Airbnb rentals: Comparing the different types
Gone are the days when Airbnb was just a rental platform where anyone could list any property or spare room.
This highly successful online accommodation marketplace has expanded its services greatly over the past few years to now include new offerings such as Airbnb for Work, Airbnb Luxe and Airbnb Plus.
What is the difference between these new tiers and how can you benefit?
We have put together a simple guide to help you navigate these new Airbnb rental offerings and figure out where your property best fits in this changing holiday letting landscape.
Table of Contents
- The basics: Airbnb (Classic)
- For business travellers: Airbnb for Work
- Verified for quality: Airbnb Plus
- Destination homes: Airbnb Luxe
- Taking it to the next level with GuestReady
1. The basics: Airbnb (Classic)
You’re probably familiar with Airbnb’s basic platform but if you’re a new host it’s important you understand some of the filters that are used when guests are looking for a place to stay:
Entire Place
This means that guests do not have to share living spaces or bathrooms with you or other guests. When travellers choose this option, they expect privacy.
It’s okay to provide shared outdoor facilities such as a swimming pool, garden or BBQ area but in general, Airbnb properties listed in this category are expected to offer amenities and living spaces that are exclusive to the people who book a stay.
See our Airbnb host checklist for five things to do before your guest arrives.
Private Room
Tick this box if you have a room in your house that you are happy to rent out to travellers. Be sure to highlight in your description the number of shared spaces and house rules.
For example, if you do not wish to share your kitchen with guests you need to make that clear. If they are sharing a bathroom, always try to indicate how many people they will be sharing it with.
Share Room
This option usually attracts younger, more budget-conscious travellers. If you tick this box it means you have a spare room with two or more beds and that travellers will be expected to share this sleeping area during their stay.
Instant Book – A great way to get your property to appear in more searches. By ticking this box you’re agreeing to guests being able to book without needing any prior approvals.
Many travellers who want to book accommodation at the last minute, or don’t want to engage in any messaging with hosts before booking, will choose this option.
Unique Stays
Some travellers are looking for unique spaces to rent while they are away so if your Airbnb falls into that category, whether it’s a yurt in the forest or houseboat in a canal, be sure to list it accordingly to attract more interest in your listing.
Superhosts
Many guests will adjust their filters so that they are only looking at properties on Airbnb that are linked to a Superhost.
Why? Because they want to be guaranteed an awesome experience. How can you become a Superhost?
Here are a few things that you need to do before you will be given Superhost status: Complete a total of 100 nights of hosting; maintain a 90% response rate; maintain a 1% or less cancellation rate; maintain an overall rating of 4.8. And here’s what not to do.
2. For business travellers: Airbnb for Work
This spinoff aims to make it easier for corporations to use Airbnb when it comes to booking accommodation for business trips.
Companies can sign up for Airbnb for Work for free where they can use an admin dashboard to plan trips for various employees and keep track of bookings.
The more five star reviews that your Airbnb gets from business travellers, the more likely it will be that your property appears in Airbnb’s work trip toggle.
Properties listed on Airbnb for Work usually provide high-speed WIFI; flexible after-hours access; on-site laundry facilities; well-equipped work stations; and are close to the city centre or public transport hubs. Find out more about the latest tech devices for Airbnb hosts here.
3. Verified for quality: Airbnb Plus
Airbnb Plus is a selection of the finest quality homes that have been thoughtfully designed and are run by exceptional hosts. To gain a Plus badge, your home needs to be verified by Airbnb for quality during an in-person inspection.
Airbnb Plus homes are designed to offer guests everything they’d get at home – from a kitchen stocked with Tupperware, cooking oil and salad bowls – to a bathroom equipped with good quality shampoo and a hairdryer.
For your home to be given this badge, you also need to put in extra effort when it comes to maintenance. That means making sure all appliances are in working order, the garden is immaculate, and the chimney has been swept.
The Airbnb Plus program is limited to short term rentals that receive exceptional reviews, feature superior design and quality amenities. Speak to our Airbnb property management team to find out more about our services and how we can help you achieve Airbnb Plus status.
4. Destination homes: Airbnb Luxe
This recently released offering gives travellers access to spectacular properties as well as dedicated trip designers to help them plan bespoke experiences. At the moment, Airbnb Luxe boasts 2,000 handpicked homes from around the world.
Each of these homes has passed an extremely strict verification process including meeting standards in both design and function for over 300 different criteria.
This is not just about providing Airbnb guests with supreme accommodation but also a transformational trip experience. Find out how you can make your Airbnb rental stand out from the crowd.
5. Taking it to the next level with GuestReady
Are you ready to take your Airbnb to the next level? GuestReady can help you turn your Airbnb property into something that stands out and is worthy of Plus or Superhost status.
We can also help you attract business travellers or families.
Contact us today for advice on how you can transform your property and increase your rental income with our end-to-end Airbnb management service. Get in touch today.
