In this episode, Neil shares essential insights on how to handle emergencies that may arise during a guest's stay. Drawing from his extensive experience as a live-in host, Neil discusses the importance of being prepared for medical emergencies, personal safety issues, and crime incidents. He emphasizes the need for hosts to remain calm and collected in such situations, providing practical tips on how to respond effectively.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Always have a first aid kit on your property and...

In this episode, Neil shares a captivating story about a guest named Maria, who became a bit too comfortable during her stays at his home. Neil recounts his experiences hosting over 2,000 guests and the unique challenges and joys that come with being a live-in host. He describes how Maria, an Italian lecturer, began to treat his home as her own, bringing in personal items and even furniture. After a humorous yet necessary conversation about boundaries, Neil reflects on the importance of...

In this episode, Neil shares valuable insights on the importance of house rules for Airbnb hosts. Drawing from his extensive experience of over nine years in hosting, Neil emphasizes how clear and concise house rules can set expectations for guests, foster respectful behaviour, and enhance the overall guest experience. Neil outlines his top seven house rules, covering essential topics such as check-in and check-out times, smoking and pet policies, and kitchen etiquette. Neil also discusses...

In this episode, Neil shares personal experiences of misunderstandings in hosting that led to significant paradigm shifts. Neil emphasizes the importance of understanding different perspectives when dealing with guests, illustrating this with two compelling stories. He first recounts a confrontation with a long-term guest who brought a friend over without notifying him, leading to a realization of the need for clear communication. His second story involves a guest with service dogs, which...

In this episode, Neil Harvey explores the pros and cons of allowing pets in your Airbnb property. With a significant portion of the population being pet owners, Neil discusses how welcoming furry friends can attract new guests and enhance their holiday experience. He outlines seven benefits, such as increased bookings and reduced stress for pet owners, while also addressing potential downsides, including property damage and liability concerns. Neil emphasizes the importance of setting clear...

In this episode, Neil Harvey explores the often-overlooked aspect of sound in enhancing hosting skills. Drawing from his extensive experience as a successful Airbnb host, Neil emphasises the importance of being attuned to the noises within your property to serve guests better and improve their experience. Neil shares five key reasons why listening can be beneficial, from proactively welcoming guests upon arrival to efficiently managing chores and understanding guest behaviour. Neil also...

In this episode, Neil delves into the transformative power of random acts of kindness in the hosting business. Drawing from his own successful experience of generating over £300,000 through Airbnb, Neil emphasises how small, selfless gestures can significantly enhance guest relationships and foster a positive atmosphere. Neil shares practical examples of kindness during the pre-booking journey, upon guest arrival, and even beyond the hosting experience, illustrating how these actions can lead...

In this episode, Neil delves into the transformative power of automation for Airbnb hosts. Drawing from his own experiences, Neil shares practical insights on how simple technological solutions can save time, money, and even sanity. He discusses various automation tools, such as smart locks, motion sensor lights, and programmable switches, that can enhance the guest experience while reducing the host's workload. With a focus on starting small and gradually expanding automation efforts, Neil...

In this episode, Neil Harvey shares his journey towards enhancing the security of his Airbnb property following a frightening incident that occurred at his front door. He discusses the challenges he faced with traditional key management and the frequent lapses in security that left his home vulnerable. Neil reveals how he transformed his approach by installing a smart lock, which not only simplifies guest access but also ensures that the property remains secure at all times. He emphasizes the...

In this episode, Neil delves into the concept of long-term value (LTV) that guests can bring to hosts. He discusses how repeat bookings, personal recommendations, and ongoing friendships with guests can significantly enhance both financial stability and personal enrichment for hosts. Neil shares a heartwarming story about a couple who return annually for a music festival, illustrating how positive guest experiences can lead to consistent income and glowing reviews. He emphasizes the...

In this episode, Neil shifts the focus from hosting to being a good guest. He shares valuable insights and tips on how guests can enhance their experience and leave a positive impression. Neil emphasizes the importance of reading property descriptions, providing arrival details, maintaining a positive attitude, and respecting the host's home. He also highlights the significance of communication, cleanliness, and consideration towards the property and host.  KEY TAKEAWAYS As a guest, it is...

In this episode, Neil shares heartwarming stories of connections he has made with guests that have extended beyond their stay. From a student turned valued employee, to a generous guest offering financial support during a challenging time, these stories highlight the profound relationships that can develop through hosting. Neil emphasizes the importance of adding value to others and caring for their well-being, encapsulating the essence of hosting beyond just providing accommodation. KEY...

In this episode, Neil continues to look at the power of Airbnb's review system, with a focus on the challenging topic of bad reviews for hosts on the platform. With over 2,000 guests and 1,000 reviews under his belt, Neil shares his insights on how to handle and learn from negative feedback. He discusses the different types of bad reviews, the importance of analyzing the root cause of issues, and the impact bad reviews can have on a host's reputation and Superhost status. KEY TAKEAWAYS ...

In this episode, Neil looks at the importance of reviews in the Airbnb ecosystem. He explains the review system on Airbnb, highlighting its role in building trust between hosts and guests. Neil shares how reviews have helped him make improvements to his accommodations and spy on his competition.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Maintaining excellent review scores is crucial for achieving and maintaining Superhost status on Airbnb. Reviews provide real-time feedback that can help hosts make improvements to...

In today's episode, Neil shares his own advice and insights on how to ensure guests leave happy and satisfied. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive impression until the very end of the guest's stay, highlighting the impact it can have on reviews, recommendations, returning guests, and potential rewards. Neil provides practical tips on how to bid farewell to guests, and the best ways to leave a lasting positive impression.  KEY TAKEAWAYS It is crucial to treat guests with...

In this episode, Neil shares his insights on creating a harmonious guest experience to ensure repeat business and increased income. Neil emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries and providing guidance to guests through simple principles and house rules. He recounts personal experiences and practical solutions he has implemented in his own hosting journey, such as labeling shelves in the fridge, creating guest-specific storage areas, and using clear signage throughout the...

Today, Neil is looking at the importance of creating a positive first impression when guests arrive. Sharing his personal experiences and strategies for building rapport with guests, Neil emphasizes the "tea trap" routine he uses to connect with new arrivals. By offering guests a cup of tea and engaging in a 10-minute conversation, Neil establishes a welcoming atmosphere and gains valuable insights into his guests' needs and backgrounds.  The host Neil refers to in the podcast is in Oakham...

In this episode, Neil shares his journey from hosting just one room to welcoming over 2,000 guests and generating significant revenue. He emphasizes the importance of first impressions and details the 10-second rule, where guests form opinions quickly upon arrival. Neil provides valuable insights on preparing the property for guests, including creating a checklist with four key elements: bed, bin, bath, and beauty. He also highlights the significance of personal touches, such as addressing...

Today, Neil Harvey divulges his secrets to effectively communicating with guests before their arrival. With experience in over 2,000 guests hosted and a quarter of a million pounds in turnover, Neil emphasizes the importance of providing clear instructions for guests to find and access the property hassle-free. He discusses his evolution from sending random messages to creating a systematic approach using standard messages and eventually incorporating a video guide.  KEY TAKEAWAYS ...

In this episode, Neil dissects the crucial stage of communicating with guests before they book. With over 2,000 guests hosted and eight years of experience, Neil shares valuable insights on how to handle guest inquiries effectively. He emphasizes the importance of responding promptly, addressing all questions with respect, and never making guests feel silly for asking. Ultimately, Neil guides hosts on how to navigate guest inquiries and create a positive booking experience.  KEY TAKEAWAYS ...

In this episode, Neil shares valuable insights on how hosts can take control of their bookings calendar by creating their own "crystal ball" using a spreadsheet. By delving into the power of the Airbnb calendar and the importance of staying on top of bookings, Neil provides practical tips on maximizing revenue, increasing occupancy rates, and personalizing guest experiences. He emphasizes the significance of regularly checking and syncing the calendar with other plans to ensure a smooth guest...

In today's episode, Neil delves into the crucial aspect of the customer journey, focusing on the start of this journey. Neil emphasizes the importance of understanding the customer journey and how it impacts the success of an Airbnb business. He shares insights on creating a roadmap for guests, starting with the offering, which includes elements such as photos, written descriptions, badges, reviews, and pricing. Neil provides valuable tips on how hosts can optimize their listings to attract...

In this episode, Neil Harvey focuses on the topic of managing the various challenges that arise in the bathroom, such as bathroom hoggers, messy guests, and limited hot water. Neil discusses practical solutions he has implemented, like adding sinks to rooms and setting time limits for showers. He also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive attitude and addressing issues calmly to ensure harmony among guests. KEY TAKEAWAYS Focus on providing individual sinks in rooms to avoid...

In today's episode, Neil shares his top five considerations for creating a welcoming and functional bathroom space. From fixtures and fittings to ventilation, lighting, storage solutions, and finishing touches, he provides valuable insights and tips based on his hosting experience. Emphasizing simplicity, functionality, and ease of cleaning, Neil highlights the importance of creating a guest-friendly environment that prioritizes practicality over extravagant features. KEY TAKEAWAYS Ensure...