The Airbnb Superhost Neil Harvey

Today's episode of The Airbnb Superhost explores the crucial decision-making process of choosing between budget-friendly and high-quality purchases for your hosting property. Neil shares his personal insights gained from over eight years of hosting over 1,200 guests. When purchasing beds, furniture, and appliances, Neil emphasizes the importance of investing in quality items to avoid frequent replacements and costly repairs. He highlights the balance between beauty and functionality, stressing the significance of long-term durability and practicality in purchasing decisions. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS



Buying cheap may seem like a cost-saving measure, but in the long run, it often leads to more expenses and hassle with repairs and replacements.



While it's important to have aesthetically pleasing items, prioritize functionality and durability to avoid frequent replacements.



When making purchasing decisions for your accommodations, consider the longevity and practicality of the items to avoid frequent replacements.



Make strategic upgrades that enhance the guest experience without breaking the bank, focusing on longevity and practicality.



The adage "buy cheap, buy twice" holds true in many cases, emphasizing the importance of investing in quality items to save money in the long term.



BEST MOMENTS

"Focus on the rewards, not the price paid. I assure you, when you get it right, the rewards far outstretch the price."

"The cost of getting it right is far less than the cost of the regret that you got it wrong."

"Sometimes it's best to buy an item based on how simple it is to operate or fix. I mean, the more sophisticated it is, the more likely it is to break and the harder it is to fix."

"My goodness, that really looks nice. A bargain for sure at that price. If only you knew that sadly it's true: If you choose to buy cheap, you'll buy twice!"

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In this episode, Neil shares his expertise on enhancing the guest experience by focusing on the physical aspects of the bedroom. He emphasizes the importance of meeting guests' personal needs, such as providing a comfortable bed, mirrors, allergy-friendly bedding, and ample storage space. Neil also delves into the significance of small details like quality hangers, towels, toiletries, and lighting. He introduces the concept of the "slight edge," advocating for consistent small improvements to achieve long-term success. Through anecdotes and practical tips, Neil guides listeners on how to create a welcoming and memorable stay for guests, ultimately aiming for rave reviews and repeat bookings. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS



Focus on making your guests' experience top-notch by paying attention to their personal needs and essentials in the bedroom.



Ensure the bed is comfortable as it is a non-negotiable aspect of the guest experience.



Provide mirrors of decent size in the bedroom for guests' convenience.



Consider guests' allergies when choosing bedding and laundry detergents.



Implement the concept of the slight edge by making consistent small improvements over time to enhance the guest experience and achieve success.



BEST MOMENTS

"Their bed, it's got to be comfortable. I mean, come on, there's a clue in the name, Airbnb. The first B stands for bed." 

"Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's going to be the ultimate super host of them all? Spoiler alert, it will be you, my friend, if you stick around with me."

"Non-bio liquid laundry detergent is my default. Why? Well with powder detergent they bulk it out with sneaky little fillers that don't dissolve and they get caught between the fibers of your clothes and bedding."

"There's nothing more frustrating than trying to dry your wet body with a tea towel. If you can, provide two towels per guest. One for the face and one for the body."

"For the Superhost status award, improve the things you can afford. Though your actions seem small, doesn't matter at all, as the slight edge should not be ignored."

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

Today, Neil delves into the importance of utilizing the five senses to create the ultimate guest experience in your accommodation room. He shares valuable insights and tips on how to optimize the visual appeal, cleanliness, comfort, ambiance, and overall satisfaction of a room for guests. By focusing on sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste, Neil emphasizes the significance of making a positive first impression within the first 10 seconds of a guest entering the room. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS



Guests make a judgment within the first 10 seconds based on their five senses.



Paying attention to sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste can lead to repeat bookings and great reviews.



Ensuring the room is comfortable in terms of temperature, bedding, and furniture placement is crucial for guest satisfaction.



Simple patterns with muted natural colors and tones, with a pop of color as a centerpiece, create a relaxed atmosphere.



Guests decide if they like a place within 10 seconds based on their sensory experience, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive first impression.



BEST MOMENTS

"All rooms are equal, but some rooms are more equal than others."

"I've discovered a system that can be applied to any room to make sure that they are as close as possible to being perfect."

"I've earned over £50,000 from that one room alone."

"You have 10 seconds before your guest decides if they like your place or not."

"From the moment your guests through the door, they'll judge the room ceiling to floor."

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In today's episode, Neil delves into the common concerns that guests may have before booking an Airbnb. He highlights the top three worries shared by guests, including the accuracy of the listing description, cleanliness and hygiene standards, and personal safety. Neil shares personal anecdotes and insights on how hosts can address these concerns to make guests feel more confident when booking. He emphasizes the importance of accurately portraying the property, maintaining cleanliness, and ensuring guest safety. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS



Guests worry if the listing will be as described on the website, emphasizing the importance of accurate representation.



Concerns about cleanliness arise due to the lack of standardized cleaning procedures in Airbnb compared to hotels.



Personal safety encompasses more than just locking doors, including well-lit paths, security measures, and accessibility features.



Inviting a friend to be a guest and provide feedback can help hosts see their property from a guest's perspective and address any concerns effectively.



BEST MOMENTS

"How has Airbnb become such a success when it is 100% about going to a stranger's home?"

"The review system is the best tool we have. In fact, there is so much more to what it does for us that I'll be talking about this topic in an episode all on its own."

"I remember going to a listing that offered a spacious living room only to find on arrival that the room was very much the private space of the owner and his partner. I was not welcome there."

"Get a good friend to come and pretend to wear the other man's shoes."

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

In this episode, Neil Harvey delves into the personal side of the hosting business. With over eight years of hosting experience and interactions with guests from over 40 countries, Neil shares five key realities of being a host. From how hosting can change your mindset to facing and overcoming prejudices, dealing with guest irritations, wearing different hats to cater to various guest needs, and ultimately how hosting enriches your life through diverse guest interactions. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS



Hosting on Airbnb can have a significant personal impact, changing your mindset and forcing you to face your prejudices.



Interacting with a diverse range of guests can enrich your life and provide valuable learning experiences.



Your behavior and attitude as a host set the tone for your guests' experience, ultimately impacting your success.



Despite occasional irritations, maintaining a positive and empathetic approach towards guests is crucial for a successful hosting experience.



Embracing the challenges and joys of hosting can lead to personal growth and fulfillment, making the journey rewarding.



BEST MOMENTS

"Just because I was in debt was no reason to be unhappy. Debt made me broke. Broke is a state of pocket. Being poor is a state of mind."

"If I had let my first impressions of these guests control my actions, it not only would have affected my hosting duties and provided a poorer experience for those people, but I too would also have missed out on learning about their backgrounds and their lives."

"Understanding one another is one thing, but unless you're Mother Teresa or Gandhi, there will be occasions when your guests simply push your buttons with their behaviors."

"If the world is at your kitchen table, why wouldn't you want to be part of it? You would be amazed with how much of their lives guests are actually willing to share with you."

"Your behavior sets the tone of your guests' experience. If you want to pay all your bills and enjoy a host of new thrills, at the end of the day the size of your pay will be set by your people skills."

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.

Today, Neil delves into the harsh realities of running an Airbnb business. He candidly discusses the time-consuming nature of managing bookings, communicating with guests, and maintaining the property. Neil also touches on the Cinderella-like aspect of constant cleaning and laundry duties, emphasizing the importance of staying on top of these tasks. Furthermore, he addresses the unpredictable nature of bookings, cancellations, and the occasional bad review, providing insights on how to navigate these challenges effectively. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS



Running an Airbnb business requires a significant time commitment, including managing bookings, communication, and upkeep of the property.



Expect to take on the role of a "Cinderella" with constant cleaning and laundry tasks to maintain the accommodation's cleanliness.



Bookings will fluctuate, so keeping good records and identifying trends is essential to maximize earnings.



Cancellations and bad reviews are inevitable, but it's crucial to react positively and adapt to maintain success.



The key to success lies in how hosts react to challenges and realities, emphasizing the importance of mindset and resilience in the Airbnb business.



BEST MOMENTS

"The better you understand these realities, the better you will navigate them and speed your pathway to superhost status and beyond."

"I remember moaning down the phone to my stepmother once about having to mop up after my guests yet again. And she just said, Neil, that's what you get paid for."

"Whenever this happens to me, I just think to myself, well, someone even better is now going to book the room instead. And sometimes, you know what, that actually happens."

"It's not what happens to you that's important, it's the way you react to it that matters."

 

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera. 

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 8 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambiance creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

 

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.