 |
| Ta-Da... It's a pyramid |
OMG so we bought a pyramid!!
A pyramid?
Yes, we seriously bought a place in Florida that looks like a pyramid.
 |
| pyramid pool |
Actually, we bought two! So I guess I should say "we bought two pyramids!"
It may seem strange (it is) but we did it and I want to tell you all about it.
 |
| inside of the pyramid |
There is a place in Ft Myers, Florida called Pyramid Village. It is a totally random community built by a few Germans about 10 years ago. There is a natural spring underground (a real natural spring!) and the Germans decided to build a bunch of pyramid houses around it and use it as a vacation destination.
About 7 months ago, one of the original owners decided to sell his pair of pyramids. We just happened to see them on Redfin and bought them!
Just like that huh? Yes, basically that is what happened. So what the heck do you exactly do with two pyramids in Florida?
We had the perfect solution: My newly retired mother moved into one of them and we decided to rent out the other! Since pyramid village is so unique, we wanted to utilize this place as a short term vacation rental property. Airbnb seemed like the best way to accomplish this!
 |
| The pyramid village spring water pool |
Well, Ryan is essentially the CEO. He does nothing. But, he supplied the cash to do all of this, so he is allowed to do nothing.
As for myself, I am sort of the social media director. Since I am in Chicago, I can't physically do anything in Florida, but I can do things here. I am the one who got the Airbnb site up and running. I respond to all of the guests initial inquiries, and now I run an instagram site (@pyramidvacation) and another website (www.pyramidvacation.com). I also continue to try to advertise with our Logo (yes we are making a logo) through new things like beach bags, business cards, and stationary.
 |
| some of our newest products |
 |
| pyramid beach bags |
Now this whole endeavor began just a short 7 months ago! We bought the place in September, spruced it up, and welcomed our first guests in late October. Since then, we have achieved a 5-star rating and we are fully booked until summer. Now is the part where I tell you some pointers in case you are interested in becoming a host or simply how the whole process works!
 |
| The pyramid pool lounge chairs |
Since this place is still new... we are still learning. But here is what we know for sure:
1. Guests LOVE the personal touches! This is probably the single most important thing we have learned. We actually read about why each guest is staying at the pyramid and we cater to them. Each guest receives a welcome basket personalized to what we think they may like. We have a welcome chalkboard and a guestbook that they can sign and read fun things from previous visitors. We have bins of local tourist information, coupons, maps, and restaurant suggestions.
 |
| one of our recent gift baskets |
2. Communication is crucial. We attempt to respond to every guest inquiry within one hour! This can be difficult at times as some guests are in different time zones and countries which means sometimes responding at 2 am. People have questions and they want answers fast. Airbnb gives host a special rating for responding to guests within one hour.
3. Lockboxes are essential. Not every guest wants to meet the host, so it is nice to simply have a lock box so they can check in and out at their convenience. This way the guests can have as much or as little privacy as they would like! They never need to speak to mom if they choose not to. If they have questions, she is right next door and she is happy to help.
 |
| our pyramid living area |
4. Cleaning is the most important part of the puzzle. People leave public reviews on airbnb and Everyone reads the reviews. You can have the best place in the world with all the welcome baskets but if guests find the place dirty or see bugs... they will certainly write about it! So this is also probably the most difficult part as well. Many guests want to arrive early or depart late. In order to properly clean and inspect the place, it takes time!
 |
| always fresh and clean |
5. Supplies!! The reason guests stay in an Airbnb vs a hotel is so they can enjoy the comforts of home with space to spread out. Our pyramid is roughly the same price as a nearby local hotel room. These hotels offer a tiny room with a single bed and a bathroom. If you consider what you get in the pyramid... there is no comparison. It has two levels, two bedrooms, a fully stocked kitchen with all the cooking essentials. We provide starter supplies for the bathroom and a few fun things like beach chairs and towels. Not to mention free wifi, coffee, nespresso, gas grill, etc...
 |
| making the guests feel like home! |
 |
| The lovely pyramid kitchen |
Using these techniques, we have been lucky enough to be almost fully booked since it opened!
 |
| view from the jungle walk |
If you would like to see some more photos or pricing info, feel free to check out our airbnb site ! If anyone is interested in the place, send me a message... we do offer "friends and family" discounts during off-peak season!
here is the direct link:
also, here is the new website we are working on
Check it out and let me know what you think!
I am assuming I will have a future blog post titled "pyramid problems"... but since the place is still new, we have not had any yet! stay tuned for the mis-adventures that I am sure will follow.
cheers!
Jill
