Know before you book
House rules, cancellation terms, and the full price are shown up front, before anyone commits.
Elevate Every Stay
Stays built on trust, for guests and hosts alike
iHost is a short-term rental marketplace where everyone knows what to expect. Verified members, clear terms up front, and support that's fair to both sides of every stay.
Launching first with cabins in the Smoky Mountains.
Why iHost
A better stay starts with clear expectations
Simple, transparent terms that make every stay smoother for everyone.
Real people on both sides
Guests and hosts are verified members, so everyone knows who they're dealing with.
Fair when things come up
Secure payments and a clear, even-handed process if a stay doesn't go as planned.
Trust & safety
Trust that works both ways
Verified members
Guests and hosts both verify their identity, so every booking starts with real people.
Clear house rules
Rules are listed on every property and agreed to up front, so expectations are shared from day one.
Transparent cancellation terms
Each listing's cancellation policy is shown before you book. No surprises later.
Secure payments and deposits
Payments are handled securely, and any deposit and how it's returned are stated clearly in advance.
Two-way reviews
Guests review stays and hosts review visits, building accountability on both sides.
Support that's fair to everyone
If something goes wrong, our team listens to both sides and follows a clear, documented process.
EliteHost Status
Recognizing hosts who go above and beyond
EliteHost Status is iHost's recognition program for top hosts. When you see the EliteHost badge on a listing, it means the host has a consistent track record of great stays. Hosts who earn it get extra perks and visibility.
- Highly rated by guests
- Fast, reliable responses
- Rarely cancels confirmed stays
- Verified listing and a record of completed stays
Program criteria are being finalized and will be published before launch.
For hosts & iAssists
Local support that knows your area
Every host and iAssist (co-host) gets a dedicated, locally based account rep who knows your area and helps with onboarding, pricing, and EliteHost coaching.
Knows local rules
Guidance on local regulations, permits, and registration so your listing starts on the right foot.
Seasonal insight
Know-how on seasonal demand and local events to help you plan pricing and availability.
Weather-ready
Heads-up on weather and road conditions so you can prepare your property and keep guests informed.
Your advocate
One familiar contact for onboarding, pricing questions, and coaching toward EliteHost Status.
For hosts & guests
Taxes handled for you
iHost calculates, collects and remits occupancy and sales taxes on every booking made through iHost, so hosts don't have to handle it.
For hosts: one less thing to manage
We calculate, collect and file lodging and sales taxes on every iHost booking, so you can focus on your guests.
For guests: the full price up front
The price you see includes taxes, with no surprises at checkout.
For hosts & guests
Host discount codes
Promote your stay your way. Create your own discount codes for your listings and share them anywhere to bring guests straight to you.
For hosts: your codes, your rules
Set a percentage or fixed amount off, choose which listings and dates it covers, set a minimum stay, and limit how many times it can be used.
For guests: savings you can see
Use a host's code at checkout and see your savings in the price up front.
How it works
Three simple steps, whether you book or host
- 1
Join the waitlist
Tell us whether you'd like to book stays, host a property, or both.
- 2
Get verified
Create your verified profile. Hosts list their property with clear rules and terms.
- 3
Book or host with confidence
Guests see everything up front and book. Hosts welcome guests who've agreed to the same terms.
Where we start
Launching first in the Smoky Mountains
iHost was founded by someone who manages cabins in the Smoky Mountains, and that's where we start: a collection of mountain cabins for travelers to book, and a place for local hosts to join early. From there, we plan to grow to more regions and worldwide.
- Early access to book Smoky Mountain cabins
- Early onboarding for hosts
- A chance to share feedback that shapes iHost
Join the iHost waitlist
Be first to book or host on iHost
Form not loading? Open the iHost waitlist form.
Frequently asked questions
When does iHost launch?
We're starting with cabins in the Smoky Mountains. Waitlist members will hear from us first, before public launch.
How does iHost keep stays safe for everyone?
Guests and hosts both verify their identity, house rules and cancellation terms are shown before booking, payments are handled securely, and reviews go both ways.
Will I see the cancellation policy before I book?
Yes. Every listing shows its cancellation terms, house rules, and any deposit before you confirm a booking.
What is EliteHost Status?
It's iHost's recognition for top hosts with strong ratings, quick responses, and reliable stays. Look for the EliteHost badge on listings. Final criteria will be shared before launch.
Can hosts keep their listings on other platforms?
Yes. iHost doesn't require exclusivity.
Who supports me as a host?
Every host and iAssist gets a dedicated, locally based account rep who knows your area and helps with onboarding, pricing, and EliteHost coaching. If your rep is unavailable, our support team provides backup coverage so you're never left waiting.
Does iHost handle taxes?
Yes. iHost collects and remits applicable state and local lodging and sales taxes on bookings made through iHost, and guests see those taxes included in the total price before they book. Hosts remain responsible for taxes on any bookings made outside iHost.
Can hosts offer discounts?
Yes. Hosts can create discount codes for their own listings and share them however they like. Enter a code at checkout and you'll see the discounted total, including fees and taxes, before you book. One discount per booking: codes can't be combined with each other or with any other discount or promotion. If more than one could apply, you automatically get the single best one. Codes are subject to each host's terms, such as dates and minimum stay.
Does it cost anything to join the waitlist?
No. Joining the waitlist is free and doesn't commit you to anything.
Is iHost only for the Smoky Mountains?
That's where we start. We plan to expand to more regions and internationally over time.