Hi there Sara,
Hell! that is a pity that you have to curtail all those nice little extras Sara.....is the competition for a bed that fierce where you are in London???
I am fortunate that the competition is not that serious here. I am in a position to be able to provide a full breakfast including freshly squeezed juice, toast, eggs and bacon, 3 different breakfast cereals, black tea, green tea and Camomille, coffee both instant and brewed, 6 different Beerenberg jams, 5 various packet soups, a big bowl of the best fresh fruit I can find in my area, milk both full cream and skim.....even a couple of beers and a couple of ciders in the cottage fridge.....all on a no charge basis! I can do it because, I will only work to a standard...not a price....
Sure the pricing tool tells me I should drop my studio rate down from $80au to $60au but there is no way I will contemplate that for a second. Our reviews all tell us that we are a wonderful experience....the chocolates on the bedside tables, the paper in the morning....the weeks detailed weather forecast in the folder when they arrive...and if they are there for four or more nights, one of the best meals they will ever eat. I am a chef, I love my cooking and it costs bugger all to cook for two extra mouths, but I so enjoy it when they tuck into a great chicken Risotto or personal Chicken, Leak and Thyme pies with Parmesan smashed peas!
Sara, this is what hosting is all about. We had one guest who came out of the cottage in her black gown as though she was going to a ball! We had the best night with these people we didn't know existed 24 hours before!....This is the Airbnb experience.
I found out one guest was having a birthday while she was staying with us, so I decked out the cottage and the rear garden in candles. pointed a laser light generator shining pinpoints of light up into the trees and provided a birthday cake for her....She cried and said it was the best birthday surprise she had ever had.
I know, first and foremost, it has to pay, but there are ways and means of cutting financial corners and every guest who comes is super special, so Sara, it doesn't matter what you charge, provided you supply 'the experience'.
I have only been doing this for six months but it looks strongly like I will achieve Superhost status in a couple of days....and by God I will do anything to keep it.....
Cheers.....Rob