Hi, I’m Megan and I’m the owner of Hosted Havens, a co-hosting business based in San Antonio, Texas. But before I ever dreamed of managing short-term rentals for other people, I was just trying to figure out how to cover the mortgage on my own house while moving abroad.
The Accidental Host
In 2021, my husband and I bought our first home together, a two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-bath gem just northwest of downtown San Antonio. It was recently renovated with beautiful white tile, original hardwood floors, granite countertops, and even a wood plank ceiling in the bathroom. The house sat on a double lot, and I loved the idea that one day, we might build a casita.
But in the short term, the plan was simple: list it as a short-term rental while we relocated to Panama. That way, the home would pay for itself while still being available when we came back to visit. However…things didn’t go quite as planned. I quickly realized I didn’t love the city we were planning to move to abroad, and our relocation fell through. That first summer was wild! The AC went out during a brutal heatwave (over 105 degrees), and I had to block my calendar and live in the house myself, despite it being prepped for guests. I also took on an arbitrage property across town. For weeks, I was bouncing between the two properties, Airbnb rentals, and hotels with my cat in tow, looking for permanent housing while trying to manage two listings completely on my own.
From Passion to Profession
But despite all the chaos, something clicked: I really loved hosting. I had years of customer service and operations experience behind me. I’d always had a passion for real estate, experimenting with interior design, creating floor plans, even trying my hand at real estate photography. I just never knew where I truly fit in. Suddenly, all of it found a home in hospitality.
I started investing in the right tools, studying operations, and absorbing everything I could through mentorships, Facebook groups, and online courses. I loved the transformations, seeing raw spaces turn into beautiful homes, and I loved the systems side too, finding smarter ways to manage guest turnover, automate tasks, and deliver better service. But I also learned quickly that if you don’t set strong standards, people can (and will) abuse your property. I lost towels, had linens disappear, and dealt with broken décor. So I started refining everything: tighter guest rules, better communication, preventative tools like security cameras, and stronger cleaning protocols.
The Birth of Hosted Havens
By late 2023, other hosts started reaching out to me for advice. And shortly thereafter, Airbnb expanded their Co-Host Network to San Antonio. That’s when I saw a real opportunity. I didn’t need to own or rent more properties to grow. I could partner with owners who needed someone like me. That’s when Hosted Havens officially began.
My first co-hosting client taught me a valuable lesson. He wanted to hand over a property in rough condition and have it fully renovated, furnished, and STR-ready on a shoestring budget. I declined the prep work, but stayed on to help with management once a designer stepped in. Unfortunately, the results didn’t reflect my standards. It had cheap, on-its-last-leg furniture, Dollar Tree-brand soaps, and every guest had something negative to say. I gave my notice within the first month. From that moment on, I knew: if I wanted to build something sustainable, I had to stick to my values. No more compromises.
That lesson stayed with me as I began building a portfolio I was proud of. When I landed my first luxury single-family home, a spacious five-bedroom, I knew I was playing in a new league. Then came an eight-unit apartment complex. We overhauled the design, turning bland, sterile studios into bright, homey retreats that were perfect for 30+ day stays. That’s the kind of work I love, properties designed for real people, real comfort, real living.
A Trusted Voice in Hospitality
Hosted Havens is what other companies say they are, but don’t always live up to. For me, this isn’t just a transaction. It’s a craft. When I manage someone’s property, I do it like it’s my own. I want owners to feel heard, valued, and confident in my care. I want guests to feel welcomed, safe, and at home, whether they’re staying for two nights or two months.
This business has changed me. It’s the first time in my life I’ve been 100% self-employed. No side hustle. No corporate backup plan. Just me, trusting in my ability to serve others with excellence. It’s forced me to grow in every way, professionally, financially, personally. It’s also reminded me how important it is to protect your time, your energy, and your standards.
These days, I’m still deeply involved in the hosting world, not just behind the scenes with spreadsheets and inspections, but out front in the community. You’ll find me in webinars, co-hosting forums, Facebook groups, and STR trainings, learning, sharing, and showing up as a trusted voice. People know me by name, and I’m proud that I am the face of Hosted Havens. When you work with me, you’re not just hiring a business, you’re partnering with a person who lives and breathes this work.
And I wouldn’t have it any other way.