All Forum Posts by: Jon Martin

I use Costco home delivery (or whatever company contracts through them) for most stuff, mainly: large pump bottles of shampoo & conditioner, bath/shower bar soap, tide pods, dishwasher tabs & dish soap (Also fill bathroom soap dispenser 25% with dish soap then add water to make foaming hand soap); salt, black peppercorns, microwave popcorn (this is the only "snack" or food I provide); Toilet paper, paper towel, tissues; tea & hot chocolate, coffee mixers 

I have a large cabinet in the laundry room that I keep locked up. I leave a sufficient amount of stuff accessible for guests but keep the bulk locked up and have cleaners restock as needed. I found a great coffee roaster that provides a case of 42- 2.5 oz bags of premium coffee ground for around $60 and leave 1-2 packets out as a starter for guests.  

IMO what's expected depends largely on the market you are in. Legacy STR markets like the Hawaii or the Carolina coast where guests are accustomed to buying/bringing their own linens and toiletries and you have an amazing view out front, probably doesn't matter. If you are in a crowded market with hundreds (or thousands) of competitors, small things like the goodies you provide can make a big difference. YMMV

 You could probably rent a dog house for $50/night in Tahoe. You could probably 2x that without even seeing a single digit dip. 

@Mark Miles I've thought of that and will probably do so. @John Underwood I didn't realize that I could get unit numbers, I guess I would have to put "resident" as the addressee because some aren't owners? 

@Eliott Elias and @Brooklyn McCarty yes the cars are accessible but the condo front doors are accessed inside. I am not sure about the access/security getting past the front desk. Seemed that I could walk past but not sure if there are interior choke points that are locked and/or security guards that would give me a hard time. I've got a guy I can send though who probably won't mind getting hassled haha 

Thank you all!

I am very close to listing, maybe 1-2 weeks out. Directly across the street from my place is a massive condo complex, which is an old textile mill that's been renovated into high end condos. Most of the residents look like millennials and young professionals, and they've seen my place transition from something quite unsightly into a very nice place. I'd like to create a mailer/flyer with the URL for the direct booking website and a "good neighbor" discount because I imagine that many of them have friends/family who would like to visit and be super close but would appreciate not having to share the same space. 

I went into the leasing office and it was no dice. They won't place mailers for me, which is no surprise. Is there a way for me to get the names and unit numbers of the residents? 

Thank you all in advance for any feedback. 

Would it cover an august smart lock wifi bridge (2.4" square by 1.5" deep)? 

 Yes, and i appreciate that tip as well, I would've never thought of that. And the multiple photos of the same pieces of cliche motivational word art . . .. ugh. The fact that he never replied suggested that he was just in a panic and vent mode, but maybe he will take the advise given. Or not. 

Coastal California and Hawaii are pretty hard to beat weather wise. STR Regs and Price are the challenge.

You can still have a design that is classy and fits the mountains vibe without going all Smokey the Bear and Paul Bunyan everywhere. I cringe when I see a print of the tropics in a desert or mountain house, it's just weird. 

Agreed with everything above. I'll add that proximity to attractions, restaurants, coffee shops, bars etc is a big one. Bonus points if walkable. Most of us drive enough already in our daily lives so it's nice to be able to walk to a restaurant or beach without having to get in the car, deal with traffic, parking, and then worry about getting pulled over on the way back after a few drinks. 

I also used google street view as a screening tool. If the neighborhood looks too cookie cutter, cramped, across from a trainyard, busy street etc I eliminated it right away. You don't want your guests feeling deflated on the drive in because the surroundings aren't what they were expecting. 

End of the day you need to be able to create something unique in order to stand out.