The Most Convenient Way to Shop
Houstr seeks to change the short-term rental industry by seamlessly transforming rental properties into immersive retail experiences.
Our Mission
We strive to create mutually rewarding opportunities for hosts, guests, and brands, fostering a dynamic ecosystem that elevates every stay and unlocks new revenue streams.
With innovation, convenience, and collaboration at our core, we aim to redefine the future of hospitality and retail, one property at a time.
How It Started
Houstr began as an eye-opening experience for founder Nick Koenen, an Airbnb Superhost who also happened to own a mattress store. Nick was surprised by the number of guests inquiring about buying the mattress and sheets they slept on—especially considering they were inexpensive Amazon products.
This led him to swap out the budget mattress for a premium one from his own store, offering it to guests at a special discount while still turning a profit. In just the first year, this innovative approach netted an extra $2,000 in revenue and laid the groundwork for Houstr.
Fueled by the belief that hosts are entrepreneurs deserving of wholesale prices on furnishings, Nick expanded Houstr to offer not just products but also services and local experiences. After all, hosts don’t just provide lodging; they create memorable experiences and should be rewarded for the influence and recommendations they provide
Early 2020 | Began a mattress store
Early 2019 | Started 1st Airbnb
Late 2020 | Started selling mattresses to guests
How It Started
Houstr began as an eye-opening experience for founder Nick Koenen, an Airbnb Superhost who also happened to own a mattress store. Nick was surprised by the number of guests inquiring about buying the mattress and sheets they slept on—especially considering they were inexpensive Amazon products.
This led him to swap out the budget mattress for a premium one from his own store, offering it to guests at a special discount while still turning a profit. In just the first year, this innovative approach netted an extra $2,000 in revenue and laid the groundwork for Houstr.
Fueled by the belief that hosts are entrepreneurs deserving of wholesale prices on furnishings, Nick expanded Houstr to offer not just products but also services and local experiences. After all, hosts don’t just provide lodging; they create memorable experiences and should be rewarded for the influence and recommendations they provide
Early 2019 | Started 1st Airbnb
Early 2020 | Began a mattress store
Late 2020 | Started selling mattresses to guests
House + Short Term Rental
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Bonus: Houstr also sounds like “House Store” which is exactly what it is.
The Houstr Guarantee
Our platform will pay for itself or your money back. To be honest, we think it will pay for itself many times over if you use it.
The best product experiences don’t happen on store shelves or screens. They happen in the real world. Short-term rentals and hotels are the ultimate influencers, and it’s about time they were compensated for it.
Nick Koenen
CEO at Houstr
FAQs
Nope! You can add items that you already own or purchase items through the Houstr Host Store and then add them to your Guest Stores. Keep in mind, you can also add services and experiences from partner brands as well - no purchase necessary.
Absolutely! Add any relevant information that will give your visitors an optimal experience. For example, we often see hotels adding a link to reserve a dinner at their in-house restaurant.
You can share your store link in your booking confirmation message, welcome and check-out messages, in-home QR codes, your website, social media pages, linktree, blog posts, captions, email newsletters, and more!
Houstr uses Stripe to process all payments and payouts. Upon login, you will be prompted to connect a Stripe account, which only takes a few minutes. For self-managed sales, funds are accessible within 3-5 business days. Affiliate commissions can take up to 90 days to be accessible in your Stripe account.
Commissions on affiliate sales vary from 1% to 50% depending on brand. For Amazon commissions, Houstr takes NOTHING - you keep 100%. For all affiliate commissions, Houstr keeps 20% and you keep 80%. For self-managed sales, Houstr keeps 5% of the sale and you keep 95%.
