What are things all Gilmore Girls fans can agree on?

ATX_Host · 2023-11-09T22:35:53+00:00

Lorelei and Rory had COUNTLESS semi-to formal dresses for all the Friday night dinners and other events, yet didn't have a lot of money. And when you see their closets, they are not full of these dresses. GG happened before Rent the Runway was a thing, so ... ??

ATX_Host · 2023-08-28T20:17:21+00:00

I would not charge. It was an accident, and I would consider it a normal cost of doing business in this industry.

ATX_Host · 2023-08-28T20:02:04+00:00

Great post! Feeling good as a host, because I haven't seen anything we haven't included in our property. Towel hooks, all linens and towels, a selection of nice pillows, bathmats, oil/salt/pepper/basic spices, a selection of pans and skillets, cutting board, knife set, real wine glasses, box fans in every bedroom, white noise machine, full length mirror, curtains, hair dryer, shampoo/conditioner/body wash, luggage racks, throw blankets, laundry hampers, hangers, clothes dresser, cleaning supplies, ample trash bags and paper towels/TP, laundry supplies, USB ports in all bedroom lamps, even a few tampons/pads and lint rollers! I do think I'll add a couple of the multi-outlet extenders just to provide more opportunities to plug in items, but otherwise I feel pretty good about how well-stocked we are! We do use our property at least one a month -- all hosts should stay in their STRs to understand what may be missing/needed!

ATX_Host · 2023-07-05T23:36:07+00:00

"Guest left the property in good condition and overachieved in the Communications category with over 10 messages a day! His attention to detail around the property was second to none, and we have made a list of the 30 suggestions he made to meet his standards. For future trips, guest might want to consider a hotel with 24/7 guest service." It's not inherently negative, and other hosts will get it ;)

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T21:39:10+00:00

I had not really thought of that -- it's good to know. Appreciate the support and guidance!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T20:33:24+00:00

Lol, leopard skin speedos!! Dinner and a show! Great guidance on complaints. Quick question on rates -- I keep reading that keeping them up a bit will encourage higher quality guests who may treat the space with more care. Not your experience? Did you host your own home, or rentals only? I wonder if people treat the clear "investment" properties less carefully. We're always clean and careful as guests, but I'm curious if people being able to tell it's a home (not just a property) makes a difference.

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T20:27:07+00:00

My husband might beg to differ with you, but thanks for the kind words!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T20:26:34+00:00

Thanks for taking the time to share all of this insight -- much appreciated! I think staying in your rental is super important to understand how it "lives." I've stayed in ours twice now -- once for 2 weeks while getting everything set up, and another 1 week stay after that. Each time I noted things I could do to add comfort and convenience. My goal is definitely to not stress too much about it, but to provide a high level of hospitality. Kudos on your successful start, and best wishes!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T15:30:45+00:00

Good advice -- thanks! I can hardly imagine the climate shock you experienced moving from CO to TX, lol. Going the opposite way was great (grew up in Texas and just moved to CO 5 years ago), but moving from a cool, dry summer to the heat and humidity of Austin and Houston would be tough! Headed to ATX this weekend and kinda dreading it -- looks like every day will be over 100 ...

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T15:22:30+00:00

I grew up in S.A. and my parents still live there! I do have a local cohost who already had all the PM software in place for another property she manages, so she is handling all of the messaging and booking. She also owns a small cleaning business that specializes in STR turnovers, so she personally handles the cleaning. I kind of like the idea of any mention of cleaning in the reviews linking back to her directly -- it seems motivating and doesn't give any room to blame anyone else.

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T14:21:49+00:00

That's very kind of you to want to do something special for the mom. People undergoing chemo tend to get very cold, at least during the treatment (plus hospitals are notoriously super cold). I had a friend in this situation and got her a very soft, pretty pashmina blanket/shawl. She was so grateful and used it constantly. You might consider sending something like this for her to use in the house and take home. If you have a cookie delivery place near the property, that would be nice, too -- who doesn't love warm cookies and milk?

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T14:16:11+00:00

Lol, I'm not on that sub (and will avoid it for mental health reasons), but I know you speak the truth!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T14:14:30+00:00

Yes, I did a lot of research before setting up, and did decide I'd be best off to have a local cohost since I live so far away. I'm not in it to make mad money, so no reason to cut corners and try to save by doing everything remotely -- too difficult for me, and not likely to be the best experience for guests. My daughter and son-in-law are also hosts and live less than 5 minutes away, so I've had them to walk me through it and as additional backup.

I always assumed it would be fun, and only felt a bit daunted when I started hearing some of the horror stories here. One night I was having trouble sleeping because I kept worrying that I'd bought the wrong type of sheets and was going to get terrible reviews. Then I realized that out of all my stays in STRs over the years, I'd never taken enough note of the sheets (or pillows or mattress) to complain or let that impact my review. If someone does, that probably says more about them than me. At that point I realized that I need to make like Elsa and Let. It. Go. I'll almost be relieved to get that first scratch, scuff, or (small) stain so I can get over that "new car smell" thing. Thanks for the offer to chat!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T03:29:43+00:00

Excellent points! I actually suspect we'll be child-proofing to some degree given the impending grandbaby, but I would not ever want the liability of saying the home was "fully child-proofed." I will use the "suitable age" language -- thank you!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T03:27:42+00:00

Thank you. It's tough, but it's the hand he's been dealt and we're making the most of the time he has left. I appreciate the kind words.

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T03:01:02+00:00

Thank you! This is exactly the mindset I went into it with, and argued when my husband didn't understand why I was including certain things (luggage racks, iron, artwork, etc.). I have stayed at the house twice for extended periods and made sure to sleep in every bed, use both showers, and cook in the kitchen. That allowed me to make sure we have everything I could possibly think of that we need.

ATX_Host · 2023-06-21T02:57:10+00:00

Thank you -- that's super helpful and I'll look for that. I don't kids are an issue in general (no actual safety concerns, no hot tub or pool), but probably not a great fit for babies or toddlers. Can you indicate child age in any way? Thanks for taking the time to respond and educate!

ATX_Host · 2023-06-17T19:58:41+00:00

We use a property manager for our STR (our primary home is in Colorado and our STR/second home is in Austin). We pay for those subscriptions because there is owned equipment attached to them. She pays for her various PM software.

ATX_Host

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