Transforming Guest Experience Through AI in Vacation Rentals with Chad Elmore of Inhabit & Justin Dahl of Streamline

In this episode of The Vacation Rental Show: How We Grow , host Lynell Gordon is joined by Chad Elmore , VP of Digital Marketing Services at Inhabit® , and Justin Dahl , Director of Product at Streamline VRS | Vacation Rental Software to explore how AI and innovative technology are transforming guest experiences and operational efficiency in vacation rental management.

Chad Elmore is VP of Digital Marketing Services at Inhabit® Vacation Division, where he leads a team of expert creators, strategists, and developers who empower the vacation industry with innovative software solutions. His experience spans digital strategies for brands of all sizes, from large national campaigns to hyperlocal niche focus markets.

Justin Dahl is entering his 14th year with Streamline, currently heading up their newly formed product team. With years of experience in support and operations, Justin brings deep insights into property manager needs and vendor relationships, focusing on innovation and technological advancement.

This episode is sponsored by Streamline.

The New Reality of Guest Flexibility

Remember when guests booked weeks or months in advance? That world is changing fast. "One of the things that we had to contend with the most this year that I think is going to really drive the strategy for next year is the customers' desire to have maximum flexibility with their booking," shares Chad Elmore. Today's guests are making decisions just 24-48 hours before arrival, and property managers need to be ready.

Why AI Matters Now

"If you don't have a platform that has AI right now, you are behind—not just a little behind, you're a lot behind," Lynell Gordon emphasizes. 

But what does that mean in practice? We're seeing real innovation taking shape: Streamline's new writing assistant helps create compelling property descriptions in minutes, while their virtual assistant "Leo" handles guest inquiries 24/7. Meanwhile, Inhabit's Blue AI is transforming how guests discover and book properties through natural conversations.

Making Technology Feel Human

Here's the challenge: how do you automate without losing that personal touch? As Chad points out, it's about "recapturing online the nice personal touches that they deliver on the phone or in person." Today's AI goes beyond clunky chatbots to create genuine conversations that feel natural and helpful.

Getting Ready for 2025

The numbers tell the story: "We're seeing market research suggesting that 50% of companies or more are going to invest in AI in 2025," reveals Justin Dahl. But it's not just about jumping on the bandwagon. New regulations are emerging – California now requires companies to disclose when you're chatting with AI. Smart property managers are looking for solutions that check all the boxes: efficiency, authenticity, and compliance.

What This Means for You

Ready to embrace AI in your business? Focus on tools that:

• Make flexible booking windows manageable
• Keep guest communication genuine
• Stay ahead of regulations
• Work seamlessly with what you already have

The goal isn't to replace the human touch – it's to enhance it with technology that makes your operation more efficient and your guests happier.

To listen to the full conversation between Lynell, Chad, and Justin on The Vacation Rental Show: How We Grow, follow the links here:

Apple: https://apple.co/41DcP9O

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49YttDj