Airbnb offers two types of premium listings.
Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe.
In this article we will explain both of these types of listings, and talk about how they are different
Airbnb Plus
Homes verified for comfort, attention to detail, and stocked with amenities
What is Airbnb Plus?
Launched in 2018, Airbnb Plus is a specially curated list that guarantees homes with verified levels of comfort and quality. Essentially, homes that have been designated an Airbnb Plus meet a certain set of requirements to be labeled as such. Airbnb Plus’ are often exquisitely detailed homes, decorated with magazine level style, and provide the very best in amenities. Homes that are granted the Airbnb Plus logo are verified by a third party to ensure they are up to snuff. There are several criteria a host must meet before they are eligible to apply for the Plus designation:
Their listing must be an entire home, or a private room with its own private restroom
The host’s listing must have maintained an exceptional user rating of 4.8 over the past year
The host cannot have canceled on any guests reservations, except in the case of Airbnb defined extenuating circumstances
The host must have accepted at least 95% of guest booking requests over the past year
Once the host meets these requirements, Airbnb will provide a third party inspector to verify the homes comfort, quality, style, and hospitality meet Airbnb Plus guidelines. If that benchmark is set, a professional photographer will be hired to take high quality images to better market the listing.
How are Plus listings different from regular Airbnb listings?
Plus listings guarantee a higher standard of comfort and style. This does not mean they are objectively “better” than regulars Airbnb listings. Plus hosts often have a wealth of experience hosting on the platform and deftly anticipate guests wants and needs. The Plus listings we have stayed at have often included special touches like toiletries, very detailed guidebooks, electronic check in, and luxurious bedding to name a few. I don’t often expect these personal touches at normal Airbnb listings. Often because of the guarantee of a higher quality, Airbnb Plus do sometimes cost more, but not always! If you are planning your trip in advance, set your filters to Airbnb Plus - you may find that there is an Airbnb Plus available for the same price as regular Airbnb listings in the area.
Airbnb Luxe
Homes with extraordinary luxury and style. These Airbnb listings are EPIC, but come with a correspondingly high price tag.
What is Airbnb Luxe?
Airbnb Luxe is truly a next level vacation experience. Ready to live it up like a movie star in the Hollywood Hills? Fancy yourself the next world class sports start with their own mega mansion in South Beach? How about skiing directly from your own eight bedroom chalet overlooking the Rocky Mountains? These types of experiences can be yours! Airbnb Luxe turns the listing into a destination in itself. Each Airbnb Luxe listing comes with a dedicated trip planner - a concierge for you vacation who will ensure every touch is personal and the accommodations are magical, booking is effortless, and check in is a breeze. People who book Airbnb Luxe accommodations can also add even more enhanced services such as personal drivers, personal chefs, childcare, or a massage therapist.
What makes a house an Airbnb Luxe?
Airbnb Luxe features a meticulously curated list of around 2000 luxury homes from around the world, including castles in the south of France, villas in the Tuscan countryside, and modern mansions in South Africa. Some of the most fun listings we found were the world famous “Fleming Villa” in Jamaica where Ian Fleming penned the famous James Bond novels, and your own private island with its own time zone in French Polynesia.
Like Airbnb Plus, Airbnb Luxe homes have to meet a certain standard to make the cut. Over 300 design criteria must be checked off in order to qualify. The home must have superior form, function, and feel. Airbnb will verify the house has enough amenities to meet the amount of allowed guests. For example, there must be at least one bathroom for every two bedrooms. The house must also function well - the dining room table should accommodate as many guests as can book. The outdoor areas should also include furniture. The kitchen should have chef quality appliances. The house must superior feel. It must have unique features or special design touches that ooze luxury. The grounds should be pristine.
In addition to form, function, and feel, the listing must be able to provide world class service, and source that service from somewhere. In order to be considered for an Airbnb Luxe, the dedicated trip planner must be able to find whatever service the guest could need or want. Lastly, the location must be top notch. If the listing is in the city - Airbnb will evaluate the listing for safety, comfort, and noise level. If the listing is remote, Airbnb will evaluate the listing has accessible activates or offers and incredible view.
The next time you have a lot of cash to spend, consider an Airbnb Luxe! Imagine all the qualities of a top all inclusive resort, but in your own private home - that is an Airbnb Luxe.
