Jun 11, 2024 7 min read Streaming TV

Business | Inspired by TV: these shows ignited our short-term rental appetite

In an ever-evolving world of travel and accommodation, we wanted to make our mark in the sector albeit in a humble way.

It all started around 8 years ago, during a stay at Monte do Cardal, a place we have visited three times ever since. We were by the swimming pool, watching a young couple play with their baby by the swimming pool, soaking up some sun and we asked each other: what if we did it? what is we had a place like this, and hosted people?

I had experience being a couch-host in Paris (seems like another life) but we both had a massive experience as travellers and consumers.

We made a few drawings and threw some ideas out - I even did a powerpoint a few days later... always the marketing fiend... - but we put it to rest, as our lives were just busy.

Fast forward the end of 2016 and we were in full works to transform my husband's parents' place and set up an independent unit in what used to be Bruno's ensuite room. And that's how it started and this is what we have achieved in five years.

But other than staying in hotels and short-term rental ourselves, we drew inspiration from TV as well.

Here are the shows that most impacted us as home buyers and rental owners:

Selling Sunset

Where to watch: Netflix, Hayu

Aside from all the over-hyped drama and excessive plastic surgery, is there anything to learn from Selling Sunset, Netflix's first major real estate reality show? Well, there was a bit, even if only for 5 minutes for every 45-minute episode. The houses are dreamy and they do give a few pointers in staging, pricing and selling. We are not a brokerage professionals or flippers, but it gave us a bit of insight into the property world. And, well, if you love (exaggerated) drama, it is the show for you.

Below Deck (all franchises)

Where to watch: Bravo TV, Hayu

Wait, why are we putting a show about yatching and boats in a property management? Well, not much in that regard but - aside from all the drama expected from a reality show - it did teach us allow about customer service, especially for travelling customers.

The reality of our business is that expectation is very high: people want more than just booking a place to stay. They want your attention to detail, your care and to have a memorable positive experience. We have had difficult guests throughout the years but mostly lovely and empathetic ones. We have to be ready for all scenarios, especially the types of guests who want you to use google for them.

Dream Home Makeover

Where to watch: Netflix

How not to be impressed with an instagrammer that created a design empire? That is the story of Shea McGee, who designed her own home, posted pictures 2013 and is nowadays a design mogul with a show on Netflix! Even if we are far from the Salt Lake City and American reality, this show drew our attention to design especially palettes and textures, something we had never really though about before. But it is really what elevates your short-term rental (or home) from Ikea catalogue to a more high-design abode.

The Deed & The Deed: Chicago

Where to watch: The Deed Chicago is available on Hayu.

The Deed a reality show in a docu-series style where we followed real projects by developer Sydney Torres, in New Orleans. He would tackle dilapidated property into high value assets, orienting the best advice and expectations with each owner.

About the Chicago franchise: different host, different city and different approach. This time by the hand of Sean Conlon, an Irish-American business, we followed projects in Chicago. One of the most striking episodes for us was this airbnb in Chicago, it was really inspiring for us, to think about design in a functional way for guests.

In both shows, we tackle touchy subjects such as not getting the value you expected from your property, the contractor game, the choice for materials and appliances... it's always beautiful to watch the end project but this is a business we are talking about and the bottom of the iceberg is an endeavour in itself.

Interior Design Masters

Where to watch: BBC

This is one of Jess' favourite shows - also a reason to fawn over the glamorous Michelle Ogundehin, the former editor in chief at ELLE Decoration UK.

Interior Design Masters is a competition for 10 amateur designers per season. Many people love designing as a hobby, for themselves or friends, and this is the opportunity to compare and elevate skills. The main reward is to get a professional contract by the end of each season, which can be life changing for those who were not in the business initially but just had a knack for it.

The show not only showcases stunning properties - from small hotels to private homes to businesses! - but also has a guest panel judge at every episode to give great insight. One of our favourites (and a show regular) is Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen (also the Instant Hotel judge, the next show we will talk about!) who just has a flair we love and identify with.

Instant Hotel

Where to watch: Netflix

Set in Australia, we just loved this show that focused on real life home owners who are ready to receive (more) guests and need professional advice. To do so, they have several contests and have to visit each other's properties for challenges and insight. The show not only featured renovations but the aspects of the business of short-term rental in mind as well. This is the difference from putting your home in the market as is from turning it into a real instant hotel.

One of the main takeaways from this show? We started preparing welcome baskets for our clients that most compliment at check-in. Score!

Stay here

Where to watch: Netflix

This show is perfect for short-term rental managers. Hosted by Genevieve Gorder, an interior designer and Peter Lorimer, a broker, their aim is to tackle deep transformations to properties for them to become money makers. They do talk about design of course, but much more, such as guest requests, location and value. All these insights were most valuable to think when tackling our own properties. Okay, we don't have the ocean view but what is it that we have? Let's focus on that.