Ep 58 - Leaving Airbnb Behind: David Speirs on Booking.com, Family Hosting, and Haven Retreats in Adelaide

In this episode, Ray and Silvia are joined by David Speirs, an Adelaide-based property investor and former Airbnb superhost who now runs two short-term rentals as a family business under the Haven Retreats brand. The episode opens with Ray's candid update on joining the Guesty multi-channel platform and the unexpected cash flow trade-offs. David then shares why he walked away from Airbnb entirely in favour of Booking.com and direct bookings, and the lessons he's learned along the way.In This Episode, We Cover: Ray's experience with Guesty: more channels, more exposure, but a slower monthly payout cycle Why David chose Lodgify for direct bookings across Booking.com, Airbnb and VRBO Designing a family home with a self-contained downstairs apartment as a revenue stream Running short-term rentals as a true family operation, with cleaning, hosting and admin shared between siblings and mum Why David left Airbnb despite a 4.9 superhost rating — including the water leak and bar-of-soap reviews that pushed him over the edge How Booking.com compares: fewer reviews, less guest chat, and 90%+ occupancy on his Brighton property The Middleton Shack story: a retro 1960s surf shack, 2,500 Instagram followers, and 20% direct bookings Why David sold the shack along with its website, Instagram and contact database Social media tips: professional photography, rotating image libraries, and targeted paid ads Giving back: $5 from every stay split between Still Aware and Friends of Osprey, the sea eagle conservation charity David chairs Local partnerships, including welcome coffees from Dozy café on Jetty Road, Brighton Future plans for a rural Fleurieu Peninsula property near McLaren Vale — farm stay or wedding venue David's role as an advocate for the Short Term Accommodation Association of Australia The one piece of advice every host should follow: stay in your own property at different times of yearInterview with STRA business owner: David SpeirsDavid Speirs is an Adelaide-based property investor and short-term rental host with a background in politics, law and conservation. After building a family home with a purpose-designed guest apartment and purchasing a property on Jetty Road, Brighton, David became an Airbnb superhost before transitioning entirely to Booking.com and direct bookings under the Haven Retreats brand. He previously co-owned the Middleton Shack on the Fleurieu Peninsula, chairs Friends of Osprey, and is a volunteer advocate for the Short Term Accommodation Association of Australia.Website: havenretreats.com.auInstagram: @havenretreats.adlWhere to stay, hosted by the Superhosts Down Under teamRay's Airbnbs: raymondyee.com.au/airbnbSilvia's Airbnb: airbnb.com/slink/Kpse4K4X