The most memorable vacations aren’t just about ticking destinations off a map—they’re about feeling at home in a new place, sinking into an experience that feels effortless yet extraordinary. Whether it’s waking up to the soft hum of a city, finding comfort in a beautifully curated space, or knowing that every detail has been considered, the way we stay shapes the way we experience the world.
But too often, vacation rentals miss the mark. Inconsistent service, uninspired spaces, and a lack of personal touch leave travelers longing for something more. The charm of home is missing, and the polish of a great hotel isn’t there either. What’s meant to be an escape can feel like a gamble—one that too many travelers have lost. The industry is full of listings, but not enough true experiences.
That’s the gap YourHost was created to fill. Founded by Eleni Georgopoulou, a visionary who saw beyond the limitations of the market, YourHost is more than a rental service—it’s a promise. A promise of beautifully crafted spaces that feel both personal and polished, where hospitality is an art and every detail is intentional.
Your Home Away from Home
In 2013, upon arriving in Kenya, Eleni Georgopoulou identified a significant gap in the vacation rental market. At the time, Airbnb was virtually unknown in the region, and booking platforms primarily listed hotels, leaving travelers with limited options for short-term apartment or home rentals. Recognizing this unmet need, she was inspired to create a solution.
With a vision to offer beautifully designed, competitively priced short-term rentals that upheld high standards of quality and customer service, Eleni founded YourHost in 2017. The company was established with a mission to revolutionize the vacation rental industry, providing international travelers with a superior alternative to traditional hotels. By blending the comfort and authenticity of a home with the reliability and service of a high-end hotel, YourHost set out to redefine the travel experience at a competitive price point.
Carrying Kenyan Ethos
Born and raised in Athens, Eleni was deeply influenced by the ancient Greek concept of “Xenia” or “Philoxenia,” which embodies the tradition of guest protection and warm hospitality. This philosophy shaped her approach to hospitality, instilling in her the belief that premium accommodation should be both welcoming and accessible. Carrying this ethos to Kenya, Eleni sought to create an experience where travelers could enjoy high-quality stays without excessive costs, ensuring that comfort, authenticity, and exceptional service remained at the heart of YourHost.
A Journey of a Stalwart
When Eleni set out to establish YourHost in East Africa, the journey was far from easy. Moving thousands of miles away from home while raising two young children added to the complexity of launching a business in an unfamiliar market. Reflecting on the early days, she acknowledges that had she fully grasped the challenges ahead, she might have hesitated before taking the leap into entrepreneurship. Yet, despite the obstacles, she considers this journey to be the most remarkable adventure of her life.
Expansion of YourHost Roots
Since its inception in 2017, YourHost has grown significantly, overcoming economic fluctuations and swiftly adapting to changing market trends. Today, the company manages 200 high-end units, with plans to add 50 more in the near future. Looking ahead, Eleni envisions curating and managing 1,000 homes and apartments by the end of 2027. Beyond business expansion, she is committed to making a lasting impact—empowering 1,000 local families by supporting creators and providing them with greater opportunities for financial stability and growth.
YourHost is not just a booking platform—it is a comprehensive hospitality solution designed to help property owners maximize their investments while eliminating the burdens of daily management. Eleni has built a model that seamlessly integrates technology, personalized service, and operational efficiency to create a unique offering in the short-term rental market.
What truly sets YourHost apart is its 360-degree approach to property management. From online digital booking solutions to full-scale onsite operations—including housekeeping, maintenance, and revenue optimization—YourHost provides an end-to-end service that unlocks the full income potential of each property.
Beyond operational excellence, Eleni has embraced the power of cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance both property management and guest experiences. The company has implemented AI-driven pricing models to ensure competitive rates, while automation tools streamline processes, making stays seamless and hassle-free for guests.
By combining innovation, hospitality, and smart investment strategies, YourHost has redefined the vacation rental experience, offering both property owners and travelers a new standard of excellence in the industry.
Designing Sustainable Stays with a Kenyan Soul
At YourHost, Eleni remains deeply involved in the creative process as Head Designer, ensuring that each property reflects both sustainability and cultural authenticity. Her commitment to eco-conscious design is evident in the meticulous selection of materials—sourcing sustainable, ethically produced, and organically based elements for bespoke furniture and décor. The in-house production team traces back the entire supply chain to ensure that every piece used in YourHost properties aligns with responsible sourcing practices.
Beyond materials, YourHost also integrates local artistry into its spaces, transforming each unit into a curated experience that celebrates Kenyan craftsmanship. Many of the properties feature artwork from local artists, providing an authentic and immersive environment for guests while offering a platform to showcase Kenya’s rich artistic talent. This fusion of sustainability, local culture, and design innovation creates a hospitality experience that is not only luxurious but also deeply connected to its surroundings.
Elevating Hospitality Through Art and Expansion
Looking ahead, Eleni envisions YourHost as the premier vacation rental brand in East Africa, with plans to expand operations to Zanzibar, Uganda, and Mauritius within the next three to five years. This growth strategy is not just about geographical expansion—it is about setting new industry standards in design, service, and guest experience.
A key focus of this future vision is art. YourHost aims to evolve into a floating art gallery, with its properties doubling as spaces that showcase and support African artists. By seamlessly integrating art into hospitality, YourHost seeks to create a platform where guests can experience, appreciate, and even acquire locally crafted pieces, further bridging the gap between travel, culture, and artistic expression.
With a foundation built on sustainability, design excellence, and cultural appreciation, YourHost is poised to redefine luxury short-term rentals in Africa, blending innovation, authenticity, and community-driven growth.
The Evolution of a Visionary
For Eleni, the journey of building YourHost has been more than a business venture—it has been a deeply transformative experience. The decision to establish a hospitality brand in Kenya, far from her home in Greece, came with immense challenges, yet it also opened doors to profound personal and professional growth.
Working within Kenya’s diverse and multicultural environment, particularly in Nairobi, a bustling global hub, has shaped her leadership style and expanded her perspective. The entrepreneurial path has demanded resilience, adaptability, and a relentless problem-solving mindset, qualities that have become second nature to her over the years. Beyond the operational complexities of growing YourHost, Eleni has embraced a journey of continuous learning—becoming not just a more effective business leader, but a stronger, more well-rounded individual.
This experience has sharpened her ability to navigate challenges, strengthened her determination, and instilled in her a deeper appreciation for cultural collaboration and open-mindedness. As she reflects on her path, she recognizes that the journey has shaped her into the best version of herself, equipping her with the insight and tenacity to lead YourHost into an even more ambitious future.
Conclusion
Eleni’s story is one of innovation, cultural fusion, and bold ambition. As the Founder & CEO of YourHost, she has not only redefined Kenya’s short-term rental landscape but has also built a platform that empowers local communities, fosters sustainability, and showcases the finest elements of African artistry and craftsmanship.
Born and raised in Greece, Eleni’s journey from the Mediterranean to East Africa speaks to her adventurous spirit and global outlook. Inspired by the Greek tradition of Xenia, or guest-friendship, she saw an opportunity to revolutionize hospitality in Kenya by blending the comfort of a home with the service of a high-end hotel. Through YourHost, she has created a new benchmark for quality, design, and guest experience, offering an alternative to traditional hotels that is both accessible and extraordinary.
More than just a business leader, Eleni is a catalyst for change, championing local talent, sustainable practices, and community-driven initiatives. With her visionary mindset and unwavering passion, she continues to elevate YourHost, setting the stage for an even greater impact across East Africa and beyond.
