What is Airbnb Plus: Pros vs Cons?

The Airbnb Plus program was created to gain the trust of potential wary Airbnb guests who believe that vacation rentals are always cheap, scams, bait-and-switch situations, or low quality. When a host joins the program their listing is inspected for thought design, being well-equipped, and well-maintained. Why would you as a host want to make the effort to join? According to Airdna stats, hosts in the plus program earn significantly more money and have a higher occupancy rate. Both entire homes, shared spaces, and a private room are part of the program.

What does plus verified mean on Airbnb?

Airbnb Plus is a program for verified hosts who meet high standards for providing quality listings. If your listing is Airbnb Plus, it means that you have been verified by Airbnb and that your listing meets their high standards. Airbnb Plus listings tend to be more expensive than non-plus listings, but they also tend to have higher occupancy rates

What’s the difference between plus and Superhost?

Airbnb Plus is a program for verified hosts who meet high standards for providing quality listings. Superhosts are Airbnb hosts who have been verified by Airbnb and have earned a special plus badge by meeting certain requirements, such as having a high rating from guests, having a low cancellation rate, and more. Superhosts are not necessarily in the plus program, but they may be. Plus listings tend to be more expensive than non-plus listings, but they also tend to have higher occupancy rates.

What are the requirements to be an Airbnb Plus listing?

To become an Airbnb Plus listing, your rental must go through a strict verification process to ensure that it meets certain standards. These standards include:

• Exclusivity: You can only book your listing through the Airbnb App and your personal website. No other booking platform like VRBO, or Booking.com can be used.
• High-quality design: Your short-term rental has to be stylish and clutter-free. What does stylish mean? That’s an individual opinion but during our verification process for three of our listings, they seem to mean new furnishings, art on the wall, or something unique or individual about your property. Check out a more detailed article here on interior design. Clean windows, nice amenities, and a home guide were all important things during that process. Interior design and landscape design is important.
• You have to be invited to the program. It’s annoying but you just have to hope that by keeping high-quality reviews someone from Airbnb support will reach out and ask.
• Many Airbnb plus properties are managed by people with Superhost status. Airbnb wants you to provide a very high level of service.
• Fully equipped kitchen with cooking essentials
• 4.8 minimum average rating.

The Pros of Joining Airbnb Plus

• Statistically, Airbnb plus properties tend to earn significantly more money. I haven’t met a host that doesn’t appreciate more money in their bank account. The data varies widely but everyone seems to say that hosts with special recognition from Airbnb will make more money either from increased occupancy, or a higher nightly rate.
• Higher occupancy rates: Airdna stats say hosts have a 15% higher occupancy rate which means more bookings.
• Special plus badge and search filter. You want the algorithm to like your listing! With 6 million worldwide Airbnb listings you want to be found when potential guests are searching for your geographic location.
• How much does Airbnb charge? Nothing, nada, zero, free. You have to earn your place in the program but not pay for the privilege.
• You have access to a special support team.

The Cons of Joining Airbnb Plus

• Hosts have to maintain higher standards. Airbnb asks guests to give a much more detailed review, and if you receive low-quality scores someone from Support will message you to forcefully remind you to keep quality ratings up.
• May not be worth the effort for some hosts. If you’re a super casual host or manage remotely you may want to avoid it.
• Airbnb Plus exclusivity requirements. You can’t list on other booking platforms. If you’re at a beach destination like we are in the Outer Banks, NC many homes are listed on both Airbnb and VRBO. You would have to cancel your VRBO account to be part of the program.
• It’s more work to join. You have to schedule a photo shoot, go through a months-long approval process, and potentially upgrade some furnishing and amenities.
• Inspection: Your home will be personally inspected by Airbnb to make sure you meet all of the host requirements. Our inspections were performed by the photographer so at least you take care of both of those appointments at the same time.
• Getting your listing photographs updated is very hard. Airbnb support manages that and as you can imagine is time consuming.

Does the Airbnb Plus program still exist?

Is it still a thing? This is a frequent question we receive from other hosts, and the truth is we’re not entirely sure. Airbnb hasn’t published anything saying they’ve discontinued the program, but at the same time, they haven’t said anything about it in a while. The last time Airbnb Plus was mentioned by the company was in a blog post from April 2018, and before that in December 2017. So while we can’t say for certain what Airbnb’s plans are for the future of Airbnb Plus, it’s probably safe to say that it’s not a huge priority for the company right now.

Is Airbnb plus worth it?

This is a difficult question to answer, as it really depends on each individual host’s situation. If you’re a host who meets the requirements for Airbnb Plus and you’re looking to increase your earnings and occupancy rate, then it might be worth considering joining the program. However, if you don’t think you’ll be able to meet the standards or you don’t think the extra effort will be worth it, then it might not be worth your time. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join Airbnb Plus is up to each individual host.

Check out a few examples of really cool Airbnb Plus Listings

City Luxury with Roofdeck, Gym, and Free St. Parking – Philidelphia, PA

“Luxurious abode combining clean lines and sleek metallic accents with a spectacular rooftop lounge of the city vista. New construction with designer furniture covering 5 Bedrooms; 4.5 Bathrooms; 2 Living Rooms; Private Gym; Gas fireplace! Corner property with lots of light and free street parking in most areas surrounding the property:” Quote from Airbnb listing

Historic Casa Cartel – Austin Villa with Courtyard Pool – Austin, TX

“Indulge in the splendor of this aesthetic masterpiece. The resplendent home boasts antique style furnishings, bursts of bright color, a double-sided stone fireplace, a custom painted mural wall, unique tilework throughout and a heated Courtyard pool.” Quote from Airbnb listing

Sleep in Style at This Restored Antebellum Church in Nulu – Louisville, KY

“Relax in the beautifully-tiled courtyard, then head next store to Nouvelle Wine Bar or Rabbit Hole Distillery for a nightcap. Streaming light and soaring ceilings lovingly styled with touches of modern and vintage.” Quote from Airbnb listing

Conclusion

The Airbnb Plus program is a great way for hosts to increase their earnings and occupancy rate. However, it is important to note that the program does have some exclusivity requirements that may not be suitable for all hosts. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to join Airbnb Plus is up to each individual host. I think it’s helped improve our booking trends but it’s hard to say whether that would be the case with a normal listing.