The Sanctuary
Hong Kong
My first Airbnb. Automated operations covered rent and utilities with a reliable return — even as a 3rd-floor walk-up.
- Challenge
- Convert my own 3rd-floor walk-up apartment (60 steps, no elevator) into a short-term rental that could cover rent, utilities, and still deliver a return — while managing same-day turnovers in a dense urban market and repositioning the space as Hong Kong reopened to travelers post-COVID.
- Role
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Space Designer — styled the apartment with a sanctuary-inspired interior to create calm within a busy city.
Operations Lead — built an automated check-in and communication system (arrival info shared days ahead, access details sent at 1 PM on arrival day).
Efficiency Manager — coordinated cleaners and scheduling for seamless same-day turnovers.
Platform Explorer — listed on Airbnb and tested HomeExchange to earn travel points for family stays abroad.
- Outcome
- Consistently covered rent and utilities while generating a reliable return, with steady bookings despite the walk-up. Guests praised the tranquility, clear communication, and ease of stay — and HomeExchange became a parallel model that unlocked accommodations for family travel.
