In this engaging episode of The Hideaways Show Behind the Curtain, hosts Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian, delve into the remarkable transformation of their 420-square-foot cabins.

They share how strategic investments turned ordinary cabins, originally earning around $3,100 per month, into high-revenue assets, achieving a staggering 115% increase in monthly revenue and peaking at $11,000 in July.

Through innovative financing, including a $25,000 0% interest credit card and tapping into property equity, they funded these projects without accumulating much debt. The hosts emphasize the critical role of top-tier social media content in driving bookings, achieving direct bookings up to an astonishing 91%.

This episode showcases how going all-in on unique ideas led to tripling their monthly revenues and unlocking new levels of success in the STR market.

Interested in being a part of the next great amenity idea at our cabin, The Taoist, at the Rock Haven Hideouts?

Book a stay at The Taoist and use code "TAOISTCASESTUDY" to get 25% off your stay.

And the best part - if your idea gets selected and implemented at The Taoist, you will receive an additional FREE 3-day stay.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this episode of The Hideaways Show, Jordan and Mike dive into the transformative power of storytelling and social media marketing for short-term rentals (STRs).

The hosts discuss how brands have successfully leveraged platforms to document their journeys, attract massive followings, and secure pre-bookings worth millions.

They highlight examples like Bolt Farm Treehouse, Pacific Bin, and unique strategies employed by various brands to build relatability and emotional connections with potential guests.

The conversation also covers the personal story of Rajan and his remarkable storytelling approach, emphasizing the importance of consistency in posting to achieve long-term success.

Additionally, the hosts explore two captivating properties for their 'Would You Book It?' segment: a luxurious dome house in Canada and Drift Mansion, a unique drift-racing property in Missouri. The episode wraps up with thoughts on hosting and booking these extraordinary places, encouraging listeners to think creatively about their own STR ventures.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this engaging episode of The Hideaway Show, hosts Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian explore the future of short-term rentals, emphasizing the shift from traditional 'location, location, location' mindsets to creating unique, experiential stays.

Set in July 2025, they discuss the potential of acquiring large parcels of land at minimal costs, overcoming building challenges, and crafting unforgettable guest experiences that drive desirability and higher occupancy rates.

The conversation transitions to a lively discussion about their personal experiences with nemeses and shifts into their popular 'Would You Book It' segment. Here, they examine a suspended glass egg suite in Patagonia accessible only via a cliff side hike, and an ice hotel in Sweden, reflecting on the fascinating spectrum of traveler preferences.

The episode concludes with strategic insights on acquisitions and marketing, underscoring the importance of organic reach and social media engagement in making these unique properties successful.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this exciting episode of The Hideaway Show, hosts Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian dive deep into the allure of unique short-term rentals.

They discuss the significance of direct bookings as a buffer against platform changes and argue the advantages of focusing on high-quality, 'polished gem' properties over mere door counts.

Their conversation covers a variety of fascinating topics, including their favorite dining spots in Red River Gorge and the extraordinary architecture of both existing and potential Airbnb listings.

Highlighting examples like a cruise ship perched on a mountaintop and a netted hammock with breathtaking ocean views in Indonesia, they explore the modern traveler's desires and the benefits of offering exceptional guest experiences.

Packed with valuable insights for both guests and hosts, this episode is a captivating journey into the evolution and optimization of short-term rental properties.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this edition of the Hideaway Show behind the Curtain edition, hosts Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian, also known as Mr. Red River Gorge, delve into the intricacies of building bespoke short-term rentals.

They discuss the initial excitement of breaking ground, the logistical challenges encountered as projects near completion, and the unique joys and frustrations of customizing properties.

Mike shares his journey from bartending to real estate development, emphasizing the importance of detailed planning and effective communication in successful projects.

They also explore unique stays like the sci-fi themed Outpost X in Utah and an underwater room in Tanzania, analyzing their appeal from both a guest and hosting perspective. The episode concludes with insights on emulating such unique offerings and the potential for financial success.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this episode of The Hideaways Show: Behind the Curtain, hosts Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian dive into the pitfalls of investor complacency and the unexpected costs associated with older rental properties.

They discuss the importance of using data to paint a comprehensive picture for property performance comparisons and the challenges of maintaining top rankings on multiple booking platforms.

Additionally, they explore the appeal and profitability of unique stays, such as treehouse spheres and renovated school buses, emphasizing the significance of strategic planning and customization in property investment.

The episode concludes with their 'Would You Book It' segment, evaluating the guest appeal and hosting viability of unconventional rental options.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this episode of The Hideaway Show 'Behind the Curtain' edition, Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian dive into the significance of property reviews, the perks of unique amenities, and the psychology behind choosing one accommodation over another.

They list their top five dream features for Short Term Rentals (STRs) if budget were no issue, including unique water features, container pools, golf simulators, temperature-controlled pickleball courts, and high-end design elements.

The duo also conducts their 'Would You Book It?' segment, featuring a haunted mansion room in New Orleans and a fascinating ancient cave hotel in Italy.

With humor, engaging stories, and the occasional dad joke, this episode offers a blend of entertainment and insightful perspectives for both guests and hosts in the STR industry.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei

In this episode of The Hideaways Show Behind the Curtain, hosts Jordan Holmes and Mike Sebastian explore their adventures in the short-term rental market, focusing on how unique amenities can dramatically transform guest experiences and boost revenue.

They discuss the impact of installing a hot tub at their properties, leading to eye-popping increases in direct bookings and revenue, largely driven by successful social media promotion.

The episode also features a deep dive into two fascinating Airbnb listings—a remote fire tower in Idaho and a luxury lakeside house with a 75-foot water slide—analyzing their appeal from both a guest's and a host's perspective.

Alongside engaging banter, they share insights on operational challenges, including logistics and liability concerns, making it both an informative and captivating listen for anyone interested in the short-term rental industry.

Build Your Hideaway Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/buildyourhideaway⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Check out the properties we talk all about at The Hideaways: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://thehideaways.co⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

About the show:

Join us every week for The Hideaways Show! We're the team behind The Hideaways, a collection of unique vacation rentals across the U.S. Our goal is to share our journey with you, from the challenges we've overcome to the lessons we've learned. Tune in to learn and grow with us!

More ways to connect with Mike Sebastian:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/matmiike/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/matmiike⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

More ways to connect with Jordan Holmes:

• Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://instagram.com/jkholmes_rei⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• LinkedIn:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://linkedin.com/in/jkholmes-rei/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• X:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠https://x.com/jkholmes_rei