How to Rent Out Houseboats on Airbnb

Creating a unique experience for your guests leads to five-star reviews and returning clients. And if you live near the water, you can take advantage of this open market for one-of-a-kind spaces by renting out houseboats on Airbnb. So, how is hosting on land different from hosting by sea? What are the special considerations for running a STR that floats?Nicole Young is an Airbnb Superhost based in Norfolk, Virginia, with two houseboat listings on the platform—a 37-foot Holiday Mansion that sleeps two and a 50-foot Gibson that sleeps six. In addition to overnight stays on Airbnb, Nicole leverages Groupon to attract locals for date nights and does a food tasting Airbnb Experience on what she calls her ‘floating bed and breakfast.’On this episode of Get Paid for Your Pad, Nicole joins me to share her experience with listing houseboats on Airbnb. She explains the ‘date night’ concept she uses to increase bookings during the week, discussing how guests book through Groupon and what you can do to apply a similar idea in your space. Listen in for Nicole’s insight around the regulations and legal issues associated with STR houseboats and learn how the little things you do to provide a unique experience create lasting memories for guests!Topics CoveredNicole’s houseboat listings on Airbnb37-foot Holiday Mansion opened in March 2017, sleeps 250-foot Gibson opened July 2019, sleeps 6Nicole’s experience with houseboat bookingsCalendar full on weekends, holidays and eventsAdded ‘date nights’ to attract locals during weekHow Nicole’s date night concept worksOffering on Groupon and Airbnb ExperiencesProvide sensory experience in 3-hour time blocksHow guests book Nicole’s houseboat through GrouponCall to schedule (Airbnb calendar link reference)Convert to overnight if date not availableNicole’s advice around executing date nightsApproval through Groupon Merchant CenterOffer little things to create memories (e.g.: Polaroid)Nicole’s experience with regulations and legal concernsDon’t go out on water for liability reasonsIssues with local government (i.e.: taxes, water treatment)Move to private dock after marina policy changedWhy Nicole recommends hosting STR houseboatsMarket open for unique spacesGood revenue source despite renovation expenseNicole’s very positive reviews on AirbnbGuests comment on fishing poles, view of naval baseWonderful experience leads to returning guestsConnect with NicoleNicole on AirbnbResourcesGroupon Merchant CenterAirbnb ExperiencesTo subscribe to the podcast, please use the links belowClick Here to Subscribe via iTunesClick here to Subscribe via Stitcher (Android users)If you like the show, please consider leaving the show a review in iTunesor Stitcher. A couple minutes of your time can help the show immensely! Thanks! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.