What separates an ordinary rental from an unforgettable stay?

Turn your average rental into a five-star stay.

It's not just beautiful design. It's the details, systems, communication, and guest experience that turn a good property into a place guests remember — and rave about.

The Five-Star Stay book cover
A practical guide, not a pep talk.

Inside, you'll learn how to:

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Create a welcoming, five-star experience

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Write enticing descriptions to attract guests

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Build comprehensive housecleaning and maintenance lists

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Design spaces guests will love — and photograph

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Communicate professionally from booking to checkout

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Earn higher ratings and reviews to grow your short-term rental business

Why You Need This Book

What really sticks with renters:

We stayed in a short-term rental (STR) in a beach condo and were disappointed when there was no baking pan. We had to purchase disposable pans…only to find that in the rental next door (same layout, same price), not only did they have several pans, they also had hot pads, facial tissues, two towels per person, and a bath mat that was big enough to put both feet on. Their view was the same, but they had comfortable chairs on the deck that didn't leave marks on the backs of our legs. When we rented the following year, guess which condo we wanted to stay in?

Guests don't remember your thread count. They remember whether the shower pressure was good, whether you answered their message in one hour versus ten hours, and whether the place felt like someone actually lived there.
— from the conclusion of The Five-Star Stay
About the authors

Written by the guests who noticed everything.

Ann Stockton

Ann Stockton

Co-author

Ann Stockton’s love of travel began early and never stopped. From sailing the Caribbean and backpacking through Europe to discovering the art, food, and culture of the world’s most captivating destinations, she believes travel should be immersive, authentic, and unforgettable.


Travel has a way of opening your eyes and opening your heart. Great hosting does the same.

Amanda Smolen

Amanda Smolen

Co-author

Amanda Smolen’s passion for travel has spanned across nearly 50 countries, numerous continents, and hundreds of short-term rentals.


Immersing one’s self in a local culture and experiencing destinations beyond the typical tourist perspective allows people to feel more connected to the places they visit.


Just because people are away from home, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t feel at home while traveling. Short-term rentals help make that possible.

First impressions

What early readers are saying.

★★★★★

If you’re a short-term rental host, you need to read this book. This offers a useful look at what makes a short-term rental truly great from a guest’s perspective. It’s full of practical insights about the little things that can make a stay more comfortable, convenient, and memorable. Plus, it's written by people who really know their subject and are passionate about making short-term stays better.

Dr. VMarketing and Communications Manager and frequent short-term rental guest
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A practical guide to earning better reviews.

Delight your guests and grow your Airbnb or Vrbo business — available in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.

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Discover our checklists to help facilitate your five-star stays.