Here here!!! 20 20 20
Hi @summerfun how did you tweak your listing to attract young people? I’ve been thinking about the same thing
Ugh. I know you’ve just had a bad experience with older folks but I hope you realize they are just one data point. I’m 60 and I think I’m the perfect guest. And now I wonder if I should take you off my wish list because it seems you’d rather not host my age group?
Now that I have that off my chest…keep in mind that you have to tailor for your area so what works on a European tourist site might not work in urban Brooklyn. Mentioning things that attract younger folks like nearby clubs, low priced eats, the proximity to public transit. If there are concerts/music fests maybe mention those in your listing. Fast wi-fi? Highlight it.
- Took out TVs from my property
- Stressed in photos romantic scenes (candles, beer on the balconies (not wine), decor, etc)
- Stressed sport themes and activities in the area ( free tennis, bikes, hikes, isolated beaches…)
- Stressed shared spaces (bathroom & kitchen). I’m sure I scared off lots of people of my age with this one
- Focused on fun in pictures and description
- Yes, super fast dual band Wi-Fi, usb sockets , wireless chargers in every room (unlimited streaming, coin mining…
I know many will find that either naive or borderline stupid or even offensive to some folks but it worked. Of course it’s not all roses but I still prefer it that way.
And NO, I don’t advertise clubs and nightlife. Normally, they already know what’s in the area when they book their flights.
I was wondering if it was the things in the listing itself or the interior design that you would tweak. Thank you and don’t worry, I like my place. I get a lot of people who book far in advance, who come in groups and appreciate that we have all this space.
Don’t worry @KKC I’m swimming in the older folks pool as well and wouldn’t dare to discriminate. What I was interested in is what these two groups may want that’s different from what I am already offering. I get older people, young backpackers, groups and like now families with kids. I love them all and it’s nice to have a wide variety of people visiting me. You are so very much welcome
That would stop old codgers moaning about the view from the sofa lol
I also noticed that European young people are big fans of active sports.
Another interesting observation is that quality of September guests is WAY lower than the summer crowd. I’m planning to close my place for the winter months as I really don’t like the trend I’m seeing now. Now I get it why 80% of STRs in my town are closed until April.
Happy hosting to all!
Hmmm…for some reason I get a lot of younger women business travelers in the fall and winter (off season). They like to watch TV in the evening and they have all been fantastic guests.
Unfortunately we don’t have any business travellers in our town. Just beach, sun, surf, and fun.
Nobody complained about shortage of TV channels…yet.
Off season is a dead season for STR. Properties that go for 120€ in summer go for 25€ in winter.
I leave it in the footnote of the 1st pg of travel binder
“If you enjoyed your stay, please leave us a 5* review. If you think something isn’t worth 5* please contact us immediately.”
Nice: short, friendly, & with cristal clear call.
The note should get the message across for those on the fence (between 5* and 4*).
For the rest (vengance, free-nighters or jealous folks) it won’t make any difference.
Thanks for the tip! @SmallNSweet
Travel has the same impact on people as alcohol. It makes happy people a bit happier and unhappy people 10x unhappier.
I agree with Chloe.The note should get the message across for those on fence.
@ summerfun For what it’s worth…
- I’m from Europe.
- I always ask my guests to leave a review
- 95% of my guests leave a review
- in 98% cases I get a 5-star review in all categories
What i’m saying is that even in 2019 reviews do work and people do leave them. But you need to know how to ask them and when to ask them. People respond positively if you do.
Good quote. I like it.
- Vacation rental is a business
Yeah its not really a business but you’re learning every part of the business. All you’d have to do to make it really a business is change your booking platform. As far as working as much or as little as you want, yes Airbnb has that aspect.
- The more you give the more you get
Some things like rides and food don’t work. You’re right. Guests don’t see the value in services. I’m fairly strict with my guests too. I’m still friendly but I don’t give people things or do favors. I charge for everything.
They do see the value in real estate and tangible objects though. I built a hot tub and I charge more for my rooms now because they come with a hot tub. People use it. Its a little bit of work, but I get more money.
I built a kitchenette too. Guests use that and pay more for that (as well as sometimes smoking me out).
I also greatly improved the HVAC system, installed white noise generators, installed an electronic fireplace and mantle. The list goes on and on about all the little things I’ve done that improve my guests experience. They notice and appreciate these things. They make my life easier and guests happier.
- Hosting is fun
I have fun. I went out to dinner with a guest earlier this week. This winter, I hung out with guests in the hot tub outdoors. Guests have brought me to night clubs and bars. Guests have helped me with home improvement projects. One lent me a chainsaw for yard work. I’ve learned a lot from guests too. The difference is I am an in-home host so they kind of expect me to be part of the scenery.
Been there for a while. Also added baggage storage for 10 bucks. Free ride is over in my joint
On any given day I have 7 or so
there’s obviously a sliding scale of warmth when you greet guests. Basil Fawlty at one end, and becoming a fawning butler at the other. I can’t imagine the opening poster is offish to the point of pig ignorance, but I get the guest mentality that a calm and polite host may not be as much of a pushover as a host who is WAAAAY too much in there face with help and jokes and over-laughing every time the guest says something.
If I meet a reserved, slightly distant person, I get the urge to go the extra mile to try and win them over. If I meet the equivalent of a Butlins Holiday children’s entertainer…
I WANT TO END THEM.
(Or at least, give them the equivalent of a 2star-asshole review)
Bang on point. 4.7 is fine with me. I don’t even look at reviews anymore tbh