Meet the Author - Suzy Turnbull
My Story
Hello, I’m Suzy, a former 5-star short-term rental host, entrepreneur, marketing strategist and author of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple.
Suzy Turnbull – Author of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple
My Backstory
Before I ever became a host, life took me on a journey that taught me a great deal about people, places, and what truly makes a place feel like home.
I’m British by birth, and more than 30 years ago, I left England to follow my husband’s international career. We’ve lived in four countries, on three continents and back in Europe, we now call Portugal home. Along the way, we raised two children while I built and ran my own businesses.
Living and working across cultures taught me adaptability, communication, and cultural awareness. Most importantly, it gave me a deep appreciation for what makes a place feel like a home away from home: comfort, trust, thoughtful attention to detail and true hospitality.
Those experiences became the foundation of my approach to short-term rental hosting—and ultimately, the inspiration behind this book.
My Professional Background
My professional background was always firmly rooted in marketing. I hold a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing from the IDM in London. More recently I’ve studied AI for marketing. I’m a Level 1 AI Marketer, specializing in the practical, strategic use of generative AI tools to help small business owners work smarter.
Why I wrote 5-Star Hosting Made Simple
When I first started hosting, I searched for a book that could guide me through the short-term rental business in a clear, practical way. I couldn’t find one.
So I learned by doing — running my own short-term rental, paying close attention to what worked, and drawing on the best experiences I’d had over the years as a guest. I listened to podcasts, read blog posts, and followed other hosts as they shared their experiences online.
Some of the commonly asked questions I received were: “How do you do what you do?”
“How can I achieve the same success?”
“Where do I even start?”
Now, the answers are all in one place — right here in this book.
5-Star Hosting Made Simple is a compilation of real experience and practical guidance on how to run a successful 5-star hosting business in today’s world.
Where our Hosting Journey Began
Becoming a 5-star Host
More than a decade after purchasing our weekend home in Buenaventura, a golf and beach resort on Panama’s Pacific Coast, we made the decision to step into short-term rental hosting.
With years of international travel behind us, and a clear understanding of what makes a stay truly memorable, my husband and I focused on creating a home that felt comfortable, thoughtful, and genuinely welcoming, rather than simply “well equipped.”
After the pandemic, we shifted from a part-time side earner to a full-time hosting business. We elevated our offering, expanded our amenities, and created an atmosphere of heartfelt hospitality that kept guests returning again and again. And we named and branded our property “Villa Ibis”.
Within a very short time, we earned both Airbnb Superhost and Vrbo Premier Host status. Also on Airbnb, our property was in the top 1% of properties in Buenaventura.
In our final year— 82% of all bookings came direct, supported by glowing 5-star Google reviews.
What I learned through that experience is that success in short-term rentals is built on genuine hospitality: creating a beautiful space, paying attention to the details, and delivering a memorable stay.
Check out a small selection of the lovely reviews we received (below).
Our Villa Ibis Guest Reviews
Nothing validates a hosting philosophy more than the words of the guests themselves.
Here are a few excerpts from verified guest reviews at our former short-term rental home, Villa Ibis, in Panama.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Suzy and Laurence are hosts as I´ve never met before. They dedicate special attention to every detail in their property and make sure their guests understand how to properly have the greatest time possible. The house is beautiful and flawless. They even left a red wine bottle and ammenities for us to enjoy. 5 stars and a big thank you for them.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“Suzy was far and above the best host I have ever dealt with. From thoughtful recommendations to personally calling us to suggest an alternative route due to unexpected traffic—this level of care is rare. The home was even better than advertised, and the welcome package was such a lovely touch. AMAZING.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“From the moment we arrived, we felt right at home. The house is beautifully designed, spacious, and extremely comfortable—perfect for families. Communication was flawless, with what I can only describe as British precision. Bottom line: we loved it and can’t wait to return.”
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
“This was one of the best vacation home experiences we’ve had anywhere in the US or Europe. What stood out most was the communication and local knowledge Suzy and Laurence shared—from trusted drivers to local tips that genuinely saved our trip. This wasn’t just a place to stay; it was an experience.”
Events
I’d love to meet you in person and talk through your hosting challenges.
Join me in London in April at one of these upcoming events.
April 21st, 2026
Eastcheap Records,
20 Eastcheap, London, EC3, England
@ 7:00pm – 10:00pm
STAA SHORT STAY SUMMIT - ICE BREAKER & BOOK SIGNING
Join fellow property owners and managers for a free networking icebreaker ahead of the Short Stay Summit. I’ll be giving away a limited number of signed copies of 5-Star Hosting Made Simple during the book signing — first come, first served.
April 22nd, 2026
Old Billingsgate, London, England
@ 9:00am – 6:00pm
STAA - SHORT STAY, ONE DAY SUMMIT 2026
The STAA Short Stay Summit is a key industry event for short-term rental professionals, with expert speakers and practical sessions, covering operations, marketing, technology, and the future of the sector. It’s for property owners, managers, and industry partners.
April 23rd, 2026
Royal Overseas League,
6 Park Place, St James’s,
London, England
@ 10:00am – 4:00pm
HOST PLANET ROADSHOW, LONDON, 2026
The HOST PLANET roadshow event
