value, and execution? - Why is “being good” or technically competent no longer enough in an AI-native business environment? - What happens when operational consistency, SOPs, and execution become easier to automate? - How can hospitality companies use AI to remove manual workflows without losing the human experience? - Why does Siddhi Mittal believe curiosity, judgment, taste, character, and emotional intelligence are becoming more valuable? - What can operators learn from yhangry’s AI-first rebuild across product, operations, and customer experience? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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#35
June 2 · 53 min
035: The Best Way to Make Money in Property Management | Julie Brinkmann
In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, I sit down with Julie Brinkmann from Beyond to discuss how short-term rental operators can move from simple dynamic pricing to true profit-first property management. We explore why revenue management is no longer just about changing nightly rates, why occupancy can become a vanity metric, and how property managers can use better data, smarter pricing strategies, and AI to make more profitable business decisions. Julie shares her perspective on the evolution of the short-term rental industry, the shift from revenue growth to profit optimization, and why the next generation of hospitality companies will need to think beyond bookings, RevPAR, and occupancy. The conversation also covers market normalization, operator behavior, private equity in STR, AI adoption, owner lifetime value, direct bookings, brand visibility, and the future convergence of hotels and short-term rentals. Which questions are answered in this episode? How can property managers move from simple dynamic pricing to true profit-first revenue management? Why is occupancy often a misleading metric, and what should operators focus on instead? How can pricing data reveal deeper insights about market demand, guest behavior, owner profitability, and business performance? What mistakes are short-term rental operators making when it comes to pricing, booking windows, and last-minute discounts? How can AI create real value in property management, and where is it currently being overestimated? Why is clean, structured, proprietary data becoming so important for STR operators? How should property managers think about owner lifetime value, unit economics, profitability, and long-term growth? What role will brands, direct bookings, and AI-powered search play in the future of hospitality? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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#34
May 26 · 57 min
034: The AI Shift Most Property Managers Are Missing | Sab Mulligan, Arnon Cavaeiro, Chris Sorensen
In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, we explore what an AI-native property management company really looks like and how AI is already changing operations, guest communication, distribution, PMS systems, scaling, and hospitality brands. Together with Sab Mulligan, Arnon Cavaeiro and Chris Sorensen, we break down why AI is not just another tool or chatbot, but a deeper shift in how short-term rental and hospitality companies operate. The conversation covers where AI is already reducing costs, where it still fails, why human expertise remains essential, and how property managers can prepare for a future where AI, automation, brand, and guest experience become increasingly connected. Questions answered in the episode: What does AI-native property management actually mean? How are leading property management companies already using AI in daily operations? Where can AI reduce costs without damaging the guest experience? Why is the PMS no longer the brain of the business? What happens when broken processes are automated with AI? Where does AI still fail in hospitality and short-term rentals? Should property managers build their own AI tools or work with tech partners? How could AI change travel discovery, direct bookings, and OTA dependency? Why will human connection still matter in an AI-driven hospitality business? What will property management companies look like in the next five years? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E33
May 19 · 55 min
033: Why Booking Trips Is About to Change FOREVER (CEO Explains) | Amirali Mohajer
AI is changing how people search, plan and book travel and this shift could reshape the future of direct bookings, guest relationships and platform dependency in the short-term rental industry. In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, Simon Lehmann speaks with Amirali Mohajer, Co-Founder & CEO of Host.AI, about the future of travel search, the rise of AI assistants, and why operators may finally have a real opportunity to reduce their reliance on OTAs like Booking.com, Airbnb and Expedia. They discuss why direct bookings have been so difficult to scale, how AI could change guest acquisition, why owning guest data matters more than ever, and what short-term rental operators need to understand as travel discovery moves beyond traditional Google search. If you want to understand how AI could transform travel distribution, direct bookings and the future of hospitality, this conversation is a must-watch. Questions answered in the episode: How is AI changing the way people search, plan and book travel? Why could AI become a major turning point for the travel industry? Why are short-term rental operators so dependent on OTAs like Airbnb, Booking.com and Expedia? Why have direct bookings been so difficult to scale until now? Why is having a direct booking website alone not enough? How can operators build more trust and stronger guest relationships outside of OTAs? How does guest data influence future bookings and platform independence? What should operators do now to prepare for AI-powered travel discovery? Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E32
May 12 · 52 min
032: How HomeToGo Shifted Beyond Its Marketplace | Dr. Patrick Andrae
Marketplaces were built to aggregate supply. Not to own it. That assumption is breaking faster than most operators expected. Dr. Patrick Andrae is the Co-Founder and CEO of HomeToGo, one of the world’s leading vacation rental marketplaces, aggregating millions of listings across platforms and property managers. Since founding the company, he has expanded it into software, services, and property management, including the acquisition of Interhome, one of Europe’s largest rental operators. The combined group generates nearly $400 million in revenue, with more than 60% coming from its B2B segment, and over 200,000 properties connected through software and services. This is not a conversation about marketplace growth. It is a breakdown of what changes when platforms move closer to supply, and how that reshapes control, margins, and competitive advantage. In this conversation, we discuss: Why owning supply is no longer seen as a margin tradeoff, and what changes when platforms move closer to operations and the last mile How HomeToGo’s shift from marketplace to B2B changes where value is captured, and why that redefines the role of distribution platforms What most operators underestimate about direct bookings, and why having traffic does not translate into control without conversion infrastructure How AI is changing travel discovery behavior, and why vacation rentals present a fundamentally harder decision layer than flights or hotels Why Europe’s fragmented supply remains largely unconsolidated, and what that reveals about the limits of traditional marketplace-driven growth What changes when a company operates across marketplace, software, and services, and how that creates optionality in uncertain distribution environments Resources and links: Connect with Dr. Patrick Andrae on LinkedIn and learn more about HomeToGo. - Podcast supported by Pikl Pikl brings insurance-enabled flexible cancellation and new revenue models together for short-term rental operators. 👉 Get started with Pikl here Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E31
May 5 · 48 min
031: Beyond STR and Hotels: How Numa's Third Model Uses 100+ Automations to Rewrite Urban Hospitality | Christian Gaiser
Short-term rentals and hotels are converging into a single operating model. The real shift is not about category. It is about who can deliver better economics, better experience, and better scalability in urban markets. In this episode, Simon Lehmann sits down with Christian Gaiser to break down how Numa built a hybrid model between short-term rentals and hotels, and why that model is gaining traction as the industry matures. Christian Gaiser is the CEO and Co-Founder of Numa, one of Europe’s fastest-growing urban hospitality platforms. With a background in building digital platforms and scaling operations, he brings a product and technology mindset into a traditionally fragmented industry. At Numa, he has led the development of a tech-driven, asset-light model designed to operate across cities with high efficiency and consistency. This conversation moves beyond the STR vs hotel debate and focuses on operating models, automation, distribution strategy, regulation, and how technology is reshaping both supply and demand in hospitality. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Numa was built around three structural gaps in hospitality, demand outpacing supply, fragmented assets, and a lack of technology across operations. How the “third model” combines short-term rentals, hotels, and serviced apartments into a single system driven by guest use cases rather than categories. Why capital efficiency and financial discipline became a competitive advantage after the collapse of overfunded STR models. How Numa captures both short and long stay demand while maintaining lower costs through density, standardized units, and lean operations. Why building more than 100 internal tools became central to improving reviews, reducing costs, and scaling operations. How labor shortages, including a projected 8 million workforce gap in Germany, are forcing operators to rethink staffing and automation. Why AI will reshape both operations and demand, increasing travel activity and changing how supply is discovered and consumed. Explore more: Connect with Christian Gaiser [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiangaiser/] to learn more about Numa [https://numastays.com/] - Podcast supported by Pricelabs PriceLabs brings automated pricing and market intelligence together in one platform trusted by property managers at scale. 👉 Get started with Pricelabs here: https://shorturl.at/wvKTa Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E39
April 28 · 47 min
030: No Phone, No OTAs, No VC Time Horizons: Can Unplugged's Digital Detox Cabins Actually Scale? | Hector Hughes
In this episode, Simon Lehmann sits down with Hector Hughes, Co-Founder & CEO of Unplugged, a UK-based cabin brand built entirely around one conviction: that spending three days offline in nature changes people. Founded in 2020, Unplugged operates a portfolio of off-grid cabins across the UK, runs a direct-only booking model with a mandatory three-night minimum, and has never listed a single property on an OTA. The company is on track to reach profitability and generates a 40 to 45% return on capital per cabin. This conversation examines what happens when brand conviction becomes the only distribution strategy and whether that is a ceiling or a compounding advantage. In this conversation, we discuss: Why going direct-only was never a revenue decision, and how removing OTAs as an option forced Unplugged to build brand and community muscles most STR operators never have to develop How the three-night minimum, a deliberate friction point in a market averaging 1.8 nights, became one of Unplugged's most defensible product choices. Why direct bookings only work at scale if you are remarkable enough to stay front of mind and how Unplugged engineers word-of-mouth as a core growth mechanism. How Unplugged's movable cabin model redefines the unit economics and risk profile of STR supply expansion. What the tension between venture time horizons and brand compounding reveals about the type of capital Unplugged needs, and why most funds are structurally the wrong fit. What the rise of AI-driven distribution means for experiential hospitality brands that don't live on OTAs, and why being genuinely remarkable is no longer optional. Explore more: Connect with Hector Hughes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hector-hughes-10082195/ to learn more about Unplugged https://unplugged.rest/ - Podcast supported by Breezeway Built around the work that happens behind the scenes, Breezeway coordinates the operational service touchpoints that define guest experience. Their focus on execution and standards aligns with a core insight from this conversation: growth only works when operations can keep up. 👉 Get started with Breezeway here: https://shorturl.at/moW7U Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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S1 · E29
April 21 · 43 min
029: What Marriott Really Thinks About Short-Term Rentals: Chris Stephenson on Loyalty, Quality Standards, and the Future of Alternative Accommodations
How did short-term rentals become a strategic priority for one of the world’s largest hotel companies? Short-term rentals now represent more than 14% of global lodging supply. When one of the world's largest hotel companies builds a platform inside that category, it is not a trend play. It is a structural decision about where hospitality is going. In this episode of STR Global Unlocked, Simon Lehmann sits down with Chris Stephenson, Vice President of Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, the home rental platform embedded inside one of the world's most powerful loyalty programs, with over 270 million members and over 200,000 homes across global markets. Chris joined Marriott 11 years ago through its global operations innovation team and has led Homes and Villas from its pilot launch in 2019 to its current scale across EMEA, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. This is not a story about a hotel company taking on Airbnb. It is a ground-level account of what it actually takes to build a quality-first vacation rental business inside an institutional framework, and why that constraint turned out to be a competitive advantage. In this conversation, we discuss: Why Marriott entered the home rental category not to compete with Airbnb but to close a loyalty gap. How Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy selects inventory. What 96% of guests being Bonvoy members signals about behavioral fluidity, and how Marriott captures share of wallet across an entire trip rather than a single stay. Why Marriott built a completely independent tech stack, and now uses it as a learning lab for AI-powered natural language search across the wider enterprise. How the onboarding process went from three to four months to an average of four weeks, and why it will never be a one-click upload by design. Where Marriott sees the next wave of STR demand emerging. Explore more: Connect with Chris Stephenson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisstephenson/ to learn more about Homes and Villas by Marriott Bonvoy: https://homes-and-villas.marriott.com Podcast supported by eviivo eviivo Suite brings booking management, payments, automation, and OTA connectivity together in one platform used by 28,000 accommodation providers. 👉 Exclusive 50% off the first 6 months for STR Global Unlocked listeners who book a free demo: https://tinyurl.com/eviivo-strgu Resources AJL Atelier – Global STR Consulting [https://www.ajlatelier.com]. Led by our host Simon Lehmann, AJL Atelier is a boutique advisory firm helping professional hosts, property managers, and investors succeed in the short-term rental industry. Connect with Simon Lehmann on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-lehmann-8375753b/] Stay connected: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/str-global-unlocked-with-simon-lehmann-unfiltered/id1842946960 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3kke4wOx0tNv0duq9MMWtO Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWVkmUOkmhSHcFjzi28AhaQNR98vaG65O Website: https://www.ajlatelier.com/podcasts Newsletter: https://str-global-unlocked.beehiiv.com/
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