Sanborn and Market Gas Offers Overnight Accommodations

The station rents out its space through Airbnb overnight after closing.

June 17, 2016

SALINAS, Calif. – If filling up your tank wears you out, one gas station in Salinas, California, offers overnight accommodations, KSBW-TV reports. During the day, Sanborn and Market Gas is your typical convenience store. But once the store closes at 10:00 pm, it’s available for rent through Airbnb for $50 to $63 a night.

“[It’s] something for fun for the city of Salinas, see what people think,” said owner Pete Shen. “Rather than stay at a real nice comfy luxury place, this has a real nice experience.”

The Airbnb listing touts its charm as a “gas station stay over” near the center of town with easy access to the interstate and notes that guests should bring their own air mattress. But as compensation for not having an actual bed available, Shen provides treats and beverages. “It’s just a toilet, basic needs, some running water, hot water, some drinks, coffee, some ice cream.”

Shen said the interest so far has surpassed his expectation. “I’ve leased it for about two weeks now and we’ve had [more than] 200 views on our listing,” he said. Security cameras, good lighting and a location on a busy street corner provide guests with a safe night’s sleep. “I’m the guinea pig in the commercial business so far for Airbnb,” he said. He recently had his first overnight customer, who had to check out by 5 a.m., when the store converts from a hotel back to a convenience store.

NACS Magazine’s Second Life” details how old gas stations find a new existence as restaurants and other venues.

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