Flagstaff Fun and Portable Hula Hoop’s with Beth Knisely Tucker
Hostfully Host Spotlight: Beth Knisely Tucker
Flagstaff, Arizona, bursts at the seams with exciting things to do during all seasons. At a comfortable 7,000 foot elevation, Flagstaff boasts unique experiences in American Indian culture, unlimited hiking possibilities with the world’s largest Ponderosa Pine forest, and many Grand Canyon expeditions and river trips for outdoor adventurers.
Flagstaff is likewise home to Beth Knisely Tucker, an Airbnb Super Host with over 200 amazing reviews. Beth is an avid traveler, who is always looking for an adventure as she carries a collapsible flower vase and a portable hula hoop with her. Just in case!
Who is Beth Knisely Tucker?
Beth has an extraordinary background. She has worked extensively in developing countries, primarily on community development with women cooperative groups. Beth’s passion for travel began when she voyaged through South America on a BMW motorcycle staying in pensiones, or small boarding homes. This experience set the tone for Beth’s passion for travel, and foreshadowed her love of Airbnb, a modern-day pensione.
Beth spent years working in third-world countries, which meant many stays in very modest accommodations. This has given Beth unique insight into what guests appreciate when staying at her Airbnb.
“I feel I have insights from my travels into making a guests’ stay more comfortable by providing amenities like fresh flowers, baked goods, an internet radio to connect them to home, and any color of sheets other than standard white.”
Beth’s past in working in third-world countries was passed on to her most important guest of all: her daughter.
“Being able to afford to offer my daughter (who works in International Humanitarian Action) a place to “recharge” when she returns from overseas work with refugees is very important to me.”
Because Flagstaff is a launching point for the Grand Canyon, many visitors to the city forget about all it has to offer.
“Many guests just don’t realize how much Flagstaff area has to offer and regret not booking more days! We are an outdoor enthusiast’s goldmine. Choose from exploring Native ruins, skiing, high altitude adventures, river running and mountain biking. Then there is the cultural side offering including presidentially recognized Museum of Northern Arizona and Lowell Observatory.”
For the trivia buffs out there, Lowell Observatory is where Pluto was discovered by Clyde Tombaugh in 1930.
One of the most significant things Beth has learned, and enjoyed, about hosting is the importance of allowing for a personal connection. Beth elaborates with a story:
“One of our early guests stays me how important it is to reach out to guests. He and his wife came to Flagstaff to celebrate their son’s graduation. They were German nationals who were recently assigned to the UN in Italy. I invited them for drinks and appetizers in our home. We shared and talked for hours. When they were leaving, they shared how they had not been invited into anyone’s home since re-settling in Italy.”
Since then, Beth makes it a point to invite guests to join her and extends her hospitality beyond simply offering a place to sleep.
As an Airbnb Super Host, we all have a little to learn from Beth. Here are few pointers she has for new vacation rental hosts:
- Greet your guests personally, it’s a small effort you’ll both gain from.
- Offer local insights into what you enjoy about both your town and neighborhood.
- Anticipate and recognize your guests’ needs by asking them what they are hoping to do and experience while staying with you.
- Pretend you are the guest in your own listing, and note what you can do to make it more comfortable.
- Give something extra welcoming such as a small card noting a celebration.
Finally, and maybe most importantly, Beth believes that we all need to be prepared to make unexpected friends.
Great advice Beth! Going the extra mile when running a small vacation rental business does wonders for both you and your guests’ experience and happiness.
So if you’re planning on heading to Flagstaff in the near future (I know I am now!), Beth also had some of her favorite local hotspots to share with Hostfully.
1. Dark Sky Brewing
An amazing selection of local beers and an overall fun gathering place. This is especially true on Thursday evenings, which is trivia night. Dark Sky brewing is also dog-friendly.
2. MIX
MIX is a salad bar where you choose your own ingredients. They have great daily soups and sandwiches, and this a great place to take kids and families. Just look at those waffles!
3. Diablo Burgers
Besides having the best locally owned and raised beef, they also boast locally made veggie burgers. Kids burgers are also a real bargain for those with children.
4. Tourist Home
Tourist Home is bakery and breakfast restaurant. According to Beth, you have to try the croissants and pastries, but they also have good coffee in a casual setting.
5. Mother Road Brewing Company
This is a local place with on-site local brews. The bonus is if you want some always amazing Pizzicleta pizza but can’t get in, walk 2 doors down to this brewery because you can order a pizza from there. The waitresses work between properties.
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