Curate local experiences for your guests with Mount (Ep 607)
Summary
This podcast episode introduces Mount, a platform that helps hosts curate and offer local experiences to their guests, similar to a personalized Amazon shop. Hosts can create a mini-marketplace with curated recommendations, earning 10% commission on bookings, which can help differentiate their listings in a competitive market.
Key Insights
- •Travelers are avoiding platforms like TripAdvisor and Viator because they perceive them as tourist traps, and are still looking for personalized recommendations.
- •Travelers are increasingly starting their trip planning by deciding what they want to do and then finding a place to stay that facilitates that experience.
- •Hosts can earn 10% commission on bookings made through their curated marketplace on Mount.
Action Items
- ✓Consider using Mount to create a curated list of local experiences and provide a personalized experience for guests.Effort: lowImpact: medium
- ✓If you are in a market where Mount does not have local vendors, provide Mount with a wish list of local vendors in your area.Effort: mediumImpact: medium
Tools & Resources
- →Viator, Airbnb experiences: Viator and Airbnb experiences are mentioned as potential alternatives.
- →Mount: Mount is a platform for hosts to curate local experiences.
Related News

The Next Chapter of Flexible Work Looks More Like Hospitality Than Real Estate
This article discusses a shift in the flexible workspace market, emphasizing hospitality over real estate. For STR hosts, this suggests the importance of providing exceptional guest experiences, such as personalized touches, to foster positive word-of-mouth and repeat bookings.

Why Travel’s Biggest Brands Are Becoming Dangerously Boring
This article discusses the trend of travel brands becoming less distinctive and more generic. While not directly about STRs, it highlights the importance of creating a unique brand identity and guest experience to stand out in a competitive market.

Rove Bets on the ‘Hotelization’ of Workspaces with Its New ‘HQ by Rove’ Concept
This article discusses the "hotelization" trend in commercial real estate, where office spaces are designed with hotel-like amenities and services. The HQ by Rove concept in Dubai is highlighted as a model that integrates hospitality principles into workspaces, offering flexibility, wellness-focused design, and community-building features. Hosts can consider this as a source of design/amenity inspiration and a signal of changing guest expectations.
14 Upgrades to Make Your Vacation Rental Stand Out This Winter
This article from Lodgify highlights upgrades to make your vacation rental stand out this winter, aiming to help hosts differentiate their properties. Hosts should consider the suggested improvements to enhance their marketing and attract more bookings during the winter season.