OCTOBER 28, 2025
#156 Unreasonable Hospitality: How Candice Menard Is Transforming the Short-Term Rental Experience
What if standing out in the short-term rental industry isn’t just about the property—but the experience you create?
In a world where guests are flooded with options, unreasonable hospitality has become the secret ingredient that sets extraordinary hosts apart from the rest. And no one embodies this better than Candice Menard, the visionary behind Rent It Like a Saint.
Candice’s story is a masterclass in how to blend heart, strategy, and storytelling to elevate your brand—and create the kind of experiences guests can’t stop talking about.
From Property Manager to Purpose-Driven Host
Candice didn’t start out planning to revolutionize hospitality. She began in long-term property management, where she quickly realized that something was missing: connection. The transactional nature of traditional rentals didn’t light her up, so she took a leap into short-term rentals—and found her passion in crafting meaningful guest experiences.
That shift changed everything. By focusing on unreasonable hospitality, Candice created homes that didn’t just welcome guests but wrapped them in warmth and intentionality from the moment they arrived.
What “Unreasonable Hospitality” Really Means
At its core, unreasonable hospitality is about going above and beyond—creating moments of delight that your guests never forget.
Candice shares that it’s not about perfection or luxury; it’s about personalization and presence. It’s anticipating what your guests need before they even ask. It’s remembering that a family with kids might need a few extra snacks for bedtime or that a traveling nurse could use blackout curtains and a handwritten note of encouragement.
These small details create emotional connection—and that’s where true loyalty begins.
Turning Guests Into Raving Fans Through Experience
With Rent It Like a Saint and her complementary travel service Travel Like a Saint, Candice has built a brand rooted in care, connection, and creativity.
Her secret? A thoughtful blend of technology and personal touch.
From AI-assisted communication that ensures quick, friendly responses, to local partnerships that provide guests with curated experiences, Candice has mastered the art of scaling hospitality without losing the human touch.
And the results speak for themselves: repeat guests, glowing reviews, and a brand reputation that stands out in a crowded market.
Building a Brand That Serves with Heart
Candice’s approach goes beyond aesthetics—it’s about intentional service. She knows that design and comfort matter, but it’s the energy behind the experience that keeps guests coming back.
She’s built her company around the belief that when you lead with generosity, purpose, and authenticity, your business becomes unstoppable.
Her philosophy aligns beautifully with Will Guidara’s bestselling book Unreasonable Hospitality—a must-read for anyone who wants to turn everyday interactions into extraordinary moments. (You can learn more about Guidara’s work here).
Why Unreasonable Hospitality Matters Now More Than Ever
In today’s world, travelers crave more than convenience—they crave connection. As short-term rental hosts, embracing unreasonable hospitality isn’t just good for your guests—it’s a business strategy that drives growth, loyalty, and profitability.
When you focus on creating unforgettable experiences, you build a brand that people trust, remember, and share.
So whether you’re managing one property or twenty, take a page from Candice Menard’s playbook: make your guests feel seen, valued, and genuinely cared for.
Because in the end, that’s what hospitality is all about.
HIGHLIGHTS AND KEY POINTS:
[01:00] A short introduction about our guest Candice Menard and how did she get into short-term rental business
[02:57] Candice’s approach to embracing unreasonable hospitality and gaining clarity on her ideal guest to elevate the guest experience
[06:24] Candice talks about how an unexpected Airbnb booking helped her discover her ideal guests and shape the future direction of her rental business
[08:42] How Candice brings “unreasonable hospitality” to life by anticipating guest needs through fast communication, personalization, and gratitude
[12:33] Candice explains how she blends AI with human communication to deliver efficient yet personal guest experiences
[15:43] How the idea of “unreasonable hospitality” inspired Candice to expand from Rent It Like a Saint into a full travel service with Travel Like a Saint
[18:35] Candice explains how she promotes Travel Like a Saint across multiple channels and the enthusiastic feedback she’s received from guests
[20:33] Candice details the foundational systems she built within Rent It Like a Saint to free up her time and focus for launching Travel Like a Saint
[23:23] How Candice’ involvement in the Louisiana Travel Summit unexpectedly turned into an opportunity to build stronger ties within her local community
[28:06] Candice offers thoughtful, grounded advice for anyone who wants to infuse the spirit of “unreasonable hospitality” into their business
[32:00] The lightning round
Golden Nuggets:
- “Providing excellent world class customer service is the best way to get those five star reviews.”
- “The most valuable asset you can have in your hosting arsenal is your speed of communications.”
- “Relationships are where referrals come from.”
- “What’s important to you, what’s important to your guests, find your who’s that can make that connection to get your puzzle piece complete. And then, just continue learning and continue making improvements to whatever you are providing.”
- “It’s so important to offer the things that really light you up internally, because that energy is going to come through to your guests. It’s going to naturally and organically grow your business, instead of you putting a square peg into a round hole.”
- “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger; it teaches you how to be resilient and come back.”
Let’s Connect!
Website: https://book.travellikeasaint.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/travellikeasaint/
https://www.instagram.com/rentitlikeasaint/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574784428438
https://www.facebook.com/RentItLikeASaint
Did you enjoy the episode? Don’t forget to Subscribe, Rate, Review, Like, and Share!
FOLLOW ME ON
Hey, you!
If you’re a fan of my show, I want to say THANK YOU. Seriously, from the bottom of my heart – I couldn’t do this without you.
There’s one thing that would make me even more thankful – having your support through ratings and reviews on your preferred podcast player.
This helps me reach more people (just like you) who are eager to achieve their STR goals and dreams.
It’s super easy – just click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, please follow the podcast.
I’ll be adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out!
Thanks again, sister – and cheers to your STR success!
0 Comments