This week is a special one as I conclude my time on the h...
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This week is a special one as I conclude my time on the host advisory board, and I want to share my journey as a membe—an ...
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My journey into the world of hosting and hospitality began not in the conventional sense but rather through an experimental outlook. I was contended with academics and research involving young engineers on aspects of biotechnology, yet yearned for something more, a venture that blended entrepreneurial pursuit enticed with knowledge and community engagement. Owning a home is prudent though creating experiences on a business model necessitates perspectives. Rental income is passive and uncertain, eventually, avenues were inquisitive. Airbnb was synonymous with my goals, the brand was evident, its core values were inspiring, the market was inviting. The hypothesis set, “Harini’s Illam- complete and comfortable” was created in 2014.
The realm of hosting and hospitality though embarked as an art, makes essence as science. My style of hosting envisaged objective observations, analysis and drawing conclusion with evidences. Attempts to collate data points on booking patterns, guest preferences and feed back enhanced my journey. Elements of pricing, amenities, travel trends, seasonal flux, safety, guest reviews were critically analysed and implemented.
I consider fortunate to list my takes on applying scientific frontiers into hosting :
- Understanding guest behaviour was central. I pursued guest use patterns for work, relaxation and comfort. This lead to optimising amenities, room layouts, colour schemes, lighting, products of personal care, cleaning essentials etc.
- Guest demographics was correlated with booking patterns and feedback. Housing families, senior citizens, young professionals or others included varying aspects and required specific moderations of hosting. Extra bedding, child friendly amenities, in person greets, tweaking prices, self check ins, were facilitated appropriately. The above resulted in anticipated, elating reviews. Data driven decision making enabled to tailor services and create meaningful stays.
- Scheduled messaging, quick replies assisted through Airbnb app achieved operational efficiency. Guests often appreciate proactive, clear communications, at instances like- before they board a flight or travel though regions with disrupted communication infrastructure.
- Hygiene, safety, and ergonomics are crucial for guests. Sanitation, ample drinking water (in house water purifier), de cluttered spaces, sparking table ware, pristine cook tops, fresh linens, comfortable mattress, a plush couch, first aid kits, fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, cleaning aids (adding a vacuum cleaner), exterior aura, bring in an ambience of comfort and ease. Reviews that mention clean kitchen and fresh linen are always exhilarating.
- Waste segregation, disposal, waste reduction, energy efficiency is focussed through clear, scheduled instructions. Small steps go a big way towards creating environmental consciousness and sustainability practices.
- Smart locks, smart switches, motion sensored lightings, smart and energy efficient appliances are necessary upgrades into my listings. AI enabled listing descriptions resulted as effective attractions. Leveraging innovation and technology has enhanced guest experiences.
- Ethics of business ensuring fair treatment, privacy protection, and responsible marketing have created trustworthy and respectful environment for my guests. I adhere to Airbnb policies, refrain direct booking requests, report guests who ignore policies, trust customer support and employ Aircover with fair use and essentiality.
- With the academician profile, I am honest on guest reviews. It helps to be verbal on specifics of guest behaviours (good and bad) rather than generic remarks. It is crucial in maintaining the integrity of Airbnb community.
My hosting journey remains inspiring and fulfilling. Encouraging results from a 400 sq ft home culminated to a 6000 sq ft staycation- Harini’s Arann, a boutique-style accommodation with five plush bedrooms. The building in entirety was crafted considering guest comforts and conveniences, creativity and style, modern design and innovation.
My listings gained popularity, business was engaging, my commitment to hosting escalated and a lifetime decision was made. My decision to step away from academia was not impulsive, but driven by success, combined with passion to immerse into hospitality. As science dwells around discovery and development, I decided to expand and experiment further. Harini’s Treasure Trove was created in 2024, a home sharing venture where I get to personally greet and interact with my guests. I am experimenting on a minor version of the Airbnb plus model with a kitchen stacked with grocery (South Indian cuisine) essentials. Seven years into hosting, a super host and guest favourite, yet every booking is a win, every checkin is anxiety, every 5 star review is a celebration.
Hosting transcended opportunities for community engagement. A privileged community leader, I engage fellow hosts through regular meet ups and attempt to address their grievances and concerns. Tremendous insights have been accumulated through positive interactions with hosts, community leaders, civic engagements and more. My dream of free lance writing has come true, excited on sharing experiences to guide, collaborate and catalogue. There lies the potential to experience and unfold.
Overwhelmed on the opportunity to participate in the Week of Celebrations. Sending vibes to comrades across the globe. Happy Hosting!!
