When I first walked into that Airbnb in Pimlico, it felt like stepping into a home I could have lived in myself. The cozy atmosphere, the spotless cleanliness, and the charm of a Victorian building all combined to create something special. My host, a lady my age and lifestyle, made the experience feel entirely relatable. She was a busy Londoner renting out her room while continuing with her day-to-day life. That simple, human connection left an impression I couldn’t shake.
The story starts with a friend of mine visiting London with her family. My apartment was too tiny to accommodate everyone, so I gave it to them for their stay and decided to find an affordable Airbnb nearby. That’s how I ended up at this charming Pimlico property, and little did I know it would change the way I saw hosting forever.
It wasn’t until I stayed there that I thought, “I could do this too.” Her apartment had a layout similar to mine, with separate spaces for living and sleeping, making it ideal for hosting. What struck me most was how effortless she made it seem. It wasn’t about being perfect; it was about being welcoming. That stay became the spark that ignited my hosting journey.
The Transition to Hosting
Inspired by that experience, I decided to take the plunge and list my own apartment—starting small by renting out just the bedroom. My setup wasn’t perfect at first. I didn’t even have a proper door separating the bedroom from the living room, just a curtain! But I’m glad I didn’t wait for everything to be ideal. I dove in, learned along the way, and figured out what worked (since then I got a door built between the two spaces!).
My first guests were a father and his daughter. I was so anxious to make a good impression that I went overboard, preparing snacks and being extra cautious. We even went out for a pint together, which felt like a lovely connection. When they left me a four-star review, I’ll admit I was devastated. I’d poured so much effort into their stay, and their verbal feedback had been glowing. Over time, I learned not to take reviews too personally and focused instead on creating the best possible experience for my guests.
Growing as a Host
After gaining confidence with my bedroom listing, I expanded to renting out my entire apartment. It seemed like a natural next step, especially since my work required frequent travel. Why let a prime property in Zone 1 of London sit empty when it could welcome guests?
Of course, there were challenges. Storing my personal belongings was a big one. I’ve since developed a system—one I’ll share in another blog post—but it was a learning curve at first. To ease my worries, I worked with a concierge service for two years, which gave me the confidence to manage things on my own later. That support was invaluable.
From there, I expanded to other cities. First came Annecy, my hometown, where I wanted a holiday home that could double as a rental. Then Carcassonne, a more opportunistic choice but one that’s brought me so much joy. Each new property was a chance to explore my passion for design, renovation, and creating welcoming spaces.
What I’ve Learned
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t please everyone. Some guests will leave less-than-perfect reviews no matter how hard you try. But empathy goes a long way. Understanding where guests are coming from and addressing their concerns is key.
I also believe that the care and attention you put into a property make all the difference. When you design with thoughtfulness and create spaces that feel both beautiful and practical, guests notice. It’s as simple as that.
How My First Stay Influenced My Hosting Philosophy
That first Airbnb stay taught me the importance of relatability and personal touches. Airbnb’s original ethos was about real people sharing their homes, and I’ve carried that philosophy into my hosting. Even as I expand, I aim to maintain that sense of connection. I spend time in each property to ensure it feels like home—not just for guests but for me, too. This allows me to add unique touches, like medieval-inspired decor in Carcassonne or practical kitchen setups that make cooking easy.
Advice for Aspiring Hosts
If you’re considering hosting, my advice is simple: love the space you’re sharing. Guests can tell when a property is cared for, and it makes all the difference. Next, think about practicalities. Where will you store your belongings? How will you manage the property if you’re not nearby? And don’t forget to check that hosting is allowed in your building before you start.
Finally, hosting isn’t just about making money. It’s about sharing a part of yourself and creating spaces where people can feel at home.
Why Hosting is Meaningful to Me
Hosting combines so many things I love: travel, design, and sharing my passion for beautiful spaces. Each property feels like a part of me, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see guests enjoy them. From glowing reviews to the joy of hosting friends and family, hosting has brought me immense pride and satisfaction. It’s not just a side project; it’s a reflection of who I am.
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