My Short-Term Rental Tech Stack: Why Simple Wins Every Time
Mon Dec 01 2025
My Short-Term Rental Tech Stack: Why Simple Wins Every Time
Welcome back to Vacation Home Help, where we make hosting simple.
Episode Overview
Look, I get it. Every week there's a new "game-changing" AI tool or automation platform promising to revolutionize your short-term rental business. But here's the truth: most of it is just noise.
In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my actual tech stack. The tools I use every single day. The ones that actually save me time and money. And more importantly, I'll tell you about all the shiny objects I've said no to.
What You'll Learn
The Philosophy Behind My Stack
Why more tech doesn't equal more moneyThe real cost of "free" trials and complicated systemsHow I think about ROI on every tool I useThe Tools That Actually Matter
Dynamic pricing tools: the one automation I actually trustWhy I sync calendars with simple iCal instead of fancy softwareThe minimalist approach that saves me thousands per yearWhat I Don't Use (And Why)
Property management systems that do everything (and nothing well)AI tools that promise the moon but deliver confusionOvercomplicated channel managers that break more than they fixThe automation traps that cost you bookingsHow to Build Your Own Stack
When to automate and when to stay hands-onKey Takeaway
Your tech stack should make your life easier, not give you another full-time job. Focus on the fundamentals first. Automate what drains you. But never lose sight of what actually matters: creating amazing experiences for your guests.
Because at the end of the day, no AI can replace genuine hospitality.
Resources & Links
Connect with John:
Facebook: facebook.com/thejohnandrewInstagram: @thejohnandrewEmail: john@vacationhomehelp.comJoin the Community:
Facebook Group: The Airbnb Host GroupFree Resource: Get a free pricing analysis for your property: vacationhomehelp.com/revenue-management
New episodes of Vacation Home Help drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode where we make hosting simple.
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My Short-Term Rental Tech Stack: Why Simple Wins Every Time Welcome back to Vacation Home Help, where we make hosting simple. Episode Overview Look, I get it. Every week there's a new "game-changing" AI tool or automation platform promising to revolutionize your short-term rental business. But here's the truth: most of it is just noise. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my actual tech stack. The tools I use every single day. The ones that actually save me time and money. And more importantly, I'll tell you about all the shiny objects I've said no to. What You'll Learn The Philosophy Behind My Stack Why more tech doesn't equal more moneyThe real cost of "free" trials and complicated systemsHow I think about ROI on every tool I useThe Tools That Actually Matter Dynamic pricing tools: the one automation I actually trustWhy I sync calendars with simple iCal instead of fancy softwareThe minimalist approach that saves me thousands per yearWhat I Don't Use (And Why) Property management systems that do everything (and nothing well)AI tools that promise the moon but deliver confusionOvercomplicated channel managers that break more than they fixThe automation traps that cost you bookingsHow to Build Your Own Stack When to automate and when to stay hands-onKey Takeaway Your tech stack should make your life easier, not give you another full-time job. Focus on the fundamentals first. Automate what drains you. But never lose sight of what actually matters: creating amazing experiences for your guests. Because at the end of the day, no AI can replace genuine hospitality. Resources & Links Connect with John: Facebook: facebook.com/thejohnandrewInstagram: @thejohnandrewEmail: john@vacationhomehelp.comJoin the Community: Facebook Group: The Airbnb Host GroupFree Resource: Get a free pricing analysis for your property: vacationhomehelp.com/revenue-management New episodes of Vacation Home Help drop every week. Subscribe so you never miss an episode where we make hosting simple.