You don’t need a bigger budget to elevate your property. You need a smarter strategy.

The truth is, the listings that stand out aren’t the ones that spent the most. They’re the ones that spent intentionally.

The biggest shift you need to make is redefining what “expensive” actually means. It’s easy to focus on how a space looks, but guests don’t remember your decor as much as they remember how the space felt. They remember whether they slept well, whether they could actually relax on the couch, and whether the kitchen worked the way they needed it to. When you prioritize aesthetics before function, you’re building on the wrong foundation.

Before a guest ever experiences your property in person, they’re experiencing it through photos. And what reads as “expensive” in photos is surprisingly simple. Clean lines. Open space. A cohesive palette. Lighting that feels intentional. The listings that stop the scroll aren’t packed with stuff. They feel calm, clear, and edited.

That’s where a lot of hosts overcomplicate things. You don’t need every corner of your property to be a showstopper. You need one moment that makes someone pause. One space that feels distinct enough to catch attention and make someone want to click. That could be a beautifully styled bed, a bold wall, or a standout kitchen. That moment becomes your hook. Everything else should support it, not compete with it.

This is also where strategy comes in. The most successful hosts aren’t designing based on personal taste. They’re designing based on performance. They’re asking whether something will photograph well, whether it helps a guest quickly understand the space, and whether it creates enough contrast to stand out in a crowded feed. Your design isn’t there to impress you. It’s there to get the click and then deliver on the experience.

When it comes to spending, the difference between a high-performing property and one that struggles usually comes down to where the money goes. The areas that matter most are the ones guests actually interact with. Sleep is at the center of the entire stay, so the bed and bedding are not the place to cut corners. The same goes for seating. If a guest can’t comfortably relax, they’ll feel it immediately. Kitchens should feel complete and easy to use, not styled for looks alone. And then there are the less obvious details like lighting, temperature, and layout, all of which shape how the space feels moment to moment.

On the flip side, there are a few areas where hosts consistently overspend without realizing it. Small decor pieces and filler items rarely show up in photos the way people expect, and when they do, they often make the space feel cluttered instead of elevated. Breakables like glassware and dishes get replaced often, so investing heavily there doesn’t pay off long term. And while themed properties can work, forcing a concept too hard usually has the opposite effect, making the space feel less refined rather than more memorable.

At the end of the day, creating an Airbnb that feels expensive has very little to do with how much you spend. It comes down to how clearly you understand what actually drives bookings and how disciplined you are in designing around that. When you focus on the guest experience first and make intentional decisions about where your money goes, the result is a space that not only looks elevated, but performs like it too.

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Resources:

• #STRShareSunday @Mostess

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#STRShareSunday

@Mostess

Today’s STR Share spotlight is on Strategic Host strategist Wendy Doris, founder of Mostess and the visionary behind Scottsdale Social Club.

One thing we love about Wendy’s approach is that hospitality isn’t something she stumbled into—it’s part of who she is.

A former elite gymnast, Wendy brings the same level of discipline, attention to detail, and commitment to excellence into every guest experience. What started as managing her own vacation rental alongside her sister Ashley has grown into Mostess, a hospitality brand built around one simple goal: creating exceptional stays that guests can’t stop talking about.

And Scottsdale Social Club is a perfect example of that philosophy in action.

This property knows exactly who it’s for.

Located just minutes from Old Town Scottsdale, the home is designed for groups gathering to celebrate, reconnect, and make memories together. Every amenity feels intentional:

• Heated pool and hot tub
• Outdoor lounge with bar, TV, grill, and ping pong
• Putting green and shuffleboard
• Dedicated gym
• Full glam station for getting ready before a night out
• Concierge experiences including stocked fridges, charcuterie boards, and signature cocktails

What stands out most is how well Wendy understands her guest avatar.

Rather than trying to be everything for everyone, Scottsdale Social Club delivers exactly what its ideal guest is looking for. The outdoor spaces create multiple gathering zones, while the amenities encourage guests to stay onsite longer and fully enjoy the experience.

We also love how Mostess approaches hospitality as a team sport. Wendy has built an entire company around continuously refining the guest experience and paying attention to the details many hosts overlook.

That’s the kind of intentionality guests remember.

Follow along: @Mostess
Property spotlight: Scottsdale Social Club