Step into the world of Ishita Lalan, a powerhouse in short-term rental design, who has been transforming spaces since 2019. What started as a passion for travel and real estate quickly evolved into a thriving business dedicated to creating high-performing, amenity-rich vacation rentals. With a background in architecture and design, Ishita brings a unique blend of creativity and strategy to every project, helping investors maximize returns while delivering unforgettable guest experiences.
From cozy mountain retreats in the Smoky Mountains to waterfront escapes in Florida, Ishita’s designs are carefully crafted to stand out in competitive markets. Her approach is deeply rooted in data-driven strategies, ensuring that each property is not only visually stunning but also optimized for success.
Through her companies, 5 Seasons Homestays and Ishita Interiors, she seamlessly integrates design, management, and investment expertise, making her a go-to resource for STR owners looking to elevate their spaces.
We sat down with Ishita to discuss her journey, the challenges of growing in the STR space, and her tips for hosts looking to take their rentals to the next level.
Q: What inspired you to get into the short-term rental business?
A: Our journey into the short-term rental business began as a young couple passionate about traveling the world and working towards achieving the FIRE (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement. While working full-time jobs, we started house hacking as a way to build passive income and financial stability. Real estate was a common interest that my husband and I connected on, which led us to explore multi-family properties. However, we soon realized that they didn’t captivate us as much as we had hoped.
As avid travelers, we were drawn to short-term rentals because of their unique blend of creativity and hospitality. The idea of creating unforgettable guest experiences through thoughtfully designed spaces truly resonated with us. Combining this passion with our background in architecture and design, we transitioned into the short-term rental space and turned our interest into a thriving business.
Q: How long have you been a short-term rental host and designer?
A: We have been actively hosting and designing short-term rental properties since 2019. During this time, we've honed our expertise in creating high-performing, amenity-rich spaces that deliver exceptional guest experiences while maximizing returns for investors.
Q: What markets are you in currently?
A: Our properties are spread out between Iowa, Panhandle Florida, Lake of the Ozarks, Western North Carolina, and the Smoky Mountains. We offer full-service design and setups in these markets, as we already have a strong team in place. We also do virtual design projects all over the country.
Q: What markets, if any, are you interested in expanding into?
A: We are expanding our co-hosting in Sedona, Arizona, and Branson, Missouri. We are also under contract for our first boutique hotel in Washington State, which is incredibly exciting for our future endeavors!
Q: How many properties are in your portfolio?
A: I own nine properties and have designed over 150 properties. Here are the top three properties we own:
Here’s a link to some of my recent design projects.
Q: Do you self-manage the properties, or do you have a co-host?
A: We operate across multiple facets of the short-term rental industry to provide a comprehensive suite of services. We self-manage the properties we own through our company, 5 Seasons Homestays, which also offers co-hosting services for other investors and hosts. Additionally, through Ishita Interiors, we specialize in designing exceptional short-term rental properties for investors. This dual-company structure allows us to seamlessly integrate design, management, and investment expertise to deliver exceptional guest experiences and maximize returns for our clients.
Q: What tools or systems are most important for managing your day-to-day hosting business?
A:
- PMS: Hostfully
- Cleaning & Maintenance: Breezeway
- Shopping & Supplies: Minoan, Amazon
- Pricing: Pricelabs
- Team Management & SOPs: Notion
Q: What are your biggest challenges as an STR owner?
A: We are in the phase of business where we are focused on outsourcing our daily operations to our virtual team. Current challenges are mostly around team member performance and enforcing quality standards.
Q: What are you doing to differentiate your properties from others in your market to create a memorable guest experience?
A: We differentiate our properties by creating top-performing short-term rentals designed to stand out in the market. Our approach combines data-driven design strategies with a focus on maximizing amenities to ensure a seamless blend of functionality and luxury. Each property is meticulously transformed to provide an elevated guest experience, featuring unique and thoughtful touches that create memorable "wow" moments. Our goal is to craft spaces that not only meet but exceed expectations, leaving guests with unforgettable memories and a desire to return.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an STR host?
A: Our favorite part of being a short-term rental host is the privilege of crossing paths with so many incredible people and becoming part of their special moments. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, reuniting with loved ones, or simply finding a peaceful retreat, we’ve witnessed emotions ranging from tears of joy to heartfelt happiness. Being able to provide a space that contributes to these experiences is deeply fulfilling and reminds us of the meaningful impact of what we do.
Q: If you could shout one thing from the rooftops to other STR hosts getting started, what would it be?
A: Start now! Stop overthinking and overanalyzing
Q: Are there any specific items in your properties guests seem to always notice or ask about?
A: Our extensive kitchen kit! We get a lot of compliments on the thoughtful design.
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands?
A:
- Crate and Barrel
- Wayfair (We source about 70% from here!)
Q: How has Minoan helped you with your short-term rentals?
A: Minoan has been a game-changer for our short-term rentals. The exclusive discounts have significantly optimized our budget, allowing us to invest in high-quality furnishings and amenities without compromising on cost. Additionally, the convenience of a one-stop shop has streamlined our procurement process, saving us valuable time and ensuring that our properties are outfitted efficiently and beautifully.
Q: What’s your favorite thing about Minoan?
A: Minoan is always open to feedback and eager to improve. It’s been a great collaboration, and we’re excited to see how it continues to evolve!
Q: What's one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you first started setting up your STRs? Any other tips for fellow hosts?
A: Always put yourself in the guest's shoes when designing and setting up your property.
Q: What is your most rewarding experience or memory as a host?
A: One of our most rewarding experiences was welcoming the original owner of a property we had recently purchased and transformed. She had owned the home in the 1970s and returned after 40 years. She found us on Airbnb and booked the home for a family reunion, returning to the very place where her journey began and her family’s story unfolded.
Seeing her reconnect with the space – now reimagined yet still holding its essence – was incredibly heartwarming and unforgettable. It reminded us of the deep emotional connections homes can hold and the privilege of creating spaces that honor those memories while giving them new life.
Want to save on outfitting thoughtful, successful short-term rentals like Ishita? Sign up for Minoan for free today.