Surfing Success with Hostaway: The Transformation of Serendipity Anna Maria

When Rick and Lyn Puskas stumbled upon a charming little cottage on Anna Maria Island in 2012, they had no idea it would spark a thriving vacation rental business. Serendipity Anna Maria's success today is the result of their vision, hard work, and a little help from Hostaway.

Serendipity Anna Maria Bio

• Founded: 2012

• Headquarters: Anna Maria, Florida, USA

• Listings: 15

• Locations: Anna Maria Island, Florida

• Employees: Family-run operation, plus additional cleaning and maintenance staff

• Started with Hostaway: December 2022

Sandy Dreams Blossom into Sunny Realities

Rick and Lyn’s love for the ocean filled their happiest memories. Their passion led them to Anna Maria Island, where they found a dream cottage with whitewashed walls, wooden floors, and breathtaking ocean views. 

They named it "Serendipity" after the happy accident that brought them there. One evening, while watching the sunset, Lyn asked, "What if we could share this paradise with others?" The answer was clear.

The Birth of Serendipity Anna Maria

Thus, Serendipity Anna Maria was born. Rick and Lyn began by renting out their beloved cottage, and word quickly spread about the warm hospitality and cozy comfort it offered. Guests were charmed, and the success of their first rental inspired them to expand.

They built more unique properties, each designed to offer curated experiences, such as beachside yoga sessions and sunset sailing trips. Rick’s passion for customer satisfaction and Lyn’s keen eye for detail became the cornerstone of their growing business, setting the stage for Serendipity Anna Maria to flourish.

What Makes Serendipity Anna Maria Stand Out?

Rick and Lyn Puskas are the heart of Serendipity Anna Maria. Rick’s “Rock and Roll” past and people-loving nature aim to make every guest feel like family. His motto? “We want you to become our distant cousins.” Lyn, with her keen eye for detail and love of architecture, designs their unique properties.

Their mission: unforgettable experiences with thoughtful design and a caring touch. 

Serendipity Anna Maria is more than a stay; it’s a community. Guests love the warm, family-like atmosphere and attention to detail. With street-legal golf carts and paddleboards, they provide everything for a perfect beach getaway.

Their Winning Philosophy

At Serendipity Anna Maria, Rick and Lyn live by the philosophy, “Bring your clothes, and we supply the rest.” Their all-inclusive approach ensures that every stay is effortless and enjoyable. The core values of Serendipity Anna Maria are embodied in the acronym “CARE”: Customers First, a friendly and helpful Attitude, Respect for all clients, and Enjoying life in the process.

Rick and Lyn's personal touch and dedication have transformed Serendipity Anna Maria into more than just a collection of rentals. It’s a place where memories are made, and every stay feels like a serendipitous, happy accident.

Embracing Technology with Hostaway

Managing 15 properties can be challenging, but Hostaway’s vacation rental software has made it seamless for Serendipity Anna Maria. They started using Hostaway in December 2022, and it has been a game-changer since then.

Streamlining operations

Hostaway’s automated messaging features and in-depth financial reports have streamlined their operations. They manage all their properties from a single platform, keeping all calendars synced. This ensures there are no double bookings, and everything runs smoothly.

Introducing upsells

A few months ago, Serendipity Anna Maria started offering upsells to enhance their guests' experience. They began with early check-ins, late check-outs, and added bikes and extra golf carts. These upsells are accessible through the guest portal, making it easy for guests to choose additional services.

They are now generating additional revenue through upsells. The most popular options are early check-ins and late check-outs, which guests appreciate for their flexibility.

Lessons Learned

Rick and Lyn discovered that starting with upsells can significantly boost revenue. They initially offered early check-ins and late check-outs, then expanded to include bikes and extra golf carts. Their advice to other property managers? Don’t hesitate to start upselling. These additional services now bring in an extra $300 to $1,000 per reservation, making a noticeable impact on their bottom line.

On the Horizon

Serendipity Anna Maria continues to thrive, thanks in part to Hostaway. The software has not only made property management easier but also contributed to their growth. As they look to the future, Rick and Lyn plan to continue expanding their offerings and enhancing their guests’ experience.

Why Choose Hostaway?

For vacation rental managers, Rick and Lyn swear by Hostaway. Its robust features—calendar management, bookings, housekeeping, tasks, reviews, and financial reports—are game-changers. The intuitive, user-friendly interface makes it a breeze to use.

Hostaway's commitment to growth and innovation means constant updates and new features, ensuring managers always have the best tools to succeed.

The Last Wave

From one charming cottage to a thriving vacation rental business, Serendipity Anna Maria's journey is truly inspiring. Rick and Lyn’s vision, hard work, and the right tools have made it all possible. Hostaway has been key, offering the technology and support they need to manage their properties and deliver amazing guest experiences.

If you're a property manager or Airbnb host looking to level up, give Hostaway a try. It could be the game-changer you need, just like it was for Serendipity Anna Maria.