Blog

The EliteVRS Blog is your source for insights, strategies, and real‑world conversations about growing and managing a successful vacation rental business. Here, we share expert perspectives on revenue management, guest experience, technology, and industry trends—designed to help vacation rental professionals make smarter decisions and stay ahead in an ever‑evolving landscape.

In addition to written insights, we invite you to explore the Life Well Booked Podcast, where EliteVRS leaders and industry experts dive deeper into the ideas shaping the future of short‑term rentals. From candid discussions on operational growth to interviews with forward‑thinking professionals, the podcast brings practical knowledge and thoughtful conversation straight to you.

Whether you’re here to learn, stay informed, or spark new ideas, the EliteVRS Blog is built to support vacation rental professionals at every stage of their journey.

How to Get Direct Bookings for Your Vacation Rental in 2026

Direct Bookings, AI & Building a Vacation Rental Brand That Lasts Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt Baltazar and Stefanie Hesser explore one of the most important goals for vacation rental owners and managers: generating more direct...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

August in the Valley: The STR Survival Guide (Haboobs, Broken ACs & Emergency Protocols)

Monsoon Season, Haboobs & Summer STR Challenges in Arizona Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt Baltazar and Stefanie Hesser discuss one of the most demanding times of year for Arizona vacation rentals: monsoon season. While many travelers...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

5,000 turnovers a year... The Secrets That Protect Every 5-Star Review

Handling 5,000+ Vacation Rental Turnovers: Systems, Inspections & Same-Day Flip Success Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt Baltazar and Stefanie Hesser explore one of the most critical parts of vacation rental operations: the turnover process. Every guest...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

How to Handle Problem Guests, Damages & Disputes in Your Vacation Rental

Handling Difficult Guests: Protecting Your Property, Reviews & Revenue Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt and Stefanie tackle one of the most challenging parts of vacation rental management: dealing with difficult guests. From accidental damage and policy...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

Pet-Friendly Airbnb: Is It Worth It? (The Real Numbers)

Pet-Friendly Vacation Rentals: The Policies, Pricing & Profitability Behind Welcoming Dogs Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt Baltazar and Stefanie Hesser explore one of the most important decisions vacation rental owners face: whether to allow pets. Drawing...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

Strategic STR Design for Big Returns - Why Design Comes First

Designing for More Bookings: How Great STR Design Drives Revenue Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt Baltazar shares why design is one of the most powerful investments a vacation rental owner can make. More than aesthetics, thoughtful...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

Arizona Summer STR Strategy — How to Stay Booked at 115°F (Pricing Minimums, Amenities & More)

Arizona Summer Survival for Vacation Rental Owners: Rates, Occupancy & Smart Seasonal Strategies Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. Arizona summers bring unique challenges for vacation rental owners. As temperatures rise and seasonal travel patterns shift, maintaining occupancy and revenue requires...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

Airbnb vs VRBO for Hosts: Key Differences, Fees, and Why You Should List on Both (and More)

Airbnb vs. Vrbo for Hosts: Understanding Guest Behavior, Fees & Distribution Strategy Welcome back to Life Well Booked: The Vacation Rental Podcast. In this episode, Britt and Stefanie draw on years of vacation rental management experience to discuss one of the most common questions hosts...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked
A young couple hiking on a mountainous desert trail

Winter in Arizona: Phoenix Sunshine, Flagstaff Snow, and Everything in Between

When it comes to “snowbird season,” many people picture retirees trading the cold for a few months of sunshine. Arizona’s appeal as a winter vacation destination, however, goes well beyond that traditional image. From sunny hikes and outdoor dining in Phoenix to skiing and mountain...Read more
Categories: 
Arizona Vacation Planning
Life Well Booked Podcast Episode 9 Thumbnail

Dynamic Pricing for Short-Term Rentals: Tools + Human Strategy (Not Panic Pricing)

Dynamic Pricing Strategies for Vacation Rentals: Maximizing Revenue Throughout the Year In this episode of Life Well Booked , Stefanie sits down with a vacation rental pricing specialist to break down the fundamentals of dynamic pricing and explain how successful operators optimize revenue in an...Read more
Categories: 
Life Well Booked

Pages