It was only hours after Airbnb host Rebecca Burkeen posted pictures and a description of a small house on the website that she received her first reservation request.
“As soon as we posted it, as soon as we put it up for sale on Airbnb, within the first two hours it had already been booked for five nights,” Burkeen said.
“I was shocked. ‘Oh my God,’ I said, ‘we’re already booked.'”
The 432 square foot home has been renovated by her husband Bobby and son Brandon over the past few months.
She nicknamed it the “Happy Tiny House Hideaway”. The one bedroom space on Martin Lane in Carlsbad has oversized amenities including a stove, refrigerator and shower.
“We were just like ‘wow, that’s really cute,’” Burkeen said, and the guests agreed.
A guest, Darby, wrote in April 2021: “The little house was very cute and comfortable to spend the weekend exploring Carlsbad. About 5-10 mins to the cool things to do in town and 30-60 mins to all the amazing nature-related things to do. Rebecca is very responsive and was willing to work with me. My dogs also had a great time running. We will definitely stay here every time we come back! “
Burkeen and the “Happy Tiny House Hideaway” were named by the company the # 1 new Airbnb host in New Mexico. Airbnb considered those who became hosts in 2021, had the most guest registrations, and achieved “Superhost” status upon nomination. a premier host for all 50 states.
The Happy Tiny House Hideaway has 150 reviews, now a 4.96 rating. It was an award that Burkeen said she was thrilled to receive, taking a screenshot of the ad to send to her husband and sons.
Following:This holiday season, shop local for small businesses on Saturday
“I was excited. I was shocked, all at the same time,” she said. “Even doing everything I can, I told myself that there are other great properties in New Mexico.”
Wife, mother and grandmother view property as a pastime after retirement; she retired after a 16-year career at Walmart. She said it was the result of a conversation with her son and daughter-in-law, who are also Airbnb hosts.
But her business success was not a guarantee, Burkeen said, which is why she has focused on ensuring the best experience for her guests amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was so scared with all of this that people weren’t traveling,” Burkeen said. “But for me, I don’t think it affected us at all.”
She said guests always book the little one – which gets a deep cleaning after every stay. Burkeen said her granddaughter, Makaylynn Bukeen, first helped clean up the site and deserves credit for helping to earn this honor.
Burkeen is among the first Airbnb hosts to have found success amid the global pandemic. Airbnb reported that between January 1 and September 30, new hosts with a single registration accounted for $ 3 million in personal income earned, and new hosts on the platform have earned $ 6 billion since the start of. the pandemic.
“Great Hosts have always been the lifeblood of our community and to see Hosts achieve the success these people have in less than a year and during a pandemic is nothing short of inspiring,” it reads. a press release from the company.
Immovable:Carlsbad residents pay New Mexico’s sixth highest bill
New Mexico Department of Tourism announcement he would partner with Airbnb to promote “Rediscover New Mexico“a campaign to support displacement in the state as communities began to recover from the economic impact of the pandemic.
Burkeen said most of his guests come to visit the area’s recreational treasures: Carlsbad Caverns National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
Guest Sofia in February 2021 said: “My husband and I drove from Dallas to San Diego and wanted to stop over to see the Carlsbad Caverns so we stayed at Rebecca’s little house for the night! It was cozy, clean, and cozy and perfect for what we needed.The little house is quite new and has everything you need to feel right at home and recover after a long drive! really recommend it. “
Short term rentals can be found online at https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/47859725source_impression_id=p3_1636743125_bVNF6gLw2jAz1I0q.
Burkeen said she hopes to have a second property – a two-bedroom house – available to guests in 2022.
Jessica Onsurez can be reached at [email protected], @JussGREAT on Twitter or by phone at 575-628-5531.
Comments are closed.