What Is HostGPO (and How Does It Compare to Bee Setups for Furnishing Airbnbs and Short-Term Rentals)?

If you’ve looked into furnishing your Airbnb or short-term rental (STR) property, you’ve probably come across HostGPO — one of the most talked-about platforms in the STR community.

But while HostGPO has built a strong reputation for offering discounts on furniture and supplies, many investors quickly realize that saving money on furniture is only part of the equation. The real question is: does a discount platform like HostGPO actually save you time, maximize ROI, and deliver a guest-ready, revenue-generating property? That’s where the comparison with Bee Setups, a turnkey furnishing and design company built specifically for STR investors, becomes essential.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

• What HostGPO is and how it works

• Who benefits most from it

• Its pros and cons for STR hosts

• How it compares to Bee Setups’ turnkey model

• What to consider before choosing between them

Let’s break it down. 🧭 What Is HostGPO?

HostGPO stands for Host Group Purchasing Organization. It’s a membership-based buying group that allows short-term rental hosts and property managers to access bulk discounts from major suppliers.

The idea is simple: if thousands of hosts pool their buying power, they can access the same commercial pricing that big hotel chains get.

🔑 How HostGPO Works

1. Membership Required

   You pay a yearly membership fee (pricing varies — typically $149–$499 per year depending on plan and business size).

2. Access Vendor Discounts

   Once approved, members gain access to discounts from dozens of vendors — including popular brands like:

   • West Elm

   • Wayfair Professional

   • Pottery Barn

   • Helix

   • Brooklinen

   • Home Depot

   • Public Goods

   • And more

3. Shop Directly

   Members place orders directly with these retailers, using special discount codes or HostGPO portals.

4. DIY Fulfillment

   You’re responsible for all ordering, coordination, delivery, assembly, and staging. HostGPO doesn’t handle any logistics — it simply provides access to vendor discounts.

🪑 What Can You Buy Through HostGPO?

HostGPO gives members access to nearly everything you need to furnish a short-term rental, including:

• Furniture (beds, sofas, dressers, dining sets, etc.)

• Linens and towels

• Mattresses and bedding

• Kitchen supplies

• Cleaning products

• Decor items

• Maintenance essentials

Essentially, it’s a DIY furnishing toolkit — you get lower prices, but you do all the sourcing, assembly, and setup yourself.

💰 The Cost of HostGPO Membership

HostGPO isn’t free, but it’s reasonably priced for active hosts:

Membership includes access to all vendor discounts, as well as partner promotions like insurance and cleaning supplies.

💡 When HostGPO Makes Sense

HostGPO is ideal for hands-on hosts or smaller investors who:

• Want to DIY their property furnishing

• Enjoy picking out every piece themselves

• Have time to manage deliveries, returns, and assembly

• Already have a design vision

• Are optimizing for cost savings rather than speed

If you’re setting up your first Airbnb and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, HostGPO can be a helpful tool — especially for smaller one-off projects.

🚧 HostGPO Limitations (That Catch Many New Hosts Off Guard)

While the concept is appealing, HostGPO’s model comes with limitations that can impact timelines, costs, and ultimately — your returns.

1.  No Design Support

You’re on your own for layout, color coordination, space planning, and product selection. That’s fine if you’re design-savvy, but for many hosts, it leads to mismatched furnishings and inefficient layouts that hurt listing performance.

2.  No Logistics or Assembly

HostGPO doesn’t deliver or assemble your furniture. You’ll need to coordinate deliveries with each vendor, manage tracking, and either assemble yourself or hire contractors.