There is no denying the fact that Airbnb has completely and utterly changed the rental landscape. People are now more interested in living in places that have more character to them as compared to a hotel room with a run-of-the mill design.
So, keeping this change in taste in view, Airbnb launched the Airbnb Plus, a more sophisticated choice of homes for travelers looking to make their trips more enjoyable.
In this guide, we will be discussing what Airbnb Plus truly is, how they differ from a regular Airbnb and a Superhost, and why you should be booking an Airbnb Plus on your next trip.
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What is an Airbnb Plus?
Airbnb Plus was launched in 2018 by Airbnb to provide travellers with an enhanced standard of living while travelling. Also, Airbnb Plus rentals are vetted in-person by a third party inspector. Therefore, you can expect a top class living experience while staying in an Airbnb Plus.
Hosts who wish to apply for an Airbnb Plus status need to adhere to the following eligibility requirement:
- The listing must be an entire place or a private room with a dedicated bathroom
- Hosts wishing to apply need to have a rating of 4.8 for the entire past year
- Apart from extenuating circumstances, the host must not have canceled any reservations
- The aspiring host must have accepted 95% bookings over the past year
Once it’s finalised that the host meets all the requirements, a third-party inspector will visit the property and vet it on style, design, and hospitality. If the home is accepted then a professional photographer will be provided to take high-quality pictures of the property and to showcase it on listings.
Moreover, once a property gets the Plus status, the hosts also need to agree that they will not list the property on another booking platform, thus, making all Plus listings exclusive to Airbnb.
On the plus side however, hosts will get access to Airbnb Plus support team, which is solely focused on serving Plus customers.
What is the difference between Airbnb and Airbnb plus?
The primary difference between a regular Airbnb property and an Airbnb Plus property is that, Plus property are third-party vetted with a focus on an elevated living standard. While a regular Airbnb can be a simple home with all the amenities in it. However, eligibility to apply for Plus status isn’t available in all destinations.
If you think that a Plus certification means a better accommodation, then your not entirely right. As the Plus certification isn’t available in all of the destinations, that means you can get a good Airbnb home even if isn’t an Airbnb Plus.
However, it can give you a strong peace of mind that someone has vetted the listings in-person.
Step into the shoes of an Airbnb host with our in-depth guide explaining how Airbnb works for property owners. Uncover hidden secrets to maximise your earning potential here.
What is the difference between an Airbnb Plus and a Superhost?
The main difference between an Airbnb Plus and a Superhost status is that an Airbnb Plus status needs to be applied, while a Superhost status will be automatically granted once a host has completed 10 stays or three reservations totalling 100 nights. Also, hosts need to maintain a response rate of 90 percent, and a rating of 4.8 percent to be granted the Superhost status, by the end of any given quarter.
Continue reading: How Much Do Airbnb Superhosts Make?
How are Airbnb Plus listings vetted?
Airbnb Plus listings are vetted on the following criteria:
- Comfort
- Style
- Hospitality
Interior design of the listing needs to meet a set standard. This means that the home is expected to be cohesive, clutter free, and should reflect a unique style and personality that attracts guests looking for it.
Airbnb Plus homes need to be equipped with all functioning amenities such as bottled or filtered water, clean cooking utensils, and an iron and a hairdryer. The property needs to be clean and everything from the locks to the coffee machine should be in working condition.
Self-check in is also mandatory for an Airbnb Plus listed property. The host is required to have a lockbox or a door code to ensure that all guests have a smooth check-in experience.
Is Airbnb Plus Expensive?
When someone considers to book an Airbnb Plus listing, the first things that comes to mind is the pricing. Well, it’s a misconception that Airbnb Plus listings are expensive.
The main incentive for an Airbnb Plus host is to stand out of the crowd and attract more bookings with a Plus budge. But an Airbnb Plus listing doesn’t mean a super luxurious accommodation; it simply means that a guest will get an accommodation that is stylish, comfortable, and most importantly, extremely well managed by a highly competent host.
Therefore, to remain competitive, hosts will offer affordable homes with a tinge of style and flair added in the mix.
Conclusion
An Airbnb Plus home can be an highly enjoyable experience. If you are traveller who likes to mix style and comfort, then an Airbnb Plus rental will be the perfect place for you to stay.