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Top 5 Dubai Iftars for this Ramadan!
04.2021
Running from 12th April until 11th May (depending on the moon sighting), during Ramadan, iftar is served at sunset and breaks the long day of fasting. Throughout the holy month, hotels and restaurants across Dubai invite families and friends to enjoy an iftar feast as the sun sets. and while there’s a lot of local cuisine on offer, there’s also a lot of international fare. Even if you’re not fasting, anyone is welcome to come along and experience iftar and enjoy the community feel. Boca X Frying Pan Adventures The team behind Frying Pan Adventures is working with Boca’s Chef Matthijs Stinnissen to curate a menu that pays tribute to dishes from the most popular restaurants in Old Dubai. Some of the dishes include a version of a Palestinian hit, chilli and sumac stuffed falafel, a take on a popular Levantine mezze ‘homemade labneh empanadas’, and Boca’s version of ‘Iranian kebabs marinated in black lime’. The eight-dish sharing iftar menu for two will include water, fresh juice, coffee, and tea. Gate Village, DIFC, sunset to 9pm, Dhs160. Tel: (04) 3231833 Tasca by José Avillez The Portuguese restaurant at Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai will be offering a multi-course iftar menu featuring a range of traditional sharing-style dishes – with al fresco dining and gorgeous sea views, this is a great spot to end the day. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, sunset to 8pm, Dhs265. Tel: (0)4 7772231 Weslodge Saloon Weslodge Saloon’s iftar menu includes dates, bread, hummus and lentil soup on arrival followed by a selection of classic Canadian comfort that the restaurant is more famous for including golden calamari, juicy grilled chicken wings, and Southern fried chicken. JW Marriott Marquis Hotel Dubai, from sunset, Dhs450. Tel: (0)4 5601700 Scalini Scalini’s Iftar will focus on signature dishes curated for guests to break their fast with nourishing, comforting Italian cuisine.The family-style sharing menu will change weekly, offering a wide selection of the authentic dishes that begins with a soup, followed by starters such as burrata with Datterini tomatoes and ricotta bresaola. Main courses will include chicken Milanese, penne arrabiata and a classic spaghetti bolgonese, ending with a sweet date cake. Four Seasons Jumeriah Dubai, Dhs345, scalini-dubai.com Netsu, Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai Serving up Dubai's only Warayaki-style Iftar, Japanese inspired Netsu will serve a themed Ramadan menu, cooked on Dubai’s only Warayaki grill. The three-course menu offers diners a taste of Chef Ross Shonhan’s Japanese creations paired with a selection of Ramadan-inspired soft drinks. Mandarin Oriental Jumeira, Dubai, Dhs265, mandarinoriental.com [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
What to do in Dubai Marina
03.2021
Welcome to Dubai Marina, a destination as awe-inspiring as it is accessible, and where luxury meets adventure and futuristic architecture kisses the shores of the Arabian Gulf. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or dreaming of your first big trip, the neighborhood has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore what to do in Dubai Marina, unveiling its treasures and helping you make memories that will last a lifetime. Together, we'll delve into the best activities, dining spots, and relaxation hubs that this dynamic district has to offer. Grab your passport, exchange some dirhams, and let's go exploring. About Dubai Marina Dubai Marina is essentially a city within a city situated in the heart of Dubai, near the Palm Jumeirah and adjacent to hotspots such as Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and Dubai Media City. Its combination of stunning architecture, waterfront living, and a vibrant lifestyle has made it one of Dubai's most sought-after areas. All in all, Dubai Marina is a symbol of modern urban planning and luxurious living, attracting residents, tourists, and business professionals alike. Things to do in Dubai Marina Entertainment and leisure Dubai Marina offers a colorful mix of entertainment and shopping experiences to complement its stunning waterfront setting. Here are some highlights to enjoy. Dubai Marina Walk Dubai Marina Walk is a captivating waterfront spot. Featuring a seven-kilometer path lined with palm trees that hug the picturesque emerald waterway of the neighborhood, you can enjoy leisurely walks, shop around, and indulge in delicious dining experiences along the promenade. Dubai Marina beach Ideal for families, Dubai Marina beach offers a range of kids' activities like inflatable water parks, mini trains, and camel rides, while catering equally to adults. Here, you can unwind in a cabana, enjoy beach volleyball, try jet skiing or wakeboarding, and explore waterside markets. Dubai Marina Mall The ultimate lifestyle haven, Dubai Marina Mall offers an array of top-tier brands across clothing, beauty, and homeware. When hunger strikes, you won't be disappointed either — the mall is home to numerous eateries. Eating and drinking Speaking of eating, a myriad of culinary options beckons along the shorefront. Here are some of our top picks for cafés and restaurants in Dubai Marina. Common Grounds Created by the influential culinary force Bull and Roo in the UAE, Common Grounds café caters to everyone, including vegans, vegetarians, and those with dietary restrictions. It's a welcoming space where you can enjoy scrumptious breakfast and lunch options. Bistro Des Artes Craving some French cuisine? Bistro Des Artes has got you covered. No matter the time of day — breakfast, lunch, or dinner — this charming spot by the water serves up your favorite French dishes in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Don't miss out on their amazing steak frites — it's a taste of “l'Hexagone” that you won't want to miss. Pure Sky Lounge One of our favorite bars in Dubai Marina is Pure Sky Lounge, located on the 35th floor of Hilton Dubai The Walk. It's a peaceful and calm spot where you can enjoy an amazing view of sunsets. Pure Sky Lounge provides a great destination to relax, take in the beautiful scenery, and grab a great drinks deal all at once. Watersports and adventure Dubai Marina offers a plethora of exciting activities that cater to adventure enthusiasts. Here's a glimpse of what you can enjoy. Dubai Marina ferry The Dubai Ferry is a wonderful addition to the city’s neverending list of tourist attractions. Embark at Dubai Marina or other convenient locations and treat yourself to views of some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks, such as the Burj Al Arab and the Palm Jumeirah. This helpful guide provides all the information you need to plan your trip. Zipline Dubai Marina Soaring through the skies and gliding across Dubai Marina on the world's longest urban zipline is an extraordinary adventure, available both during the day and under the starry night sky. If you're a thrill-seeker who relishes a good challenge, this experience is tailor-made for you. Dubai Marina boat ride See Dubai's landmarks and beautiful coastline from the deck of a speedboat on the Persian Gulf. This captivating boat tour is available during both the early morning and late evening, allowing you to enjoy the sights while avoiding the scorching desert heat. Don't forget to bring your camera for memorable photo opportunities. So, that's the rundown on Dubai Marina! If you haven’t already found your perfect homestay in the city, be sure to check out our range of Airbnb rentals here. [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Top Tips on How to Give Your Holiday Home a Makeover
03.2021
If you are looking to give your holiday home a makeover to attract more guest in the future, then we have some important tips for you. Before you choose a new colour scheme or spend money on designer furniture, you need to consider your target market. An interior decorating makeover can add huge value to your rental property but, if you make the wrong choices, it can also lead to fewer bookings and less people clicking on your listing. So, before you pick up the paintbrush, here are our top tips for holiday home makeovers: Make the most of the natural light! One of the reasons guests are booking a holiday home as opposed to a large hotel is because they want to feel connected to what’s around them and that means letting them see the outside world. Design your living spaces so they take advantage of natural light – for example, place desks and seating by windows and make sure you’re not blocking any views with big furniture. If you’re lacking in natural light, do not worry! Just invest in beautiful lamps that offer warm light! Invest in comfort & style A stylish couch that’s either affordable or unfunctional would look great in your space but is it a sofa that anyone is going to want to sit on it for long periods of time? Is it cosy and comfy? The same goes for beds. Always invest in quality, comfortable mattresses. Don’t cut corners when it comes to giving your guests a good night’s sleep. This includes choosing quality linen and duvet covers! Make sure everything is practical If you’ve got some grand ideas for interior decorating and redesigning your holiday home, always consider the practicality of those ideas before you begin work. Maybe you are keen to make the bedroom bigger and want to knock down a wall. Great! But make sure your new sleeping space has all the practicalities that a bedroom should – such as lots of cupboard and hanging space for guests to store their clothes. Add personality to the space but make sure it is still versatile Part of the charm of holiday homes is that guests are able to get a feel for you and your neighbourhood by the way you decorate and design your space. If you are near the beach, maybe add some beach towels or a bucket and spade for little ones. If you’re in the throngs of the city, you might want to add a recipe on how to make the perfect sunset mocktail. Guests do not want to see photos of your family on the mantlepiece or your son’s graduation pictures in the bedroom. Let them know who you are, and where you live, without being too personal. First impressions matter Once you’ve entered the listing’s primary details, it’s time to add beautiful imagery to go with a detailed description. Hosts with professional photos can earn 40% more than other hosts in their area that don’t use professional images. One of the top reason’s guests choose to book a certain listing is based on the quality of the images. Frank Porter can not only help with the photography of your property, but they can also assist with the styling. [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Top 8 Airbnb Kitchen Essentials that your Guests Will Love!
02.2021
If home has a heart, it's certainly a kitchen. How to make sure your Airbnb kitchen has all necessities for cooking and eating as well as providing all the safety and sanitising requirements in line with the new Covid pandemic? Check our list of top 10 Airbnb kitchen essentials that will help to satisfy even the most demanding guests. Sharp knife and chopping board If your kitchen has dull knives, at some point you’re going to hear about it in your Airbnb reviews. A knife doesn’t have to be an expensive purchase – just make sure that you replace or sharpen them periodically. Have a cutting board on hand as well so that your guests won’t end up cutting your countertops or chipping plates. Sanitiser! With a global pandemic upon us, keeping clean and hygienic has never been so important! Show you are respectful to the situation by having wipes, hand sanitiser and hand wash in your kitchen and make sure you have plenty of Dettol! Salt, Sugar & Pepper You can’t enjoy a takeaway meal without these basic seasonings let alone a home cooked meal. Guests will be upset if they can’t find sugar for a morning cup of tea or coffee so be smart and stock up! Coffee Machine A coffee maker is a standard appliance for a hotel room. As a result, you should also make sure that you have one in your Airbnb kitchen as well. A drip coffee machine will do just fine and you can make it even better by leaving a few coffee options for your guests. Making sure that you have creamer, sugar alternative, and honey will go a long way to show how thoughtful you are as a host. Cups & Dishes The number of plates, bowls and cups you provide will depend on how many people you usually play host to at your Airbnb but in general, add two more of each. For example, if your Airbnb can accommodate up to two people, provide four of everything when it comes to bowls and plates. We recommend providing both large and small plates. If your Airbnb caters for kids, make sure some of your cups and dishes are plastic. Pots & Pans Depending on the type of Airbnb that you are advertising, you’ll need to provide a range of pots and pans. If your listing description boasts of a fully-equipped kitchen, guests will expect not only good quality pots and pans but also several different sizes. Always provide at least one small and one large pot, as well as a small and large frying pan. Dish liquid and gloves Make sure guests have something to clean their plates with once they’ve finished their meal. Provide dish liquid, washing-up gloves, tea towels and a drying rack. Don’t forget those miscellaneous Items! We could call this category the ‘miscellaneous’ category but it’s one of the most important and these items are often overlooked by hosts. Always offer at least one veggie peeler, can opener, a bottle opener and a pair of scissors. This can often seem like a minefield and hard to keep on top off, our full scale management services which includes management support and interior design can take the stress away! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Day Trips Not to Miss
01.2020
There are some fantastic options for day trips from Dubai. Whether you love culture, adventure, food, sand, or water, there’s a day trip just perfect for you. Camels and an Oasis Those camels need to come from somewhere! Take the drive to Al Ain near the Oman border and enjoy a day like no other. Stop first at the Palm Oasis Village and learn about farming and irrigation in the Middle East at this ECO heritage site. Then head over to the camel farm where you can get some great up close and personal pictures with these essential desert animals. Ready for something new? Try some camel ice cream! Top off your day with a view from the highest point in Abu Dhabi before going back down the mountain for a relaxing stop at the natural hot springs. The Mangroves in Abu Dhabi It’s a bit of a secret that there’s a Mangrove National Park a short drive from Dubai in Abu Dhabi. This is an area of protected coastal mangrove forests that’s a critical ecological area. Mangroves act as a natural windbreak, protect against tidal surges, purify the water, and promote biodiversity. A visit to this national park can introduce you to crabs, herons, foxes, flamingos, turtles, fish, and dolphins. It’s certainly a break from the city life, and supporting ecological preserves like this one is an excellent use of resources. Fossil Dunes Al Wathba If you want to visit the location of the opening scenes from ‘Star Wars: A Force Awakens’, take a 30-minute drive to these fossil dunes. All you need is a 4×4, beverages, and a sense of adventure to enjoy these natural wonders. Dalma Island Travel to this true island oasis by ferry in your own car, by helicopter, private jet (there’s a small airport on the island), or hired boat. If you’re planning to spend the night and don’t want to camp, book in advance as there are limited accommodations. This island takes you back in time to a simpler life where the stars shine bright at night without light pollution, you can camp and BBQ on the beach, and pay with cash (not every place accepts credit cards). Dalma Island is peaceful, non-commercial destination with spectacular sun rises and sunsets. Picnic at Dig Daga Farms Go where the locals go, and drive to Dig Daga (also known as Digdaga) for beautiful views, farm fresh food, and a chance to picnic and visit with Emiratis. In the winter you can also take in the camel races every Friday from 6:30-9:30. For more information get in touch here.
Golden Opportunity To Invest in Dubai!
08.2019
Looking back at the world famous “Great Depression” era, during the 1930’s that struck America like an ongoing snowstorm, how prepared are we, as individuals, for tentative similar future events? As the old joke goes: “Economists successfully predict 9 out of every 2 upcoming recession periods”, which is not a bad estimation, considering daily speculation about economic downfalls in the news, since the beginning of time… and yet we still somehow survive each scare. Being a survivor is in an inspiring quality, no doubt, but have you considered being a little more than a survivor… Like an Investor? According to the article “Dubai communities that saw the biggest price drops in H1 2019” – Gulf News, 20 August 2019, now seems to be a golden opportunity to invest the extra savings per month and turn it into an all year-round summer holiday rental. Savings. Property is one of the most solid investments – just ride it out and it is yours! Most people get this overwhelming feeling when they consider saving to buy property (Can I afford it? How will I afford it? Where do I put the extra cash? How long will it take?) All that thinking will reroute your brain to “Moving on…. What’s for dinner?” Don’t overthink it! Try these 3 easy savings steps for beginners: Goal Life and its disturbing sense of humour; we work long hours just to pay off someone else’s property and yet, the owner made a decision which, ultimately, the renter applauds and assists by paying off his debts. Set a goal and choose your first property/project. Timeline The word pretty much sums up the description. When do you want to achieve your goal? Are there any obstacles that might interfere with your timeline? How will you defeat these obstacles without derailing from your goal? If you can answer your own questions, write it down and refer back. Restrictions Whether it’s a separate account or cash, ask the bank to restrict any withdrawals from this account for a certain period OR, superglue that cookie jar! Make sure you set your rules and abide by them by preserving your goal. After the timeline expired and your great expectations have been met, Frank Porter will do the rest. We advertise and list your property as well as take care of rental agreements, housekeeping and maintenance by using Airbnb rental management and Booking.com. Our aim is to meet you halfway and turn your dedication into a successful venture so you can finally sit back, relax and start earning your savings. Property Management has never been this easy, just keep it simple and get in touch today. [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
How to Price Your Airbnb Rental?
07.2019
Short term rentals are booming in Dubai. Dubai has become one of the top travel destinations of the world, hence the skyrocketing demand for short term rentals. Airbnb rentals are cashing in big on this demand. Any investor profiting from this demand certainly has a great pricing strategy. Proper pricing is essential if you are to profit from your Airbnb rental, especially when the competition is so stiff. In the sections below, we are going to explore a few techniques you could use to come up with a competitive price for your Airbnb rental. Explore the Market Value Go out and collect some market intelligence such as short term rental demand and the structure of top-performing properties. Find competing properties in your geographic location, and check their prices and performance. All this information will help you compare different structures and prices to find out what performs best. Undercut the Competing Properties For a new Airbnb rental, the best way to quickly rack up those impressive reviews is to make it the cheapest option in town. At this point, your focus should be on creating a reputation around your services rather than making a profit. Increase the price gradually as the reviews continue to rack up so that you can come to the market price and still continue receiving guests. Keep an Eye for Special Events Music festivals, marathons, or any other event in your area that attracts a lot of people is a perfect chance to cash in. These events increase the demand for short term rentals a couple of times over. You might be able to charge as much as five times the normal market rate. Always be prepared for such events in advance. Research on special events that might come to your area in that year, so that you are adequately prepared to cash in some big bucks when the events come. Proper Property Management Over 60% of the revenue you get from your Airbnb rental is based on the intrinsic value of the property. It is important to ensure you keep your property in top-notch condition if you want to have competitive prices. Explore some ideas through which you can enhance the intrinsic value of your property, as well as improve the guest experience. At times it is best to compete on quality instead of price. Property management can be hectic especially if you do not have the experience or time. It gets worse when you have a couple of properties to manage. Such requires a robust management system. That is where Airbnb management services such as Frank Porter come in. Airbnb management agencies can help come up with a robust pricing strategy, that is going to maximize your revenue. You’ll spend a few bucks on the service, but you’ll get much more in return. Your revenues will be maximized after a proper pricing strategy is established, and proper management is maintained. Frank Porter is always ahead of the game when it comes to anticipating high demand for short term rentals and putting in measures to cash in on it. Get in touch today to discuss your options! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Are Airbnb Management Services Worth the Cost?
06.2019
As a real estate investor, you might be tempted to assume that all you ought to do is conduct market and investment analysis, and then smile all the way to the bank. In as much as choosing a great location, developing attractive rentals are an integral part of the real estate business, they are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to real estate investment. Whether you have chosen to do short term rentals or go the traditional rentals way, it is quite difficult to realize any profits if your rental property management is not top notch. Short term rentals such as Airbnb are quite popular nowadays. Investors may get carried away into thinking that all they need is a perfect location to make money on Airbnb. There is a lot of property management work cut out for any such investor. Some of the investors may not have the management skills required or the time. That is where professional Airbnb management services come in. While these services do carry some costs – we must dig deep to discover if it is worth it! DO YOU REALLY NEED PROFESSIONAL AIRBNB MANAGEMENT SERVICES? Typically, Airbnb guests will stay at your property for less than a month up to a few months. As a result of the constant flow of guest in and out of your property, you’ll have a lot of check-in / check-out work, maintenance and cleaning work to do. When you have a couple of properties on Airbnb getting booked regularly, the maintenance tasks can get overwhelming. Basically, when they are too many moving parts in your Airbnb business, you need a management system. Professional Airbnb management services will take this burden off your shoulders. The question really is: how much work can do on your own? You’ve got to explore your expertise, and whether you have the time carry out or supervise the work. In as much as the property management agencies have efficient systems that make their work seamless, it does not mean you cannot do it for yourself. What you need to ask yourself is: is this really worth my time? This question does not have a single answer. It solely depends on your circumstances as the investor. Keep in mind that the key to making good money from short term rental arrangement like Airbnb is racking up those impressive reviews. That means having professional photos taken – to showcase your property in the best light. That means you’ve got to be available to your Airbnb guest whenever they need something. You need to react quickly to all emergencies and solve issues quickly. You also cannot let your guard down on maintenance and clean-up of the properties. There are many other aspects that come into play such as security, serenity, and many others. The bottom line is; you have to ensure you have to be on your toes to ensure your guest is enjoying their stay. If you are not confident that you can achieve all the aspects outlined above, you should opt for professional Airbnb management services – like Frank Porter. Whatever cost you pay is justified by the hours saved doing it yourself! Furthermore – with in-house pricing, cleaning & maintenance, styling and communication – you can be sure your property is maximized to its best potential! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Benefits Homeowners Have Through Short-term Rentals
05.2019
Short-term rentals are currently on top of its game, and it continues climbing the market ladder. Many tourists now would prefer to rent an apartment and feel at home than to lodge in a hotel. There is indeed a comfort in staying in a home because of the coziness it offers. Aside from this, there are other reasons why you should think of having your apartment a vacation rental on short-term. 1. Less Damage in the Apartment Because it is on a short-term rental, there is a good chance that the damage to your apartment and its furniture will be less. The frequent check-ins and check-outs will not put that much tear on your property. You can even use the dates that it is empty (or block them on your calendar) for fixing and maintenance. In this way, you will have a conditioned apartment and happy guests. 2. Easy Guest Hunting There are so many short-term rental platforms on the internet to help you advertise your apartments, like Airbnb, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, Agoda, and others. Airbnb is probably the biggest in the bunch as there are a lot of Airbnb hosts. For instance, Airbnb hosting in Dubai has been taking off. Since Dubai is known to be a business hub where almost everyone has a job, it is quite difficult juggling hosting and working. Guest hunting and listing management responsibility can be given to Airbnb management service like Frank Porter that can take care of everything for you. 3. Huge Potential for Revenue It is a good opportunity for revenue to convert your apartment to a holiday home. You can change the prices depending on the season, demand, property type, and other factors. If you are not a fan of Mathematics, you can rely on your property management firm to compute the right price for a better pull on earnings. 4. Calendar Flexibility You can easily decide when to lease out your apartment and when you want to stay there. Whether you want to stay for a few days or a few months, there is no problem for you to do that as it is yours anyway! The calendar can be blocked on certain dates if you want to use your apartment for your own (family/relative stay, your own vacation) or if you want to conduct deep cleaning and maintenance to ensure that your guests’ stay is pleasant. THE BENEFIT OF HAVING A PROPERTY MANAGEMENT FIRM Airbnb management service is offered to Airbnb hosts who are having a difficult time juggling hosting and other things in their lives. This is especially for those who just do not have time for hosting but wants to make extra income. The main benefit of having your own property management firm to rely on is that you will not have to worry about how your apartment is doing in the market. With Frank Porter, you can be sure that your apartment is not only taken care of but is advertised and priced correctly based on many factors. Frank Porter as a property management firm is the one that you can trust your apartment with as we are passionate about what we do. Get in touch today! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
RAMADAN: THINGS TO DO IN DUBAI
05.2019
Ramadan being a quiet period in Dubai does not mean you cannot enjoy your time here during this season. There are many ways you can get yourself entertained by going out there and exploring! Here are four of the many things you can do in Dubai during Ramadan. 1. GET SOME ARTS AND CRAFTS Art is definitely something Dubai loves. There is art everywhere you go. That is why there are markets all around the region with arts and crafts. The Madina Mall will hold a Ramadan craft market free for people who enjoy these things. It will start on the 17th of May to the 3rd of June, which sums up to 18 days. Fabula Ramadan Market is part of this that has items good for gifts. There are also markets around Dubai like the one in the Old Dubai for you to see the history and culture of this region. 2. STAY HEALTHY! One of the best time to get fit in Dubai is during Ramadan. You can take a run during the nights before you break your fast or visit amazing restaurants (if you’re not fasting). There are running tracks all around the city, and there are yoga classes available as well as other sport and fitness activities to satisfy your health needs. 3. FEED YOURSELF WITH HISTORICAL INFORMATION There are many places in Dubai where you can learn of its history, culture, and other things. Museums are the usual places to educate yourself about the place you are visiting for a short-term or living in. In The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, you can learn about the history of Ramadan. They host a daily iftar with Athan (the call to prayer) as the beginning of it followed by iftar with your hosts. The prices are as follows: AED 185 (adults) and AED 90 (7 to 11 years old). This is from the 8th of May to the 1st of June except Fridays every 7PM to 9PM, House 26 and House 47, Al Fahidi District. 4. BREAK YOUR FAST IN AMAZING RESTAURANTS There are so many restaurants you can celebrate iftars. Asateer Tent has many tents being sprung up during iftars and suhoor. They offer buffets for both meals with live cooking stations. Bebabel’s customers can enjoy their meals while having the views of the Dubai Fountain. COYA is named as the Best Latin American restaurant by Time Out, so if you’re a fan of Peruvian food, then this is for you. Dubai Opera has its auditorium turned into a banquet hall to serve three different iftar menus with live music. These are just some of the restaurants and places that you can break your fast or join in the iftar celebration every night during this season. FRANK PORTER THE BEST PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANY But what do we do, you may ask? It is our goal as a property management company for homeowners to get the best out of short-term rental. In this Ramadan season, we gave five reasons to rent out your Dubai apartment for it to be a holiday home especially if you are not usually in the country. Summer in Dubai may be slow months for short-term but this period is also the best time to prepare your apartment for it to be in its best vacation rental form for your guests. If you don’t know how to go about it, Frank Porter, your property management firm, can help you out. www.frankporter.com +971 4 427 8193 [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Making Your Guests Feel Right at Home!
05.2019
 It is getting tougher and tougher in the short-term rental game, and anyone who wants to stay in the market should keep up with the competition. Property managements get in the game to help out. One thing that can ensure your intact position in the game is that you are an amazing Airbnb host who wants the best for their guests. It is always a matter of how, and this article will show some things that you can do to lock in those good reviews because the flow of bookings can depend on how much your guests have enjoyed their stay. Here are a few tricks that you can apply to your next check-ins! BEAUTIFUL AND PROPER DESIGN Everything that looks good to the eyes are what people usually get lured in. Your short-term rentals should be appealing from the photos itself and especially in person. Ensure that the aura of your apartment is cozy and welcoming just by looking at it with proper interior design (vibrant colors or a good mix of colors). A holiday home always gives a feeling of warmth and relaxation even when one is simply viewing it through a platform. ORGANIZED CHECK-INS You would not want your guest to ramble on about how terrible their check-in was because it will give the impression that if you cannot get this little thing right, then who knows what else you can mess up? Follow a proper system. Dates should be properly blocked for them and payments should be made days before their check-in. The apartment should also be ready before guests arrive. WARM WELCOME It is an amazing thing to have someone be there at the apartment to greet guests. Being in a foreign country, knowing no one, can be weird for some especially when they are just told to enter an apartment that they have not been to in their lives. Preparing a welcome pack with simple things like packets of coffee and tea with bottles of water and others can make them feel at home. Maybe you can even push it by giving chocolates, fresh flowers, or toiletries! Guests tend to be touched with hosts who seem to genuinely care about their guests. AMAZING EXTRAS These maybe just extra things that you can do but they are extremely helpful not just for your status as an Airbnb host but especially for the intact position of your holiday home in the vacation rental game. Make sure to have important details written in one set of house rules that guests can simply scan. Emergency numbers, map of your local area, things to do, and restaurants/cafes to eat in are small things that will make your guests feel actually special and welcome to the place. GET YOURSELF AN AIRBNB MANAGEMENT SERVICE THAT CAN DO ALL THINGS! In this era when Airbnb hosting in Dubai is taking off more than ever, you will surely need a property management that can do everything for you. All you need to do is relax and wait for your payouts while we do the necessary things to keep your reputation and up your bookings! As a property management, we will ensure that you are on the top of your game and always have bookings especially in the high seasons. Get in touch today! [/tatsu_text][/tatsu_column][/tatsu_row][/tatsu_section]
Tips on Making Your Airbnb Listing Stand Out
05.2019
There are a lot of short term rentals listed not just in Airbnb but in every platform available. It is difficult to go against the competition if you do not have anything unique to offer. Just because you have a vacation rental that you think is nice enough does not mean the guests will line up immediately. Airbnb hosting in Dubai is especially difficult if you lack the experience! But consistency in little things can eventually win them over. Here are a few tips on how you can make your Airbnb listings stand out in the midst of your competition. Reasonable Prices Do not charge too high but charge reasonably according to factors considered (place, number of bedrooms, kind of apartment, season, month, etc.) in pricing. Many tend to charge more than they should on their short term rentals, but you’d want to be fair enough to your guests so choose to be reasonable. Welcome Packs In handling a short-term apartment, there is a good thing that can come out of giving your guests a welcome pack upon their arrival no matter how little of a gesture it is. Making one feel at home in a holiday home gives off a warm feeling especially if they are new to the place. This kind of action can cause your guests to give you good reviews. Hospitality is not yet dead, even in little things. Extra Complementary Things Are they good guests who never complained? Did they speak pleasantly with you? Did you make a mistake on your side? Was there a complaint that was not handled right away? Being a good Airbnb host is taking care of your guests. Here at Frank Porter we make sure that every guest feels that they are valued. Prepare a little gift for those people who just are lovely to host and those you need to appease because of unfortunate events. Whether it’s a box of local delicacies or known chocolates, nothing more can drive guests to leave good reviews and encourage future guests to book with your short-term rental than a basket of free stuff. Welcoming Apartments Do not be too picky in choosing who should rent your apartment. Don’t make it too exclusive to the point that everyone would not even bother checking if they qualify because of the power of “word of mouth.”  There is a good chance that your apartment will be branded as too exclusive. Vetting the guests is important, but being too strict or choosy can lessen the number of people who will rent an apartment under your name. Make sure that your place is available to everyone. It is important to project it as a safe and welcoming apartment. Binder Full of Things to Do in the Area One of the best consistent little things you can do is to have a binder full of the things that people can do in the neighboring areas and what the location is all about. Highlight the best restaurants and cafés to eat and hang out in, the best galleries to check out, the nearest mall that you can shop at, or any other attractions that your location is famous for. It is also helpful to include a page for your House Rules and other important information like WiFi login details, pool and gym floors, emergency numbers, and other things. Property Management—the Future of Airbnb Hosting in Dubai Being in Dubai and working can hinder you to stretch the potential of your short-term rentals. Having an apartment in Dubai but not being around that much to take care of the guests can be a struggle. This is why Frank Porter exists! We make things easy for you. We are a property management company that takes Airbnb hosting in Dubai to the next level. We handle everything, and all you need to do is wait for the payments! Airbnb management has never been this easy, get in touch today!