Número Uno!

Woohooo number one on the searches, its a good day! Our apartment is doing fantastically well on airbnb. It would be nice to be able to tell you that we  have a portfolio of properties around the world and millions in the bank but sadly it would be a lie. I mean successful projects can take time. Rome was not built in a day and all that!

We came to manage this apartment as some friends of ours were moving from here in Barcelona to London with a job relocation. We were of course delighted for them but also very sad as they were good friends and had helped us so much with so many things such as schools and translations and making us feel welcome. It also reminded us of us the year previous, when we made our move from Ireland to here. We observed them going through the same emotions of excitement, apprehension and fear of the unknown that we too had had.

During their initial planning stages of their move we met them with the kids in the park one day and I asked,
“What are you going to do with you apartment”
A quick reply came back,

“No, what are YOU going to do with our apartment?”

From our many chats they knew we were doing very well with airbnb and were keen for us to take on theirs too. We were pretty pleased with ourselves that they did not question our capability at all and told us that we could manage it for them through whatever channel we wished, be it airbnb or any other means. Of course we stuck with what we know…

It was nervewrecking to say the least but at the end of February we had the keys in hand and waved off our friends and wished them good luck on their adventure and new life in London. We immediately set about getting the place ready, taking some photos (until the airbnb photographer could come out) and got the apartment up and listed.

We did not want this lovely apartment to be yet another serviced apartment. We wanted to provide the personal touch and guests to feel like they were staying in someone’s home. We meet and greet, provide maps for the guest, complimentary cava, fresh fruit  and bottled water is provided. A welcome pack is optional and proven to be very popular.  So we use our newly formed skill-set as hosts and have made the apartment what it is today… a huge success in just under 3 months.

Our search ranking is 14
Thats out of over 3500 spaces listed on airbnb in Barcelona. Why do we show at the top of the searches? Well the other 13 spaces ranked above us are booked or closed out for these dates.

Even though you are not hosting them in your home its worth letting them know that you are just a call or email away, incase they need any help or just if they want a recommendation for a good place to eat.

Tip..The day after check in always email or text your guest to ensure they are happy with everything.