All Forum Posts by: Mike Shemp

We were fine with it, but that could also be because it was in line with our expectations.  Both camps we stayed were not advertised as glamping, so we were totally fine with brining our own water and generator.

Now if it was advertised as glamping, and was paying a premium for the glamping experience, and had to bring my own water/generator, then that would be a negative experience for me.

I think you'll have to factor in the logistics of who will clean up the camp, will it be difficult to get bedding in/out of the glamping tent, who will refill the water jugs, who will recharge batteries, etc. and that might help you decide if you are deciding between glamping experience or standard hipcamp experience.

Mike

You may want to take a look at some of the properties and camp setups on Hipcamp.com.  You might also want to stay at one just to see how it all works.

We've stayed at a few and for toilets, they either used a port-o-john, and had a commercial service come and empty it before we arrived or a composting toilet.  We actually preferred the composting toilet because there were less chemical smells, etc.

Both camps we stayed at had us bring our own water.

Neither of the camp sites had electrical, but we could bring our own generator or battery system if we wanted.

Mike

For the Poconos, it would depend on what part of the Poconos as that area is quite large.  There are some parts of the Poconos that have gone downhill a bit, while there are other areas, especially near lakes or in gated areas that are doing great.  Assuming it's in a nice area of the Poconos, I'd be leaning toward the Pocono.  If the A-frame is the nicest house in the neighborhood, and there are some not-so-nice houses around, guests will remember that and you could have a problem with repeat guests even if the A-Frame is adorable.  

With the Pocono house you get to use it as a vacation home (14 days per year), and its sounds like its closer to you which is good if you need to run up there for emergencies or maintenance.  As long as it's in one of the good neighborhoods, my vote would be Poconos.

Mike

There are a lot of great free videos out on YouTube for anyone who is interested in learning about short-term rentals...my favorite is probably Short-Term Rental University.

There is a Facebook group that is specifically for buying and selling of AirBnbs from around the world.

Mike

We have two short-term rentals in the White Mountains.

The areas I have heard of existing or possible regulations are Kearsarge Village, Conway, and Madison.  

Mike

Hi Chad,

We have two short-term rentals in the White Mountains, with our eye on a third one.  We've been visiting the area for over 20 years and have driven every road up there I think...haha.  Happy to answer any questions you have about the area.

Mike

Some ideas to consider....

25 to rent

2 night minimums

Increase your nightly rate

$750/$1000 security deposit/hold

Mike

I would stay away from HOAs if you have intentions of possibly turning it into an STR on weekends.

Also, you should check with your insurance company to see if they cover short-term rentals.  There are some that do, but so far I haven't heard of one that provides as much coverage as the insurance companies that specialize in short-term rentals (CBiz, Proper, etc)....so if they do you'll want to see what they do cover, and what they don't cover.

Mike

If you have any question about short-term rentals, I'd be happy to answer them.  We self-manage 3 properties remotely without a PM.

Mike