Our member, Chelsea, owner and operator of multiple AirBnBs outside of Seattle, nestled in the woods of the Pacific Northwest, recently did our member spotlight interview and sent in some pictures of the living room of her modern cabin in Cle Elum, Washington. Using HostGPO’s West Elm discount program, she purchased some chairs and a rug that compliment the living room perfectly. We trust our interview with her will interest our readers and hopefully give our members some good decorating ideas for their own vacation rentals!

How many years have you been in the short term rental industry and how did you get started?

4 years, after years of real estate flipping, my husband and I decided to build a home in one of our very favorite towns in Washington. We built it with the intention of hosting guests, so we made sure to include small things like usb outlets in bunkbeds. We wanted it to feel homey, simple and relaxing. From there, we built another, and another, then remodeled another and we have more in the pipeline. Each house has a very unique vibe that is unlike your average vacation rental. We are proud of how we host and love welcoming guests into our homes.

What do you find most rewarding about your career?

I love receiving stellar reviews from guests and comments about how they feel relaxed and recharged after visiting. When guests say their kids didn’t want to leave, or send me photos of themselves loving the space, I feel like we’ve succeeded as hosts.

What is your favorite rental property you have and why do you love it?

Our original home and the one that started it all, Roslyn Digs. This one is sentimental to me. It feels the closest to home for me because we poured over every detail, not realizing that we would be able to build more. We have art on the walls made by family and friends, books and games that were gifted by loved ones to celebrate our new venture. It just feels like magic.

What’s the craziest story you have from hosting?

We got a call in the middle of the night that our guests were wrestling in the backyard. I prepared myself to have a tough talk with our guest, but nervous about the repercussions that could ensue with a bad review. I called the guest and he bashfully apologized and said he and his buddies were re-living their high school wrestling team glory days. In the end, he felt awful and it resolved amicably. I certainly know to vet younger guests a bit more.

What’s one “pro-tip” you’d be willing to pass on to the community?

Always. Be. Stocking. Whether it’s 3 sets of sheets for each bed (yes, I said 3), or 6 extra bottles of dish soap, be prepared for times when your guests use more than you thought they would.

What would you tell others about whether to join HostGPO?

Honestly, I thought this service was too good to be true. I even thought it was a hoax. But I have been so amazed by HostGPO’s commitment to this industry and the hosts that make it possible. I couldn’t recommend it more!

What’s the most recent item that you can remember that you’ve ordered from HostGPO?

Candles from Flores Lane, chairs and rug from West Elm, hot tub from Home Depot Pro Institutional.