From a Blue Ridge Cabin to Nationwide Co-Hosting: How Ridge Stays Scales with Hospitable
Welcome to Hospitable’s Host Case Study Series. In our case studies, we spotlight inspiring stories from real hosts and property managers. These deep dives show how hosts use Hospitable’s tools to scale smartly, streamline operations, and elevate guest experiences—all while staying true to their hosting vision.
Who?
Alex Tobin, founder of Ridge Stays
Where?
Based in Blue Ridge, Georgia, with properties in Washington, Atlanta, Baltimore, and beyond
Properties managed?
3 personally owned + 18 co-hosted properties across multiple markets
The Challenge: Managing Growth Without Burning Out
When Alex started hosting in 2021, he never imagined the volume of guest communication that would come with it. As he grew from one cabin to managing 20+ properties nationwide, the constant stream of inquiries, check-in questions, and special requests threatened to overwhelm him.
If I hadn’t started using Hospitable, I probably would have had a mental breakdown with all the messages coming in. It would have been impossible to do what I was doing without it.
Alex TobinScaling meant balancing high-quality service with efficiency. Alex needed a solution that could centralize communication, automate repetitive tasks, and empower his growing team to deliver consistent 5-star experiences.
The Hospitable Difference: Automate, Integrate, Scale
1. AI-Powered Guest Messaging & Smart Automations
From booking confirmations to check-in details and checkout reminders, Hospitable’s automated messaging saves Alex and his team 6–7 hours each week. With built-in AI, replies are accurate, personalized, and delivered instantly—even pulling details like whether a unit has a Keurig or drip coffee maker straight from Ridge Stays’ documentation.
2. Faster Response Times, Higher Review Scores
Since adopting Hospitable, Ridge Stays’ response time improved by nearly 25%, leading to stronger guest satisfaction and reviews. Automatic follow-ups for feedback and review requests ensure no opportunities are missed.
3. Seamless Smart Lock & Cleaning Integrations
Hospitable’s integrations handle everything from automatically generating unique smart lock codes for guests and cleaners to sending alerts when batteries run low. Paired with cleaning integrations, turnovers are smooth, efficient, and stress-free.
4. Efficient Team Collaboration & Property Onboarding
As Ridge Stays expanded, Hospitable made it easy to bring on new owners and staff in minutes. Each team member gets their own login with role-based access, ensuring efficiency without compromising sensitive financial data.
5. Rapid Product Development & Host-Centric Support
Alex highlights Hospitable’s pace of innovation, noting that new features, integrations, and improvements are rolled out weekly. Combined with a responsive support team, it’s clear that Hospitable is built with hosts in mind.
Ridge Stays’ Tips for New Hosts
- Differentiate with details. Photos, thoughtful design, and optimized listings make a big difference in standing out.
- Service matters most. Guests remember fast responses, clear communication, and comfortable spaces.
- Leverage automation early. The sooner you set up tools like Hospitable, the easier it is to scale without losing quality.
- Build a great team. Empower them with the right systems and clear roles to keep operations smooth.
