How FLOHOM’s Unique Houseboat Experience Sailed to Success with Hostaway

When it comes to luxury stays, FLOHOM offers an experience unlike any other. Brian and his team have transformed the idea of a getaway by creating stunning floating retreats that combine elegance with adventure. 

These unique houseboats are more than just a place to stay — they’re the centerpiece of a cutting-edge hospitality business that’s rapidly capturing attention and redefining the short-term rental market.

Company Bio: FLOHOM

• Founded: October 2022

• Headquarters: Maryland, USA

• Locations: Chesapeake Bay Region

• Listings: 5 listings live

• Employees: 3 full-time, plus contractors for operations and construction

• Started with Hostaway: February 2023

Turning a Vision into Reality

In late 2022, Brian Meyer and his team came up with a bold idea to shake up the crowded short-term rental market with luxury houseboats. His vision was simple — create beautifully designed, high-end houseboats that could compete with traditional homes and luxury hotels, offering guests a unique blend of city living and peaceful waterside stays. These houseboats would be docked in urban marinas, giving guests the best of both worlds.

In its first year, FLOHOM’s fleet exceeded all initial rental performance projections, a testament to the concept’s appeal. The luxury floating suites have quickly become a highly sought-after destination, gathering glowing five-star reviews and capturing the hearts of guests celebrating romance and special occasions. FLOHOM’s early success highlights its role as a unique hospitality option that allows guests to enjoy modern, elevated waterfront living, creating memorable stays.

FLOHOM’s Unique Selling Point

What makes FLOHOM special is its unique product and modus operandi. Staying on a luxury houseboat isn’t something you come across every day and that novelty grabs attention right away.

But FLOHOM goes beyond just offering a place to sleep — they’re all about creating unforgettable experiences. Whether it’s having a private chef prepare dinner, enjoying a yoga session or getting an onboard massage, they know how to make each stay truly personal.

What’s really interesting is that many of their guests aren’t tourists, but locals looking for a fresh and unique staycation. With houseboats docked in urban spots like downtown Baltimore, guests get the best of both worlds: the buzz of the city mixed with the calm of being on the water. That winning combo has played a huge role in FLOHOM’s success.

Challenges Before Hostaway

Starting a business like FLOHOM came with its challenges, especially around technology. From the beginning, Brian knew that having a reliable tech setup was key. A seamless direct booking platform that integrated well with their custom WordPress site was essential to their success.

After some research and developer evaluations, Brian found Hostaway. It quickly became the perfect solution, providing the tools and integrations that FLOHOM needed to streamline its operations and enhance the guest experience. Hostaway soon became an essential part of their business, helping them grow efficiently.

Why Hostaway Was the Perfect Fit

Choosing Hostaway wasn’t just about finding a PMS—it was about finding a partner that could grow with FLOHOM. Hostaway’s direct booking engine was key, especially since over 70% of FLOHOM’s bookings come directly from their website, driven by a strong Instagram presence.

Beyond the tech, Hostaway’s customer service sealed the deal. Whenever Brian had a question, help was always quick and reliable—an invaluable resource when scaling a business.

The smooth onboarding process allowed FLOHOM to get up and running fast. Now, Hostaway manages its booking calendar, cleaning teams and guest check-ins, with automation features that simplify daily operations. As FLOHOM grows, Hostaway’s scalability ensures they’re set for the future.

Hostaway’s Impact on FLOHOM

Since switching to Hostaway, FLOHOM has seen some impressive results. Bringing in $135,000 in their first year is a big achievement, especially for a business as unique as theirs. Hostaway has played a major role in making their operations run smoothly, from automating routine tasks to offering tools that can grow with them.

Advice for Aspiring Property Managers

For property managers hoping to follow in FLOHOM’s footsteps, Brian has a few words of advice. First, take the time to really understand your technology. Getting familiar with the features and integrations of your PMS can save you a ton of time and headaches as your business expands.

Second, don’t overlook the power of social media. FLOHOM’s success on Instagram has been a game changer, driving a huge portion of their direct bookings. A strong online presence can truly make a difference in growing your business.

FLOHOM’s Future Growth Plans

Looking ahead, FLOHOM has some exciting plans. Brian envisions expanding to hundreds of luxury houseboats across the U.S. and even internationally. With Hostaway’s ability to grow with them, FLOHOM is ready to scale while still delivering the seamless, high-quality experience guests have come to love.

At its core, FLOHOM’s story is a testament to what can happen when a unique idea meets the right technology and a commitment to exceptional guest experiences. For property managers and hosts, there’s plenty to take away from FLOHOM’s journey—and with a partner like Hostaway, the growth potential is limitless.