Hospitality at heart.
Technology with purpose.
We run vacation rentals ourselves. SmartStay is the system we wished we had.
Where advanced technology
meets unforgettable stays.
At SmartStay.ai, we’re reimagining how short-term rentals operate — empowering property owners and delighting guests with cutting-edge automation and AI-driven solutions. We believe in creating exceptional stays through seamless, innovative experiences, making every rental feel like home.
Our platform goes beyond traditional rental amenities. Automated climate control, arrival lighting, and connected monitoring make every stay more comfortable, safe, and memorable. The moment guests walk in, the TV greets them with a calm welcome video and their name — and Smarty, our AI guest assistant, answers house rules, Wi-Fi, local recommendations, and more right on their phone.
We lived the problems
before we solved them.
Guests pulling in after a long drive to a house that wasn’t expecting them.
“What’s the Wi-Fi?” “How does the hot tub work?” Every night, every stay.
Damage nobody could see — until a guest did.
So we built one system that handles all three — and tested it in our own Smoky Mountain cabins first.
Redefining the
vacation rental experience.
We are a team of forward-thinking people passionate about redefining the vacation rental experience. We saw a gap in the market and seized the opportunity to create a platform that seamlessly blends technology and hospitality — raising the standard of the vacation rental industry by making it easy for owners to provide outstanding guest experiences, strengthen property security, and run more efficiently.
A future of unforgettable stays.
We aspire to a future where vacation rental guests enjoy personalized, unforgettable experiences while owners effortlessly manage their properties and deliver outstanding hospitality. Our smart home technology bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and genuine hospitality.
Technology that serves hospitality.
To empower property owners with technology that enhances guest experiences, improves operational efficiency, and redefines hospitality through more innovative, safer, and more personalized stays.
Smarter. Safer.
More memorable.
We are passionate innovators committed to improving short-term rentals for everyone. Founded by a driven team dedicated to every part of the guest experience, we turn rentals into smart, personalized, and secure homes away from home by seamlessly integrating AI and connected-home technology.
Owners raise guest satisfaction with tailored comforts — customized lighting, climate, and entertainment — that make every guest feel special. Combined with automation and real-time monitoring, that personalization streamlines operations and boosts profitability.
Guests get house information and local recommendations from Smarty on their phone, a TV welcome made just for them, and the peace of mind of a well-watched home for a worry-free, eco-friendly stay.
Driven by our founders’ vision to redefine hospitality, we merge technology with comfort to make every stay smarter, safer, and more memorable — for everyone involved.
Business experience. Technical depth.
A hospitality perspective.
Our founding team brings exceptional customer service, advanced technology, and a drive to grow SmartStay.ai.
Scott Perniciaro
Founder & Chief Executive OfficerA visionary executive in transportation, logistics, and supply chain management with a proven record of driving multimillion-dollar growth and operational excellence. He has scaled and transformed startups into thriving enterprises — one with over $98 million in annual revenue.
He has partnered with Fortune 500 companies to turn their supply chains into robust, cost-efficient systems, delivering significant savings and strong returns. Known for strategic acumen and negotiation skill, he excels at managing complex P&Ls, streamlining operations, and tying business objectives to clear KPIs.
His leadership consistently pushes cross-functional teams past their targets, turning challenges into opportunities. Today he also runs SmartStay Hospitality’s Smoky Mountain cabins — where every SmartStay feature is tested first.
David Schmidt
Founder & Chief Operating OfficerDavid combines deep technical understanding with entrepreneurial success. With a foundation in network engineering and software development, he has designed and built complex systems — and as the founder of four startups, he understands business strategy, innovation, and market disruption.
He has held director-level roles at several Fortune 100 companies, driving strategic initiatives, operational efficiency, and organizational transformation at scale. Years as a short-term rental owner — and a frequent guest — give him a rare dual perspective on operational challenges and guest expectations.
Chris
Founder & Chief Technology OfficerChris brings 20 years of experience shipping hardware and software across travel and hospitality, aviation, healthcare, robotics, design and branding automation, and social media.
In aviation, he built heads-up displays and safety systems recognized by the Experimental Aircraft Association. In healthcare, he built AI agents for clinical trials and patient care. In robotics, he developed micro drone software for defense-related research. He has also built an AI platform for creative teams and a private social media platform for families.
Today he runs AI agents in production, including voice and SMS agents that talk with customers every day. He has also built booking and point-of-sale systems for hospitality businesses — and now brings that experience to short-term rentals.
Join us in shaping
the future of hospitality.
Whether you’re a guest seeking an elevated stay or a property owner aiming to streamline operations, SmartStay.ai is here to help you make it happen.
Start the conversation ↗Coming next.
Virtual Property Inspector
Computer vision designed to help flag cleanliness exceptions, maintenance concerns, missing items, or damage.
Immersive in-cabin experiences
Interactive guest experiences using the property’s rooms, lighting, and connected devices.
Let’s see what your property can do.
Property walkthrough → Itemized quote → Installation → Go live