When we picked up the keys to our very first apartment on 26th April 2024, we had no idea how quickly our new venture would take shape. What started as a small idea between five friends soon became something much bigger — and more exciting — than we imagined.
Our First Guest Experience
Our very first guest checked in on two weeks after we launched — April 26th, 2025. His name was Sam, an athlete running in the Manchester Marathon, who arrived with his girlfriend, his stepdad, and his mum.
We wanted their stay to feel personal, warm, and memorable. So, armed with a basket, I decided to put together a small welcome gift. I filled it with fresh fruit and added a few chocolate bars, thinking it might give Sam a little extra energy before his big race.
It turned out to be the perfect touch. They loved the gesture, and that first five-star review meant the world to us. It was proof that even the little details — fruit baskets, thoughtful touches, a smile at check-in — really matter.
Of course, things didn’t go perfectly. Our guests accidentally received a parking ticket on arrival — something we hadn’t yet figured out how to prevent at the time. We made sure to cover it, and while it was a lesson learned the hard way, their graciousness reminded us of the type of guests we wanted to host: kind, understanding, and open-hearted people.
Expanding to Two Apartments
Just twelve days later, we welcomed our first guest into our second apartment — a studio at Media City, Salford. Media City, home to the BBC and ITV, was an ideal location, and we knew the property would attract all kinds of visitors, from professionals to tourists.
Once we purchased the essentials — kettles, toasters, bedding, bubble bath, shampoo, toilet tissue, kitchen roll, and more — our daily routine between the two apartments quickly fell into a steady rhythm. We focused on cleaning, restocking necessities like towels, toiletries, and linens, and ensuring that every guest walked into a space that felt like a true home, not just a rental
Hitting 100 Guests
By 29th June 2025, just two months after opening our doors, we celebrated a huge milestone: our 100th guest.
It was a moment that made us pause and reflect. In such a short time, we had gone from five friends taking a leap of faith — buying microwaves, bubble bath, and bedding with our own money — to a small but thriving hosting team with two busy apartments and a growing reputation.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
That very first check-in will always stay with us — Sam, his family, the fruit basket, and even the parking ticket. It was the beginning of a journey that has already taught us so much about hospitality, teamwork, and perseverance.
Today, as we look ahead to welcoming our 200th guest, our focus remains the same: to create welcoming, memorable stays that feel like home — with a few extra thoughtful touches along the way.
This is just the start of our story...