Confessions of an Airbnb host

Happy Tuesday, Capital Region! Today, we’re taking you behind the scenes of our very own Airbnb in Albany, and dishing up all of the secrets (well, some of them)! Plus, check out the adorable Colonial in Troy that’s our Home of the Week 🏡 

—Phat X. Chiem & Karley Sullivan

Confessions of an Airbnb host 🤫 

Some of you OG readers may know that in addition to publishing The 518, we also host Airbnb guests in our home in Albany’s Mansion District.

We’re now into our second year of hosting and it’s been a wonderful experience—for the most part. Our guests absolutely adore our listing, which we call The Suite because you get a living room, bedroom, private bath and garden access. It feels spacious and private, especially for a “shared” home.

We’re lucky to have a historic 151-year-old rowhouse with original features like 14-foot ceilings, Cornelius & Baker chandeliers, marble fireplaces, and floor-to-ceiling mirrors. We’ve filled it with our curated collection of art and furnishings. And we add little touches that guests love, like fresh flowers, art books, candles, plants, and snacks—creating what some have called “luxury hotel vibes.”

We have a nearly perfect 5.0 rating (4.99 to be exact). Out of 161 reviews, only one guest has ever given us 4 stars—she apparently didn’t like our cats 😿 Here’s just one example of a rave review:

“My partner and I both agreed that this is one of the dreamiest places we have ever stayed. The suite is absolutely jaw dropping gorgeous, private, and quiet in a historic home with a green backyard.”

Now, here are some things we think as hosts, but won’t necessarily mention to guests!

Easy on the thermostat, yo: Our guests control the thermostat, which controls the temperature for the whole house. It’s tough when they blast the heat or AC, driving up our utility bill.

We hear things: Privately, we call our suite the Love Nest because it’s so dreamy and romantic. We have heard guests, ahem, making good use of it 😅 Of course, we would never say a word!

Early check-ins are annoying: We try to accommodate every reasonable request, but we really don’t like guests to ask for early check-in. We do our own cleaning, and we need the time to get the room ready for the next guest.

We won’t judge you: We’re open to guests of every color, creed or quirk. One memorable guest came into Albany to train as a dominatrix, and we had a fascinating conversation about her work!

We love it when you leave: We adore meeting guests from all over the world. We’ll gladly chat with them, sometimes for hours over a weekend. But we also love getting our space back so we can chill on the couch and not worry about making a mess.

Everyone has an opinion on whether short-term rentals are good for cities (affordable housing has entered the chat). New York State and municipalities like Albany and Saratoga are trying to put limits on them. We think owner-occupied spaces like ours offer a locals-only experience you can’t get in a hotel, and leave visitors with a better impression of Albany. Airbnb is just a platform; it’s the connection that counts.

Interested in hosting an Airbnb? Reach out! We’re thinking about putting on a workshop for first-time Airbnb hosts in the Capital Region.

😎 WEATHER WATCH

🧒 Did you know that 1 in 5 children in New York live in poverty? That’s according to a new report by the Schuyler Center for Analysis and Advocacy. Troy has one of the state’s highest rates of child poverty at 41%. “We're doing everything humanly possible," says first-term Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello. [WAMC]

🍊 It’s a sign of the times—or not. Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino is waging yet another legal battle against Amsterdam officials in hopes of placing a new pro-Trump sign atop of his building. The controversial CEO wants to install a sign that says “America loves Trump.” Isn’t there a rule about truth in advertising, though? 😅 [Daily Gazette]

🦉 Apparently bird watching is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in the U.S. The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is hopping (perching?) on the bandwagon with its I BIRD NY Challenge, which started this past weekend. Participants of all ages are invited to identify any 10 birds and submit the challenge sheet to the DEC, which can be found on its website. [News10]

This sweetly updated Colonial in Troy offers historic charm and plenty of space. Featuring coffered ceilings in the dining room, expansive hardwood floors, and decorative details—like a wallpapered upstairs sitting area—that add character and warmth. Don’t forget to count the 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and detached 3-car garage, all on a spacious double lot with a fenced-in backyard. A rare find at this price!

The deets: 4 bd, 3 ba, 1952 sf. Asking: $299,900. Days on market: 6. See the full listing here.

🎟️ WHAT’S HAPPENING

Note: Our full weekend roundup publishes on Thursday! Keep an eye on your inbox.

🎬️ This week, Spectrum 8 Theatre honors the late great director with a David Lynch Tribute (and apologies for missing last week’s screening of “Eephus.” We’ll have to catch this heartwarming baseball flick somewhere else!)

🎭️ On Wednesday, the UAlbany theater program raises the curtain on its stage version of the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Show.” Runs through the weekend.

💼 On Thursday, Meet the Legislators Armchair Discussion at EMPAC is your chance to get up close and personal with NYS Senator Jake Ashby and Assemblymembers Scott Bendett (107th district) and John T. McDonald III (108th district).

🖼️ First Friday Albany returns this week with popup exhibits showcasing creative works by women, about women, and for women. Don’t miss this month’s female-powered celebration of arts and culture!

🥁 Also Friday, Umana Yana in Albany presents Afro Jazz Night, featuring Caribbean-inspired curry dishes, cocktails, and the spicy beats of DJ Foxyt.

🏃‍♂️ On Saturday, the 5th Annual Electric City 10K kicks off the Capital District's 2025 road race season.

💜 Hattie’s Mardi Gras party, held for the first time in Albany, doubles as a benefit for two amazing local charities.

🎙️ Get to the Albany Institute of History & Art on Saturday for “Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Niña in El Mundo,” presented by Opera Saratoga. The performance is free with admission!

💅 With 150 exhibitors, the New York Women’s Expo 2025 this weekend is bound to be a bonanza of new products and services to check out.

💃 This weekend, Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana, considered the most prominent flamenco dance company in America, will make its SPAC debut.

🎸 LIVE MUSIC & MORE

GET YOUR EVENT ON THE LIST 🎸

Sundays are the deadline to be included in the coming week’s list!

🦫 GET IN TOUCH!

Got an awesome business, event or personality we should feature? Let us know! Contact: [email protected]