GAS STATION RENTS ITSELF OUT AS AIRBNB

If you’ve ever wanted to spend the night at a gas station, head to Salinas, California. Sanborn and Market Gas is a convenience store, but, says owner Pete Shen, it doesn’t make any money at night. His solution? Offer it as an AirBNB rental. “Rather than stay at a real nice comfy luxury place, this has a real nice experience,” Shen said. For just $50 a night, Shen says it will fulfill any childhood dream of sleeping at a gas station. Since it is a gas station, there isn’t a bed, but Shen promises treats along with your stay instead. “It’s just a toilet, basic needs, some running water, hot water, some drinks, coffee, some ice cream,” he said. “All you can drink and bring your own air mattress.” Check-in is at 10 p.m., when the store closes, and check-out is 5 a.m., when the store re-opens in the morning. He also ensures a safe night’s sleep, with security cameras, good lighting and location on a busy street corner. And he says there has been lots of interest so far online. “I’ve leased it for about two weeks now and we’ve had over 200 views on our listing,” he said. “(The location is) center to town (with) easy freeway access.” The first customer stayed last Wednesday night.
* Over 200 views? This is taking off like a rocket!
* You’ve heard of “going viral”? This is “going head cold.”
* “Some running water”? That doesn’t fill me with confidence.
* What color is the running water?
* And “good lighting” is not what I’m looking for when I’m trying to sleep.
* Any month-old hot dogs spinning on those non-stop rollers?
* It’d be perfect if you’re planning to rob the gas station the next morning.
* Let’s see … childhood dreams of sleeping at a gas station? I’m not getting anything. Are you?
* I remember the astronaut dream, the firemen one, being a professional athlete … but sleeping at a gas station? Nope. Nothing.
* Nice to see the economy really coming back to life.