Why Staylia
What makes a place feel like home?
That’s the question that’s been on my mind for years — and ultimately led me to Staylia.
I first asked myself that question at age 14, when I went to Bad Gleichenberg for tourism school. Suddenly alone, far from home, in a room that belonged to someone else. I remember those first few weeks — the homesickness, the search for familiarity in a strange environment. And the moment I realized:
it's not the rooms that make a home. It's the feeling of being welcome.
That experience shaped everything that came after. My journey through the hospitality and restaurant industry. My studies in communication and business management. The years I spent working for others, always thinking the same thing: That’s how I would do it. That’s how a guest should feel.
Staylia is my answer to that.
I started learning about hospitality while I was still in tourism school — not out of obligation, but because it did something to me. The feeling of welcoming someone in a way that makes them feel truly seen. The small gestures that make all the difference. The craft behind it all, which many people underestimate.
After school came the practical experience. Hotels, restaurants, events. Later, communication and business development — at first glance, far removed from hospitality. At second glance: the same discipline. It’s always about understanding people, grasping their needs, and delivering the right thing at the right moment.
Two years ago, I began diving deep into real estate and short-term rentals. Mentoring programmes, interior design, market analysis. Not because I wanted to rent out apartments, but because I finally wanted to do what had stayed with me since tourism school: create a place where people feel at home from the very first moment.
In August 2025 we bought the first apartment. In June 2026, Staylia opened its doors.
My path
Hello, I'm Katja
Staylia is my concept — but it wouldn't work without Gernot.
While I handle the planning, design, and guest experience, Gernot is the person behind the scenes who makes sure everything runs smoothly. He oversees the renovations, takes care of the technical details, and contributes his insights when it comes to numbers, efficiency, and optimization. Where I focus on the emotional aspect, he focuses on the mechanics. Both are essential. We complement each other.
We share the same philosophy: that people recommend Staylia, not because it's affordable, not because it's in a great location, but because it just feels right.
Nobody can do this alone
The two of us
Qualitiy
Quality over cheap
Every apartment is thoughtfully furnished — kitchens planned down to the last detail, durable materials, a thoughtful interior.
I don't buy anything I wouldn't have in my own home.
Character
People not machines
Behind Staylia is one person, not a corporation. I respond to messages myself.
If there’s a problem, I’m available. That’s the difference between service and hospitality.
Trust
Once you visit, you'll want to come back
My goal isn't just to secure a quick booking, it's to have guests who, after their first stay, already know they'll book with Staylia again next time. Trust is what lasts.
No matter which apartment, no matter where: These three principles are what I use to evaluate every decision.
What guides us
Three things that apply to every apartment
Staylia is starting with one apartment in Wels. More are set to follow in the coming years — carefully selected, each with its own character, but all driving by the same philosophy.
Growth isn't the goal. Quality is. I'd rather have three apartments I can fully stand behind than ten that are just okay. One step at a time.