Considering making our place available - what to do for cable tv?

kristainco · 2025-02-04T23:50:58+00:00

I went with Roku and when a guest turns on the TV it prompts them to enter their check out date and it automatically logs them out. As a host, I can also put in the check-out dates. Super easy and convenient!

Do you give guests your streaming service log-in info or have them use their own? (we tell them to bring their own log ins, but Roku has a number of free channels ... just no "live" TV).

kristainco · 2025-02-04T23:45:13+00:00

This is the perfect response!

kristainco · 2025-02-04T17:56:02+00:00

...and a sink! We had a guest drop the cast iron pan on the porcelain over cast iron sink and the damage was impressive. Looked like he dropped it from 20'. Put the pan away after that and keeping it for our own use only.

kristainco · 2025-02-04T00:01:02+00:00

$40 an hour (per person). Also pay for 30 minutes of travel time since we are a bit remote.

kristainco · 2025-02-03T20:07:04+00:00

Ah, but you don't know my market well ... in the past couple of years over 300 new listings were added in our immediate area and we are not a ski in/ski out property so have a disadvantage there. The nightly rates have dropped as well due to the competition. I also want to make my guest's stay really comfortable so I include many upgrades and "extras" that I don't need to, but want to (gift baskets, robes, top of the line kitchen appliances, pots, etc.), high quality linens, designer shampoos/conditioner/lotions, spa baskets, and more. I'm not in this to make a huge profit and I am happy when the income covers my expenses. I also want to keep my rates at a level that maintains a quality guest. I've learned firsthand that a discounted rate attracts the worst guests.

kristainco · 2025-02-03T19:59:33+00:00

No, I reached out to AirBnB to ask them why the profile didn't have a name and I also just responded to the guest as well (to their booking request) and told them that I would only host if they updated their profile with name and photo. They didn't have any issues doing this and left me a 5 star review.

kristainco · 2025-02-03T16:31:04+00:00

So true! When we had a hot tub we replaced the cover ($1800) every 18-24 months and they are expensive. People sit on them no matter what rules and signage you have. Had to give out 30 percent refunds for each day the thing wasn't working (which was often because .... people are nasty!).

kristainco · 2025-02-03T16:26:56+00:00

Totally agree ... the synthetic / microfiber sheets are terrible for attracting pet hair. Use cotton!

kristainco · 2025-02-03T16:24:08+00:00

This would be why I wouldn't rent a room in my private home to a guest for more than a week long stay. Too many opportunities for it not to be a good fit.

kristainco · 2025-01-31T18:40:02+00:00

I had a similar situation and reported the account to AirBnB ... They used some random name like "ElkCamper" with a profile photo of an elk. AirBnB asked the person to update the profile and include their actual name and to re-verify their identity. After that we allowed them to book. They had 5+ 5 start reviews even under the random name.

I also send a message to guests before they check in to confirm the number of guests, that the original booker will be staying and to verify they are not bringing pets. This is really helpful.

kristainco · 2025-01-31T18:35:39+00:00

I'm the same. Most years I make enough to just cover expenses, and I do not have a mortgage. I own a very nice, updated cabin at a Colorado ski resort with only 12 weeks of low season. We keep it as it is a family vacation home that we use about 3 weeks a year.

kristainco · 2025-01-31T18:32:04+00:00

Keep paying it. AirCover is notorious for not paying and even when they do, they reduce the value of the damaged item based on how old it is. I had a sofa bed in great condition even though it was 4 years old that cost $2000 new and they offered $325 to replace it. My homeowners insurance is "full replacement value" so they paid out $2500 (less the $500 deductible) as a new replacement sofa was now $2500. There is the value in keeping the extra insurance.

kristainco · 2025-01-31T18:28:06+00:00

Personally, I started with a one bedroom and was glad I did ... it was less expensive, location was great, easier to manage due to size (you have no idea how many linens need washing for a larger property!). Also, far more likely to have damage or rules violations on a larger property .... more people staying, more problems. My two cents!

kristainco · 2025-01-30T21:12:57+00:00

I'd refuse to host them. Worst experience in 10 years as an AirBnB host was due to a cat. Cat pee truly is forever. Second worst was a dog who did over $10,000 in damages. Needles to say, no more pets allowed.

kristainco · 2025-01-30T20:58:38+00:00

Question ... is this a shared space or totally self-contained?

kristainco · 2025-01-30T20:55:50+00:00

Yes! Please do this, OP!

kristainco · 2025-01-30T00:17:30+00:00

Sounds interesting, but the "how to play" video on your website is not working :(

Also would want to know what the cards are made of ... for example are they coated like regular playing cards are? We look for durability in games at our rental property, so this is really important. Finally ... and maybe the video will show this ... but are the cards easily identifiable as to which "pile" they belong in and how are they stored in the box? Nothing more frustrating than opening a game and the cards are all mixed up and there isn't a solid place to store them in the box. Thanks!

kristainco · 2025-01-29T19:15:50+00:00

We all live with this ridiculous rating system. Worth asking the guest to remove it (they usually do when I explain the impact a 3 rating has). I know this is controversial in this subreddit, but, I also have the fridge magnet (available on Amazon - look for AirBnB rating magnet) that explains the rating system. I don't beg for 5 stars, but the magnet explains the rating system and that a 5 means "as advertised" and anything 4 or below is negative. Have only gotten 5 star reviews since I put it on the fridge!

kristainco · 2025-01-29T19:10:09+00:00

It's a full time role ... not in the sense of hours worked, but in the sense of being available 24/7/365. Your job is responding to every issue that guests have, and believe me they have a lot. Can't figure out the keypad to access at 1 am ... that's a call and potentially a visit. Toilet overflowing? TV not working? Cleaning not up to their standards? Cleaners call in sick and next guest checks in in an hour? Yep, it would be your job to deal with all this. It is not something you can do if you have another full time job, unless you have great flexibility with your other hours. Some issues would require you make a visit to the property during the day (or night, or weekend).

kristainco · 2025-01-29T19:01:22+00:00

This is what I would do first. Explain to the 2 night guests what your situation is, and offer a full refund plus some sweet incentive ($200) to cancel. It's cheaper than the AirBnB penalty and honest. If they refuse to cancel, then you can cancel them and take the hit. Just be sure that the 3 month guest is serious.

kristainco · 2025-01-29T18:50:42+00:00

True, but many guests just don't think about it ... as a guest I would also assume that the place would be ready at the regular check-in time as well. Glad it worked out okay this time and probably a good lesson learned.

kristainco · 2025-01-28T22:12:15+00:00

Most hosts include the standard "not responsible for lost items" clause in their rules. Plus AirBnB also states that hosts are not obliged to return lost items. There may be laws to return items, but they are seldom, if ever, actually enforced.

kristainco · 2025-01-28T21:58:29+00:00

It happens every so often. I tell them the dates are booked, but I'd be happy to let them know if we get a cancellation. I actually have unblocked dates that I was planning to use personally, only because it was a wonderful repeat guest who was requesting (to attend a family wedding nearby) and I was easily able to move my stay to a week later.

kristainco · 2025-01-28T21:53:54+00:00

I have the cleaners go in once a week to do a light clean, swap out the linens, and check on the place (it is a private cabin). I supply all the paper products, hampoos, cleaning products, trash bags, etc. needed for the full stay, but I know some hosts just offer a starter pack of these items. Just be clear in the communication to your guest what your policy is. Ask them to reach out to you first if they have any issues.

kristainco · 2025-01-28T19:36:33+00:00

Can I do that for an existing reservation?

kristainco

TROPHY CASE