Meet Shawn H., a short-term rental host in Nashville for over five years. Formerly a Realtor®, Shawn found her passion for hosting through friends and transformed several properties into successful short-term rentals.
From cozy beds to local coffee, Shawn is dedicated to ensuring her guests feel right at home at any of the five Nashville properties she manages. She believes in offering spaces that are welcoming, comfortable, and distinct, prioritizing guest satisfaction and enabling them to explore Nashville like locals.
We recently interviewed Shawn to get insight into her successful hosting journey, her favorite Minoan brands, and invaluable tips for fellow hosts. Read on to learn more about her commitment to excellence.
Q: How long have you been a short-term rental host?
A: I’ve been a short-term rental host in Nashville for just over five years.
Q: What inspired you to get into STR hosting?
A: I became inspired to become a STR host through friends. I had been a Realtor® for a decade and, during that time, purchased several properties before I finally decided to take the plunge and turn a few into STRs. It was then that I fell in love with decorating and designing each home. It’s also where I learned how much work goes into managing and hosting short-term rentals. Ultimately, I retired my real estate license and jumped into full-time management of my short and long-term rentals.
Q: How many short-term rentals do you operate?
A: We currently own and operate five short-term rentals in Nashville and hope to add more by 2025.
Q: What are your biggest pain points as an STR owner?
A: Smart locks. I love them, but sometimes, they have a mind of their own! I think it’s important to have not only the right smart locks but also the right service and integration. Now that Airbnb and Hostaway have a smart lock integration, I think it will be a game changer.
Q: How have you tried to differentiate your properties from other STRs?
A: In Nashville, it’s super competitive to have a “theme” or “bachelorette pink house,” which are really cool. But all of our STRs are the complete opposite. If you are looking for pink and glitter and fun, you won’t find it in our properties. But if you want to walk into a house with enough amenities, comfort, and space that you don’t even have to leave during your stay, we are the right fit. None of my properties have bunk beds, so you don't feel like you are at sleepaway camp on vacation. Personally, I would rather accommodate fewer people in a property and offer more space and high quality to those who are willing to pay for it.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an STR host?
A: My favorite thing about being a STR host is helping guests plan their stay before they get here in Nashville. Being able to say, “Go here, eat there, do that,” and to have guests come back and say, “That place was amazing…the food was so delicious…we had a fantastic time,” always makes me feel really good about what I do.
Q: What is the no. 1 most important thing for STR hosts to get right, in your opinion?
A: The most important thing to get right is to ensure your space feels like home. If guests wanted to stay at a hotel or motel, they would have booked one. Guests choose short-term rentals because they want to spend time with the people they are traveling with, with amenities they wouldn’t otherwise have access to, in surroundings that are comparable to or better than their own homes. Make sure your photos, decor, and the way your house feels are welcoming.
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands?
A: Each property is covered in Pottery Barn – pillows, throws, and decor. My goal is to stay married, so I try to purchase in moderation! Next up is Crate and Barrel. I use their glasses, dishware, and silverware because they hold up well and I can easily restock them through Minoan if need be.
Q: How has Minoan helped you with your short-term rentals?
A: Minoan has helped with my short-term rentals by offering a great discount for me to deliver an enjoyable guest experience that aligns with my own tastes – it’s like a dream come true. With the Minoan Showroom, my guests can say, “Hey, I really like that...I wonder where they bought it?” and immediately order the item, which may even be delivered before they return home. Also, Minoan has introduced me to brands I didn’t even know were out there, like Article and Public Goods. There are so many good choices for short-term rental hosts through Minoan!
Q: What's one thing you know now that you wished you knew when you first started setting up your STRs?
A: Do not go too cheap on the things that matter the most. I’ve redesigned our properties multiple times, and eventually had to throw the cheap items away or replace them.
Q: Any other tips for your fellow hosts?
A: Having a reliable cleaning team that understands (and cares) about your cleaning standards is a must. It doesn’t matter if you are the hostess with the mostest if your guests arrive and you haven’t done a spot check to ensure everything is just right – that 5-star review can immediately be impacted to a 3-star review, affecting future stays and your revenue. A sparkling clean, dust- and odor-free home with fresh towels and spotless bedding will leave a positive, lasting impression on your guests, making it worthy of those glowing reviews we strive for.
Would you like to be featured in our host spotlight series?
Email us at host-spotlight@minoanexperience.com
