Welcome to Hypedome Stories! This time, we visit James Svetec, an Airbnb expert who added an Airbnb geodome to his beautiful cottage property close to Toronto. Join us as we explore his innovative concept and learn how this unique addition has transformed his Airbnb into a year-round destination.
Q: You have a beautiful cottage and a Hypedome standing right next to it in a stunning setting. Can you tell me a little bit more about the whole idea behind this Airbnb?
James: Sure! It’s an Airbnb about three hours outside of Toronto. I also have another Airbnb that’s about two hours away. Since this one is further, I wanted to make it really worth the extra drive for people. I noticed our winter season was slow, so I wanted something to attract more guests during that time.
Check James’s YouTube channel for more insights on running a successful Airbnb business
Q: How did you come up with the idea of adding the Hypedome?
James: When I purchased the property, it was a four-bedroom house with two full bathrooms, so it could comfortably accommodate about ten people. But with only four bedrooms, I thought adding a unique sleeping space like the Hypedome would be a fantastic idea. It adds something special, and in the winter, when the snow falls, it looks beautiful out back. The dome just adds a unique touch and helps the property perform better as an Airbnb.
“Hypedome has undoubtedly been a worthwhile investment” – James Svetec, Airbnb expert
Q: Did you have the Airbnb geodome bedroom from the very beginning when you started this Airbnb?
James: Yes, we launched with the dome right from the start.
Q: Can you share more about the bedroom dome setting?
James: Absolutely. It’s set up as a bedroom with a queen bed. In winter, we have a little heater and a heated mattress cover, and in summer, we add a small air conditioning unit. We’ve run power to it, so it’s got all the basics: a bed, a couple of night tables, and some decor.
Q: What do guests say about their experience staying at the Hypedome geodome?
James: They love it! One side is mirrored, and the other side is transparent, looking out into the forest. I’ve stayed there myself a few times, and it’s really beautiful to wake up in the middle of the forest. Guests often choose to stay in the dome because it’s such a cool experience. Even though the main house has enough room with bunk beds and other sleeping arrangements, many people opt for the bedroom dome. We’ve found that a lot of guests choose our property over others because they’re drawn to the unique appeal of the geodome Airbnb.
Q: Who usually stays at your Airbnb?
James: It’s a mix. We get large groups of friends, especially in the summer, and lots of families coming for holidays, vacations, or weekend getaways. Most guests are from within a two to three-hour drive, enjoying a staycation.
Q: Sounds nice! Can you tell me a little bit more about the location? Is it a perfect spot for hiking or other outdoor activities?
James: Yes, absolutely. We’re right on the southern tip of Algonquin Park, a really big park in Ontario, so there are tons of great hiking trails close by. It’s also situated between a couple of lakes, with a public beach and beautiful lakes right around it. There’s even a ski hill about 15 minutes up the road and a golf course nearby. It’s got all kinds of really great outdoor activities.
Q: So it’s perfect for both summer and winter. Do you have harsh weather there?
James: Yeah, the summers are really nice, with temperatures around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 Fahrenheit). In the fall, it’s milder and the leaves changing in the forest is beautiful. But in the winter, we get a lot of snow, and it can drop to between minus 20 and minus 30 degrees Celsius (minus 4 to minus 22 Fahrenheit). It really depends on the season. But despite the harsh weather here in Canada, the Hypedome bedroom works perfectly in any condition, keeping guests comfortable year-round.
Q: How did the Hypedome fit into your vision for your Airbnb?
James: I had seen other people doing domes on Airbnb, but they were usually standalone domes with full kitchens and everything inside. I thought the dome was a really cool, unique experience to add to our listing, but I wanted something under 10 square meters (about 107 square feet) to avoid the permitting process. That’s how I came across Hypedome, which was perfect at exactly 10 square meters. I also liked that it had polycarbonate panels, making it more durable and easier to keep looking good. Plus, the mirrored finish just makes it look even cooler.
Q: You got your dome in the summer of 2022, so it's been almost two years now. Have you been happy with it the whole time?
James: Absolutely, no complaints at all. It’s been great overall. The Hypedome keeps a comfortable temperature year-round, and it’s super easy to maintain. It’s very durable, and we haven’t had any issues. My dad, girlfriend, and I assembled it ourselves over a weekend, and the process was pretty straightforward. So, it’s been a fantastic addition.
Q: Considering your geodome is part of a larger Airbnb project, do you think the return on investment came quickly?
James: Definitely. Even just during the winter, we see an extra one to two thousand dollars a month compared to our other property. I believe a lot of that is because of the dome. Many guests specifically book because of the bedroom dome, and larger groups appreciate the additional space. It has undoubtedly been a worthwhile investment.
Q: Is there anything else you particularly like about the Hypedome?
James: Working with you guys has been fantastic. From finding the website to understanding the dome specifics, everything was smooth. The delivery was seamless, and the instructions were straightforward. Your team was very responsive, making the whole process easy and enjoyable. Plus, the mirror dome looks incredibly cool with its unique design.
Thank you for joining us on this journey through James’s Airbnb adventure. If you’re looking for a unique getaway, consider booking a stay at his stunning cottage with its one-of-a-kind Airbnb geodome. Be sure to read more Hypedome Stories for inspiring ideas and experiences from our amazing community of happy customers.