This week let’s meet Mariusz 
😊
Mariusz leaves in Warsaw, in the capital of Poland. He and his family own and rent three apartments in the city. He is a super host and he gives a great focus on the cleanness of his apartments and the individual approach of each customer, making them feel unique.
The apartments have a modern decoration and provide plenty of amenities, in order to make guests feel at home, as the name suggests. They are fully automated, providing guests individual access to the entrance lock through a smart apartment system, which also checks and keeps the right temperature and lighting in the apartment. Guests can relax and watch Netflix or HBO GO, play PlayStation, and read a book if they want to.
Let’s hear his story! 🔊
So, Mariusz, tell us, how long have you been hosting for? How and why did you start? How many properties do you manage?
My hosting business starts when I, as a young man, bought a second flat in Wrocław and it was some years ago in 2007. This was the starting point of my activity as a host for long-term rental. Then I heavily invest in the next flats with a pivot point into short rental started in 2018. Now my family manages 3 long-term apartments and 3 in the short-term also. From the beginning, it was an idea for capital management to look forward to our retirement.
Are you an owner or a manager? Is this a part-time or full-time occupation for you?
I always try to own my flats, but if necessary I use external capital. This gives me a great advantage and flexibility. When difficult times of crisis come such as the recent Covid-19 I don’t worry so much about losing or reducing income. I can quickly change from short-term to long-term rentals. Of course, it’s my part-time job, but in the future, I do not exclude full involvement in this business.
What is the best thing about hosting, and what are the biggest problems you face?
The daily management of several flats is not time-consuming and becomes a pleasure with the help of Hosthub tools.
The biggest problem is as always delivery the highest possible quality and perfect consumer journey during their stay at “Like at Home Warsaw” apartments. The first and most important things are training and verification of the cleaning service. This is an essential everyday routine. With customers, I’m always dealing personally and this is why I get to know them better and can better meet their expectations.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you started hosting?
It’s always the same thing – How to easily manage multiple booking channels without unnecessary problems like double bookings/pricing differentials, etc…
What is the most important advice/tip you would give someone interested in becoming a short-term rental host?
Always deliver the best quality of cleanness and take an individual approach to each customer. Your offer should be unique and well adjusted for your target customer market. This can give you a huge advantage and being a host will be enjoyable.
Besides Hosthub, are there any tools, devices, or software (eg. Remote keylocks, cameras, local guide apps, power meters, etc) you use? What is your experience with them?
My short-rent apartments are mostly fully automated. Automation starts as soon as information is sent to the customer on how they can get to the flat and what the rules are. I always try to do this via SMS, which allows establishing a better relationship with the guest. Guest enter the flat using an app and an electronic lock, or I open the lock remotely. The temperature, air conditioning, and also lights are controlled by the SmartHome system, which also reduces costs when the flat is not rented. Guest can also use my entertainment systems like Bluetooth speaker, Game Console, Cell Phone Chargers, or Netflix/HBO GO movie streaming platforms. Customers are always thankful for that kind of service.
Which channels do you list on? How much has your revenue increased since listing on multiple channels?
Previously I managed manually with only two channels, now with Hosthub, there is no such limitation. As I well remember there are four or even five channels open that fit my hosting area. With this solution, I can better fill gaps in bookings, which leads to better occupancy and in turn into profits. I`m sure the revenue increase from 5 to 10 % at all.
Besides listing on multiple channels, what other things can a host do to increase his/her bookings and revenue?
The answer to this question must be searched for again and again and must be adapted to current market conditions. We must constantly work towards better customer service and satisfaction at every possible stage. Information about interesting attractions in the area and good restaurants is always welcome.
You can find out more about Mariusz’s properties here:
Airbnb
- Like at Home Warsaw Popularna (10)
- Like at Home Warsaw Popularna (4)
- Like at Home Warsaw Popularna (5)
Booking.com
Direct Booking Website
Here are some photos to give you a better vision of Mariusz’s apartments (click for larger versions) 🧐
