Disclaimer
The short version: everything here is shared to help, based on my own experience and public sources. I work to keep it accurate, but things change, so trust it and verify it before you act on it.
Last updated October 22, 2026
1. General information
Firsthand Stays is run by Joshua Downey in New Braunfels, Texas. The content on firsthandstays.com, including Field Notes, studies, free tools and booking software pages, is general information. It comes from running Comal Inn and from public sources like each company's own website and help center.
It isn't legal, tax, accounting, financial or insurance advice. For those questions, talk to a licensed professional.
2. Accuracy
I work to keep this site accurate and current, and I link to sources where I can. I can't guarantee every detail is complete, current or free of errors. Please confirm anything important with the company or provider before you act on it.
If you spot something wrong or out of date, let me know and I'll fix it.
3. Information about other companies
Fees, policies and features from OTAs, booking software, Google, AI tools and other companies change often, sometimes without notice. Pages show when they were published or last checked. The company's own documentation is always the final word.
4. Results vary
Individual results may vary. The numbers from Comal Inn are one property's results, not a promise of what your property will see. Search rankings, AI recommendations and bookings depend on many things outside my control, including how Google and AI tools work, your market, your property and your guests.
The free tools on this site, like the website check, AI search check and commission calculator, give a quick read and an estimate. They aren't a full audit or a guarantee.
5. No affiliation
Company and product names on this site belong to their owners. Naming a company, including Airbnb, Booking.com, Google, ChatGPT or any booking software, doesn't mean it's a partner of Firsthand Stays or endorses my work. Firsthand Stays isn't affiliated with any of them unless a page says so.
6. Links to other sites
This site links to other websites for sources and examples. I don't control those sites and I'm not responsible for what they say or how they handle your information.
7. Changes to this page
If I change this disclaimer, I'll update this page and the date at the top. For how I handle the information you send me, see the privacy policy.
8. Contact
Spotted something that needs a fix, or have a question?