All Forum Posts by: Kevin Boyd

By now I think we all know how you operate your business.

I am looking to have a website built to use for direct bookings of our STR's. Can someone recommend someone they've used? We have 5 properties and we want one website for all of them.

How is a simple gym with a few dumbbells etc. such a big liability? Is it more of a liability than steak knives, a staircase, a swimming pool, a fire pit? Seems like people are a lot more scared of liability than they should be. Like, how can you own a business or even a STR if you are afraid of someone dropping a dumbbell on their toe and hiring an attorney? I've owned several businesses, dozens of properties, hundreds of employees and not a hint of any frivolous lawsuits. I guess I just choose not to be afraid of the boogie man. And if the boogie man were to tear his ugly head, I have insurance.

I have To assume that upscale hotels have considered the ROI on gyms. There must be a certain segment of the population who stay at hotels that have that requirement or or at least place a value on a gym. Wouldn't the same holds true for a luxury STR? I can't imagine that if I spent $5000 on a gym that it would take 20 years to recoup the investment. My other idea was golf simulators.

I am not concerned about the liability. If I had a concern about liability I certainly wouldn’t be in the vacation rental business. We have pools with waterslides, trampolines, etc. etc. And I’m certainly not interested in providing the gym just to be a nice guy. The question was would a GM produce more revenue?

Thank you!

MY home gym wouldn't have to have equipment for a bunch of people all working out at once. I'm thinking used Peloton ($1500), nice tread mill,  a bench, full set of dumbbells, some kettle bells, yoga mats, jump rope, exercise ball, punching bag, etc.  I'm thinking of spending in the neighborhood of $7,500. The homes I rent currently bring in between $100k and $175k per year. The way I think of it, is if the equipment lasts 3 years, that's a $2,500/year investment. 

Does anyone offer a home gym in their STR? I am looking for ways to differentiate our rentals in a competitive market. If you offer one, do you think it is helpful in getting more interest? How many people use gym in their filters when searching for rentals?

I am considering purchasing a 5,000 sq. ft. or bigger luxury home in Phoenix/Scottsdale. Does anyone have any experience with this. Any opinions of a luxury home in this market would be appreciated.

Does anyone offer a gym in their STR? I mostly have homes with garages. I am trying to find something to set my homes apart from all the other STR's in San Diego. All my homes already have swimming pools. I am considering trying home gyms in the garage. How much demand is there. If you have a gym in your STR, how much of a difference do you think it makes?