This forum is dedicated to connecting hosts with other hosts. Sign up to get the latest updates and news just for AirBnb hosts! Note that we are not affiliated with Airbnb - we are just passionate hosts!
I just gotta share the most effusive, over the top review we ever seen, which we just received from a couple who stayed with us for three days last weekend. It’s almost embarrassing…
“For the past three years my husband and I have vacationed in big cities such as LA, Denver and Miami. We only stay in AirBnBs; and I can truthfully say we have never had a better experience than our stay at Ken & Sally’s Poolside Cabana in Ft. Myers, FL. Why did we love it? Let me count the ways: 1. The Cabana was the most beautifully appointed accommodation we’ve ever experienced. It was more like a home away from home of any AirBnB we’ve encountered. 2. The private entrance to the screened-in patio surrounding the heated pool, with our own key to the perfectly-sized Seaside Blue Cabana. 3. The quiet family neighborhood that was convenient to all our destinations. There’s no need to pay big bucks to stay on the beach when you can live like a local. 4. The friendliness of our hosts. We exchanged stories and lament we didn’t get to hear Ken play his dulcimer. 5. The welcoming tour, where Ken & Sally showed us how everything worked, which made us feel right at home. 6. The huge binder full of information about everything from what to do in the Ft. Myers area to the manuals that reminded us how to use the AC and the TV. 7. The welcoming bottle of wine waiting for us to enjoy poolside on our first night at the Cabana. 8. The bed was more comfortable than that found in any high-priced hotel. 9. The large shower with two shower heads—one to fit both my tall husband and short little old me—was a special feature in the en suite bathroom. It was thoughtfully stocked with shampoo, sunscreen, sunburn gel, fancy lotion and even styling mousse for my hair (plus a hair dryer for those who don’t have short air-dry hair like mine.) 10. The little extras like floats for the pool as well as a pair of low-slung chairs, beach towels and woven mat available for us to use at the beach. 11. The compact kitchenette with everything we needed (we had no use for a stove as their binder included personally recommended local restaurants that exceeded our expectations.) Do try “El Gaucho Inca”, the Peruvian/Argentinian/Italian fusion restaurant that served five-star food at reasonable prices. 12. The Cabana’s Library, with reference books on identifying birds, plants and local wildlife along with guidebooks to the area. There was also a “Take One, Leave One” lending library; a nice touch. 13. The gourmet breakfast provided by Chef Ken; served piping hot on a poolside bistro table. He even makes his own homemade marmalade! The photos on the AirBnB site looked every bit as delicious as they were. This is an extra touch you don’t find at most AirBnBs, and is a hundred times better than the waffles you make yourself at budget motels. We give our experience here Five Stars and recommend it to anyone thinking of booking an AirBnB in Ft. Myers.”
Nancy’s private feedback for you:
“We cannot say enough good things about the incredible breakfast you made for us each morning. Our every need was anticipated; you and Sally provided extra touches that went far and above what one would expect for such a reasonable price. Thank you so much for your hospitality.”
Blush away! All the frustrations with the not-so-great guests seem to fade away when you get a review like this, so bask in it for awhile. Congrats! (Oh, and I’ve blatantly stolen your marmalade recipe, making Meyer lemon marmalade most recently, and love it, too)
@KenH Thank you for sharing – what a lovely, and well-deserved, review! Feedback like the one this couple provided, makes hosting worth all your hard work and dedication! I hope the review will attract other guests who will value the superlative experience that you are offering…
Awww! Ken, this is very well deserved! I know you put your everything into offering a lovely stay and a good value for your guests. THIS is a perfect example of what a proper home stay can offer over a hotel experience. It is like apples and oranges.
I always thought if I ever travelled to your neck of the woods I would want to stay in your place so it sounds to me like this review is well deserved so enjoy it and well done to both.
I’ve been a baaaad boy and not posted anything in a couple months – not writer’s block, just been too busy with the Cabana to be creative in the kitchen…
I’m not a personal chef like Ken, but I am an avid home cook. We found a great recipe from Cook’s Illustrated for waffles - and you make them the day before and just cook them when you get up! Great for people like me that aren’t morning people These are very rich and buttery.
1-3/4 cups milk
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup and leveled-off
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons instant dry yeast
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
Melt the butter in small saucepan over medium-low heat; add the milk and heat until warm to the touch, a few minutes. Set aside.
Whisk the flour, sugar, salt and yeast in a large bowl to combine. Gradually whisk the warm milk/butter mixture into the flour mixture, and continue whisking until batter is smooth. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and vanilla until combined, then add the egg mixture to the batter and whisk until incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula, cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 12 or up to 24 hours.
Heat the waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove the waffle batter from the refrigerator (it will be foamy and doubled in size) and whisk to recombine (the batter will deflate). Cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Serve the waffles hot off the iron.
Note: If you’d rather hold the waffles and serve them all at once, place them on a wire rack set above a baking sheet, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and place the baking sheet in preheated 200 degree oven. When the final waffle is in the iron, remove the towel to allow the waffles to crisp for a few minutes. Alternatively, you can hold the waffles on a wire rack and reheat them gently in a toaster oven as you need them
These are very rich and buttery.