Welcome to Behind the Stays — a podcast that shares the stories behind your favorite boutique hotels, short-term rentals, and hospitality brands and the hosts, operators, and entrepreneurs who’ve brought them to life. Every Tuesday and Friday you’ll meet the military veterans, retired flight attendants, tech entrepreneurs, school teachers, single moms, hoteliers, and real estate investors who are all, in their unique ways, shaping the future of travel and hospitality. Discover how these visionaries — from all over the world — have built stunning landscape hotels in the mountains, designed bohemian bungalows on the beach, erected eclectic off-grid and nature-immersed escapes, and so much more. Behind the Stays is brought to you by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program that brings together an alliance of the world’s top independently owned and operated stays and allows travelers to earn points and perks on boutique hotels, vacation rentals, treehouses, ski chalets, glamping experiences and so much more. Behind the States is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Head of the Journey Alliance.
Episodes
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Tuesday Nov 05, 2024
Meet Jason Thawley, founder of Tree Tents — a one-of-a-kind suspended tree structures.
Tree Tents isn’t your typical prefab company. With a product lineup featuring the iconic “Tree Tent”, fuselage-inspired pods, and the whimsical Birdhouse, Jason’s designs offer travelers an immersive outdoor experience that’s as unique as it is sustainable. As the demand for glamping grows, Jason’s creations provide unique stay entrepreneurs a way to offer something truly different, designed to bring guests closer to nature with every moment.
Tune in to hear:
- How Jason’s curiosity and early love of nature inspired his designs
- The story behind Tree Tents’ first structure—built on a tight deadline for a UK TV series
- Why immersive design matters in creating memorable glamping experiences
- Jason’s take on “rooming with nature”—why separate structures make the outdoors part of each stay
- His vision for affordable, eco-friendly units that meet the needs of small business owners
- Tree Tents’ growing presence in the U.S., and why the brand is expanding internationally
In this episode, Jason shares how each structure is crafted to give guests the feeling of true escape, encouraging them to embrace the outdoors while enjoying a unique, comfortable stay. Whether you’re a glamping enthusiast, hospitality entrepreneur, or just curious about what’s next in nature-immersive design, this conversation offers a glimpse into the future of experiential stays.
Behind the Stays and its parent company StayWatch have been acquired by Journey — a next-generation loyalty program designed for the modern traveler. Learn more about what Journey is building at JoinJourney.com.
Apply to Join the Journey Alliance
Friday Nov 01, 2024
Friday Nov 01, 2024
In this can't-miss episode, host Zach shares the most exciting announcement in the history of the show: Behind the Stays (and its parent company StayWatch) has been acquired by Journey — a first-of-its-kind loyalty program designed to help travelers earn points on unique stays, landscape resorts, boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and more.
Joining Zach is John Sutton, the visionary founder of Journey, who brings over a decade of experience from his time at Red Ventures and collaborations with industry giants like Brian Kelly, Founder of The Points Guy.
Together, they unveil how Journey plans to bridge the gap between boutique hotels and unique short-term rentals by creating a unified loyalty program that truly benefits both travelers and property owners.
Discover how Journey aims to empower property owners with powerful marketing tools, shared insights, and a community that values their independence and brand identity. Learn about the star-studded team behind Journey, including notable figures like Chris Burch (founder of Tory Burch) and James McBride (luxury hotelier), all passionate about transforming the travel landscape.
Tune in to hear Zach and John discuss:
- The vision behind Journey and why it's set to disrupt traditional loyalty programs
- The creation of the Journey Alliance and how it's uniting exceptional properties
- Innovative marketing and storytelling tools available to alliance members
- How Journey plans to offer more meaningful rewards to travelers
- The role of Journey Studios in amplifying authentic brand stories of hotels and vacation rentals
- And so much more
Sign up for the Journey waitlist
Request to be a part of the Journey Alliance
Read the exclusive Bloomberg article announcing Journey
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Tuesday Oct 29, 2024
Meet Edward Haynes — a visionary entrepreneur with roots in the event rental industry, now revolutionizing the luxury glamping space.
What started as a pivot during the pandemic has become a mission to help landowners transform beautiful landscapes into high-end, profitable escapes. Edward’s journey reflects the intersection of innovation, craftsmanship, and hospitality, blending unique structures with unforgettable guest experiences.
His company EJH Distribution sources and distributes premium accommodations—from safari tents to stunning glass “Tubo” structures—while Posh Outdoors empowers landowners to build luxury stays through profit-sharing partnerships.
For Edward, success is more than just unique units; it’s about crafting experiences that make the first and last impressions unforgettable.
Tune in to hear:
- How Edward pivoted from events to hospitality in response to the pandemic
- The rise of luxury glamping and why travelers are turning away from conventional hotels
- Posh Outdoors’ unique business model, helping landowners monetize with minimal upfront costs
- Why Edward believes ski resorts and vineyards will become the next big hubs for luxury stays
- The challenge of balancing prefab solutions with customization to maintain uniqueness
- How Posh’s first site in Sky Ridge, Canada will set a new standard for luxury glamping
- F&B innovations for remote resorts and the power of shared spaces in hospitality
Edward’s deep understanding of both events and hospitality means no detail is overlooked, from on-site amenities to the guest journey itself.
Whether you’re curious about starting your own micro-resort or fascinated by the latest glamping trends, this conversation offers insights into the future of luxury hospitality.
Alright, friends—without further ado, get ready to meet Edward.
Learn more about EJH Distribution
Learn more about Posh Outdoors
Connect with Edward on LinkedIn
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.
Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?
Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.
This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.
But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Friday Oct 25, 2024
Meet Eliza Clark, the Co-Founder of Foxfire Mountain House and The Lost Fox Inn, two remarkable boutique hotels in New York and Connecticut.
Eliza is an inspiring storyteller turned hospitality entrepreneur who grew up outside of Toronto. From her beginnings as a novelist and TV director for HGTV, to co-founding two breathtaking inn Eliza’s journey is all about crafting immersive experiences that bring people together.
The story of Eliza’s journey into hospitality entrepreneurship is really a love story — after a hard divorce, she met now-husband Tim, an executive American chef. It was their romance that ultimately inspired Eliza to take a leap from television to hospitality.
Together, they’ve created boutique properties that seamlessly blend history, design, and unforgettable food and beverage experiences. Their hotels aren’t just places to stay; they’re curated environments built with heart, imagination, and a whole lot of hard work.
Tune in to hear:
- How Eliza’s storytelling background influences every aspect of her properties
- The challenges and joys of running a hospitality business as a family
- The creative process behind transforming a bioluminescent fungus into a brand story (you won’t want to miss this one!)
- Lessons from balancing beautifully designed spaces with Tim’s world-class food and beverage programs
- Why Eliza believes boutique hospitality is about offering personalized, “indie” travel experiences
- And so much more
Alright, friends, without further ado, let’s jump in with Eliza Clark.
Book a Stay at Foxfire Mountain House
Follow Byrd Studio on Instagram
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.
Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?
Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.
This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.
But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Tuesday Oct 22, 2024
Meet Stephen and Sam Hopkins — the founders of Missing Hotel, a one-of-a-kind retreat nestled in the Texas Hill Country.
With 96 acres bordering a nature preserve and uniquely designed domes and villas, the property offers more than just a place to stay—it’s an invitation to disconnect and reconnect with what matters most.
We dive deep into their founding story, from working corporate jobs in the energy sector to making the bold decision to take a year-long sabbatical that transformed their lives and careers. Their passion for creating experiences stems from their own love of travel, and with Missing Hotel, they’ve crafted a stay that combines surprise, spontaneity, and simplicity to create meaningful moments for guests.
Tune in to hear:
- How the inspiration for Missing Hotel struck during a sabbatical and a few bottles of rum in Australia
- The challenges (and a few wild stories) of building unique structures during COVID, including being held at gunpoint over $3,000
- Why Stephen and Sam believe in keeping elements of mystery and surprise throughout their guests’ stays
- Their approach to creating spaces that offer a mental reset through digital detox and immersive, experiential hospitality
- Their exciting plans to expand Missing Hotel into new states and wilder ideas in the next five years
This conversation is packed with insights into creating unforgettable guest experiences, the power of brand storytelling, and the future of experiential hospitality.
Discover Missing Hotel
Follow Missing Hotel on Instagram
Apply for the Experiential Hospitality Community
This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers. Hudson Creative is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.
If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.
And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Friday Oct 18, 2024
Meet Zoey Berghoff, the entrepreneur and visionary who's transforming the short-term rental landscape by creating unique, unforgettable stays—and teaching others how to do the same.
Zoey is an entrepreneur, an adventurer, and a mom who travels full-time—all while building an incredible community on Instagram. She's dedicated to helping others leave their 9-to-5 jobs and dive into entrepreneurial ventures in the hospitality space, especially focusing on unique and memorable stays.
In this conversation, we dive deep into Zoey's remarkable journey—from leaving her corporate job to becoming a full-time entrepreneur and influencer in the short-term rental world.
Tune in to hear:
- Where the idea of renting out a yurt, her first unique stay, came from
- The challenges and triumphs of scaling unique stays in remote locations
- The power of building a personal brand on social media and how it amplifies business growth
- Why Zoey believes that offering out-of-the-ordinary experiences is the future of hospitality
- How she balances entrepreneurship and motherhood while traveling full-time with her family
- Her insights on the next big opportunities in the unique stays and boutique hotel space
And so much more. Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Zoey.
Connect with Zoey on Instagram
This episode is brought to you by The Content House
If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.
What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.
Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…
The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…
Follow The Content House on Instagram
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Tuesday Oct 15, 2024
Meet Hillary Flur, the Co-Founder and Co-Visionary behind Folly, a collection of stunning off-grid retreats in the Mojave Desert and beyond that are redefining sustainable luxury travel.
Hillary didn’t start out in hospitality. She began her hospitality entrepreneurship journey by renting out a small, kitchen-less studio apartment on Airbnb—but what started as a side hustle quickly evolved into a portfolio of design-forward, off-grid getaways that blend architecture, nature, and luxury in a next-gen, outo-of-this-world sort of way.
In this conversation, we dive deep into Hillary’s journey—from surviving her first DIY build in Joshua Tree to creating expansive desert compounds that attract everyone from A-list celebrities to adventure-seeking travelers.
Tune in to hear:
- Where the idea of creating magical, architecturally stunning stays first came from
- The challenges of scaling unique stays like Folly’s and why they’re betting on pop-up locations next
- The genius behind Folly’s exclusive membership program and how it offers hyper-personalized stays for their guests
- Why Hillary believes AI will be pivotal in helping hoteliers and hospitality entrepreneurs hyper-personalize their guest experience at scale
- Hillary’s vision of having a Folly near every National Park
- And so much more
Alright friends, without further ado, get ready to meet Hillary.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.
Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?
Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.
This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.
But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Friday Oct 11, 2024
Meet Katie Cline, a powerhouse in hospitality PR who’s worked with renowned brands like Ritz Carlton, W Hotels, and St. Regis. But Katie isn’t just a PR strategist—she’s also a vacation rental entrepreneur and the host of Sweet Success, a brand-new podcast where she interviews hospitality leaders from her world of luxury hotels and beyond.
Katie's journey into short-term rentals began just over a year ago, blending her deep expertise in PR with a newfound passion for creating unique guest experiences at her own properties. Since then, she’s launched a second vacation rental and is building an exciting podcast focused on the intersection of hospitality, innovation, and guest experience.
In this episode, we dive deep into Katie’s multifaceted career, exploring her approach to creating standout PR strategies and how she’s applied her hotel background to the world of short-term rentals.
Tune in to hear:
- How Katie crafted a guest experience at her rentals inspired by luxury hotel standards
- Her expert take on PR for independent hospitality brands, and why media coverage is key for growth
- The challenges of maintaining brand consistency across multiple properties and platforms
- Personal stories of resilience, including how her mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis has shaped her journey
Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
Checkout her podcast Suite Success on Apple Podcasts
Subscribe to Podcast Email Updates
This episode is brought to you by Hudson Creative Studio — the leading web design agency for vacation rental managers. Hudson Creative is offering a special deal for Behind the Stays listeners. When you mention Behind the Stays during your discovery call, you’ll get 10% off any service level option.
If you’re serious about taking your hospitality brand to the next level, head over to HudsonCreativeStudio.com/behindthestays. Trust me, Eli and his team will make your website something truly special.
And don’t forget to listen to our series, "Unlocking the Secrets of Successful Hospitality Websites," which we’ll link in the show notes below, for a deep dive into what makes these guys the best in the biz.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Tuesday Oct 08, 2024
Meet Travis Chambers, the genius behind Outpost X, a mind-bending desert hotel that’s redefining experiential stays.
Travis didn’t just wake up one day and decide to build a viral hotel—he first built an ad agency where he worked with brands like Vitamin Water, Turkish Airlines, and Old Navy to create viral social content.
After selling the agency for $17 million in 201, he used that capital to create something completely new in the world of hospitality.
In this conversation, we dive deep into Travis’s unique approach to hospitality, where he blends art, adventure, and immersive storytelling to create an experience like no other. His goal? To push guests beyond their comfort zones in a place designed to make you feel slightly
uncomfortable—in the best way possible.
And here’s the kicker: Outpost X is just the beginning. Travis has developed an elaborate storyline that will eventually connect all of his future properties across the world, building a universe where each stay is part of a larger narrative.
Tune in to hear:
- How Travis generated nearly $1 million on Indiegogo to fund the Outpost X build
- The genius behind designing a hotel that’s more art project than resort, and why some guests call it better than Disneyland while others simply don’t get it
- Why he believes creating immersive experiences will save humanity in an AI-driven world
- His ambitious plans to tie every future property into a sci-fi-inspired world
- And so much more
This was one of the most amazing, inspiring, and crazy interviews I’ve ever conducted. You’re going to love it.
This episode is brought to you by The Content House
If you listen to this podcast, you likely care a lot about your brand. You care about building it thoughtfully and purposefully.
What I love about Nate and the team at The Content House is that they truly understand this. They care about getting to know your style, your approach, and the unique quirks and features that make your collection of stays special.
Their service is full end-to-end social media management and content creation. From shooting stunning videos and photos to editing, posting, and even sourcing influencers to partner with…
The Content House specializes in working with hospitality entrepreneurs building well-branded, boutique collections, often in exotic or extra-special locations…
Follow The Content House on Instagram
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Friday Oct 04, 2024
Meet Nathan St Cyr, the co-founder of Howzit Hostels, a next-generation travel brand transforming hostel stays in the U.S.
Nathan and his co-founder Michael have been on the pod before, but Nathan joined us at the recent Unique Stays Summit that Ben Woldff and I hosted so I wanted to bring him back on to share some more details on what he’s building.
In this episode, Nathan shares the bold and inspiring journey behind building Howzit—a hospitality brand focused on creating affordable, community-driven, and experiential stays that challenge the traditional hostel model.
Nathan and I discuss:
- How his team recognized the gap in the U.S. hostel market, with over 300,000 hotels but only 309 hostels, and the vision for Howzit Hostels to fill that void.
- Their mission to grow into a $400 million company while maintaining responsible growth and delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
- The surprising fulfillment Nathan and his team have found in cultivating the hostel community, which initially started as a pure financial opportunity.
- The challenges and opportunities in scaling their brand in cities like Austin, Boston, and Denver, and why they focus on underappreciated real estate assets.
- What sets Howzit Hostels apart from other experiential brands like Selena, and how Nathan's unique approach to hostel development is fueling growth.
Tune in to hear Nathan’s thoughtful insights on what it takes to build a large-scale hostel brand in an overlooked market and why Howzit Hostels is perfectly positioned to shape the future of affordable experiential travel in the U.S.
This episode is brought to you by our friends at Hostfully.
Upselling sounds great in theory, but how do you actually do it? How do you know what to offer, and how do you make it seamless for your guests?
Well, that’s where Hostfully’s latest eBook comes into play.
This isn’t just another generic guide; it’s a goldmine of insights drawn from real transaction data collected from June 2023 to June 2024. We’re talking about the most popular upsells that guests actually buy — from early check-ins to premium amenity access — and how these can significantly enhance your bottom line.
But here’s the best part: this eBook doesn’t just leave you with data; it gives you practical advice and checklists to help you start implementing these upsells right away. Whether you’re just getting started with a simple upsell or looking to expand your offerings, Hostfully has you covered.
About the Show
Behind the Stays is brought to you by StayWatch — the internet's best resource for deals on Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com. You can subscribe, for free, at www.staywatch.ai
Behind the Stays is hosted by Zach Busekrus, Co-founder of StayWatch, you can connect with him on Twitter at @zboozee or on LinkedIn.