The Host Behind The House
An Interview with Nicholas, host of The Salty Anchor guest house in Gulfport, Florida.
Nicholas's journey began in a career dedicated to serving others as a firefighter, embodying the spirit of selflessness. Now, on the brink of becoming a new father and recently married, his personal aspirations revolve around providing a secure future for his growing family. After years of hard work, Nick made a significant decision to invest in the purchase of a captivating 4-unit house nestled in the charming beach town of Gulfport, Florida. It was the allure of the old Florida charm and the original woodwork adorning this 1920s residence that captured his heart.
Nick and his then-fiancé resided in one of the four units for an extended period, providing him with the unique vantage point of a guest. When I asked Nick what he thought the secret to success in this industry is, he emphasized the importance of "having the capacity to view things from the perspective of the guest, coupled with exceptional communication from the moment of reservation until check-out."
At the start of the tour he graciously provided, I observed Nicholas removing his shoes at the door before entering. Inspired by his gesture, I followed suit and was pleasantly surprised by the warm and inviting atmosphere that greeted us. As he shared insights about each room while I captured a few pictures, I detected a hint of apprehension in his voice, as if he anticipated my judgment of the spaces we explored. Nevertheless, he maintained a sense of pride in every single decor element, both inside and out, showcasing his profound affection for life on and/or near the water, particularly evident in the exquisite custom-painted mural depicting marine life.
Reflecting on the interview, I can confidently attest that "humble" is a term I would readily associate with Nick. Given the chance to describe him, his humility shines through brightly. He shared that on the rare occasion he receives anything less than a perfect 5-star rating, it is usually due to guests expressing concerns about the property's age and the need for upgrades. My sincere advice to Nicholas is to continue taking pride in and cherishing the historic value that this property holds. Although it's impossible to please everyone, I firmly believe that 99% of the guests who choose to stay here will genuinely appreciate and embrace what this unique property has to offer. They will recognize their host as a man of impeccable character, someone who consistently goes the extra mile to ensure guest satisfaction by providing a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Having had the opportunity to witness Nicholas's remarkable hosting skills, it's no surprise that he boasts an impressive average rating of 4.8 stars on Airbnb with over 881 reviews, earning him the coveted Superhost title.
Best of luck to you Nick!
Click HERE to see our review and more photos of The Salty Anchor!
The Salty Anchor on Airbnb:
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The "Host Behind the House" series was created with the intention of shedding light on the captivating brand story of a remarkable guest house host. By providing an intimate glimpse into the life and personality of the host, this series allows guests to develop a deeper appreciation for their stay. In a world where platforms like Airbnb were built upon the fundamental concept of offering a "home away from home," it becomes crucial to comprehend the host's narrative in order to truly embrace the essence of their unique abode.
