8 minute read
Valet Stays
EXTREME SPORTS ATHLETES JESS & CODY RUSSELL RUN VALET STAYS, A SHORT-TERM RENTAL MANAGEMENT COMPANY OFFERING TURNKEY SERVICES TO AIRBNB OWNERS – WORLDWIDE.
JESSICA, can you describe the business model of Valet Stays and the range of services you offer for Airbnb property management?
Sure! Valet Stays is a short-term rental (STR) management company founded in 2022 and based in Alaska, USA. Our company focuses on maximizing rental revenue for STR owners without them having to lift a finger. We offer turnkey services that include but are not limited to direct booking on our website, strategic marketing, advertising, listing management, SEO optimization, professional photography, meticulous cleaning services, monthly accounting, reporting, and seamless guest communication.
Being seasoned STR owners ourselves, we know the nuances of property management success. Your property won’t just be on Airbnb, we list properties across multiple platforms, such as the Valet Stays website, Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Google Vacation Rentals, and more, and integrate them all into one single calendar so we don’t miss a beat. Our goal is to make our clients feel like true VIPs as we handle the intricacies of STR ownership.
What sets Valet Stays apart from other property management companies in the Airbnb sector?
Valet Stays stands out in the short-term rental sector for a few compelling reasons. First off, our focus on exotic travel destinations, such as Alaska and Bali, sets us apart. Alaska holds a special place in our hearts – not just as a destination, but as Cody’s hometown, adding a personal touch to our operations.
What truly distinguishes us are the partnerships we’ve forged with local adventure companies. We believe in offering more than just a place to stay; we’re here to provide unforgettable experiences. To ensure that every property aligns with our commitment to excellence, we implement stringent vetting criteria. This ensures that our guests not only have a stay but an exceptional experience that meets our high standards. We believe in personal excellence and this translates directly into our business operations.
What are some of the biggest challenges you face in managing Airbnb properties, and how does Valet Stays address these issues?
Initially, our biggest hurdle was finding reliable cleaners. However, we quickly found a solution and teamed up with local cleaning companies that specializes in short-term rentals. We also learned that to provide guests with detailed and accurate information about the properties they are booking, we needed to physically visit properties ourselves and perform quality control checks periodically. This lesson has led to improved relationships with our Clients and a level of trust that only a face-to-face encounter can offer. We have even gone so far as to stock properties for owners while they are out of state which is something we don’t typically offer as a service. It didn’t take long to learn that Valet Stays’ unique value proposition was excellent customer service, even if it meant going above and beyond the normal service offering to establish a great start for clients.
How do you ensure a high-quality experience for both the property owners and the guests who book through Airbnb?
When we say ‘turn-key’, we mean exactly that. We handle virtually everything from listing creation to ongoing management and even conflict resolution. We give owners full transparency through personalized user accounts where they can view their listings, financials, and calendar in realtime. I’m proud to say that the biggest solution we offer is peace of mind for owners.
Our guests are always happy when they arrive at a clean property stocked with everything they need to feel right at home. With immediate 24/7 support, whether it’s a simple inquiry or a more complex concern, we’re here – always.
What role does technology play in your management process, and have you implemented any innovative solutions for efficiency or customer satisfaction?
Our operations team leverages software that allows us to manage the dayto-day operations all in one place. We use calendar integration software, automated messages, market data tools, and price setting tools which allow us to scale with ease and ultimately focus on enhancing the experience for clients and guests. We also keep up with the latest AI technology and implement it into our systems so we can focus more on client and guest satisfaction.
One of the most important things we can do is provide owners and guests with accurate information about what’s happening in the market, so we make sure to stay on top of this at all times.
How does the Airbnb market in Alaska differ from other regions, and what unique opportunities or challenges does it present?
Alaska is an incredibly seasonal travel destination full of bucket-list activities travelers can only find here, which presents unique opportunities to tourists. In the winter season, travelers can experience dog mushing, ice skating, and viewing the northern lights. Alaskans even drive their cars across frozen lakes for fun and ride snow machines to work. In the Spring, winter sports are in full swing as snowmachiners and elite snowboarders and skiers rally through the backcountry on perfect bluebird days for extreme adventures you can only experience in Alaska. During the Summer, the hiking trails take you into the sky atop peaks that feel larger than life and right up to glaciers that have been around for over 30,000 years. You can even see bears and moose roaming around in some areas. In the Fall months, outdoor enthusiasts have a chance at epic ocean fishing among humpback whales, and hunting is a way of life for most residents.
Alaska is known for its distinct seasons. How do these seasonal changes impact your property management strategies?
Summertime is when Alaska truly shines, literally, with the solstice bringing 24 hours of daylight – an experience that can be surprising for guests. To ensure they sleep properly, we’ve found blackout curtains to be a game-changer. Winter, on the other hand, transforms Alaska into a wonderland which can make it difficult for guests and cleaners to access properties, especially if the main roads aren’t plowed. We have partnered with local plowing companies who help us tackle this as it comes up.
Owners expect their properties to be seasonal, but that doesn’t exactly mean less annual revenue. Alaska welcomes over 2 million travelers each year, and this doesn’t include intrastate travel. To bridge the seasonal gaps, we’ve implemented strategies like attracting travel nurses for mid-term rentals and extended stays and offering corporate housing. We pay special attention to snowbirds as well, tailoring our approach to cater to those seeking warmer escapes during the colder months. Valet Stays doesn’t just adapt to the changing seasons, we strategically embrace every facet of short-term rental management.
How do you leverage Alaska’s unique attractions, like the Northern Lights or wilderness adventures, in your marketing and guest services?
We highlight unique experiences in Alaska by partnering up with local adventure companies and tour guides who have become our friends. We also have teamed up with the 2024 Arctic Winter Games team to provide accommodations for those traveling to Alaska in March and help owners list their properties for this time as well. www.valetstays.com
At Valet Stays, we employ price-setting strategies to ensure no money is left on the table. We adjust prices according to events happening in the area. When guests book with Valet Stays, they are booking with true locals who have a physical footprint, statewide connections, and a passion for all that Alaska has to offer. Whether it’s fishing escapades, hunting expeditions, backcountry rides, or jet skiing to a glacier, our spaces not only embody the beauty of Alaska in their aesthetics but also resonate with the pulse of the land. And a tidbit most folks miss: Valet Stays is owned by two extreme sports athletes and genuine adventure enthusiasts who love curating thrilling experiences for others.
Can you discuss how you navigate local regulations in Alaska regarding short-term rentals, and ensure compliance?
Navigating Alaska’s rental regulations at Valet Stays is straightforward. In many areas, it’s the Wild West – unregulated and free-spirited. Within specific city limits, where permits play a crucial role, we’ve simplified the process within defined parameters.
Here’s the reality – some places might push boundaries with listings in restricted zones, but that’s simply not our style. At Valet Stays, we’re integral players in Alaska’s business landscape. We directly engage with city officials and actively participate in discussions shaping the future of short-term rentals in Alaska. We’re not just following; we’re influencing, ensuring that the short-term rental scene in Alaska aligns with the kind of community we’re building.
Given Alaska’s pristine natural environment, what steps does Valet Stays take to promote sustainability and minimize the ecological footprint of your managed properties?
At Valet Stays, preserving Alaska’s natural beauty is non-negotiable. We have finely tuned guest check-out procedures, requiring that all guests make sure there is no running water, appliances turned on, doors or windows left open, or heat set too high before departing. We also encourage property owners to offer a digital guidebook where guests can find important information about their stay.
Being a service-based business, Valet Stays does not utilize much more than the Internet to operate. That means no brick-and-mortar building, office supplies, paper records, electricity & other utilities. We are proud to offer services that keep Alaska pristine.
