When looking at all of Airbnb’s different programs, it’s easy to get a little confused! You may be wondering how the Plus program differs from the Superhost designation. You might also be curious about the Airbnb Plus requirements.
In this article, we’ll answer your questions of “What is Airbnb Plus?” and “Is Airbnb Plus worth it?” We’ll also explain the Airbnb Plus vs. Superhost similarities and differences. Finally, be sure to take a look at our tips to help you on your way to joining the Airbnb Plus program.
What is an Airbnb Plus?
As Airbnb puts it, “Airbnb Plus is a selection of only the highest quality homes with hosts known for great reviews and attention to detail.” Airbnb Plus properties are top-tier houses that include a standard set of amenities that you would typically find at a hotel.
The price is also much steeper, at an average of $200 per night rather than the standard $100 average for regular Airbnb properties. These listings are vetted in person to verify their quality and are held to a much higher standard than non-Plus properties. In addition, these specially designated listings provide specialized support for Plus customers with a focus on quicker response times.
So what is an Airbnb Plus, really? Is it the same as a hotel? While the service is similar to a hotel, it still takes on Airbnb’s own twist. It allows Airbnb to better compete with hotels in the area and take over the tourism industry while retaining its “home away from home” feel.
What are the Airbnb Plus requirements?
Now that you know the answer to what is an Airbnb Plus, it’s time to learn about the requirements for the program. The first step to becoming part of this elite program is to apply, which costs $149. But in order to apply, there are six requirements you must meet first.
- Your property must be located in one of the cities listed here.
- Your property needs to be an entire home, or a private room with its own bathroom.
- You must have at least one stay.
- Your rating needs to be at least 4.8.
- You must have a history of accepting at least 95% of reservations.
- You can’t have any last-minute cancellations in the past year.
These requirements allow Airbnb to really narrow down the playing field into the top hosts and properties.
Airbnb Plus Process
After you’ve submitted an application, a photographer and inspector from Airbnb will stop by your property to evaluate it and take professional photos. You’ll be up against Airbnb’s new 100-point checklist, which includes a design test, a necessary list of amenities, and an assessment of the “personality” of your home. You can find the full list here. It’s important to note that this checklist has not been published by Airbnb at the time this article was written. This 100-point checklist has been cultivated by hosts who are now Hosts Plus.
When evaluating the design of your property, Airbnb sends an inspector to view your property. He or she will be looking for an effective furniture layout and a cohesive design throughout the house. It’s essential to have plenty of artwork and decor as well. Finally, all areas of the property must be clutter-free.
Not only does your property need to be clean and aesthetically appealing, it’s also important to tell a unique story with your decorations and design scheme. Picking out a collection of kitschy items won’t be enough when it comes to the Airbnb Plus requirements. In order to pass the inspection, you’ll need to truly put some time and effort into the design of your home and the meaning behind each piece.
Required Amenities
The necessary amenities include a television with media entertainment and a remote control, as well as fully stocked toiletries. A variety of cooking equipment and a clean refrigerator are also on the list. In addition, the host must provide either bottled or filtered water, as well as a hairdryer and an iron. Everything must be well-maintained and in good working condition.
Self Check-In is a Must
Finally, Airbnb Plus properties are required to have some form of self check-in. This could be a lockbox with a traditional key or a smart lock with a door code. To read more about Smart Locks, click here to view our article critiquing the 5 Best Smart Locks on the market. The goal is to ensure that guests are able to check in easily and avoid running into any bumps along the way.
It’s important to note that listings that are verified with Airbnb Plus cannot be listed on any other websites. They have an exclusive relationship with the Airbnb Plus program.
Increase your chances of Being Selection
If you can check off the first six Plus requirements (listed above) and go through Airbnb’s full 100-point list, you should be in pretty good shape. But there are still a few more things you can do to go above and beyond and truly impress the Plus inspector.
Carefully consider Décor and Toiletries
Put yourself in the mindset of a guest when selecting toiletries and creating the design for your property. If you were walking into an Airbnb Plus listing, where would you expect to find the extra towels? What kinds of condiments and cooking supplies would you expect to see in the refrigerator? What kind of atmosphere would you prefer if you were looking for a unique place to stay with all the amenities of a typical hotel room? You want to make your guests’ stay as smooth and enjoyable as possible. So if you can, look at things from their perspective and adjust your design accordingly.
Go Above and Beyond
Airbnb Plus listings are all about providing luxury accommodations. Consider all of the lists above. Ensure you have all the items listed, plus additional items to add to the luxury and décor. Don’t try to cut corners for cost. For example, buy the nice toilet paper! Your guests must feel pampered during their visit. Really try to embody that top-tier, high-quality feel that the program is looking for! But remember, you don’t want your property to look exactly like a hotel. You still need to incorporate your own personality into the design.
Private Room Musts
If you want to use your guest room within your own home for an Airbnb Plus listing (which is pretty common, with hundreds of private Plus rooms available), ensure that it has a high-end, private feel. It’s especially important for this type of Airbnb Plus listing to essentially separate itself from the rest of the house. This is where a smart lock really comes in handy (check out our article about smart locks here). Although you’ll be in the same house, Plus guests don’t want to feel like your roommate. They want a leisurely, enjoyable experience.
Airbnb Plus vs. Superhost: What’s the difference?
What is an Airbnb Plus–is it the same thing as being a Superhost? To put it simply, you don’t have to have an Airbnb Plus property to be a Superhost, but you do have to have Superhost stats in order to have your listing chosen as an Airbnb Plus property.
Airbnb Superhost Requirements:
- Must have an average rating of 4.8 or higher
- Completed at least 10 stays in the last year
- Have a cancellation rate of less than 1%
- Response rate of at least 90%
These standards hold Superhosts to a very high level of hospitality, experience, reliability, and communication. For more information about Airbnb Superhosts, check out our article: What Is An Airbnb Superhost? A Comprehensive Guide.
In order for your property to be selected as an Airbnb Plus listing, you must first fulfill the Superhost requirements. Then you’ll be held to the 100-point evaluation system that Airbnb has developed to cover all of its Airbnb Plus requirements.
Is Airbnb Plus worth it?
There’s really no definitive answer to the question of whether or not Airbnb Plus is “worth it”. There are many accounts from hosts that support the program, as well as plenty of others that think Airbnb Plus is a waste of time and effort. Check out the pros and cons below so you can decide for yourself!
The Upside of Airbnb Plus
Initial Upgrades
As soon as you’re accepted into the program, you’ll receive the verified Plus badge. You’ll immediately be placed higher in the search results, resulting in more visibility to potential guests. Your listing will have a totally revamped look with professional photos and a new title and description chosen by Airbnb. Additionally, a virtual tour of your property highlighting its best features will be easily accessible from your listing. Airbnb brags that you’ll enjoy 7x more listing views and 70% more nights booked.
Additional Bookings
All of the upgrades listed above lead to more bookings and more profit for you! Many Airbnb Plus hosts report that they were able to raise their prices and still get more bookings than they did before becoming a Plus listing.
Automatic Trust
In addition to upgrades and an increase in bookings, multiple Airbnb Plus hosts commented on the automatic trust they receive from guests. When a listing is Plus-verified, guests seem to inherently trust it more than a regular listing. They’re also willing to pay more for Plus listings, partially because of this trust factor.
The Downside of Airbnb Plus
All Guests are Welcome
One common complaint from Airbnb Plus hosts is that you don’t get much of a say when it comes to your guests. In fact, these hosts explain that you basically have to accept any and all guests that want to book your listing.
Issues with Customer Support
Although one of the benefits of Airbnb Plus is a special customer support department, it seems that many hosts have run into issues with it. From not having a telephone number for the Plus customer support to long wait times for answers, many hosts are unhappy overall with this feature of the program.
Long Application Process
According to various Airbnb Plus hosts, the application process is very long and requires a lot of effort on your part. Inspectors often make what hosts consider to be silly critiques of their properties. Unfortunately, some hosts report that the process wasn’t worth the hassle due to a lack of increased bookings.
Main Points for Airbnb Plus
- Program features high-quality properties and private bedrooms that have been vetted for quality in person.
- There are six main requirements to apply for the Airbnb Plus program, followed by a 100-point checklist that evaluates your property.
- To get the verified Plus badge on your listing, you must have the same stats as a Superhost. However, you don’t have to be part of the Airbnb Plus program to become a Superhost.
- The program has received mixed reviews from its hosts. It’s up to you to determine whether or not this program would be beneficial for you and your Airbnb listing!