The Boostly Podcast: Episode Summary

Title: This OTA Alternative Is Saving Guests Thousands — Meet Savvy.com
Host: Mark Simpson
Guest: Eric, Founder and CEO of Savvy.com
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Boostly Podcast, host Mark Simpson is joined by Liam Carolan to delve into the innovative world of Savvy.com, a new platform aiming to revolutionize the vacation rental industry by eliminating hefty fees commonly associated with OTAs like Airbnb and VRBO. Eric, the founder and CEO of Savvy.com, shares his extensive experience in hospitality and outlines how Savvy.com seeks to empower both hosts and travelers by fostering direct bookings without the traditional financial burdens.

Savvy.com: An Overview

Eric's Background and Motivation

Eric opens the discussion by detailing his three-decade-long journey in the hospitality industry. He has been instrumental in founding and scaling multiple successful ventures:

• Bedandbreakfast.com: Launched in the early days of the internet, it became the largest resource for B&B information, introducing the first central reservation system distributed to major players like Expedia and Travelocity. Sold to HomeAway in 2010, which Expedia later acquired in 2015.

• Turnkey Vacation Rentals: A technology-enabled national branded property management company, which grew to become the second-largest in North America before being acquired by Vacasa in 2021.

• Boutique Inn Ownership: Since 2012, Eric has owned and expanded a boutique inn near Austin, Texas, enhancing its reputation on platforms like TripAdvisor and Google.

Eric explains that his extensive experience has fueled his passion for improving the hospitality sector, particularly addressing the growing frustration with high fees imposed by existing OTAs.

Key Quote:

"I've been pretty squarely in hospitality for 30 years. I'm the old guy on the block now, but I love hospitality. I love what it stands for." [00:57]

Identifying the Problem with Current OTAs

Escalating Fees and Their Impact

Eric articulates the primary pain points with current OTAs: excessive fees that erode both host profits and traveler savings. He draws parallels with rising gratuity demands in the service industry, emphasizing the unsustainable financial burden on consumers.

Real-Life Frustration:

"I tried to book a property in Seaside, Florida for $400 a night. I expected $2,000 to $2,700 for a four-night stay with all fees, which I found ridiculous." [05:05]

This personal experience was the tipping point for Eric, motivating him to create a solution that eliminates these fees and fosters direct interactions between hosts and guests.

Introducing Savvy.com

How Savvy.com Differentiates Itself

Savvy.com is positioned as an OTA alternative that enables direct bookings without the usual commission and service fees. The platform leverages an ad-based model where professional hosts can list their properties for free and opt for premium listings through a low monthly subscription.

Unique Features:

• Price Comparison Tool: Allows travelers to see the cost difference between booking directly on Savvy.com versus traditional OTAs, highlighting significant savings.

• Professional Hosts: Only properties managed by professional, full-time hosts are listed, ensuring consistency and reliability in guest experiences.

Key Quote:

"We want to make it easy for travelers to find professionally hosted properties and do it for a lot less money." [04:35]

Operational Model and Benefits

Free Listings and Premium Upgrades

Savvy.com's foundational model allows hosts to list properties at no cost, reducing the barrier to entry. Hosts can then choose to upgrade for enhanced visibility without incurring per-booking fees.

Host-Centric Approach:

"We want the traveler to keep more of the money so they can have a better travel experience and the host to keep more of the money so they can have a successful business." [10:45]

Traveler-Centric Approach:

"On average, travelers are saving 15 to 20%, allowing them to travel more often or upgrade their stays." [17:28]

Key Quote:

"It's a win for the traveler and it's a win for the host." [17:28]

Target Audience and Market Positioning

Savvy Travelers and Professional Hosts

Savvy.com aims to attract discerning travelers who prioritize value and reliability, alongside professional hosts committed to delivering exceptional hospitality.

Characteristics of Savvy Travelers:

• Value-conscious
• Seek reliable and consistent experiences
• Interested in saving money to enhance their travel experiences

Professional Hosts:

• Full-time property managers
• Committed to maintaining high standards and consistent guest experiences
• Benefit from increased direct bookings without excessive fees

Key Quote:

"Savvy travelers are going to be the ones that feel like you do. People that are smart and value their money." [22:26]

Industry Trends and Future Outlook

Consolidation and Professionalization

Eric predicts continued consolidation in the vacation rental market, with larger companies merging to create efficiencies and expand their geographic reach. He anticipates a growing emphasis on direct bookings, driven by platforms like Savvy.com that offer enhanced cost savings and superior hospitality standards.

Emerging Trends:

• Increased emphasis on wellness and unique travel experiences
• Growth in niche, branded property types
• Expansion of professional property management services

Occupancy Challenges:

"Occupancies are down in Austin because there's so much more inventory." [29:47]

Despite these challenges, Eric remains optimistic about the resilience and evolution of the hospitality industry.

Challenges and Overcoming Them

Building a Strong Team and Securing Funding

Eric highlights the critical importance of assembling a competent team with industry expertise and the challenges associated with raising capital. His seasoned background and industry relationships have been instrumental in overcoming these hurdles.

Key Challenges:

• Recruiting experienced, passionate team members
• Navigating the complexities of fundraising and investment

Key Quote:

"People invest in people. So yeah, the idea is important, but people are betting on you that you can deliver." [28:42]

The Savvy.com Advantage

Direct Booking Benefits for Hosts and Travelers

Savvy.com's direct booking model ensures that transactions are processed by hosts, maintaining the integrity of direct relationships. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the quality of guest experiences through reliable and professional management.

Key Features:

• Merchant of Record: Hosts maintain control over their transactions.
• Secure Reservation Process: Travel information and payments are securely handled through property management software.
• OTA Alternative: Positioned as "OTA 2.0," Savvy.com offers a cleaner user experience with direct benefits to both hosts and travelers.

Key Quote:

"It's a booked direct reservation. The host is the merchant of record." [17:28]

Getting Involved with Savvy.com

How Hosts and Travelers Can Engage

• Hosts: Can list properties for free and opt for premium listings based on their needs and seasonal demand.
• Travelers: Can enjoy substantial savings and a streamlined booking experience by choosing Savvy.com over traditional OTAs.

Expansion Plans:

"We're in North America only. Our plan is to roll into international markets, starting with Western Europe in Q4." [33:06]

Final Thoughts and Advice

Eric’s Mantra for Success

Eric concludes with a heartfelt philosophy centered around creating meaningful connections through hospitality. His drive stems from a passion for fostering memorable experiences for friends and family, positioning business success as a means to enhance these relationships.

Key Quote:

"As long as you have the reason for why you're doing what you're doing, that'll keep you going." [34:37]

Conclusion

This episode of The Boostly Podcast offers a comprehensive look into Savvy.com’s mission to transform the vacation rental landscape by eliminating unnecessary fees and promoting direct bookings. With Eric’s wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future, Savvy.com stands poised to become a significant player in the hospitality industry, benefiting both hosts and travelers alike.

For more information about Savvy.com, visit savvy.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Introduction to Eric's Experience:
  "I've been pretty squarely in hospitality for 30 years. I'm the old guy on the block now, but I love hospitality." [00:57]

• Frustration with OTA Fees:
  "I tried to book a property in Seaside, Florida for $400 a night... I just thought, this is ridiculous." [05:05]

• Savvy.com's Mission:
  "We want to make it easy for travelers to find professionally hosted properties and do it for a lot less money." [04:35]

• Traveler Savings:
  "On average, travelers are saving 15 to 20%, allowing them to travel more often or upgrade their stays." [17:28]

• Direct Booking Philosophy:
  "It's a win for the traveler and it's a win for the host." [17:28]

• Target Audience Insight:
  "Savvy travelers are going to be the ones that feel like you do. People that are smart and value their money." [22:26]

• Industry Outlook:
  "Occupancies are down in Austin because there's so much more inventory." [29:47]

• Building Trust and Team:
  "People invest in people. So yeah, the idea is important, but people are betting on you that you can deliver." [28:42]

• Final Mantra:
  "As long as you have the reason for why you're doing what you're doing, that'll keep you going." [34:37]

By providing a platform that emphasizes direct interactions and cost savings, Savvy.com is setting a new standard for vacation rentals, aligning perfectly with the ethos of The Boostly Podcast to empower hosts with the tools and strategies needed for success.