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 bathroom congestion.

• Increase the number of toilets in the property to accommodate guests.

• Set clear expectations about hot water usage to prevent running out.

• Use subtle methods like a sand timer to encourage shorter showers.

• Approach issues with guests calmly and offer alternative solutions rather than confrontation.

BEST MOMENTS

"I rent out up to seven rooms, which includes the fancy glass dome at the bottom of the garden. I accept that this number of rooms is perhaps uncommon, but what the experience has done is thrown up issues that are not necessarily obvious."

"I have never had any complaint about this over eight years of hosting. I think culturally, people taking a bath these days is very rare."

"I try very hard to ensure that I never confront a guest about an issue in the heat of the moment. I have done it a couple of times and have regretted it."

"Getting uptight about the continual battle to keep the bathroom clean is not going to change anything."

"At the end of the day, as I often remind myself, does whatever it is really matter?"

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.