Top tips from three Airbnb super hosts

Juls Rollnik says that in many ways, her husband Adam’s cancer diagnosis in 2013 was a blessing, the shocking news prompting a major life change. 

“We had two young children and a big mortgage, my back was against the wall,” she says. 

“For the sake of our family, I had to become financially independent.” 

Rollnik purchased an apartment in the heart of Melbourne and became an Airbnb host, a decision that would dramatically change the family’s fortunes. Today, her property portfolio and Adam’s health are thankfully both thriving and she’s shared the story of how she did it in a new book, Secrets of a Super Host. 

“In 2018, five years after Adam’s diagnosis, we took the kids and climbed to Everest base camp. It was symbolic of just how far we’d come, we went from the worst of news to being on top of the world. We’ve been through fire and brimstone, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” Rollnik says.

Although she was unexpectedly dropped into the world of Airbnb, Rollnik very quickly found her feet. She poured every ounce of energy into her property – known as 5-Green – creating a stylish space in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD. 

She bought the best of everything; a high-quality bed, luxury linen and towels, and chic furnishings. And the five-star reviews rolled in from day one. 

Rollnik was given “rock star” status by Airbnb and says the key to her success was focus, dedication and meticulous attention to detail.

“You can be very successful with Airbnb, but it’s not a lock up and leave scenario. I treated this like a business, I researched Airbnb before I began and put a lot of thought into what our product offering would be. I knew what I loved when I travelled, and I wanted to create a really memorable experience for my guests. When they walked through the door, they would want for nothing,” she says. 

Airbnb has now been in operation in Australia for a decade and what began as a couch-surfing movement in San Francisco is today used by millions of travellers around the world. 

In 2021, the global median earnings for the hosts of small properties were $5100 however, for some, turning a spare space at home into a retreat for hire has proved to be very profitable.

When Kate Quinlan retired, she was financially short of the superannuation she needed for a comfortable life, so she transformed the kitchen cottage of her historic farmhouse near Daylesford into an Airbnb home away from home. 

Her venture was so successful, that she added a quirky caravan to the offering. Quinlan restored and redecorated a 1974 Viscount van, which was placed in a picturesque spot on the Eganstown property. 

Today the van and the kitchen cottage are booked most nights of the week, and Quinlan was Airbnb’s 2021 Host of the Year.

“You have to be prepared to put a fair bit of energy into it,” Quinlan says, “I live on-site on the farm, which offers a big advantage; I meet and greet the guests, I make sure everything is just perfect for their arrival, and I’m on hand if they need anything.”

In 2021, IT worker Emily Stygall earned $50,000 from listing her unique yurt Alkira Eco-Glamping Retreat, tucked away in Melbourne’s Dandenong’s. 

“You really do have to go above and beyond,” says Stygall “I have a CD playing and essential oils burning when the guests arrive. I make sure the yurt is warm and welcoming. You want people to walk in and feel relaxed and comfortable immediately.”

The super hosts agree that to be successful, the experience must begin long before the guests arrive at the property, good communication such as quick responses to the first request, to going above and beyond sourcing and curating local experiences such as restaurants or events that guests would enjoy. 

Rollnik recently sold her Airbnb, but the project was so successful it inspired her to continue investing in property, and she’s now turned her hand to developing family homes. 

She wouldn’t rule out another Airbnb project again in the near future.

“It was enormously enjoyable, and it gave us financial freedom. It proves that if you put your mind to something and work hard, you will be successful.”