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What is Airbnb Plus?
Airbnb Plus was an exclusive, invitation-only tier of listings that highlighted properties verified for exceptional quality and design. To be eligible, hosts needed high ratings and a strong hospitality record.
An invited property then had to pass a comprehensive, in-person inspection assessing over 100 criteria, from amenities to maintenance and interior design. The program aimed to give guests confidence by offering a selection of vetted, well-appointed homes before it was discontinued in November 2023.
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How it works
The process to join Airbnb Plus was initiated by an invitation from Airbnb to hosts who consistently earned top reviews and maintained Superhost-level performance. Upon accepting the invitation, the host would schedule and prepare for a comprehensive in-person inspection of their property.
A professional verifier would assess the home against a detailed 100+ point checklist, covering everything from kitchen supplies to Wi-Fi speed and decor. If the property passed the verification, the host paid a one-time fee to join the program.
The listing was then given a 'Plus' badge and featured more prominently in Airbnb search results.
Why it matters
The Airbnb Plus program was significant as it was Airbnb's attempt to standardize a higher tier of quality and directly compete with the boutique hotel market. For hosts, inclusion provided a powerful credential that could justify higher nightly rates and attract discerning guests, leading to increased revenue and occupancy.
For travelers, it offered a curated and reliable booking experience, removing some of the uncertainty inherent in peer-to-peer rentals. Although discontinued, its existence underscored the growing market demand for verified, high-quality vacation rentals.
Examples
- A family planning a vacation in Austin specifically used the Airbnb Plus search filter to find listings that were guaranteed to be well-equipped and stylish, ensuring a comfortable stay with their young children.
- A host in Lisbon with a beautifully renovated apartment and consistent five-star reviews received an invitation to join Airbnb Plus. After passing the in-person inspection, their listing gained the 'Plus' badge, making it stand out to travelers looking for verified quality.
- A property manager with several luxury cabins in the mountains aimed to get them all into the Plus program to build a brand reputation for premium, verified quality across their entire portfolio.
- Following the program's discontinuation, a former Airbnb Plus host updated their listing description to mention that their property was 'previously an Airbnb Plus home, verified for quality and design,' to continue leveraging its past status.
Official resources and references
Frequently asked questions
Is the Airbnb Plus program still active?+
What was the difference between an Airbnb Superhost and an Airbnb Plus listing?+
How can hosts stand out without programs like Airbnb Plus?+
Did hosts have to pay to be in Airbnb Plus?+
Related terms
Airbnb
Airbnb is a globally recognized online marketplace that connects people who want to rent out their properties (hosts) with travelers seeking accommodations…
Airbnb Luxe
Airbnb Luxe is an exclusive tier of vacation rentals on the Airbnb platform, featuring professionally inspected, high-end properties that come with a dedicated…
Superhost
A Superhost is a designation awarded by Airbnb to experienced hosts who consistently provide outstanding hospitality and meet specific performance criteria.
Online Travel Agency (OTA)
An Online Travel Agency (OTA) is a website or app that sells travel-related products like flights, hotels, and vacation rentals to consumers.