From muddy floors to Superhost: My 10-year journey hosting yurts

[Rachel1200]

I first started hosting guests at my glamping yurt on our dairy farm in northern England’s Peak District in 2014. Back then, I didn’t even know what a Superhost was. I was just really chuffed that people were booking my yurts, and I was earning money.

I began to realize that things needed to change a little when I got my first negative review, which mentioned mud on the bathroom floor. Of course, it’s muddy, I thought. It’s outside in the countryside during winter. Then I began to realize that rather than accepting this, I had to vacuum and mop the bathroom floor every single day, even if the same guests were staying for more than one day.

I also learned about the Airbnb Superhost program, and that it would be good if I was one. The reviews make us look at things differently, from the guests’ point of view. My yurts are high up on our farm where it’s often cold, windy, and rainy. Still, I learned that I have to deliver a stay that’s dry, clean, decorative, romantic, and warm, just like inside a watertight modern house, but actually yurts made of wool, cotton, oilskin, and wood. I had to devise ways of always improving everything to fulfill every guests’ vision. Non-stop work, non-stop friendliness and helpfulness, non-stop cleaning, always answering messages. Airbnb became my life and I was proud to become a Superhost in 2015 and have been a Superhost 39 times since. 

[Rachel1200]

Thanks for your feedback @Larry666   Yes, I agree, sometimes guests can mention something or come up with an idea that hadn’t occurred to us before, and we can think; wow, that’s actually a good idea, and I think I’ll do it.

However, sometimes when it’s a negative, they can say things which are so pointless, and anyway, there’s a completely valid practical reason why we can’t do things that way, or incorporate their idea.  I feel happy if they are literally the only person ever, in thousands to complain about it, and feel ok ignoring it 😂

[Lee5615]

@Rachel1200 So lovely! I love reading stories like yours...very encouraging and helpful, for sure.

[Rachel1200]

Thank you @Lee5615 , I’m glad you found it encouraging and helpful.  Airbnb hosting in my yurts has certainly been, unexpectedly the most successful thing I have ever done in my life!

[Kathy1496]

Rachel1200:  Thank you for sharing your journey in the industry, it's very encouraging.  

Your care and dedication in making sure your guest have a wonderful experience is inspiring. 

Kathy

[Geoff7]

Wow this looks so good Rachael 

[Melissa2855]

What an amazing story. Truly inspiring.  Thank you for sharing your expertise.  

[Zamani3]

This is a heartwarming story and beautiful place! Well done to you @Rachel1200.  I would like to visit in near future! 39 years of being super host you must be proud 😊 of yourself👌🏽💕