Airbnb and me: a renter’s perspective

Listing my Sea Point flat on Airbnb was not a carefully carried out campaign for me.

A friend, visiting nearby, led me to obnoxiously gate crash their dinner after a few glasses of liquid courage. I found my neighbour’s anecdotes inspirational, and has hooked on the relaying of her (mis?) adventures. She briefly mentioned having a guest staying from Airbnb.

Filled with enthusiasm and Merlot, I took my first step into the game changer that is Airbnb.com. Like most people my first reaction was amazement at the popularity and number of listings — in my own suburb, right under my nose.

I took a few tentative steps along down the enticing path Airbnb offers — seemingly simple and harmless to join in on the trend. Soon, though, the Merlot and a reminder that I am no longer 21, sleep became more appealing than the demanding and bold website promising to cover my rent and more.

That was Friday. By Saturday afternoon, I had three requests for guests to stay from that very night — and I boldly agreed, not understanding the dramatic fork in my metaphorical life path I’d just taken.

A sample of the listings in Sea PointLife has not been the same since that fateful Saturday. I learnt by making mistakes, often quite a few times, before mastering the art that is Airbnb hosting. Yes, there are the obvious things to consider, what do you provide, who should you accept into your home, are you charging too much or little, should you try harder, socialise more, interfere less . . . And that doesn’t even touch on the crash course on linen, cleaning, public transport, “essential” amenities and so much more that I previously prided myself on knowing so little about.

However — the most beneficial skills I have learnt since that fateful night, are about myself. My boundaries, my flaws, my strengths, my ability to handle conflict and adapt etc. It has been an education in defining myself and consciously choosing who/ what is important to me.

Airbnb is the stereotypical, American style cheerleader, egging you on at every turn, comparing you to your “competition;” pointing out your less than five-star reviews. It team are all masters at their game, consummate professionals and tirelessly passionate. Back at home, though, there were tears. There was Airbnb burnt out (a very real concern for hosts), relationships suffered, I felt marginalised by some guests, other times felt I’d fell short of guests expectations. At first, critical feedback was a blow to the heart, making me doubt all my choices – and an insecure host makes sharing a minefield for everyone. I lost money, I over-charged, and then I went through it all again – until I found the balance that worked for ME.

Airbnb is flexible in the kind of accommodation you can list on the platformOne year later – my initiation by fire into the Airbnb arena, my experience with American customer service and becoming part of a new economic environment has taught me far more than I ever learnt via academic studies! Other facets of my life were neglected at times. I forced to define my boundaries, embrace my quirks, take pride in small achievement along the way. I learnt the wisdom and power of saying “no” and consequently the benefits that comes from outsourcing your energy consuming responsibilities. I learnt the power of community, of talking to a stranger for advice, of promoting my city, my country, and most importantly – myself.

I slowly stopped seeing South Africa as a collapsing media driven boiling pot of Nkandla/ Pistorius/ Malema etc. and see the progress and energy we exude as adjusting and compromising citizens – united against corruption and discrimination, and practising acceptance from the streets in the hope of setting an example for our government agencies. I learnt to appreciate the “mountain” again, Cape Town street slang and even, to some degree (and only on some days!) the mini-bus taxis. (Foreigners “But what are they hooting at?”) With a defeated nod in Zuma’s direction, the decreased Rand value has only made South Africa more appealing as a tourist destination. We are truly fortunate to live in the landscape that we do, and be part of such a vibrant, entertaining and curious of cultures.

 

Cape Town has a large number of Airbnb listingsAirbnb warns “. . . deciding to host is not a decision to be taken lightly.” Financial advantage aside, it is a fantastic tutor. The brand is such a bold industry leader, pushing you every step of the way, offering excellent support. I have met the most amazing, fascinating guests who became friends, from all over the world, travelling vicariously through their stories. For sure, I have met some strange, strange creatures better suited to a Dr. Seuss book than real life.

And I met myself. Learn to listen to criticism before fighting it. Grew stronger where I was previously unsure. I cannot imagine another opportunity to master these essential life skills in a relatively safe environment. I highly recommend taking up the challenge. See our country through your guest’s eyes -and embrace South Africa as the highly sought after attraction it is to experienced globetrotters. Your life will be so much richer for the gamble!