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The Story Behind Home Me
Founded in 2016, Home Me has steadily grown, adding properties throughout Portoās historic districts. Pedro Peres, Home Meās Director of Operations, joined in 2019, bringing years of experience in five-star hotel management. Pedro recalls that Home Meās growth has been strategic, aiming for quality over quantity:
āWe're not growing absurdly in the number of apartments, we're growing sustainably. But we're always looking for something else: how to get more bookings, how to get more occupancy, how to get more revenue...ā
Home Meās dedication to the fundamentals: maintaining quality properties, strong owner relationships, and attention to guests is what sets it apart in the dynamic Porto rental market.
Evolving Challenges in Short-Term Rentals
According to Pedro, the short-term rental industry in Porto has faced numerous regulatory changes in recent years, especially restrictions on new licenses, which have limited market entry for new operators. Yet, Pedro sees this as a double-edged sword:
āOf course, we've noticed the impact of the restrictions that have appeared for local accommodation. Which doesn't exactly translate into a disadvantage, since the players who are already in the market end up having the advantage.ā
The changing landscape has led Home Me to focus on elevating the guest experience and cementing its brand as a go-to provider for high-quality stays.
The other major challenge, Pedro explains, is managing the logistics of cleaning and maintenance across multiple properties, particularly in Portoās narrow streets and historic buildings, where access can be difficult. To manage this, Home Me relies on a centralized supply system and a dedicated, stable team that understands the unique quirks of each property.
Managing Guest Expectations
Pedro notes that guest expectations can sometimes align more with hotel stays than short-term rentals, especially when it comes to amenities like luggage storage. Some guests still need to understand that services such as 24-hour reception or on-demand luggage storage may not be standard in short-term rentals.
āThere's nothing like letting people know how things work, so they don't come in with the wrong expectations. We tell them straight away what their options are when they bookā
Hereās where LUGGit steps in. As Pedro describes, guests request options to store luggage before check-in or after check-out, something that traditional vacation rentals rarely offer on-site. LUGGitās door-to-door luggage service has become a practical, customer-friendly solution.
āWe don't have the capacity to store luggage, but we have LUGGit as a partner who does this work and we appreciate it. (...) there are other options but the comfort that LUGGit provides is something else.ā
How Partnering with LUGGit Enhances Guest Satisfaction
Home Meās collaboration with LUGGit provides a seamless luggage storage and transportation service that simplifies check-in and check-out transitions. Guests can have their luggage collected from one location and delivered to another, allowing them to explore Porto unburdened. Pedro notes that LUGGitās service has been particularly helpful for early arrivals and late departures:
āIt takes the weight off people, they can enjoy their time and at the same time we were happy because they could enjoy the whole day in the city after checking out, without the hassle of carrying a suitcase around.ā
The partnership also reflects Home Meās commitment to innovation in guest services, which Pedro considers important to keep guests coming back.
What Sets Home Me Apart
Home Me prides itself on its high service standards and attention to the finer details of the guest experience. Some of these differentiators include:
- Enhanced Guest Communication: Home Me maintains a responsive support system to handle guest queries promptly. From early check-in requests to appliance instructions, Home Me ensures guests feel supported.
- Personalized Welcome Touches: Every guest finds a warm welcome with local treats and essential supplies. By offering these touches, Home Me creates a hospitable atmosphere often associated with hotel stays.
- Selective Property Management: Not every property meets Home Meās standards. The team curates a portfolio of properties with quality, comfort, and charm, ensuring a premium experience.
