This week let’s meet Nicole 😊
Nicole lives in Tamborine Mountain in Queensland, Australia. She owns and manages a loft, which is a 45-minute from the beaches of the Gold Coast and is upon a mountain amongst the rainforest. Her little studio is a cozy escape for guests and it is also a great base for them to explore the around area. It is a walking distance away from Curtis Falls and Gallery Walk.
Nicole has been hosting for a few months and has already excellent reviews in channels, in which she lists her studio.
Let’s hear her story! 🔊
So, Nicole, tell us, how long have you been hosting for? How and why did you start? How many properties do you manage?
I’ve only been hosting for a few months. Was looking for an alternative way of making a living so I could stay close to home. I only manage one property. A loft over my garage.
Are you an owner or a manager? Is this a part-time or full-time occupation for you?
I own and manage my place and it brings in over half my income.
What is the best thing about hosting, and what are the biggest problems you face?
I love hosting. The best part is that it’s your own business and you have your place just as you want it. The downside is the cleaning but Stephen and I get stuck into it together and have some laughs.
What is one thing you wish you knew when you started hosting?
I wish I knew how easy it was and did it earlier.
What is the most important advice/tip you would give someone interested in becoming a short-term rental host?
If you’re going to host do it well. Make sure your place is super clean. We spent quite a bit of money on good-quality sheets, pictures, throws, cushions, and furnishings. We put out lots of different types of teas, hot chocolate, coffee pods, and chocolates. Don’t be stingy. Make it a place you’d want to visit.
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?
Besides Hosthub we don’t use much technology. We have motion sensor lights so the place is safe at night as people come and go.
Which channels do you list on? How much has your revenue increased since listing on multiple channels?
We list on Airbnb, Booking.com, and Stayz. We mainly get our business from Airbnb but adding Booking.com has added 20% to our earnings.
Besides listing on multiple channels, what other things can a host do to increase his/her bookings and revenue?
To increase your bookings have a website; update your location with Google and upload photos, offer your guests a discount on return visits. Try to think of ways to make your place more appealing. In this time of technology and disconnection provide a human experience. Greet your guests, smile, remember something about them.
You can find out more about Nicole’s studio here:
Direct Booking Website
Airbnb
Booking.com
Stayz
Here are some photos to give you a better vision of Nicole’s studio (click for larger versions) 🧐
