Homestay pops up at Glasgow Commonwealth Games

Scotland embraced the idea of 'pop-up' homestays at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow when demand for accommodation soared as visitors from all over the world poured into the city to watch some of the world's top athletes compete.

Games attendees were happy to find homestays as an alternative accommodation to hotels during what was one of the city's biggest ever events, not only as a value for money option but also because it offered an authentic insight into Glasgow, its culture and local people. Glaswegians were equally happy to be able to host visitors attending the event in their homes, giving them the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and make some extra money too!

One such host who rented out her spare room as a 'pop-up' homestay during the Commonwealth Games was Fiona, who lives in the West End of the city. In her homestay in the suburb of Broomhill, Fiona hosted Debbie from New Zealand, whose daughter competed in the track cycling events.

We asked Fiona about her experience of hosting visitors during the Commonwealth Games and what advice she could offer to anyone considering becoming a host.

Why did you sign up as a host on Homestay.com?

I normally rent my spare bedroom out to students, which means I have an empty room during the summertime when they go home. The Commonwealth Games were coming up and it seemed like a good way to meet some new people and earn a little extra holiday spending money!

Tell me about your experience of hosting Debbie- how did you get along?

We all got along really well! We were incredibly lucky actually, both myself and my partner got on great with Debbie, we had a lot of similar interests and we still keep in touch (from Scotland to New Zealand!) through the magic of Facebook! I’ve never had a bad experience with a guest staying through Homestay.com before, but since Debbie stayed for an extended period of time we really got to know her and become friends.

What sort of things, if any, do you do when you have guests to stay?

I work a lot but either myself or my partner are always there to welcome the guests when they first arrive. We also make up a little Glasgow Guide, just two sides of an A4 page but it has tips for getting around the city, useful information (like a trusted taxi company number etc.) and our own recommendations of things to see and places to eat, so they can get a proper Glaswegian experience with insider tips from a local person.

Debbie stayed during the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Tell me how you think the Games impacted the city?

The Games were absolutely fantastic for the city. The atmosphere during the Games fortnight was electric, just incredible! And since it’s finished I really do think the legacy lives on, there was a lot of construction and regeneration in Glasgow running up to the Games, and this is continuing to benefit us.

Tell us about your area in Glasgow: what sort of things can you do there?

I stay in the West End which is a beautiful part of Glasgow, lots of cafes and coffee shops and some really pretty gardens and green spaces. It’s very easy to get to the city centre too, so we really do get the best of both worlds!

What advice would you give anyone thinking of signing up as a host on Homestay.com?

Make sure you are organised before your guests arrive! But most of all just be welcoming to your guests, if you make an effort you will both get a really great experience out of it.

Why should guests book and stay with you when they visit Scotland?

Well I’ve actually got a student in my spare room again so it might be a bit crowded if someone booked with me at the moment! I would definitely recommend using a homestay when you visit Scotland though, as we are a very friendly nation!

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Being a homestay host is a great way to meet people from around the world and make some extra money too! Sign up now

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