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Why Jonathan's House Exists: A Host's Story
Jonathan's House is a single-owner vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale, run personally by Jonathan McDermott. It was built out of a love of travel and a belief that years of staying in other people's homes could create a better guest experience.
Built from a love of travel
Jonathan's House started from a deep feeling I couldn't shake: I just knew I could create a better short-term rental experience than most of what I'd stayed in. Years of traveling gave me a clear idea of what makes a home feel right, and what makes it feel wrong. I wanted to build the place I'd want to stay.
A one-person business
Jonathan's House isn't owned by a corporation or a property management company. It's a one-person business. I run the house, the listing and the guest experience myself, and I care about every stay.
What guests don't see: where the money goes
Most guests don't realize that the owner doesn't get everything they pay.
Here's how a booking total breaks down:
| Part of your booking | Who gets it |
|---|---|
| Nightly rate | The owner |
| Cleaning fee | The cleaning crew. The owner is a pass-through |
| Platform fees | The booking platform |
| Taxes | The government |
The owner receives only the nightly rate. That's it. We don't even keep the cleaning fee.
When something goes wrong
Repairs, damage and upkeep all come out of that same nightly rate. Something usually does go wrong, and every problem eats into what the house actually earns. Hosts aren't making nearly as much as most guests think.
When I file a claim
Filing a claim is only part of the process. In my experience, Airbnb does its best not to pay. In my five years of hosting, more than 85% of the time, the platform's decisions didn't match what the evidence showed. Read more behind the Airbnb curtain.
Why I'd love for you to book direct
When you book at jonathanshouse.com, you work with me, the owner. I can answer your questions, set expectations before you arrive and welcome you back. Read why I book direct.
What I built
It is also why I argue for booking direct with the owner rather than through a platform.
- Three bedrooms and three full bathrooms
- A private saltwater pool heated to 87 degrees
- A full kitchen
- A washer and dryer
- A terrace and fenced backyard with a mango tree
- Beach towels, coolers and chairs supplied
- A short hop from Fort Lauderdale airport
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Jonathan's House?
Jonathan's House is owned and run personally by Jonathan McDermott. It's a one-person business.
Does a vacation rental owner keep the cleaning fee?
At Jonathan's House, no. The cleaning fee passes through to the cleaning crew, and the owner keeps only the nightly rate.
Why book direct with Jonathan's House?
You deal directly with the owner, who can answer questions and set expectations before you arrive.
Book direct at jonathanshouse.com.
More before you book: how booking direct works · the house, room by room · all guides