The Coach House is situated in the upper class area of Clifton, Bristol. It is a quiet residential area, but still very easy to get into town and access amenities. The property is quaint and thoughtfully refurbished to include all usual conveniences.
Kim was very responsive and timely with giving us the information required for checking in and checking out. She also responded in a timely manner with respect to a couple of minor incidents-the previous tenant had hidden away all the sharp knives and the bath mat had gone missing.
This was our first experience staying in a property that was managed by someone other than the owner-a model that Airbnb now seems to be promoting.
On the upside, you can see how it can create a flexible income stream for someone who can help others manage their property. It also theoretically should mean that there are more choices for travellers as property owners can leave the management side of things to someone else.
However, like all things, there is also a downside. This property felt distinctly like a rental property: the utensils in the kitchen were the bare minimum in quantity-two plates, two bowls, etc, and the quality was about the same: the cutlery was a shade of metal just above plastic, and the single pot was scratched and thin. This property did not have the same owners pride and generosity which has been the hallmark of the properties that I have previously stayed at with Airbnb. There is nothing wrong with this except that it puts Airbnb properties that are managed using this model in the same category as traditional bed and breakfast and possibly service apartment bracket. What that means is that there is less of a value for money proposition.
I suppose this evolution in the service model is inevitable, but at the same time, it does show that you cannot commoditise personal house-proudness and genuine hospitality.