First High Season Coming to an End

[Tamara682]

With Labor Day comes the close of my 1st quarter and high season as an Airbnb host. It has been a wonderful experience.

Thank you to all the hosts who have shared your experiences and insights to help me avoid many of the traps and bad experiences I read about so often.

When I decided to get into this business, I made it a point to do so with an open mind and generous spirit. My guests are appreciated and recognized for choosing to spend their time and money at my place. Many have traveled a long way to be here and will be heading back along the same long road. There certainly are other options they could have chosen.

I experience great satisfaction when I catch glimpses of them gathered to stare at the view with the same expression of wonder on their faces that inspired me to buy this property. And while I realize it takes a little extra time in cleaning, I love it when I smell their barbecues and see them sitting around the firepit relaxed and hopefully happy.

Airbnb has been great in assisting me with the few questions or concerns I may have. I get paid on time without any hitches. It's been a wonderful experience.

There is much I still have to learn in regard to booking the weeknights, playing with rates and ranges, and when to say no. Lately I've had some wild requests for wedding receptions (20 - 50 ppl) in my small yard, maximum of 6 overnight guests, and limited parking (that is a no). My last guests showed up with 10 people on a booking for 6. Fortunately, it was a generational (3) family who left my place in great condition. I took it as an opportunity to plan how I will say no in the future. My place is not built for 10 overnighters. At the end of the day, my greatest goal is to ensure the respect and care of my property first.

Lastly, I remind myself often to always be kind. I read how easy it is to become disillusioned and make a conscious effort to avoid it, but that is not difficult when the guests are a pleasure. It is when they are not that the real challenge will come. I know that.

Your shared experiences and insights have been invaluable to my successful 1st quarter. I wish you all guests like the ones I have experienced so far. What a great ride!

Thank you so very much!

[Pat271]

What a wise, thoughtful, uplifting post, Tamara. Please continue to share your eloquent, inspirational words with us. You truly brightened my day. 

[Sudsrung0]

@Tamara682 

Here in Thailand this is our low season, right now is rainy season lots of rain,

We dont stop this is the best low season we have ever had bookings have not stopped and already we are getting bookings for high season,

[Amanda660]

Great post @Tamara682  - you sound like a thoughtful and considerate host.  All the best to you. 

[Tamara682]

UPDATE: Speaking of the firepit
The guest yard has a bark border (it came with the house and I have always planned to replace it next year). Long story short, crazy weather meant anytime it was used before my guests were rained out. Finally, I had guests who had perfect weather. Bark caught on fire. Guests had the wherewithal to put it out immediately. Point of the story: soaked bark only lasts so long on hot summer days.
I will now be creating a portable platform (pavers vs cement) where the firepit can sit safely. Platforms I can move next year when I actually start redesigning the guest yard.
Good news: these will be repeat guests, they love the place so much.
While I'm so irritated with myself (especially when I can picture worst case scenario), I couldn't be more grateful for the lesson learned with such great guests.
Treat all your guests how you would LOVE to be treated in their shoes. 
More importantly, make sure you've got all your bases covered for them and yourself. My next guests are young; not sure they'd know how to handle that situation.
I contacted them immediately to say firepit is unavailable for their stay. They said too darn hot anyway, not at all interested in using it.
I'll provide a small birthday cake for her instead. We get what we give imho.