Searcy’s Airbnb hosts are looking forward to providing housing for families needing a place to stay during campus their visits this spring, including Spring Sing and graduation.

Airbnb is a fast-growing online marketplace that connects hosts who rent their homes to travelers in need of accommodations. According to Investopedia, Airbnb stretches over 192 countries worldwide.

Searcy host Eva Rose lives 4 and a half miles from campus in a house that overlooks the Little Red River. Rose said she never intended to have a bed and breakfast. When she and her husband first bought the property, they had to build the home from scratch.

Rose said she and her husband wanted to have a place to host accommodations for retreats hosted by her daughter and son-in-law, who are local counselors. The breakfast included in the rental cost sets them apart from other Airbnb locations in the area. They serve a menu-choice breakfast, provide fresh towels every day and give guests codes to their rooms to give them security.

“We love getting to meet people, where they are from, their story, and they love hearing each other’s stories, providing them a lovely time,” Rose said.

Another Airbnb in Searcy is owned by yoga teacher Kelly James. Her location is about two miles from campus, featuring soothing waterfalls, relaxing music and calming smells. Her home also doubles as her yoga studio, giving the space a unique touch. James’ Airbrb features a one bedroom, one bath and a living room with complimentary tea and coffee. James built this extra living space as part of her home for her youngest son who moved away for college. She wanted him to have his own space and his own entrance separated from her studio so that he wouldn’t have to walk through her classes.

“It works out well because the guests can have their own door to come and go as they please, as well as their own washer, dryer and small living room,” James said. “I love having people stay with me and it’s a fun way to help others.”

The Airbnb website lists 64 properties in Searcy and the surrounding areas. To create a profile, users upload a picture of themselves and connect their email, allowing the hosts to know more information about them for hosts safety. It can take up to one week for the host to respond, so when booking through the website, guests should book several weeks in advance of their visit. The website is simple to navigate and there are several filters to narrow the search. There are many different types of lodging in the Searcy area that create fun experiences to enjoy.