What Is Airbnb Plus? – What Does Airbnb Plus Mean?
The perfect Airbnb apartment can make all the difference in your stay wherever you visit. With the introduction of the Airbnb Plus program, you are guaranteed the best guest experience. Let’s take you through everything you need about the Plus Program as a guest and host.
Airbnb Plus is a new Airbnb program that accepts hosts with exceptional hotel like qualities. In order to qualify for Airbnb Plus, you will need an average of 4.8+ review ratings, be reliable with zero cancellations over the past year and accept at least 95% of booking requests that come in.
If you meet their requirements, you are able to apply for Airbnb Plus and once accepted the company helps list your property.
TABLE OF CONTENT
- What is Airbnb Plus?
- How Much Does Airbnb Plus Cost?
- What Does Plus Verified Mean On Airbnb?
- Benefits For Airbnb Plus
- How Does Airbnb Plus Work?
- Does Airbnb Plus Take Away From My Bookings?
- How Do You Get An Airbnb Plus Badge?
- Where Is Airbnb Plus Available?
- Do I Need To Apply For Airbnb Plus?
What Is Airbnb Plus?
Airbnb Plus is a curation of exceptional homes, handpicked for their exquisite design and fantastic hospitality.
Airbnb Plus homes are of the highest quality, with hosts known for great reviews, attention to detail, and unique experiences. The Plus collection includes an entire house, apartments, or rooms within a shared home but must have an ensuite facility. As a relatively new venture, Airbnb Plus is still limited to some locations but constantly expanding.
Hosts that are accepted receive a plus badge and place their listings into an additional search filter for guests.
Why Did Airbnb Create The Plus Program?
With the popularity of Airbnb’s homes increasing, more people are looking to them for their vacation accommodations. Maybe it is due to the homey feeling of settling in amongst locals.
However, there is the occasional ‘what you ordered versus what you got’ when guests get to their host accommodation. And the steadily growing number of hosts on the platform is making it difficult for people to sift through the thousands of homes to find their ideal homes – hence, the birth of Airbnb Plus.
In 2018, Airbnb launched the Plus Program to showcase the ‘creme of the crop’ properties. With the introduction of the Plus program, guests can now sift through a filter of vetted homes that have passed the 100 checklist inspection by Airbnb. Hosts can market directly to their target audience.
How Much Does Airbnb Plus Cost?
For hosts who want to join the Plus program, there is a $149 non-refundable application fee – this covers the inspection and review process. However, it is not a guarantee that you will be accepted.
For guests, an Airbnb Plus home charges an average nightly rate of $250.
What Does Plus Verified Mean On Airbnb?
Plus verified on Airbnb means every plus home is subjected to a 100+ point inspection. You will be contacted by Airbnb to set up an appointment and this process is to ensure the highest standard.
With the inspection, Airbnb will check for 100+ things that guests told the company they love. From your amenities to art on the wall, it can be anything.
Benefits For Airbnb Hosts?
If you thought your listing would get bookings as a Superhost. Remember you haven’t achieved Airbnb Plus yet. Here are the discussed Airbnb Plus benefits for hosts:
- Significant increase in the number of bookings
- Guests will trust you more with the verified PLUS badge
- Professional photographer
- You can charge a higher nightly rate
- Higher placement in Airbnb search rankings
- New design and layout for your listing
- Priority customer support
Benefits For Airbnb Guests?
The main Airbnb Plus benefit is
- Guest can find properties for specific occasions
- Hotels are now on Airbnb
- The increased minimum standard for listings
- Faster bookings
- Premium customer support
While my wife and I were traveling around Bali, Indonesia for our honeymoon, we had trouble getting into our last Airbnb. Furthermore, we couldn’t contact the host and had a hard time finding all the common Airbnb phone numbers and emails.
How Does Airbnb Plus Work?
Airbnb Plus works by hosts applying to the Plus program and paying a non-refundable application fee of $149 that covers the cost of your in-home inspection and report.
Does Airbnb Plus Take Away From My Bookings?
After we searched forums and the Airbnb community, we noticed a common pattern. Top listings not in the Plus program won’t be affected. The problem came with any hosts that had bad guest reviews.
The number of bookings and listing views drastically decreased with bad reviews. Airbnb now places them in the bottom half of the
How Do You Get An Airbnb Plus Badge?
In order to get an Airbnb Plus badge, you will need to hold a standard of hospitality. Similar to becoming an Airbnb Superhost the Plus standard includes:
- Having an average of 4.8+ review rating.
- The host must accept at least 95% of booking requests that come in.
- Being reliable with zero cancellations over the past year
- Offering a unique stay. This isn’t specified but from what we could find they accept Airbnb listings that stand out.
Check Out These Other Articles On Airbnbuniverse.com
Where Is Airbnb Plus Available?
Airbnb Plus is available in Austin, Barcelona, Cape Town, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Melbourne, Milan, Rome, San Francisco, Shanghai, Sydney, Toronto, Algarve, Athene, Auckland, Bali. Budapest, Chengdu, Denver, Dubrovnik, Edinburgh, Florence, Kreta, Kyoto, Lissabon, Madrid, Mexico City. Miami, New Orleans, Osaka, Paris, Peking, Phoenix, Porto, Praag, Riviera Maya, Rio de Janeiro, San Diego, Sao Paulo, Sardinia, Seattle, Sicilie, Split, Tokyo, Washinton DC.
Do I Need To Apply For Airbnb Plus?
Yes and no, you can apply for the Airbnb Plus program which includes a “Request Invite” or you will be invited if the company thinks you are suitable for the Plus program.
What If My Airbnb Plus Application Is Approved?
If your application is approved, Airbnb will send a professional photographer and help list your property. The company will contact you by email or their app.
If Airbnb contacts you, chances are you have been approved unless the application doesn’t match your listing.
When Does My Airbnb Plus Fee Get Charged?
The Airbnb Plus fee is charged when you confirm a home visit with a third-party inspector. This is after Airbnb has approved your application.
Can I Reschedule My Airbnb Plus Inspection?
Airbnb allows you to reschedule your Plus inspection up to three times without penalties. Furthermore, a 24 hour no rescheduling policy is in effect.
Are Airbnb Superhosts Automatically In The Plus Progam?
No, Airbnb Plus has a higher qualification than Superhosts. The company has higher expectations to achieve
What Are Airbnb Official Plus Requirements
Airbnb has specified three requirements: design, well-equipped, and well-maintained space. Here is what the company mentioned on there Plus home checklist:
Design
- Unifying each space – Each room has a variety of details that work together to create a cohesive style.
- Full of character – The details in your home tell a story and inspire the people who stay in it.
- Making your guests feel at ease – Rooms don’t feel empty or cramped, and everything visible is a design detail or useful to guests.
- Rooms in your home feel cozy and inviting – The function and layout of each room are carefully considered.
- Furniture and decor are well-crafted – Your home features pieces that elevate its look and feel.
Well-Equipped
Bedrooms
Offer at least one private bedroom (or studio) for guests. Each bedroom must have:
- A mattress that doesn’t sag or squeak
- Bedframe, covered box spring, or loft (unless the bed is a futon or tatami mat)
- A Top sheet, bottom sheet, bedspread (or duvet with cover, comforter, or quilt) fits the size of the bed
- 2 pillows for single beds, 4 pillows for full, queen, or king beds
- 1 luggage rack, drawer, or shelf for guest’s items
- Space for the guest to hang clothes with at least 4 (non-wire) hangers
Washrooms
Offer at least one full washroom that’s private for guests. All washrooms must have:
- Seated, flushable toilet
- Dedicated sink
- Hot and cold water with strong water pressure
- Large mirror (cannot be handheld)
- At least 2 rolls of toilet paper
- At least 4 hand towels
- Hand soap, single bottle or a new bar
- Bathtub or shower (if full bathroom)
- At least 4 bath towels (if full bathroom)
- Shampoo and conditioner, 2 separate bottles (if full bathroom)
- Body soap, single bottle or new bar (if full washroom)
Kitchens
You must have a kitchen (if entire home) or kitchenette (if the apartment, studio, or guest house) stocked with:
Large knife for food prep, bread knife, and paring knife- Cutting board
- At least 4 utensil sets (set contains a fork, knife, and spoon)
- 2 pots and 2 pans of any size
- At least 4 plates, bowls, glasses, and mugs
- Spatula
- Sponge or cleaning brush
- Dish soap
- Garbage can with a
garbage bag - At least one roll of paper towels
- Bottle opener and wine opener
Kitchen basics:
- Stovetop with at least 2 burners (if full kitchen)
- Microwave, stovetop, double burner, single burner, or hot plate (if kitchenette)
Full-size refrigerator (if full kitchen)- Mini refrigerator (if kitchenette)
- Dedicated sink
- Hot and cold water with strong water pressure
Beverage items:
- Bottled or filtered water
- Coffee, coffeemaker, and extra filters (required in all areas except Asia)
- Tea and tea kettle (required in Asia)
- Sugar (required in all areas except Asia)
Equipment basics:
- TV or projector with functional cable or streaming
- Wifi with download speeds of at least 5 Mbps
- Iron and ironing board or steamer
- Air conditioning or fan that sufficiently cools the space
- Heater or space heater that sufficiently heats the space
Guest check-in:
- Digital check-in instructions featuring at least one photo of the check-in process
- Printed house manual containing emergency contact info, host contact info, wifi login, and checkout procedures
- 24/7 check-in available after the guest’s check-in time via lockbox, keypad, doorperson, smart lock, or nearby host
Privacy and safety:
- Entry to listing has a lock
- All bedrooms have a solid door with a lock
- Windows in bedrooms and washrooms provide privacy such as frosted glass or window coverings
- Smoke detector
- Carbon monoxide detector
Well-maintained
- Extra clean – Every aspect of the space – from furniture, decor, appliances, and other items, to architectural elements like walls, towels, floors, windows, finishes, fixtures, and trim – is impeccably clean and free of dirt, dust, hair, or stains.
- Functional – All lighting, appliances, and other electronics are intuitive to use and work as intended. Wires and cables are hidden from sight.
- Quality and condition – Every item or element, such as furniture, finishes,
and fixtures, is well-made, properly installed, and free of scuffs, tears, rust, or damage. Consider the condition of outdoor spaces as well, these areas should have minimal weeds, dead plants, or clutter.
Final Thoughts
Overall Airbnb Plus is a great feature recently introduced. With it being so new the community success is still split. Mostly because to qualify as a host you have to provide the highest hotel-like services. For an Airbnb guest, this means far better service for a price cheaper than a hotel. Enjoy and happy hosting.