OwnerRez's monthly Product Update blog posts summarize the new features, enhancements, tweaks, and design progress released throughout the month. Additionally, you can review individual Changelogs for August 5th, August 12th, August 19th, and August 26th for a complete list of each week's releases.
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August Product Update - Snippets, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy, Airbnb and Vrbo Additions, Powertranz 3DS, Setup Wizard 5 replies
Anne S
Aug 4, 2026 1:17 PM
OR Team Member
Member for 4 years
199 posts
August's product update is all about speed and flexibility. 💪 Snippets cuts down on repetitive typing in the Inbox, Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy joins the channels lineup, and we expanded the Vrbo channel integration with a new Onboarding process. Airbnb gets Seamless Entry, Extended Cancellations, and native cancellations right in OwnerRez. The Powertranz payment method now supports 3DS. Plus, have you had friends holding out because OwnerRez is too difficult to set up? Well, August introduced part one of a new setup wizard to aid that! Read up on all of this and more!
New Features
Snippets
In case you missed our August 18 👀 First Look: Meet Snippets email, OwnerRez rolled out Snippets, short, reusable, pre-written blocks of content that you insert instantly in the Inbox using the / forward slash key, followed by a shortcode you can assign. This saves time and prevents you from typing the same words over and over. Snippets can use field codes that work across bookings, quotes, and inquiries, and can be shared with your team or kept private. They’re perfect for information you send regularly, like pool hours, Wi-Fi instructions, check-in details, parking information, or answers to common guest questions.
Hosts can insert their own snippets in the Inbox by using the / forward slash key.
Additionally, OwnerRez introduced "Stay" field codes for use in Snippets that work across bookings, quotes, and inquiries (find them under Utility field codes).
| Field | Name | Description |
| {STDT} | Created Date | The date the booking, quote, or inquiry was created (Booking uses booked date, Quote uses quoted date, Inquiry uses received date) |
| {STARR} | Arrival Date | The date that the guest arrives |
| {STARRDAY} | Arrival Day | The day of the week that the guest arrives |
| {STDEP} | Departure Date | The date that the guest departs |
| {STDEPDAY} | Departure Day | The day of the week that the guest departs |
| {STNNGHTS} | Number of Nights | The number of reserved nights |
| {STGPARTY} | Party | The party as comma-separated list |
| {STNGUEST} | Number of Guests | The number of total people in the party |
| {STNADULT} | Number of Adults | The number of adults in the party |
| {STNCHILD} | Number of Children | The number of children in the party |
| {STNPET} | Number of Pets | The number of pets in the party |
| {STSOURCE} | Listing Site/Channel | The listing site or channel the booking, quote, or inquiry came from |
On the Import Snippets from Message Templates page, hosts can choose which templates to bring in as snippets. All are selected by default, and you can unselect templates that you don't want to import as snippets. Each snippet becomes a reusable shortcode you can drop into any message in the Inbox.
Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy
Connecting with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy allows OwnerRez hosts to tap into Marriott Bonvoy’s 220+ million loyalty members. With the August 26th release, OwnerRez partnered with Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy to distribute your existing property content, rates, rules, and availability directly to Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy and automatically receive booking and guest information, all within OwnerRez.
Listing on Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy grants hosts access to Marriott Bonvoy's loyalty members, including business travelers and long-stay guests. Members can redeem points for bookings. Connecting to Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy expands distribution beyond other major platforms.
To connect, go to Settings > Channel Management > Channel Integrations > + Connect a Channel > Connect Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.
Vrbo
OwnerRez's Vrbo channel integration enables property managers to reach Vrbo's global audience while automating property availability, rates, and rules, preventing double-bookings, and optimizing revenue. On August 19th, OwnerRez implemented a new Vrbo channel onboarding process that allows users to either import their existing Vrbo listings into OwnerRez, create new properties in OwnerRez based on those listings, or create a new Vrbo listing directly in OwnerRez, ensuring complete synchronization before your property becomes bookable on Vrbo.
To get started, navigate to Settings > Channel Management > Channel Integrations > + Connect a Channel > Connect Vrbo, and you'll see the options to create a new Vrbo account in OwnerRez by clicking on New to Vrbo, manage your existing Vrbo listings by clicking on Manage your listings on Vrbo directly, or Manage Vrbo listings through another software to allow OwnerRez to manage your Vrbo listings.
Looking to up your marketing game? Check out all of OwnerRez's channel management options.
Airbnb
Having backup door codes at the ready, configured in advance by hosts, so guests aren't stranded and hosts aren't called at odd hours, gives Airbnb guests a second way into the property in the event their main door code doesn't work. OwnerRez added support for Airbnb Seamless Entry automatic backup door code sharing with guests in the event that their original door code fails to work, in our August 26th release.
Opt into Airbnb's Seamless Entry Experience feature by navigating to Properties > your specific Property > Listing Content > Guest Instructions, and clicking on the pencil edit icon. On the Change Guest Instructions page, enter the two required 4 to 8-digit backup door codes, add guidance in the Backup Instructions field, check the Show Door Code on Airbnb - Enable Airbnb's Seamless Entry Experience checkbox, and save.
When saved, you'll see that OwnerRez is sending door codes to Airbnb.
If Airbnb requires additional permissions before door codes can be shown, some hosts may need to reauthorize their Airbnb account and then turn the setting back on.
The Airbnb Extended Cancellation allows guests to cancel for a full refund, for an additional fee, up to 24 hours before check-in, and hosts still receive full payment per their cancellation policy. With our August 5th release, OwnerRez has added the ability for hosts with moderate, limited, firm, or strict cancellation policies to opt out of Airbnb's Extended Cancellation directly in their Channel Rules settings.
Check out the Airbnb Extended Cancellation by navigating to Properties > your specific Property > Listing Content > Channel Rules > House Rules & Cancellation Policy > Change > Cancellation Policy > Airbnb > Decline extended cancellation. The Decline extended cancellation is unchecked or opted in by default, and hosts can check it to opt out to offer Airbnb's Extended Cancellation to guests.
Nobody wants to see a booking get canceled, but sometimes life happens! OwnerRez implemented the ability to cancel Airbnb bookings directly in-app without switching to the Airbnb platform in our August 19th release, keeping cancellations and refunds all in one place.
When canceling an Airbnb reservation, hosts have the ability to select the reason for canceling (e.g., Double booking, Change, Bad reviews sparse profile, Unauthorized party, Behavior, Asked (by guest), and Other). Additionally, you can include an Airbnb channel message to the guest and a private note to Airbnb.
Powertranz 3DS
3D Secure payment adds an extra verification step at checkout, reducing fraud and chargeback liability for eligible transactions. In case you missed our August 17th, FULL Powertranz integration (all banks, all countries) is now available in OwnerRez! 🎉email, OwnerRez added support for 3D Secure authentication and card tokenization for the Powertranz payment method, enabling hosts to leverage more advanced fraud-analysis tools, with our August 12th release.
Setup Wizard
Guided setup processes configure core account settings sequentially, ensuring correct initial setup instead of piecing it together on your own. We implemented our own interactive OwnerRez setup wizard to guide new users through account configuration and initial property setup in our August 5th release.
After new hosts have completed their OwnerRez Account Setup, they may be funneled into the interactive Setup Wizard to set up their account, property, import bookings, and configure their policies and settings.
Enhancements
Template & Trigger Library
Using OwnerRez's prepopulated templates with triggers from the Template and Trigger Library (in-app and some support articles) makes guests feel welcome, improves their experience, and boosts your rental's success. OwnerRez improved the Template and Trigger Library navigation and layout to provide clearer guidance with messaging-type tabs and dynamic template counts in the August 5th release.
View the improved in-app Template and Trigger Library by navigating to Settings > Messaging > Templates or Triggers. The Use Template/Trigger Library buttons now include the counts of available templates or triggers available to hosts.
When the Use Template button is selected, hosts can access all Email, SMS, and Channel tabs in the Template Library, and templates remain organized by booking stages (e.g., Pre-booking, Pre-arrival, Mid-stay, Post-departure, Canceled, Pending, Other).
Explore all of the OwnerRez Messaging options.
Rezzy AI
Using OwnerRez's Rezzy AI saves you time while ensuring accurate and consistent communication with guests. In the August 12th release, OwnerRez incorporated Rezzy AI message response explanations (e.g., no reply needed, paused, held by setting, etc.), helping hosts know why Rezzy AI responds or doesn't respond.
A new Courtesy Replies in Rezzy AI's Settings > Courtesy Replies section (Draft and hold, Send automatically, or Do nothing) controls whether Rezzy drafts a one-click courtesy reply or stays silent.Instead of the previous vague "Rezzy reviewed" link, hosts now see a visible outcome label explaining why when Rezzy AI reads a guest message but doesn't reply (e.g., no reply needed, paused, or held by a setting).
Additionally, when clicking on the Rezzy link, the Rezzy AI reply explanation pop-up was redesigned to include a review of the draft, a reply, and an explanation of the response.Thinking about adding an AI virtual assistant to your tech stack? Check out OwnerRez's Rezzy AI.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Are you a fan of old-school keyboard shortcuts? Keyboard shortcuts let you navigate and perform common actions without reaching for the mouse, speeding up daily tasks. With the August 5th release, OwnerRez added to our existing keyboard shortcuts and introduced a new Keyboard Shortcuts pop-up detailing all OwnerRez keyboard shortcuts.
Open this new Keyboard Shortcuts pop-up by pressing Shift + ?.
Ask Rezzy
Ask Rezzy, OwnerRez's free, always-available tool within OwnerRez, allows users to access it anytime by clicking the top in-app ? icon for immediate assistance. OwnerRez Improved Ask Rezzy's context awareness with in-app page detection, error handling, and account configuration as part of our August 12th release.
Now, Ask Rezzy automatically detects which page you're on, the record you're viewing, and any errors that may appear on screen, allowing you to ask questions like "why won't this save?" without specifying which booking or what error you mean—Rezzy already knows your account setup (e.g., premium features, channel integrations, property count, etc.) and your role (account owner vs. team member with limited access) to tailor answers appropriately.
Rooms
Having detailed information on bed types and bathroom fixtures helps hosts accurately describe properties, aiding guests in choosing the right rental and setting realistic expectations before booking. In our August 26th release, OwnerRez now requires the following bed and bathroom information to prevent incomplete room data from causing channel integration sync failures.
Bedrooms and studios now require at least one bed type and count to be saved.Bathrooms require type-appropriate fixtures (e.g., a full bathroom must include a toilet and at least one tub or shower option).
Booking & Quote Overview Messaging
Guest communication involves interactions between you and guests before, during, and after their stay. With the August 5th release, OwnerRez improved the Booking and Quote Overview Messaging sections, organizing them by channel type (SMS and WhatsApp) and adding dropdown lists for hosts with multiple phone numbers.
Airbnb
OwnerRez's Airbnb integration automatically syncs bookings, calendars, and messages, so hosts can manage their Airbnb listings directly from OwnerRez without switching platforms. OwnerRez has added a targeted in-app account global announcement when your Airbnb channel integration is ready to go live, with a link to complete your connection, as part of our August 5th release.If hosts encounter problems with their Airbnb channel integration that require attention, they will receive a targeted in-app global account announcement with a link to resolve the issue(s).
Booking.com
Booking.com allows guests to submit automated requests, such as bed preferences, early check-in, or late arrival, directly through the platform. In the past, hosts may have received these requests only via email, but OwnerRez has upgraded its Booking.com messaging integration to support guest self-service requests, including early check-in, late check-out, parking, and other requests directly in the Inbox, with the August 5th release.
Property Profile and Guest Instructions
Clear guest instructions minimize support requests, prevent property damage, and set accurate expectations, leading to smoother stays, fewer complaints, and better reviews. With the August 12th release, OwnerRez added a Booking.com Property Profile that includes guest language options, welcome messages, and more, as well as Check-in Methods for host information and arrival instructions, allowing hosts to determine whether guest content is managed in OwnerRez or on Booking.com.
Add your Booking.com Property Profile by navigating to Properties > your Property > Listing Content > Property Profile > View.
On the Change Property Profile, hosts can select the source (OwnerRez or Booking.com) and the preferred guest language. When Manage in OwnerRez is selected, hosts can add their own Welcome Message, Neighborhood and Owner Info, and Family Tips, which will be synced to Booking.com.
When hosts complete their property's Guest Instructions in OwnerRez (Properties > your Property > Listing Content > Guest Instructions > Check-in Type and Instructions), that information is synced to Booking.com.
My Stay
My Stay (Guest Portal) allows your guests to easily confirm their contact information, complete custom fields, sign rental agreements, submit security deposits, and add or decline travel insurance (when available) in one place. Following the July 1st release of My Stay (Guest Portal) & Requirements, OwnerRez improved the My Stay portal's security by requiring identity verification only after the guest submits their contact info, as part of our August 1st release.
Optimize for Airbnb
Optimize for Airbnb, an optional feature offered by Airbnb to OwnerRez users, allows hosts to temporarily prioritize Airbnb bookings on specific dates. With the August 5th release, OwnerRez now checks daily for active Optimize for Airbnb offers and automatically expires those Airbnb has invalidated, ensuring properties avoid unnecessary channel blackouts when exclusivity benefits are no longer available.
Design
Input Fields
A required-field asterisk * is a visual symbol used in forms to indicate which fields must be completed before submission. OwnerRez added required-field asterisks * as visual indicators for required input fields throughout the application with the August 19th release.
Users can now see which fields are required by the asterisks * displayed next to them.
Settings
OwnerRez In-app navigation lets you move between key sections, so you can find reservations, messages, and settings without extra taps or searching. With our August 12th release, we improved the navigation in the in-app mobile Settings section pages by adding a single back arrow to the left of the page title, replacing the breadcrumb text, for a cleaner interface and consistent one-level-up navigation.
The OwnerRez desktop layout remains unchanged.
Accessibility
Keyboard navigation and screen reader support enable use without a mouse or visual display by allowing movement through apps and access to key information with assistive tech. OwnerRez has enhanced the in-app keyboard navigation and screen reader accessibility, as well as guest forms accessibility, ensuring a welcoming digital experience for hosts and guests with our August 12th release.
Tweaks
August 5th Release with 1 Tweak
Send notifications when Airbnb New Listing Discount expires. OwnerRez users now receive the "New Listing Discount has ended" notification when Airbnb automatically disables the promotion after three bookings, rather than by date, leaving hosts unaware when the New Listing Discount actually expired.
August 12th Release with 2 Tweaks
Limit Airbnb review import to the same 2-year cap as bookings. OwnerRez's Airbnb channel integration now limits review imports to a two-year lookback window, aligning with the timeframe used for bookings and preventing the import of reviews without associated bookings.
Standardize non-editable channel-specific (Airbnb, Vrbo) discount rate displays. The Airbnb and Vrbo New Listing Discount editor now uses the same visual card format as Mobile Promotions to show Airbnb's fixed 20% discount rate, replacing the previous grayed-out input fields. Both editors now display non-editable rates, consistently using a bordered card that shows the percentage and an explanation.
August 19th Release with 2 Tweaks
Improve ribbon calendar booking spacing. OwnerRez reduced the spacing between stacked bookings in the ribbon calendar view to fit more on the screen without scrolling, allowing more stacked bookings to fit within the calendar without a scrollbar (depending on viewport height).
Improve booking calendar toolbar button layout. We improved the toolbar on the Booking Calendar page so that it now collapses its controls intelligently to prevent the action buttons (Create Quote, Create Booking, Block Off) from wrapping onto a second line at mid-range window widths. The property selector and other elements adjust to fit the available space to maintain a single-row layout.
August 26th Release with 3 Tweaks
Display channel icons for all booking channels in the booking header. OwnerRez booking overview headers now display channel icons for all booking sources, such as Expedia, Houfy, HomeToGo, and others, making it easier to quickly identify the booking source at a glance.
Enhance in-app performance of filterable dropdowns on pages that contain large lists. OwnerRez optimized all in-app pages that render multiple filterable dropdowns simultaneously (such as QuickBooks Property Settings or Airbnb Import for large accounts) to prevent browser freezes and errors on accounts with many properties.
Simplify and standardize booking stage labels in Template and Trigger Library. OwnerRez simplified the booking stage labels in the Template and Trigger Library by removing the "For" prefix and trailing "Bookings" suffix from stage headings (e.g., "For Pre Booking Bookings" is now "Pre-Booking") and standardized hyphenation across Pre-Booking, Pre-Arrival, Mid-Stay, and Post-Departure labels to match the shared library dropdown.
User Profile: Restoration Log Cabins 0 replies
Zach A
Aug 3, 2026 5:01 PM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
This week, we are excited to feature Karen Tillery, a longtime OwnerRez user and the designer, builder, and vacation rental manager behind Restoration Log Cabins in North Alabama. Over the last 30 years, Karen has turned her passion for restoring old cabins and saving pieces of history into a successful career in design, construction, and vacation rental management.
Can you tell us a little bit about your history?
I’m Karen Tindall Tillery, but my friends call me KT. I’m a Southern girl born in Birmingham, a follower of Jesus, and an Auburn University graduate. A go getter at heart, I run 2 crazy, fun, and amazing businesses: Restoration Log Cabin Rentals and Karen Tillery Designs. I love all my jobs, from Mom and Gigi to designer, builder, and cabin rental manager. I started working with old, reclaimed buildings and materials over 30 years ago, and renovated my first cabin 22 years ago.
I later got my builder’s license so I could begin designing and building for other people. Since then, I have built cabins for clients and helped them set up their own vacation rentals through OwnerRez. My love for restoring log cabins and barns from the 1800s also led to an awesome career later in life as a designer on “Barnwood Builders.” My passion is taking the worn, weathered, and forgotten and turning it into something beautiful and new, while saving pieces of history along the way.
What is your background?
My background is in design and construction. I built and opened my first vacation rental in 2005 and, at one point, had 7 vacation rentals.
Were you always in vacation rentals or property management? If not, what did you do before?
I started my career in 1989 as a graphic designer at Southern Progress, best known for Southern Living Magazine, and then started dabbling in interior decorating in 1992. In 2004, I began my first cabin project. I went on to do my second cabin in 2008 and my third in 2012. In 2015, I started my fourth and largest cabin project, and in 2016, I transitioned to working full-time as a designer, builder, and rental manager.
The fifth cabin came quickly on the heels of the fourth and opened in 2017. I then undertook the design and construction of a 66-acre wedding venue consisting of seven structures. It opened for business in 2019. After that, I built two more cabins for clients and helped them set up their own vacation rentals through OwnerRez.
Are you from the geographical area where your properties are located, or did you move there later?
I only live about an hour from all of the rentals I built. Everything was centered around Lake Guntersville and the beautiful mountains overlooking that area.
What do you love most about the vacation rental business?
The flexibility of being able to manage my business from anywhere.
What do you dislike the most about it?
You can never get away from it, and if you run it all yourself, there is no such thing as a vacation.
How do you use OwnerRez to manage your business?
I use OwnerRez for everything from managing my calendar to keeping up with payments and invoices to keeping track of my taxes. I use the automated trigger emails, and most of my business is on autopilot.
What is the most useful feature OwnerRez offers?
The calendar syncing and the ability to share with my cleaning, maintenance and lawn care as well as pest control a link so they can see in real time when the cabin is open and when it is occupied and set up their service schedules accordingly.
Karen has done an incredible job of turning her passions into a successful career. We are proud to support her business and to help keep her day-to-day operations running on autopilot.
AirDNA’s World Cup Breakdown, Disaster Relief Efforts, and STR Policy Debates 0 replies
Zach A
Jul 30, 2026 10:47 AM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
This week’s roundup covers AirDNA’s breakdown of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Airbnb.org’s latest emergency housing efforts, and two short-term rental regulation stories from Florida and Nevada. Let’s dive in.
AirDNA released its final report on the 2026 FIFA World Cup this week, breaking down the tournament’s impact on short-term rental revenue across all 16 host cities. According to the report, short-term rental revenue increased by an estimated $276.7 million compared to the same period last year, with 84% of that growth driven by higher nightly rates. Additional nights booked accounted for just 16% of the increase, as a large rise in available inventory ahead of the tournament stabilized and even declined occupancy across many host cities. The report highlights the importance of quickly adjusting to demand and creating a strong pricing strategy.
Airbnb.org announced that it is providing free emergency housing to residents displaced by recent flooding across Central and South Texas. Through partnerships with Catholic Charities, the Archdiocese of San Antonio, All Hands & Hearts, and Operation Blessing, Airbnb.org is helping connect displaced families and first responders with temporary stays near their communities. Airbnb.org is also providing emergency housing to people displaced by wildfires in Spain and France. Since 2020, Airbnb.org has provided 1.6 million nights of free temporary housing across nearly 140 countries.
Hernando County Commissioners in Florida rejected a proposed short-term rental ordinance on Tuesday following hours of debate. The proposal would have required all vacation rental operators in the county to register their properties, limit each rental to 10 guests, require one off-street parking space for every three occupants, and establish new emergency contact, safety, and inspection requirements. Supporters argued that the ordinance would help reduce complaints and neighborhood concerns, while opponents said existing parking and code enforcement laws should be enforced instead of creating additional rules specifically for the vacation rental industry.
In other short-term rental regulation news, Clark County, Nevada, is considering a new ordinance that would prevent Airbnb and Vrbo from processing bookings for unlicensed short-term rentals. The proposal would still allow unlicensed properties to be advertised, but platforms would be prohibited from completing the transaction. It would also require booking platforms to retain transient lodging tax records for 3 years in the event of an audit or discrepancy. County officials say the changes are intended to reduce the number of unlicensed rentals, while local operators have criticized the county’s slow licensing process and raised concerns that the proposal is a step towards further regulations. For vacation rental operators in Clark County, now is a great time to get involved and make your voice heard.
The first-ever OwnerRez Roadshow kicks off this weekend! The OwnerRez team will be joined by Rental Guardian, Lynnbrook Group, Turno, Avalara, and StayFi for three FREE full-day events in Blue Ridge, GA, Gulf Shores, AL, and Tampa, FL. Each event will feature talks from STR industry experts, roundtable discussions, an all-speaker Q&A panel, FREE coffee, a FREE lunch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the OwnerRez team and co-hosts. Whether you’re new to the vacation rental industry or a seasoned operator, we hope you’ll join us! There are still a few tickets left, and you can sign up for free using the link here.
As we evaluate the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and local governments continue to revisit short-term rental regulations, the vacation rental industry continues to take shape in 2026. Check back next week for the latest news!
Walk ’n Talk Podcast: EP15 - When Process Replaces Hospitality 2 replies
Paul W
Jul 27, 2026 4:01 PM
OR Team Member
Member for 17 years
893 posts
Hey Robert, thanks for listening to the pod.
Personally, one of the great breakthroughs I had in life was learning to connect with others by using terms I don't necessarily agree with, but that provide a bridge to a broader conversation or audience. Having grown up in a fundamentalist household, I have a deep-seated disdain for dogma and legalism. Forcing myself to never say "Airbnbs" just to toe a dogmatic line in the sand just isn't my style.
You mentioned "Vacation Rental, or a Short-Term Rental, or a Vacation Home". Which one is your term of choice?
Integration With STRLY 3 replies
Myke A
Jul 22, 2026 8:52 PM
Member for 4 years
4 posts
I have contacted them and Sam was super helpful. They don't have an option yet to do Sex Offender background lists so I'll need to stay with TRUVI for that for now until the update that feature, as we need that for the city we have our listing in. They have varying $$ amounts and they will send that info to you if you can't do a call. I was most interested as when I had a small claim with TRUVI they wanted a receipt for my sheets, which I didn't have. Also, they wanted to only send me the bottom sheets. They did finally pay it but told me I would need a receipt of the purchase next time. I checked with Sam and he said that would not be required for them. This is why I changed.
Walk ’n Talk Podcast: EP15 - When Process Replaces Hospitality 2 replies
Robert P
Jul 21, 2026 2:06 AM
Member for 3 years
100 posts
What's an "AirBnB" that you kept referring to in this podcast?
It's two things:
1) A Pubic Company worth Billions of Dollars
2) A Website where people can book accommodations (and now services and other things)
It's NOT a Vacation Rental, or a Short-Term Rental, or a Vacation Home.
Those are appropriate terms for private homes that people rent out for short term stays to travellers.
Calling a Vacation Rental an AirBnB is SUCH a gigantic faux pas!
1) AirBnB has enough money and business and market share. They don't need you promoting them and their name for free!
(For someone involved in the industry the way you are, this is additionally shocking. You have a business relationship with VRBO and Booking.com and other websites. How will they feel about your promoting their competitor? You need to keep yourself 'clean' and stop the obvious favouritism!)
2) Calling a Vacation Rental an AirBnB gives psychological weight to the idea that guests are dealing with and booking from AirBnB, instead of a private owner or manager. This is dangerous to the industry, and to the guest's themselves. For the good of everyone involved, guests need to understand that listing websites are NOT a party to the booking, and in reality have no legal control or input into what goes on between the guest and the host. Online booking will be much safer when everyone understands that and learns how to independently keep themselves safe conducting business online. Of course, the big listing sites don't want that to happen; they want customers scared so they'll stay on platform and be 'protected' by using a name brand site. But we all know guests pay for this, and unreasonably so. So why are you promoting one site's brand?
3) It gives 'ownership' of the guest to AirBnB, not the host owner or manager, leading to more business, bookings, and repeat stays for AirBnB, not the hosts. This is to the detriment of the hosts, who (at least in my market) make LESS money per booking than AirBnB does; and the guests, who pay roughly 18% more on average for the 'privilege' of booking through AirBnB. Guests need to understand that listing sites should be conduits to building a relationship with a great host, and are not the entity that is actually taking care of them.
4) It excludes those in the business who are NOT beholden to AirBnB for their bookings. They DO exist. And they don't rent out Verhbohs or Bookings either! Don't those owners have a right to participate equally in the industry? Or do you want a portion of your customers to be made to feel like second-class citizens that don't belong?
Sure, lots of people refer to vacation rentals as 'AirBnB's but that started with people, who generally speaking, were ignorant of what it means for the industry and for hosts when people do this. But for people within the industry to do it?
Exactly who do you work for? Where do you make your money, and who's business are you trying to promote and build? Those of your customers?
Or a multi-billion dollar internet company that's run for the good of its shareholders FIRST, and certainly NOT YOUR CUSTOMERS... or their customers!
Ending the reference to vacation rentals as 'AirBnB's' (or limiting the growth of it) must start with those that know better (or at least should!).
The most successful and profitable vacation rentals in the industry are those that don't operate as serfs to the big listing sites. Your software should be helping your customers to do this as much as possible. Perhaps it doesn't because the leadership's own thinking is just as beholden to AirBnB as the casual guest's is?
Some may dismiss this as 'no big deal' but it's actually huge, and the impact of what it represents is massive upon all of our businesses. Trust me on that, even if you don't understand why. Labels matter, and can and do steer the choices and activity of millions of people. And what happens with their billions of dollars.
You have a responsibility, and owe it to your customers, to do better.
Integration With STRLY 3 replies
Denise W
Jul 18, 2026 5:59 PM
Member for 2 years
3 posts
Agree. Is there a compelling reason to change from what we use now?
Integration With TidyStay 1 reply
Giselle V
Jul 18, 2026 10:52 AM
Member for 1 year
1 post
do you have cleaners to do the job?
Integration With STRLY 3 replies
Premier Vacation
Jul 17, 2026 1:47 PM
Member for 3 years
5 posts
Would be curious how they charge before engaging with them. Thank you in advance if anyone has comments or thoughts.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Lucas M
Jul 16, 2026 12:33 AM
Member for 7 months
5 posts
Hi Denise and Vince,
STR TV does automatically log out of all streaming apps (or a specific set of apps if preferred) at the end of guest checkout. We also lock down the TV to prevent guests from accessing system settings, ensuring a secure, consistent experience across every property — just like a high-end resort.
Also synced with OwnerRez, STR TV AutoWakes TVs 2 hours before check-in and 1 hour before checkout to ensure we greet the guest with an unforgettable first impression and drive rebookings, extended stays, and on-site stay reviews at checkout.
I’d be happy to answer any additional questions or show STR TV in action on a quick demo. If interested, you can grab a time that works best for you here.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Barry M
Jul 15, 2026 10:39 PM
Member for 1 year
2 posts
We use this on BetterSTR Tv, there is an option to logout of specific apps or all apps. The tv turns on at the guests checkin time etc and turns off at checkout with the apps logged out.
you can also lock the device down to specific apps, like a kiosk and reorder the apps etc.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Denise and Vince V
Jul 15, 2026 7:42 PM
Member for 3 years
2 posts
If you figure out how to reset the TV to a state where guests are completely logged out of all apps and anything installed is deleted then I am in. Biggest challenge I have with the TVs in our rental is guest experience from apps.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Paul H
Jul 15, 2026 12:09 PM
OR Team Member
Member for 6 years
381 posts
Hi everyone! To clarify how our partnerships work, OwnerRez did not select STR TV after evaluating different options. Rather, STR TV approached us because they were interested in building an integration with OwnerRez.
Any company that wants to become an official OwnerRez integration partner and be formally recognized across our integrations directory, blog, support documentation, and other marketing channels must complete our standard partnership process. This includes having our team test and review the integration to ensure OwnerRez data is syncing and being used properly. Partners must also agree to our standard partnership terms, which include specific requirements related to data usage, privacy, security, and other important protections.
By partnering with third-party apps and service providers, we give OwnerRez users the flexibility to build the technology stack that works best for their individual business needs. OwnerRez currently supports more than 150 officially integrated companies, which you can view here.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Lucas M
Jul 15, 2026 11:13 AM
Member for 7 months
5 posts
Hi Parrot Head,
Thank you for these excellent questions - we absolutely value transparency, so I wanted to make sure to address your questions.
OwnerRez Pilot & Vetting: Yes, after evaluating and testing the integration, OwnerRez has integrated STR TV.
Affiliation: STR TV is an independent company with no ownership affiliation to OwnerRez. This is a standard technology integration that OwnerRez makes available to its users.
OwnerRez’s Benefit: By partnering with tools like STR TV, OwnerRez helps their property managers and owners deliver a more modern, hands-off, high-end experience - leading to happier guests, better reviews, fewer support tickets, and stronger overall performance for their portfolios. It’s a win for everyone in the ecosystem.
If you have any additional questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Lucas M
Jul 15, 2026 11:03 AM
Member for 7 months
5 posts
Hey Vacation Rental,
The $20 per unit pricing is positioned for the premium, done-for-you experience it delivers: a branded smart TV app that greets guests by name with your property logo and welcome video, high-quality 4K local content (attractions, restaurants, activities), a comprehensive digital house manual that dramatically reduces inquiries, private pre-review feedback, and built-in upsell opportunities.
For most owners and managers, this quickly pays for itself through higher guest satisfaction (better reviews and repeat bookings), time savings on operations, and additional revenue streams like vendor commissions and real estate leads. Many of our partners tell us it's one of the highest-ROI upgrades they've made for their rentals.
Also please keep in mind the pricing is per property, no per TV - which is good. You can load it on as many TVs as you'd like and the monthly price does not change.
If you have any additional questions, I'd love to show you what we've built and why so many professional operators have made the switch. If you have 15 minutes, you can grab a time here
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Lucas M
Jul 15, 2026 10:58 AM
Member for 7 months
5 posts
Hey Ed,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts - we completely understand the focus on keeping costs down, especially after cutting cable expenses. We designed STR TV to deliver strong ROI through meaningful time savings and revenue opportunities that go well beyond a printed welcome book or fridge note.
Our resort-level smart TV platform provides a true premium guest experience: personalized greetings with the property logo and welcome video, stunning 4K local visuals (restaurants, activities, real estate, and cross-promoting your properties), a comprehensive digital house manual that cuts guest questions dramatically, private feedback collection before public reviews, and even Extend a Stay or (optional) Late Check Out options that bring in significant additional revenue for owners. Many of our partners see quick payback through higher guest satisfaction (leading to better reviews and repeat bookings), upsells (extra nights, golf carts, mid-stay cleanings), and local vendor partnerships.
The host controls advertising and allows you to promote the very best of the local restaurants for your guests, as well as support the local economy. STR TV does not display third-party advertising in your guest experience. STR TV turns the TV into an always-on concierge that actively enhances the stay while working for you 24/7. We'd be happy to set up a quick demo tailored to your 8 properties and show exactly how the numbers work for your portfolio—many multi-property managers find it more than pays for itself.
Happy to answer any specific questions!
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Lucas M
Jul 15, 2026 10:19 AM
Member for 7 months
5 posts
Hi Shane,
Member of the STR TV team here 👋. Thanks for writing in.
STR TV supports both Spanish and English translations. For each guest, if you know that the guest is Spanish-speaking or English-speaking ahead of their stay, you can switch the language preference in our admin portal:
The guest at any time can also switch their language preference using the language buttons in the top right of the STR TV screen:
And here is a screenshot of what the Spanish translation view looks like:
Please let me know if you have any questions! Here to help.
August Webinars and In-Person Events 0 replies
Zach A
Jul 15, 2026 8:48 AM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
August is here! As we round out the summer booking season, we’ve got a full lineup of webinars and in-person events to help you increase revenue and protect your portfolio. 🍉
This month’s schedule includes live demos, two Focus Sessions on optimizing surcharges and discounts and customizing your Hosted Website, plus a partner webinar with Right to Rent on navigating rising regulatory threats. We’re also launching OwnerRez Live - New Features, Tips & Q&A, a new recurring webinar featuring discussions on new releases, sneak peeks, practical tips, and a live Q&A!
Plus, the first-ever OwnerRez Roadshow is hitting the road early this month with stops in Blue Ridge, GA, Gulf Shores, AL, and Tampa, FL.
Webinars:
8/4/2026 OwnerRez Demo
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
8/11/2026 Right to Rent/OwnerRez - Protect Your Backyard
Join us for a live webinar with Julie Marks, Executive Director of Right to Rent, to learn how the Right to Rent OwnerRez integration gives property managers a simple, automated way to help protect their portfolios amid rising regulatory threats.
8/12/2026 Focus Session - Optimizing Surcharges & Discounts
Join us for a live webinar on surcharges and discounts. In this Focus Session, we’ll show how to set them up, share real-world examples and practical tips, and cover how newer features, such as channel-specific discounts and optional surcharges, can help increase revenue.
8/13/2026 OwnerRez Demo
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
8/14/2026 OwnerRez Live - New Features, Tips & Q&A
Join us for OwnerRez Live - New Features, Tips & Q&A, a new webinar series created to keep you up to date on everything happening at OwnerRez. During each session, we’ll walk through newly released features, share sneak peeks at what’s coming next, give practical STR tips, and answer your questions live.
8/20/2026 OwnerRez Demo
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
8/25/2026 OwnerRez Demo
Join us for a live demo of OwnerRez! Our client engagement team will give a high-level demonstration of how OwnerRez looks across all of its menus and features.
8/26/2026 Focus Session - Hosted Website Setup & 3 Easy Customizations
Join us for a live webinar on Hosted Websites. In this Focus Session, we’ll walk through how to set up your website from start to finish and share three easy customizations you can make to improve SEO and create a better guest experience.
8/28/2026 OwnerRez Live - New Features, Tips & Q&A
Join us for OwnerRez Live - New Features, Tips & Q&A, a new webinar series created to keep you up to date on everything happening at OwnerRez. During each session, we’ll walk through newly released features, share sneak peeks at what’s coming next, give practical STR tips, and answer your questions live.
In-Person Events:
2026 OwnerRez Roadshow
This August, we’re hitting the road with our co-hosts Rental Guardian, Lynnbrook Group, Turno, Avalara, and StayFi for three FREE full-day events bringing together vacation rental owners, property managers, and industry partners for a day of education, networking, and community building. We'll be making stops in Blue Ridge, GA, Gulf Shores, AL, and Tampa, FL!
📍Blue Ridge, GA
- August 1st, 2026
- University of North Georgia – Blue Ridge Campus
📍Gulf Shores, AL
- August 3rd, 2026
- SpringHill Suites Orange Beach at The Wharf
📍Tampa, FL
- August 5th, 2026
- USF CAMLS
The day will feature talks from STR industry experts, roundtable discussions, an all-speaker Q&A panel, FREE coffee, a FREE lunch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the OwnerRez team and co-hosts. Whether you’re new to the vacation rental industry or a seasoned operator, this is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and meet the people behind the tools you use every day.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Parrot Head
Jul 14, 2026 9:55 PM
Member for 2 years
9 posts
Has Ownerrez piloted and vetted this product?
Can you please provide public reviews?
Does Ownerrez have any affiliation with owner of this product?
What is Ownerrez’s benefit for promoting?
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Barry M
Jul 14, 2026 6:16 PM
Member for 1 year
2 posts
Hey Ed,
If you're looking for an alternative, checkout BetterSTR integrated into OwnerRez they have a TV product that is global; same offering for $2 per TV, free for 3 months to trial all the features, and best part is they have a free version after the 3 months if you don't take on the premium features. See https://betterstr.com/services/tv/
Barry
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Ed T
Jul 14, 2026 3:47 PM
Member for 2 years
42 posts
Seems pricey. Especially considering they can embed their own advertising within the listing material. It wasn't that long ago I jettisoned cable to help reduce recurring expenses. I have 8 properties; for $2k/year, I'll stick with my welcome books and sign on the refrigerator telling the guest how to log onto the internet.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Vacation Rental
Jul 14, 2026 3:19 PM
Member for 10 months
3 posts
I was ready to sign up until I saw $20 per unit.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
shane p
Jul 14, 2026 3:12 PM
Member for 4 months
1 post
Not all guests read/write English. We frequently host Spanish and Portuguese speaking guest, sometimes other languages.
Is there a means to switch the language a guest sees? We could read messages from a guest to determine their language.
STR Court Victory, Airbnb’s UK Partnership, and PriceLabs’ Global Host Report 0 replies
Zach A
Jul 13, 2026 3:27 PM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
This week’s roundup covers two major short-term rental regulation stories from Wisconsin and South Carolina, Airbnb’s latest effort to crack down on illegal listings in the UK, and PriceLabs’ 2026 Global Host Report. Let’s dive in.
In a major win for vacation rental operators in Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that a short-term rental regulation enacted by the Village of Sister Bay in 2023 violated the state’s Right to Rent law. The regulation limited short-term rentals to four bedrooms and three guests per bedroom, preventing some owners from renting their entire homes and carrying penalties of up to $5,000 per day. Four short-term rental owners challenged the ordinance in 2024, and after a drawn-out battle, the court ruled that the bedroom cap did violate state law. The ruling could affect how municipalities across Wisconsin approach short-term rental regulations moving forward.
In more short-term rental regulation news, Charleston’s Planning Commission voted Wednesday to defer the first major update to the city’s short-term rental ordinance since 2018 after facing strong opposition from local vacation rental operators. The proposal would have replaced the city’s current occupancy rules with limits based on bedroom size and capped all short-term rentals at 8 guests, regardless of home size. Following the Planning Commission’s decision to defer the proposal, local short-term rental operators are hopeful they can work with city leaders to reach a compromise. The city will now revise the proposal before bringing it back to the Planning Commission for review.
Airbnb announced this week a new partnership with the UK government to help identify and crack down on illegal short-term rentals operating out of subsidized social housing. Through the partnership, participating councils will be able to compare social housing records with Airbnb listings to identify unauthorized rentals and return homes to people in need. Early results from the program have already identified 470 potential cases of tenancy fraud. Airbnb says it is the first short-term rental platform to proactively share listing data with the UK government and is encouraging other booking platforms to join the initiative.
The 2026 Global Host Report, organized by PriceLabs, is now accepting responses from short-term rental hosts managing between one and five listings. This host-first research initiative, which included more than 1,400 responses in 2025, aims to better understand the challenges, opportunities, and realities of hosting in today’s market. The anonymous survey takes around 10 minutes to complete. To help shape the final report and for a chance to be featured, follow the link here.
We are almost 2-weeks away from the 2026 OwnerRez Roadshow! The OwnerRez team will be joined by Rental Guardian, Lynnbrook Group, Turno, Avalara, and StayFi for three FREE full-day events in Blue Ridge, GA, Gulf Shores, AL, and Tampa, FL. Each event will feature talks from STR industry experts, roundtable discussions, an all-speaker Q&A panel, FREE coffee, a FREE lunch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the OwnerRez team and co-hosts. Whether you’re new to the vacation rental industry or a seasoned operator, we hope you’ll join us this summer! You can sign up for free using the link here.
As local governments continue to reevaluate short-term rental regulations and booking platforms take new steps to improve compliance, the vacation rental industry continues to change. Check back next week for the latest news.
Integration With TurnMyBnb 3 replies
Zach A
Jul 10, 2026 8:55 AM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
We’re excited to announce our integration with TurnMyBnb, a vacation rental automation platform that keeps your properties turn-ready between every guest.
About TurnMyBnb
TurnMyBnb is a vacation rental automation platform that connects directly to OwnerRez to keep your properties turn-ready between every guest. As soon as a booking is created or updated in OwnerRez, TurnMyBnb automatically schedules the cleaning turnover on the correct checkout date, assigns your preferred cleaner, and notifies your team, eliminating the back-and-forth of manual coordination.
Beyond scheduling, TurnMyBnb offers a built-in cleaner marketplace, real-time job tracking, before-and-after photo documentation, automated damage-evidence reports for reimbursement claims, and payment tools for paying your cleaning team. Built for short-term rental hosts, cleaning companies, and property managers, TurnMyBnb helps you scale your operation while ensuring every guest arrives to a spotless, ready home.
Features
- Automatic Cleaning Schedules: Connect Airbnb, Vrbo, or any booking platform. Every new reservation automatically creates a cleaning task timed perfectly between checkout and check-in, zero manual work required.
- Visual Cleaning Calendar: See every upcoming cleaning at a glance. Drag and drop to reschedule, reassign cleaners with one click, and never miss a turnover again.
- Manage Your Cleaning Team: Invite cleaners, assign them to specific properties, and let them check in and out directly from their phones. You see everything in real time.
- Custom Property Checklists: Build room-by-room checklists tailored to each property. Cleaners check off tasks as they go, and you see live progress from anywhere.
- Photo Documentation: Cleaners upload before-and-after photos directly in the app. Damage is documented automatically, giving you the evidence you need if a guest dispute arises.
- Payments & Invoicing: Track what you owe your cleaners, record payments via Venmo, Zelle, Stripe, or cash, and keep a clean payment history for every property.
- Instant Notifications: Get notified the moment a cleaning is complete. Cleaners receive automatic reminders the day before their scheduled jobs so no more missed turns.
- Maintenance & Supply Requests: Your cleaners report broken appliances or low supplies right in the app. You see it immediately and can act before your next guests arrive.
Pricing
Try it free for 30 days. The Host Free plan is free forever and includes up to two properties. The Starter plan is $14.99/month for up to five properties and is designed for hosts managing a smaller portfolio. The Plus plan is $34.99/month for up to 15 properties and includes additional features and faster support for scaling hosts. Custom pricing is available for larger portfolios.
View full pricing info here.
Ready to Connect?
Get started with TurnMyBnb by visiting here, and check out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with TurnMyBnb.
Walk ’n Talk Podcast: EP18 - When to Build and When to Buy 0 replies
Zach A
Jul 9, 2026 11:18 AM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
Episode Eighteen of Walk ’n Talk: The Business Behind Vacation Rentals podcast is live!
Welcome to the Walk ’n Talk podcast, hosted by Paul Waldschmidt and Chris Hynes, CEO and CTO of OwnerRez. Inspired by their weekly walks, each episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the conversations that have shaped OwnerRez over the years and the ideas driving the business today. Whether you’re a seasoned business professional or just getting started, listen in and learn from the experiences of building a business in the ever-changing vacation rental industry.
🎙️ Episode 18 Now Live
EP18 - When to Build and When to Buy
In Episode Eighteen, Paul and Chris discuss the philosophy that has shaped OwnerRez from the beginning: building what matters. They compare their approach to Ferrari’s mentality of building everything in-house, discuss when it makes sense to build versus buy, and explain why owning and having full control over the product experience has helped OwnerRez stay nimble over the years.
They also discuss how AI has impacted software development through the rise of vibe coding and point to the importance of sticking with a product and not sacrificing the refinement stage.
You’ll hear about:
- How OwnerRez approaches building vs. buying
- The value of owning and controlling the full product experience
- Vibe coding and its limitations
- Why great products are built through years of refinement
It’s a real conversation about product development, the value of ownership, and why staying the course has been their approach to building an elite product.
Listen Now
Watch Now
Walk ’n Talk: The Business Behind Vacation Rentals is available on:
New episodes are already in the works, and we can’t wait for you to join us on the walk.
AirDNA’s Mid-Year Outlook, PriceLabs’ New Pricing Tools, and European Booking Growth 0 replies
Zach A
Jul 8, 2026 3:07 PM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
This week’s roundup covers AirDNA’s 2026 mid-year outlook, new pricing tools from PriceLabs, tighter short-term rental restrictions in Málaga, and continued booking growth across the European Union. Let’s dive in.
AirDNA released its 2026 mid-year report this week, pointing to positive signs in the short-term rental market. With fewer new listings being added than expected, potentially due to mortgage rates remaining above 6% and ongoing global conflicts, established vacation rental operators are seeing greater pricing power. AirDNA expects both demand and available listings to grow 2.7% this year, with occupancy averaging 57.4%, slightly above pre-pandemic levels. Revenue per Available Rental (RevPAR) is also projected to increase 2.9%, driven largely by stronger nightly rates. While AirDNA expects demand to dip slightly during the second half of 2026, limited supply growth should continue to create a favorable market for established short-term rental operators.
PriceLabs announced three new product updates this week aimed at giving vacation rental operators more flexibility and control over their pricing. The first is a new mobile app for iOS and Android that allows users to monitor performance and make pricing updates while on the go. The second is a new AI connector that lets users connect their account to AI tools like Claude and use natural language prompts to analyze performance, build revenue strategies, and make pricing changes. Lastly, PriceLabs expanded its Customer API, giving users additional ways to automate pricing tasks, build custom dashboards, and connect PriceLabs data with their internal systems.
Málaga City Council in Spain is making the news this week after passing new planning restrictions that will make it more difficult for short-term rental operators to create new listings. The new regulations will require proposed hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals to go through a planning modification process and demonstrate that the project would provide a public benefit to the surrounding area. The move builds on Málaga’s 2025 block on new short-term rental registrations and aims at slowing investors from converting residential housing into rentals across the city.
A new Eurostat report, tracking booking data from January through March 2026, shows a 9.7% increase in nights booked across the European Union. During the first quarter of 2026, guests booked 144.3 million overnight stays through online platforms. Malta saw the strongest growth, with overnight stays up 30.5%, and larger markets such as Germany and Italy each reporting increases of nearly 15%. Every EU member state recorded year-over-year growth during the quarter, pointing to continued strength in short-term rental demand across Europe.
Registration is now open for the 2026 OwnerRez Roadshow! This August, the OwnerRez team will be joined by Rental Guardian, Lynnbrook Group, Turno, Avalara, and StayFi for three FREE full-day events in Blue Ridge, GA, Gulf Shores, AL, and Tampa, FL. Each event will feature talks from STR industry experts, roundtable discussions, an all-speaker Q&A panel, FREE coffee, a FREE lunch, and plenty of opportunities to connect with the OwnerRez team and co-hosts. Whether you’re new to the vacation rental industry or a seasoned operator, we hope you’ll join us this summer!
As the vacation rental market shows positive signs across the U.S. and Europe, and cities continue looking for new ways to regulate short-term rentals, the industry continues to evolve. Check back next week for the latest news!
Integration with travelstaytion 1 reply
Jean & James S
Jul 7, 2026 9:02 PM
Member for 2 years
1 post
The 15% commission being close to that of Airbnb without the same brand recognition seems out of line. Plus the unknown additional fees make this an unacceptable choice. At minimum the fees need to be defined.
Walk ’n Talk Podcast: EP17 - Using AI With Intention 0 replies
Zach A
Jul 7, 2026 11:33 AM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
Episode Seventeen of Walk ’n Talk: The Business Behind Vacation Rentals podcast is live!
Welcome to the Walk ’n Talk podcast, hosted by Paul Waldschmidt and Chris Hynes, CEO and CTO of OwnerRez. Inspired by their weekly walks, each episode gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the conversations that have shaped OwnerRez and the ideas shaping today’s vacation rental industry. Whether you’re a seasoned business professional or just getting started, listen in and walk away with ideas you can apply to your own business.
🎙️ Episode 17 Now Live
EP17 - Using AI With Intention
In Episode Seventeen, Paul and Chris discuss how to use AI to empower yourself instead of handing away your voice and judgment. They talk about intentionally developing your skills, bringing your unique skill set and experiences to the table, and why the best results come when AI expands your thinking instead of replacing it. They also discuss why OwnerRez continues to prioritize real human connection and share some exciting upcoming in-person events that reflect that value.
You'll hear about:
- Using AI to empower yourself instead of becoming reliant
- Why you only get out what you put in
- Intentionally developing your skills and judgment
- Bringing your unique skill set and vision to the table
- The importance of human connection in an AI-driven world
- Upcoming in-person events
Listen Now
Watch Now
Walk ’n Talk: The Business Behind Vacation Rentals is available on:
New episodes are already in the works, and we can’t wait for you to join us on the walk.
Integration With STR TV 13 replies
Zach A
Jul 7, 2026 9:12 AM
OR Team Member
Member for 1 year
226 posts
We’re excited to share our new integration with STR TV, a smart TV platform designed specifically for short-term rentals.
About STR TV
STR TV transforms any in-unit television into a fully branded, interactive guest experience, giving hosts and property managers a powerful new way to communicate with guests, drive additional revenue, and elevate their brand without requiring expensive hardware upgrades. Designed specifically for short-term rentals, STR TV replaces the standard “blank TV + remote” experience with a modern, hotel-quality interface that guests instantly understand and engage with. STR TV supports properties across the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
Features
- Branded Welcome Experience: Greet every guest with a personalized, hotel-style welcome screen displayed directly on the TV. Showcase your logo, property name, WiFi details, Weather, and custom messaging to immediately set the tone for a professional stay.
- Digital House Guide: Replace printed manuals and PDFs with a fully interactive, on-screen guide. Provide check-in/out instructions, house rules, appliance usage, and FAQs in a format guests will actually use. Supports photos, videos, and text.
- Local Recommendations & Upsells: Promote curated local restaurants, attractions, and experiences directly through the TV. Highlight partnerships, affiliate offers, or your own upsell services (late checkout, mid-stay cleaning, add-ons, etc.) to generate incremental revenue.
- Direct Booking Integration: Encourage repeat bookings and extended stays (based on availability) by integrating direct booking links and QR codes right on the TV. Capture returning guests and reduce reliance on OTAs. Capture email leads automatically from guests via STR TV Force-Checkin at WiFi.
- Multi-Property & Brand Management: Manage content and view analytics across one or hundreds of properties from a centralized dashboard. Apply global updates or customize content at the unit level with ease.
- Full Automation & Remote-On: STR TV automatically turns on your TV at check-in and checkout, delivering a seamless, hands-off experience. Set it up once and the system runs for every guest, fully automated and built to scale
- Integrations: STR TV seamlessly integrates with OwnerRez, allowing you to sync property details and guest reservation data.
Pricing
Plans start at $20.82 per property per month, with volume discounts up to 40% off. Hardware is a one-time cost of $75 per device, and an optional white-glove onboarding package is available for $150 per account for peace of mind setup. A 14-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee are also included. View full pricing info here.
Ready to Connect?
Get started with STR TV by visiting here, and check out the OwnerRez support article for integrating OwnerRez with STR TV.