How To Create A Magical Experiential Micro Resort
Today’s expert guest is Isaac French, the visionary creator behind Live Oak Lake, a stunning 7-cabin landscape hotel nestled in the heart of Texas. Having recently sold the venture, Isaac is now channeling his passion and expertise into Experiential Hospitality, a vibrant community and masterclass program for elite hospitality entrepreneurs.
In this eye-opening conversation, we learn about how Isaac built his dream property from the ground up — and quickly sold it for a million dollars a key. We hear all about his unique vision, what he learned along the way, the highs and lows of his experience, and what it was like to sell so fast.
We also explore the power of creating a magical experience for your guests. Speaking to Isaac was another reminder that people crave experiences above all else — and you can deliver them through intentional design and operational choices. We are definitely going to apply these lessons as we build or own property!
(00:01:08) #STRShareSunday: @TheGoodHostCo
- Admiring a disruptive Instagram page
- Succinctly showcasing multiple properties in Instagram highlights
(00:02:39) Introducing Isaac French, Experiential Hospitality Expert
- Isaac French Linkedin
- Check out Live Oak Lake
- Check out Experiential Hospitality and use TFV20 for 20% off
- IMN Short-Term Rental Conference
- How Isaac got into the hospitality industry
- His dream to build Nordic-inspired cabins in Texas
- The pitfalls — and literal falls — of building property from the ground up
- How he pivoted to direct bookings after being abruptly suspended on Airbnb
- Selling the property for a million dollars a key
- Why selling an experience is the key to unlocking success
(00:16:01) From Zero To Opening In 10 Months
- How much labor Isaac did himself
- Handling uncomfortable conversations with contractors
- Isaac’s advice for pitching banks and what he’d do differently next time
(00:19:41) Creating Magic In Design
- Envisioning the guest experience as you design
- Balancing privacy with a community village feel
- Creating magical moments in each unit
- Procreate design app
- Den Outdoors
- Cultivating a “design Bible” of experiences and branding
(00:29:57) Is The Price Right For Your Property?
- How Isaac originally priced his units and how that evolved
- How to price sellouts
- Hostaway
- Wheelhouse
- Attracting the right guests by setting the right price
- The most valuable marketing opportunities: creating Instagram-able moments
(00:39:38) The Landscape Of Experiential Stays
- Why landscaping is the highest ROI dollars you’re going to spend
- Creating micro journeys through landscaping
- Why landscapes get more valuable over time
(00:45:49) Pro Tips For Experiential Properties
- Pro tip for setting up a laundry facility
- What Isaac would do differently in operations and design
- Queen vs. king beds in STRs
(00:48:32) When The Stars Align To Sell
- Why Isaac decided to sell his property
- Getting a $7 million offer
- What’s next for Isaac
(00:54:40) The Power Of Passion & Vision
- You don’t need hospitality or STR experience to succeed in this space
- Step one for sharing your dream
- @HarrisonHide
Download a transcript of this episode.
Resources:
- Website: isaacjfrench.com
- Website: liveoaklake.com
- Instagram: @isaacfrench_
- Masterclass: Experiential Hospitality (Use code TFV20 for 20% off)
- #STRShareSunday: @TheGoodHostCo
- Video: Good Aesthetics Make More Money
- Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com
- Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com
#STRShareSunday
This week’s STR Share comes to us from Florida! @TheGoodHostCo has several properties in Florida and a fantastic direct booking site. These hosts have an eye for design — their properties include bright colors and bold patterns to show off their spaces. And, they’ve provided plenty of entertainment for their guests including: pools, hot tubs, and game rooms!
We would love to feature YOU, so don’t forget to use #STRShareSunday to get your chance!
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