Laura Wegner shares how data, design, and strategic pricing transformed her Whistler STR business from “covering costs” into a high-performing hospitality brand.
When Laura Wegner lost her gourmet coffee service business during COVID, she had to make a decision quickly.
The offices she serviced shut down overnight. Revenue disappeared immediately. No transition period. No slow decline. Just done.
At the same time, Laura and her husband had recently purchased a property in Whistler, British Columbia. Originally, the goal was simple: rent it enough to cover costs.
That quickly changed.
On this episode of Thanks for Visiting, Laura shares how she transformed her Whistler short-term rental business into a highly strategic, data-driven hospitality brand that now dominates in one of the most competitive ski markets in North America.
From “Covering Costs” to Building a Real Business
Laura realized early on that if she wanted long-term success, she needed to stop treating her property like a casual investment.
Instead of trying to manage dozens of listings, she became laser focused on a niche:
- Premium ski-in/ski-out properties
- Blackcomb Mountain
- Couples-focused stays
- High-end hospitality
- Hands-off owners
Her goal wasn’t to compete with everyone. It was to dominate a very specific market.
The Big Shift: Understanding the Numbers
Laura admits that for years she didn’t fully understand RevPAR or how to properly measure financial performance.
She had dynamic pricing software. She had occupancy data. But she didn’t truly know how to interpret what the numbers were telling her.
One of the biggest mindset shifts came from learning how to actually use PriceLabs strategically instead of letting it run on autopilot.
As Laura put it:
“I needed to be the master of PriceLabs instead of letting PriceLabs master me.”
Once she started tracking pacing, booking windows, market pickup, ADR, and RevPAR consistently, everything changed.
The Minimum Stay Mistake
One of the most valuable parts of the conversation centers around minimum stay restrictions.
For years, Laura required five- and six-night stays because that strategy had worked during earlier market conditions. But when the market shifted, she didn’t shift with it.
Reducing minimum stays felt terrifying at first.
She gradually moved from:
- 5–6 night minimums
- to 3 nights
- then 2 nights
- eventually even allowing 1-night stays in certain situations
What surprised her most?
Lowering the minimum didn’t suddenly flood her calendar with short stays. She was still booking five- and six-night reservations. She simply became visible to more travelers.
That visibility changed everything.
The RevPAR Numbers
Laura shared the exact RevPAR growth from her ski season performance.
Before implementing the strategies she learned:
- Tree View Suite RevPAR: $203
- Mountain View Suite RevPAR: $166
After applying the new systems and pricing strategy:
- Tree View Suite RevPAR: $479
- Mountain View Suite RevPAR: $506
For hosts operating in highly competitive buildings, these numbers matter because Laura’s units compete against similar inventory in the same location.
Her advantage wasn’t lower pricing.
It was strategy.
Design, Cleanliness, and Guest Experience
Laura also makes a strong point that pricing strategy alone is not enough.
Guests paying premium nightly rates expect premium hospitality.
She intentionally designed her spaces for couples with higher expectations and higher discretionary income. Her guests are not looking for the cheapest stay available. They want a property that feels elevated, intentional, and exceptionally clean.
In fact, Laura openly describes cleanliness as one of her “superpowers.”
That attention to detail has helped her build repeat business and maintain all five-star reviews.
Listening to Guests Instead of Defending Your Ego
Another standout moment in the episode is Laura’s perspective on guest feedback.
Instead of getting defensive, she treats thoughtful guest suggestions as opportunities to improve the experience. One repeat guest offered several recommendations after multiple stays. Laura implemented every single one before that guest returned.
That level of responsiveness continues to strengthen guest trust and loyalty.
The Bigger Lesson
This episode isn’t really about Whistler.
It’s about what happens when a host decides to stop guessing and start operating like a true business owner.
Laura’s success came from:
- Understanding her market deeply
- Using data consistently
- Staying flexible
- Investing in education
- Taking action quickly
- Refusing to operate passively
And perhaps most importantly, she stayed willing to change.
Download a transcript of this episode
Resources:
- Check out Price Labs
- #STRShareSunday: @thesuitelifewhistler
- Submit your property for our next #STRShareSunday at strshare.com
#STRShareSunday
Today we’re highlighting Strategic Host Laura Wegner of @thesuitelifewhistler and her stunning ski-in/ski-out suite at The Aspens on Blackcomb.
This is one of those properties where location alone is a major win you can literally step outside and be on the slopes. But Laura didn’t stop there. She’s layered in a designer-inspired feel that makes the space just as enjoyable off the mountain as it is on it.
Guests can spend the day skiing, then come back and:
- Soak in one of three hot tubs or the year-round heated pool
- Relax on a private balcony surrounded by trees
- Warm up with in-floor heating (such an underrated luxury)
- Sink into a king bed with high-end linens
And what really stands out is Laura’s concierge-style hosting she’s not just offering a place to stay, she’s helping guests fully experience Whistler.
Also worth noting: this home is featured in the Hospitable Hosts Book Series, Volume 3, which speaks to the level of thought and care behind the experience.
This is a great example of combining location, comfort, and elevated hosting to create something guests remember.
Explore the property: https://thesuitelifewhistler.com/whistler-ski-in-out-original-suite-aspens/
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