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Good point. And I’ve previously pointed out that tourism is a definite negative for the planet so it’s kind of funny for anyone to be high and mighty about the environment on this site.
The most “environmental” person I know is a Ph.D. Chemistry who works in the field of environmental science. She lives as close to the bottom of the consumption ladder of anyone I know personally. But she loves to take a drive, just to take a look around. Years ago she said I get a lifetime pass on my poor environmental choices because I didn’t have kids, as too many people are a major problem.
@casailinglady I explained that I wasn’t directing my comment at you, yet you instantly get defensive as if I was attacking you or acting as if I’m superior?
I said we all do this justifying of environmentally unsound practices to varying extents and only quoted that line in your post because it was an example of this. And we all (not just hosts, but humans) need to question the choices we make in our purchases and usage.
I don’t agree that humans are bad for the environment. No creature is. It’s our practices that are bad for the planet.
And while they are rare indeed, there are some people who create no garbage or pollution. Everything they have is second-hand, they don’t travel, they eat only locally sourced food produced in sustainable ways, they walk or bicycle.
I couldn’t do that, which is what I was getting at (gypsy got that)- we all find ways to justify our consumption. But we can and should ask ourselves if what we buy is really necessary, and if that means we decide we really could live quite well with even 25% less “stuff”, that has to have some positive impact.
It is funny! I believe that the hosts on this Forum are very concerned about their environmental impact and take great care to make sure they’re not wasting resources. @PitonView pointed out that St. Lucia doesn’t have pods available for purchase but you can buy the machines and use paper or metal filters. I’ve found a scoop that looks like it will keep things neat and Amazon will be getting an order for the scoop and the mesh baskets and paper filters, so that’s my tiny contribution.
My home has a Mochamaster. $395 (Keurig in rental $68)
Quite the step down from the $5,000 USD Jura featured by Williams Sonoma. Are you afraid the guests will abuse it?
The Jura in the rental is not that expensive.
It’s about €800
Yes, it’s a lot of money, and it is a risk. But so are the infrared sauna and the hottub etc etc.
But on the other hand, the listing is advertised as luxury, and guest are paying over €1000 a night during high season. And for me luxury does not just stops with the beds and decoration, for me this means that also the equipment should be the same level or better than they would have at home.
And I rather put in a Jura that is serviceable and spare parts are available than a cheaper machine half the price that has to be thrown away when it breaks.
My other (low budget) listings are at the other end of the spectrum. They are very basic, mostly build up from good 2nd hand stuff I find online.
Someone here posted the question about what we thought distinguished a budget listing from a higher end listing. I wonder what distinguishes a higher end from middle. I stayed here two years ago:
They bill themselves as “luxury” and my group of 8 all considered it high end. But the coffee maker was just a Mr. Coffee level. The soap provided was something akin to Old Spice or Dove. Same with our multimillion dollar listing in Costa Rica.
However, I do ascribe to the idea of buying up on fittings, finishings, etc to give a rental that nice reaction when the guest enters. I think one reason my listing gets such good reviews is because of the way it’s fitted and maintained. The room is only 6 years old yet I’ve remodeled something in it an average of every two years. I’ve already replaced the bath vanity because the other one had water damage on the cabinet and scratches on the cultured marble top.
I guess we are a mid range @ 200+ per night, but we call our selves “luxury and unique glamping” It is all the ooak features seen nowhere else that people love here at Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway! our latest reviews “Amazing attention to detail to make an unforgettable getaway. It’s things like a fresh stick of butter and antique silverware that make the stay feel homey and unique.” and “Julia has done an amazing job creating a relaxing and very accommodating environment for her guests! The Spartan trailer felt very spacious and was equipped with more than just the essentials which made us feel well taken care of.”
I have a budget priced home share and I repair and refinish things that need it. Always. There aren’t any loose sockets or broken lightbulbs, or scratches or things that look worn.
“Luxury” to me has nothing to do with maintenance and presenting a place that looks perfect for what it is, it would be a place that has high-end appliances and fixtures and furnishings, expensive bedding, bathrobes, lots of space, etc.
I imagine you will do fine since you have years in the industry under your belt already.
That is a nice rental you posted but by American standards, 6 bedrooms and up to 16 people but only 2.5 bathrooms doesn’t seem that luxurious. The Boston area rental I stayed in had 5 bedrooms, 10 max people, 3.5 bathrooms. My Costa Rica rental had 5 bedrooms, 14 max 4.5 bathrooms.
I stayed a couple nights with a friend on my recent trip to Canada. She lives in what would be considered an average townhouse, the complex is fairly new. There are 3 bedrooms. An ensuite bathroom in the master, a bathroom off the upstairs hallway, and a powder room downstairs.
Mid range is specific to location as well. You can get a lot more for $200 in El Paso than in the big splashy cities. Your trailer in a different location, outfitted differently,
But you had to find it, move it to your property and set it up. All that has a value. The custom designed textiles, the jewel bathroom, the vintage stuff, make it unique.
Something like a 1950’s pour glass pour over or a percolator would be cool but would people know how to use it?
I really think our guests aren’t looking at the prices, they are looking at the photos. If they were worried about prices , it is so easy and secure for them to book direct. When we upgrade with the new gorgeous outdoor tub, it will be even more enchanting! The other reason our old coffee maker is perfect other than being unbreakable, is its size, everything has to be small in a 250 sq ft trailer!
I see a lot of glamp trailer set ups and very few approach ours as far as nice furnishings/ amenities and private outdoor space. So many are just a few chairs on a simple deck or in the dirt outside, and there was one I saw you had to manouvre the table outside if you wanted to eat outside<><>??
The bathroom thing seems to be cultural. I always wondered why the americans have so many bathrooms in their houses, to me it’s a waste of space and time (cleaning them). I would prefer a larger bedroom instead of en ensuite.
The same way that I cannot imagine living in a house where the front door goes straight into the living room.
