Short-term rental host, Kristen, started out small in this industry. We mean that literally - her first property was a tiny home! Now just over a year into hosting, Kristen is managing two properties and expanding her STR portfolio in the Glacier National Park area.
Explore Polebrige Properties
The Polebridge Penny Tiny House (Montana)
In Vans by the River (Montana)
Q: What inspired you to get into STR hosting?
A: I was privileged enough to make my own tiny house dreams come true, but knew it would be a couple years or more before I was able to enjoy it myself. I absolutely adore the area where I host and wanted to create an affordable, unique getaway for folks.
Q: What's your favorite thing about being an STR host?
A: I’ve made such great connections to my community and beyond! I’ve had past guests offer to come back and help build out things with me as I expand my off-grid property. Being able to hear from my guests that they loved this or that, knowing that I put a lot of thought into it, makes it all worthwhile.
And I absolutely adore being able to design interior spaces, and this has allowed me to bring my visions to life.
Q: What are your biggest pain points as an STR owner?
A: One of my short term rentals is very off the grid. It has been a challenge to fully convey the unique nature of that because it is not an ideal fit for everyone. There’s a balance between being welcoming and open, but also trusting my gut when I feel it would not be a good fit for guests.
It is also a bit of a gamble to allow pets. Since I have 3 dogs myself, it’s hard to not allow pets even though they can cause so much damage and create a bigger cleaning protocol.
Q: How have you tried to differentiate your properties from other STRs - how do you make them stand out?
A: My own personal style is much different than the majority of the STR’s in my area, which is FULL of rentals. I try to reflect a fun, upbeat, unique vibe with the style choices I make in my rentals.
I’m an avid traveler so I like incorporating little touches that I have enjoyed as a guest myself. For both my STR’s I have worked with local coffee roasters to supply guests, partnered with a local business to reduce plastic waste, and I also have pieces from local artists. I mix in elements of who I am rather than trying to appeal to the largest audience possible.
Lastly, I am also a former educator. I try to educate my guests about the area and how to best enjoy it whilst being respectful to their needs and our beautiful natural surroundings.
Q: How has Minoan helped you with your short term rentals?
A: Living in a smaller state with primarily big box stores doesn’t allow for me to find and source what I have in my mind design-wise. I love working with the vendors that Minoan is partnered with from the comfort of my own home. Not to mention, Minoan makes communication so easy with vendors!
Q: What are your favorite Minoan brands?
A: I adore Society 6 for the amount of unique and fun designs they have available. The best thing about that brand is it supports artists. I’ve had many people, guests and friends alike, ask me where I got a product and I get so excited to introduce them to Society 6.
Many people have also not been familiar with Ratio products and it’s been so fun to open their eyes to what a coffee maker can be!
I could go on and on about Minoan brands, but lastly I’d like to highlight Ritual Chocolate. Oftentimes when my guests stay, the area has a fire ban which does not allow a campfire. I love being able to provide them Ritual s’mores chocolates as an alternative to not being able to make them over a fire.
Q: What's one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you first started setting up your STRs?
A: It takes time and it doesn’t have to be perfect from the start. You can add in and delete things as you go and having Minoan as a partner has made that far, far easier for me.
Q: Any other tips for your fellow hosts?
A: Furnishing a STR is expensive, but not spending the money on quality products will come back to bite you in the butt. If you have a limited budget, spend it on bigger items like mattresses, couches and bed frames. The rest you can replace as you go.
Also, being a good host does not mean you do not stick to your boundaries. Sometimes you cannot please a guest no matter how hard you try and that is okay. Decide who your audience is and work backwards to make their stay the absolute best.
Would you like to be featured in our host spotlight series?
Email us at partnerships@minoanexperience.com