Airbnb has rolled out a new service aimed at significantly enhancing the travel experience. Called Airbnb Plus, this service features a curated selection of top-notch homes and hosts recognized for their excellent reviews and meticulous attention to detail.
Airbnb Plus represents the company’s higher-end offering, ensuring that all listed properties meet strict criteria for quality and comfort. According to a statement made on February 23, each home in this category is not only aesthetically pleasing but also well-equipped with amenities typically found in hotel rooms, such as towels and sheets.
The service is kicking off with 2,000 homes across 13 cities, catering to travelers who seek beautiful accommodations, exceptional hosts, and greater peace of mind.
To be part of Airbnb Plus, properties must pass a rigorous 100-point inspection. This checklist covers various aspects, from simple requirements to more challenging standards. Some of the criteria include:
– Is the home thoughtfully designed and reflective of the host’s personality?
– Does it feature a fully-equipped kitchen with cookware, servingware, and cooking essentials?
– Is the interior style cohesive?
– Is the property clean, uncluttered, and well-maintained?
– Does it have a fully-equipped bathroom with shampoo, soap, towels, a hairdryer, and more?
– Is it comfortable?
– Is the check-in process straightforward, perhaps involving a lockbox, digital lock, keypad, or on-site host?
– Is it equipped with a TV, along with media entertainment options like Netflix, Roku, or cable?
Brian Chesky, Airbnb Co-Founder and CEO, reflected on the company’s journey, noting that ten years ago, they couldn’t have imagined the heights Airbnb would reach. Looking ahead, the company aims to continue expanding its community, hoping that in another decade, more than a billion people annually will enjoy the benefits of Airbnb’s unique travel experiences.
Today, Airbnb stands as one of the largest accommodation platforms globally, boasting 4.5 million listings in 81,000 cities. Over the past decade, Airbnb hosts have collectively earned more than $41 billion, while guests have booked stays over 300 million times.
Personally, I’m a big fan of Airbnb and always choose it for my travels. I’ve rented apartments through the platform more than a dozen times and can’t even recall the last time I stayed at a hotel.