New host in Antigua Guatemala

Mario-Andrés2
Level 1
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

New host in Antigua Guatemala

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Hi everyone!

I'm a new host. We started this adventure for my parents. They live in the property we listed. The idea surged from the necessity to help them have an income since they both were struggling financially. Me and my wife were helping them with their monthly expenses but then they found this big house in a great location in Antigua Guatemala, so, I proposed my dad to turn it into an Airbnb besides them living there for them to have an income from all the rooms that they were not going to use. We named the house "Casa ELA" since we are 3 siblings (Elvira, Laura and Andres -me-). My wife came up with that name. What we decided to do was to create 6 separate listings. One for the whole 5 rooms in case large groups need to book all of them, and, the rest are individual listings for each room. Let me know your thoughts on this and any good advice. Thanks all! 

Andres Arroyo Unda.

6 Replies 6
Sarah977
Level 10
Sayulita, Mexico

@Mario-Andrés2  Nice idea. 

A few suggestions. 

 

You should describe the living situation. That guests are sharing the home with your parents, who are the hosts, as well as other guests who may be staying in the other bedrooms.

 

The bedrooms look a bit hard and stark. You could warm up the spaces with some more art on the walls and a small colorful throw rug in each room. Maybe a colorful blanket on each bed.

 

Beds need reading lamps on the nightstands. Beds for two people need a nightstand and lamp on both sides of the bed.

 

Those mirrors just leaning up against the walls are a broken glass disaster waiting to happen. Either mount them properly on the wall or remove them.

Mario-Andrés2
Level 1
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Thank you so much! 🙂

These are really good insights and advice. Appreciated! 

Huma0
Level 10
London, United Kingdom

@Mario-Andrés2 

 

Welcome to the Community Center and to hosting!

 

Many years ago, I spent six weeks studying Spanish in Antigua. What a wonderful place - one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. 

 

Perhaps your listing is still a work in progress, but I agree with @Sarah977 the the bedrooms could be made more inviting and cosy and that the unmounted mirrors are a potential hazard.

 

I would also invest in some more furniture (and perhaps, over time some more large potted plants) for the outdoor spaces. I don't think you are making the most of these and they could be a real selling point. The patio seems to only have two chairs and a fire pit. You need more if you are targeting large groups. There should be at least four chairs and a table. Ideally, you would have an outdoor dining table and chairs for people to eat al fresco. The courtyard seems to only have one chair, so it's not possible for people to socialise there. Again, more furniture is needed.

 

I notice that not all of your listings include photos of the sights/attractions. I would include these on all listings as it is such a beautiful place, but maybe vary them a bit more. Where you have used them, e.g. on the whole house listing, there are several of the volcanoes but not many of the stunning, colourful architecture. Something like your profile picture (just the backdrop, without you in it) would be perfect as it's a very iconic view.

 

Best of luck with your hosting. I am sure you will do well!

Mario-Andrés2
Level 1
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala

Thank you much! It’s awesome that you spend some time here. Let us know if you plan to come back! Appreciate the advice. Cheers! 

@Mario-Andrés2 

 

Thank you so much. I would love to come back one day. I've travelled quite a lot but Antigua was definitely one of my favourites! 

 

There used to be an amazing cake shop there too, which I couldn't resist on the way back from my Spanish class. I can't remember what it was called or even the street it was on. I wonder if it is still there...

Mark116
Level 10
Jersey City, NJ

@Mario-Andrés2  I does look a little start to me, but that may be a personal preference.  There are definitely people who see stark=clean.  But, I would recommend as others have said, warming up the bedrooms with some wall art, throws, and in some cases, a little more furniture, a chair or table where possible since people will be renting the rooms individually.

 

You might also consider starting out with only 1 or 2 of those bedrooms as active so your parents are not overwhelmed by a house full of strangers in the beginning before everyone gets the hang of hosting.

 

I agree that the outdoor space would be more of a selling point with more plants and enough chairs for everyone to sit there when all the rooms were rented.

 

Good luck.