Author: Adam Knight

With 25+ years in luxury hotels and vacation rentals, Adam has led operations for brands like Fairmont and St. Regis and built high-performing hospitality businesses from the ground up. Today, as Founder & CEO of Recreation Stays, he brings that same expertise to helping owners unlock maximum returns while delivering five-star guest experiences. He’s also the host of The Proven Principles Hospitality Podcast, where industry leaders share what works in modern hospitality, and was recently recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful People in US Hospitality.

How Much Does Vacation Rental Management Cost?

Owners ask this first because it determines everything else. The problem: fee structures look similar on the surface but behave very differently in practice. This...

Evolve vs Recreation Stays - Vacation Rental Management

Evolve vs Recreation Stays: Which Vacation Rental Manager Is Better for Premium Homes in Seattle, Napa, Sonoma, and Bend?

Choosing a manager for a high-value vacation home is not just about who can list your property. It is about who can protect the asset, drive five-star reviews, and...

The Complete Guide to Seattle Vacation Rental Management

Complete Guide to Vacation Rental Management in Seattle

Seattle is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most dynamic hospitality markets: strong year-round demand drivers (tech, healthcare, sports, cruise traffic), pronounced...

Vacasa vs. Recreation Stays: Why Boutique Vacation Rental Management Wins in Seattle, Napa, Sonoma, and Bend

Choosing the right vacation rental management company has a direct impact on your bottom line, guest satisfaction, and peace of mind. Vacasa is the largest operator...

The Airbnb-Hotel Hybrid Model Is the Future. Here’s What It Really Means

The hospitality industry is at a crossroads. Traditional hotels are being squeezed by rising labor costs, changing traveler expectations, and capital markets...

Revenue Killers You Can’t See in Airbnb’s Dashboard

Your listing looks fine. Your calendar’s full. So why are you leaving $30K on the table? The vacation rental industry has evolved dramatically over the past...

Hotel Mindset vs Host Mindset in Luxury Vacation Rentals

Why Luxury Vacation Rentals Need a Hotel Mindset, Not a Host Mindset

At a Four Seasons, your favorite wine is waiting in the fridge. At an Airbnb, you’re lucky if the fridge is clean. That’s the difference between a hotel...

The Recreation Guarantee - 5 star guest reviews guaranteed or you don't pay

The Recreation Guarantee: Why We Put Our Management Fee on the Line to Protect 5-Star Guest Experiences

Most vacation rental managers talk about guest satisfaction. We tie our management fee to it. At Recreation Stays, if we don’t earn a 5-star review from your...

Is Your Home Really Worth $1,000 a Night? The Pricing Mistake That’s Costing Luxury Owners Thousands

Beautiful Home, Bad Pricing: The $1,000/Night Myth You’ve invested in premium finishes, curated designer furniture, and created an Instagram-worthy space. Your...

The Hidden Costs of Low-Quality Guest Experiences: Why 4.7 Stars Isn’t Good Enough for Luxury Properties

In luxury hospitality, “almost perfect” doesn’t cut it. I spent years managing guest experiences in luxury hotels and saw how minor lapses—an inconsistent shower, a...

Luxury in the Off-Season: How to Maintain Premium Rates Year-Round

When I was managing luxury hotels, we had a saying: “Peak season is easy money. The real pros make it year-round.” This principle is even more...

Tier 1 Home - vacation rental management

What Makes a Property a Tier 1 Vacation Rental—And Why It Matters

Not all vacation rentals are created equal. Two properties with identical bedroom counts in the same general area can have wildly different financial outcomes. One...

How to Know When It’s Time to Stop Managing Your Airbnb Yourself

The Tipping Point: When Self-Managing Your Luxury Vacation Rental No Longer Makes Sense I love “go-live” day for our clients. Whether it’s their...

a white counter with a light from the ceiling

Self-Service Hotels: Do Guests Really Want No Staff?

February 5, 2025
Adam Knight
Hotel Management, Blog

The Rise of Self-Service Hotels Imagine arriving at a hotel after a long flight. Instead of waiting in line for check-in, you scan a QR code, unlock your room with...

Is Traditional Hotel Management Dying? The Rise of Lean Hospitality

February 5, 2025
Adam Knight
Hotel Management, Blog

The Hotel Industry is at a Crossroads Traditional hotel management is facing serious challenges. Rising labor costs, ongoing staffing shortages, and shifting guest...

How Boutique Hotels Can Compete with Short-Term Rentals

February 5, 2025
Adam Knight
Hotel Management, Blog

The Battle for Bookings Boutique hotels are facing increasing competition from short-term rentals (STRs) like Airbnb and Vrbo. But are they really at a...

a group of beds with a view of mountains in the background

What is the Airbnb-Hotel Hybrid Model & Why Is It Growing?

February 5, 2025
Adam Knight
Hotel Management, Blog

The Hotel vs. Airbnb Debate is Over A guest once told me, “I love Airbnbs for the space, but I miss the reliability of hotels.” That stuck with me. If...

Vibrant spring flowers in Seattle, epitomizing the beauty of Spring in Seattle, perfect for guests staying at our Seattle vacation rentals to explore and enjoy.

Top 10 Things to Do in Spring in Seattle: Embrace the Season’s Charm

March 27, 2024
Adam Knight
Blog, Seattle

Spring in Seattle is a season of renewal and vibrant energy, as the city awakens with blooming flowers and longer days. Whether you’re a local or planning a...

Law books on Seattle's short-term rental regulations, representing the legal complexities in Seattle Airbnb management, guided by Recreation Vacation Rentals

Navigating Seattle’s Short-Term Rental Regulations: A Homeowner’s Guide

Managing a short-term rental or Airbnb in Seattle comes with its own set of challenges, particularly when it comes to navigating the complex web of local...

Luxury Seattle vacation rental home, embodying elegance and comfort, managed by Recreation Vacation Rentals, showcasing excellence in Seattle Airbnb management.

Maximizing Your Income: Advanced Strategies for Seattle Airbnb Management

In the thriving city of Seattle, Airbnb properties represent a significant opportunity for homeowners to generate substantial income. Effective management of these...

Person pouring a craft beer in Seattle, capturing the essence of the city's vibrant brewery culture, perfect for guests of Seattle vacation rentals.

Top 10 Must-Visit Breweries in Seattle: A Beer Lover’s Guide (In Our Opinion)

February 14, 2024
Adam Knight
Seattle, Blog

Seattle, renowned for its vibrant culture and iconic skyline, is also a paradise for craft beer enthusiasts. For those planning a visit or looking into Seattle...

buildings and tourist site to see in Seattle

The Ultimate Guide to Seattle Vacation Rental Management: Tips and Best Practices

Navigating the world of vacation rental management in Seattle can be both challenging and rewarding. With its vibrant culture, stunning natural scenery, and a steady...

View of Pike Place Market, showcasing summer in Seattle where our Seattle vacation rental management expertise enhances property potential.

Top 10 Unforgettable Activities For Summer in Seattle: Your Ultimate Guide to Sunshine and Fun

January 17, 2024
Adam Knight
Seattle, Blog

As the summer in Seattle season begins, the city blossoms into a lively center of outdoor adventures, cultural celebrations, and waterfront excitement. Surrounded by...

Elegant living room in a luxury Seattle home, exemplifying the high-standard interiors managed by Recreation Vacation Rentals, showcasing our expertise in Seattle vacation rental management.

Transforming Your Seattle Property into a High-Demand Vacation Rental

In the bustling city of Seattle, the vacation rental market is as competitive as it is lucrative. Transforming your property into a sought-after short-term rental...

January 15, 2026

Positive: Great location, clean and convenient. Negative: Our room was right above the outside area and it was load until about 11pm. It kept us awake when we had to get up early the next morning. We will stay here again, as we really like it, but will request a room away from that outside area. We were in room 204

Queen Room

January 13, 2026

The views are amazing, the house is cozy and beautifully designed, and the host is very responsive and kind.

King Beds | Dogs OK | 15 min to World Cup Games

January 5, 2026

This was an amazing place for our staycation. The property is great and so close to the beach. We really enjoyed our stay here and would love to come back again some day.

Family Friendly | Near Beach | Hot Tub | Game Room

Nice quiet neighborhood but close to all the restaurants and shops on California street. Lovely deck and outdoor space. Two of the three bedrooms are small and dark in the basement. Little bit of a funky layout that you have to walk through the bathroom to get to the master bedroom and this is the only bathroom on main living area.

Sunset Views | Dogs OK | 15 min to World Cup Games

January 4, 2026

Our stay was great can’t wait to book and stay again

One Sky Loft | Bi-Level Suite, King Bed

January 3, 2026

Positive: Super tout est parfait revoir juste la pression de l’eau pour les douches, mais nous sommes ravi de ce lieux a proximité de tout et bien sûr de appartement superbe Negative: La douche car pas de pression

Near Space Needle, DT | 10 min to World Cup Games

January 2, 2026

We had a wonderful time at this beautiful place. It was very functional for us since we were visiting family in the North Beach neighborhood (not a central location in Seattle, therefore somewhat overpriced). We enjoyed the nice internal space, heated bathroom floors, and outside deck overlooking the ravene. Communication was effecive and helpful. Thank you!

Family-Friendly | 20 min to World Cup Games

This beautifully designed home feels more like a lovely guesthouse than a typical Airbnb. The neighborhood is quiet and calm. We felt so at home here! The bedrooms have comfy king-sized beds, ample closets/dressers, air purifiers, and views of either the Sound or the spacious backyard. We really enjoyed cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, and it was a highlight of every day to sit down for meals in front of that beautiful view of Puget Sound. Great coffee & breakfast are within walking distance at the Birdhouse, and a short drive takes you to the Vashon ferry, Lincoln park, & a little further on, to Alki Beach. Whole Foods & Trader Joe’s (not to mention Safeway, etc.) are a few minutes away. Downtown Seattle is a nice 20-30 minute drive. And if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll catch sight of the hummingbird that visits the tree in the front yard around 8:30 every morning. Highly recommend!

January 1, 2026

Great place

Sauna/Gym | Near Beach | 20 min to World Cup Games

December 31, 2025

Positive: The location. Bed was very comfortable and very clean. Like the speak easy Negative: Could not adjust wall unit in bedroom. No control for it

1 Bedroom Suite, King Bed