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Brooke - Community Manager

Introduce yourself: February edition

Welcome to the Partner Forum!

This community was created just for you to connect with other Booking.com partners.

We'd love to get to know you, so use the comments section below to introduce yourself and your property.

  1. What's your name?
  2. What’s your property like?
  3. How long have you been in the business?
  4. Bonus round! What's the best feedback you've ever heard from a guest?

Even if you just say hi, we’d love to hear from you. 

I’ll start things off! I’m Brooke and I’m part of the Partner Communities team here at Booking.com. A few facts about me:

  • I've been part of the forum since day one! 
  • I'm originally from Toronto, Ontario
  • I've stayed in all different kind of accommodations from tents on the beach to boats. 

Housekeeping: If you are new to the forum, check out this article about how things work over here, including our Community Guidelines and how to update your profile name and photo.

Happy posting :)

 

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Nikolas Archanco 5 years ago

Hi, I am Nikolas from northern Spain where I am the owner of a property just a few steps of the sea.

I am partner of Bdc since october 2017 and I want to share my experience and see how other partners experience can help me improving new ideas and solutions.

Hope I can give as much as I expect to receive, confidence is the clue of this days and I want to work that way with Bdc and all partners.

Enjoy your day!!

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

we have the unit attached to the house on a farm. Rural, views, fresh air, isolated, quiet, green paddocks all over, and if lucky- the cows for a day chewing away the grass until moved to next paddock. We bring the cows to the food instead of food to cows. That's hubby's job.

We host since 2003 but all voluntary. Since end 2015 we host commercially. We changed our old garage into a unit - a compact all in one apartment or modern chalet with lots of plywood inside.

We still smell the wood when we come in.

We have had amazing people coming to stay. Mainly sporty types who love to hike (walk) and explore in the area (Catlins) So we made the beds as good as we could, so people can rest well.

Our cat and dog are wonderful, naturally "ice-breaking" creatures.

Our best comment was from someone lately, who just didn't like to leave. She loved it so much. I think it's the peaceful environment that adds to it all, the native bush with the birds.

The freedom, the space, A little bit of paradise. we love it as do our guests.

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Hello Nicolas and Aaltje. both sound cooool !!!.Love the story of the "ice-breaking" creatures........

I live in another Paradise.!!!! Surfers Paradise Queensland Australia.

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

oooh yeah, would love to hop over one day :)

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Julio Cesarcristaldo 5 years ago

Hi, I'm Julio Cristaldo from Ciudad del Este, Paraguay, I do not have a contact number here in my country, and I want to know how to pay the commissions .

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Hi! Brooke, nice to hear that you are from Toronto. I have lived a couple of years in Toronto. I returned to Greece whenl I finished high scholl in Eastern Commerce. My beloved relatives and friends still are living in Toronto and they come and visit us every year in Oropos. They love Greece for their holidays but Toronto is such a wonderful place to live.

Hello guys talking about paradise???

My paradise is "The Adams Studio in Oropos".

Luxury in simplicity. Our Studio is only 50 klm. away from the historical center of Athens. Since it is located in a country environment it is ideal for nature lovers who seek to enjoy nature beauty with a combining view to the sea, the mountains and the crystal-clear shores of the Gulf of Euboea. Our guests enjoy a peaceful stay, indepencence and relaxation home away from home. Our guests feel so safe and friendly in our home that a mother guest we had last April, will let her 15 year old daughter to visit and stay with us for a couple of days in the summer after her school.

This is our first year in hosting and we are so grateful to our guests and booking.com for this award.. Hope many will follow...

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Michael, can you imagine what a champagne party we will have if all of us come down to your Surfers Paradise!!!

Or beer party for someones, its the same thing. Its the party that counts most...

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michael beeston 5 years ago

"M" ..what a wonderful wonderful idea.lets talk to Booking.com for a special price on airplanes and COME OVER..the more the merrier !!!.............Katerinka..a question.?? .Do we have enough Champagne to start the day or night hahahaha..and Yes !! Pat we have plenty of cold cold Beer as well.............

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Michael we can have our private booking click in your place.....Do you like that idea!!!

Please if I may make a suggestion. Please put Champagne somewher higher!!!! My beauties dont deserve to be under the sink ... Ha....ha...ha...

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Thats the problem..the Fridge is ALSO FULL !!!!.and they are cool under the sink !!! hahaha.

Katerinka......Is that enough bottles to start !!

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Michael I see no problem!!! It’s time you buy a new bigger fridge... The more booze the bigger the fridge. In summertime when our home is full of friends all the time not to mention my relatives coming from Canada for their holidays I have 2 fridges running. One for food and another one for booze and juicy watermelons... I also have to buy a bigger fridge but no money no honey....
Cheers!!!!

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michael beeston 5 years ago

hahaha Damn good idea !!!.with everyone coming I will need three new fridges !!!

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Mashi Niwarthana 5 years ago

Hi, I'm Gimashi Niwarthana from Srilanka.

we have a small guest House which is situated near to Tissa lake. We just have five rooms with air con and hot water. We run this as a family business and we just want to give our best to the guests who come to stay with us.

we host this since 2008.

The best feedback I have ever heard about the food.

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

-Ranjithgalappaththi53, love your small dishes. The food looks so delicious. I am hungry just looking at them...

Wish you all the best...

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Ccn234 5 years ago

Hi I'm new to BDC and I wanted to ask how you deal with security deposit. On AIRBNB and VRBO they take a security deposit and return it after guests leave the property in tact. It's very inconvenient to get cash security deposit when guests arrive.

Any thoughts would be appreciated

Thanks

claudia

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

Hi, Ccn234 The security deposit is done via credit card at the time of booking. I have never heard or the cash situation before.

Could other partners share their experiences with BDC, please.

Hope you get that sorted soon.

Greetings,

Ella B.

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Ccn234 5 years ago

Hi Ella, Thanks so much for this. I was told by BDC that they can not facilitate security deposit. I just added it as a service fee along with cleaning fee and added a template explaining that its a security deposit and would be return upon vacating the villa. How do you handle it?

Thanks again

Regards

Claudia

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

That is complex since you always have to have enough cash in your house. Some people would leave before you have seen them. You could go a bit higher with the total price.

My experience is that the lower the price, the respect for your property goes with it... Also it is depending on what kind of property you have, what type of guests you get how your apartment would be treated.

Wishing you joyful hosting experiences!

Greetings,

Aaltje B.

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Maryternus 5 years ago

Hi Everybody!

I'm Mary T from Maine, USA.

I've been traveling with Booking for the past few years (I am a 'genius', haha!) I can't wait to get to Greece, and Sri Lanka, Liverpool, and back to lovely Australia and Toronto, and and and ... Your places all sound wonderful.

We host just one apartment over my working art studio and gallery on the Main Street in one of the quaintest towns in Coastal Maine, on Mt. Desert Island -- we are surrounded by ocean and Acadia National Park. Had a super-busy season last year with Airbnb, but I'm listing here and VRBO to meet some different travelers out there! Have only been on this site for a couple of weeks, but I already like what I see -- this community, etc.

Best comment from a guest last year was "This is THE MOST artistic Airbnb I have ever seen!" Haha, loved it!

Cheers and best wishes, we have a snowstorm out there -- which is also pretty in Maine!

Mary T

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

Hi MaryT. You will love to meet all those other hosts and see the rooms and you will learn from every one of them. That is what I like about travelling places myself too.

I will look up your domain in Maine, haha

love artistic places.

Stay warm!!

Greetings,

Aaltje B. New Zealand.

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

Hi Mary.

You are in a very artistic environment there in Maine. ( I looked it up) Lots of galleries and lovely places to choose from. This panel will help you how to stand out from the crowd with your unit.

Wishing you lots of inspiration, enjoyment and great connections on the platform.

Off cleaning up and preparing now. Next guests arriving this afternoon again.

Oh and PS Don't forget New Zealand / Catlins, it is absolutely beautiful down here with a fantastic gallery in Owaka too.

Greetings,

Aaltje B

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Ccn234..............Hi and welcome....I have never taken a security deposit but take a 30% deposit when the guests make the reservation.................the balance is payable when the guest arrive.I normally take the money out of their credit card the day before arrival and when I do the meet and greet there is No problem or possible embarrassment with the credit card (it works PERFECT)...In Australia we have landlord insurance ( $120 dollars a year) which covers loss of rent/breakage/replacement of almost everything) so it is peace of mind for us and takes away the issue of a security deposit...............I know different countries have different strokes BUT for us it is and never has been a problem...One broken glass in 3 years !!!!...............I am sure other Forum members will give you some more ideas....All the very best Michael.

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Ccn234 5 years ago

Thanks for the advise Michael. Unfortunately the property is in Cyprus and I in USA. I have a person who takes care of the property but not very convenient to take reservation balance or security deposits. The Insurance idea is great. I will inquire in Cyprus.

Thanks again

Regards,

Claudia

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Hi Claudia.Understand...I had an apartment in Cyprus for 10 years .a long time ago !!!..it was in Limassol and we LOVED it but after coming back to Australia we sold it as it was empty for 3 years !!!!

Wonderful wonderful memories of Cyprus and Greece.....

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Ccn234 5 years ago

Wow... How interesting. I have a house in Agia Triada, near Protaras. I bought it last year. I was born in Cyprus and after visiting in 2016 fall in love with my country again and bought it. Check it out. I hope you go to Cyprus sometimes.

Warm regards,

Claudia

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Casapalomabandb 5 years ago

Hello from the US! My name is Katie abd my husband Ray and I just opened our family home for biz as Casa Paloma B&B in October. We are located in Southern Arizona about 20 miles north of the Mexican border. We offer our whole main house (5800 sq ft - sorry, not sure what that is in meters) to our guests including 2 suites and one Queen Room with private bath across the hall. We do a full breakfast every morning that might be pecan waffles, cinnamon French toast casserole, Buenas Dias egg casserole, homemade breads and jams.
We live with our two dogs Rosie and Emmy in a casita (small house) attached to the guest laundry room at the back of the property.
It’s been a cold winter for us - we even had snow on New Years Day! Highly unusual, but beautiful for a few hours.
We wanted to say how great BDC has been for us getting started. Probably 90% of our bookings in the first 5 months! Wonderful guests. We’re loving this new life! Thanks to you all for your comments and advice!

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Hi Katie and Ray...................Welcome and hope you guys have a wonderful time hosting and enjoy all our comments..,sometimes a bit like Facebook..BUT fabulous...............and lots of information and fun !!!........................Sorry no dogs BUT a great Beach haha enjoy..Surfers Paradise Queensland Australia.

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Hi Claudi..........We (the whole family) LOVED Cyprus but when moving back to Aussie it was just too far away........................Have been back twice since..its coooooooooool....Michael.

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Hi! Michael why no dogs??? I lost my best friend yesterday. Boobys was 12years old. He has been suffering from his heart some years now. This weekend the whole family was crying. It’s very hard for us to get used to it...
Enjoy your beach as much as you can before winter comes again...
Take care...

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Claudia how nice to have you here!!! Although Cyprus is so closed to me and have so many good friends living there I never had the chance to visit. Hope I can do some day.
Take care...

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Katie and Ray your Casapalomabandb is amazing!!! Your front door is so welcoming no wonder you have excellent reviews....
Have fun with your new life and wish you great moments with your guests....

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Morning "M"..sorry about your beloved dog,we lost our Dog a few years ago..He was a long haired Chiwawa....Only 2 kilos BUT he was a terror (hahah) so we called him TIGER !! He was born in Dubai and we brought him to Australia and he lived till 14 years old.................. Wonderful memories of him.

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Michael I love Chiwawa terrorists. Some of our friends have Chiwawa and we get terrified. Lovely moments for all of us...

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Hi again.............We don't really have a Winter as such in Surfers ...The rain is normally in the Summer as we have a Monsoonal climate.it rarely rains in the Winter and the temperature is about 12 degrees at night and 20/22 degrees during the day............I cant remember the last time I wore a heavy coat !!!...and because of the weather ALL year round we are ALWAYS busy busy....................For instance it can be very very cold in Melbourne ( say 5/6 degrees and 20 degrees in Surfers )."M" come over one day you will LOVE the place..........Melbourne by the way has one of the largest Greek communities in the World !!!

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Good morning Michael.... The weather this week has been fabulous. We can’t get enough of it but starting from Saturday snow returns again. It won’t last too much so that’s ok. I didn’t know your winters were so light. How nice not to worry about not wearing a coat... No wonder so many tourists visit you. You are in the perfect location.... lucky you. I have relatives and friends in Melbourne. If plane tickets were less expensive I would certainly love to come and explore this spectacular country that we have heard so much from our friends and relatives. Australia has always been in my mind as one of my top destinations. Who knows maybe one day I’ll have a chance some champagne with you and Rita, if there is any left....
Wish you well...

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michael beeston 5 years ago

"M" always welcome and we are NEVER out of Champagne...........

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Thanks Michael I was ? % sure that your stock never ends.

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Timtan 25 5 years ago

Hi guys,

Im Gladys and Im from the Philippines. I host a 1 unit condo at Azure near the Airport in Manila.

Just new in the business and hoping that I will get more bookings here in addition to my airbnb bookings. Im just actually waiting for the verification code sent to my address.

Thanks and have a great day ahead everybody

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Hi! Timtan-25 nice to have you here in this forum. Wish you a great start...

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Nadeeka Mendis Very nice description. You have made me feel like I was there admiring your beautiful scenery.... Please share some pictures of your wonderful world.
Happy posting!!!!

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Skyarisiima 5 years ago

Hi, my name is Scovia from Uganda in East Africa. CEO LEGEND AFRICAN ADVENTURE LTD And LEGENDS GUEST INN KISORO a few kilomitres away from bwind impenetrable forest AND Mghahinga national parks for mountain gorillas, AND golden monkeys. Our accommodation facility is basic but with friendly environment. Great customer care and we are located under the mountains of MUHABURA, Sabinyo AND ghahinga . Ranges. We have our mother company called LEGEND AFRICAN ADVENTURE LTD which organises tour and travel services in 5 countries Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya AND Burundi. My partnership with you is a great achievement in my entire life.

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Mandy Yearsley 5 years ago

Hi everyone,

I'm Mandy, originally from the UK but living in South Africa for the last 24yrs. We brought a B&B in St Lucia Kzn in August 2018, never done this before, absolutely loving it should of done it years ago! St Lucia is surrounded by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - the first world heritage site in South Africa. We have Hippos walking the streets, beautiful beaches, humpback whales visit from July till end November. Most of our guest are from Europe, and so far have all been really lovely - our best comment was from a French man who said about our guesthouse "This is a happy place" which made us even happier.

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michael beeston 5 years ago

Hi Everyone...WE ARE BOOKED........the Click in September.if anyone has any questions Rita and I are very open to ask them for US ALL..................send the questions you want answered and we will do it................

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Mandy-Yearsley nice to have you here. Please share some pictures of your exceptional property...
Happy posting...

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

Michael great news. Wish you have fabulous time in Holland. Thank you for your kind offer to support us....
Have a nice day weekend...

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Aaltje B. 5 years ago

Yes Michael, indeed. Enjoy Holland and its international scene.

A question about the website:

I think it needs a new jacket. The old one is pretty worn and has some holes in it too.

The questions that come to us on the forum show that Extranet is not easily accessible. That should show on the first page with a short cut or direct link.

Second : The paying system or not paying system needs improvement and the stripe saga must be shared transparently and solved.

And third. A big thank you for all the hard work done by 15.000 employees who make it possible for this platform to run. Thank you very much.

Have a great stay Michael and Rita.

Greetings

Aaltje B.

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M Adamopoulou 5 years ago

We have many more questions but now I dont think is the right time since Michael and Rita you are on holidays...

Once you get back we have to have a mini conference....

Happy holidays....