Featured Airbnb Host - Flora Moreno de Thompson
BY MIKEL HUBBARD
FORMER HGTV PRODUCER | CO-FOUNDER, THE HOST CO |
OWNER, TIMES EIGHT PROPERTY & DESIGN
We love introducing some of the hosts who inspire us to the broader hosting community! That’s why we’re proud to share our interview with Flora from @thompsonlodge and @fourthandjulian. Keep reading to hear what she has to say about hosting!
Q: How did you get started hosting?
A: I started hosting in 2015 because we took over the family cabin, Thompson Lodge, and weren't sure if we could afford all of the expenses at the time. We figured we could rent the cabin out a few weekends here and there just to help cover some bills, while still being able to enjoy the cabin when we had the chance. I still remember how nervous I was when our first guest arrived, and then a few days into his stay he extended it by another week! I took that as an auspicious sign that I was on the right track to creating a place where people actually wanted to be.
Q: How has it changed your life?
A: Hosting has opened a lot of doors for my family and me. I've been able to add three more short-term rentals to my portfolio in addition to our family cabin, and I've been able to turn what was once a side gig into a successful small business.
Q: What are you best hosting tips - or what tips have helped you the most?
A:
Don't skimp on linens—good quality bedding matters!
Clean more than you think you need to.
To avoid potential problems like parties or suspicious behavior on weekends, require at least a 2-night minimum on Fridays/Saturdays.
Be crystal clear about your house rules and expectations of guests.
Communicate what your guests can expect of you and your property. Is there a chance they'll hear a train or a loud neighbor? Are you on-site? Will they potentially run into your dogs? These set expectations, but also make the guest feel like you aren't hiding anything from them.
Offer a robust list of local recommendations for your guests. It's a chance to highlight what makes your neighborhood so great!
Q: Has COVID changed your business model? Is there anything you plan to change?
A: Not really. Our listings have always been self check-in and our cleaning regimen has been very thorough since I began hosting. I let guests at our San Jose listings know I am as present as much or as little as they want me to be while being on-site and I think people appreciate that, especially with today's social distancing needs.
Flora is an Airbnb host with several properties in California and has a track record of success. She has a ton of advice to offer on boundaries to set for guests and her expansion from one to multiple listings! Thank you Flora for your amazing work!
If you’d like to get featured or have a host you’d like to be featured, please email us or send us a message on our page and let us know!