Airbnb has become quite popular in recent years for providing alternative solutions for where travelers should stay when out and about. Before it, vacationers who didn't have the luxury of staying with relatives in their destinations either had to rent a hotel, couch surf, or literally set up a camp.
Airbnb is an ingenious solution that turns a home — provided it meets the requirements — into an occasional rental space for travelers, often with cheaper rates than staying at a hotel. However, it appears the company is getting ready to cater to its richer customers.
Airbnb Plus And Beyond
So it is now rolling out new tiers in its home-booking system, called Airbnb Plus and Beyond, aimed at users who are willing to spend a few more bucks for fancier places to stay in.
The new Airbnb Plus includes only homes that have been verified for "quality and comfort" and have been inspected against a 100-item checklist, assuring users that the place they're going to be staying at is approved and endorsed by Airbnb itself.
Part of the appeal of renting places via Airbnb is that no single experience is the same. Different homes mean varied experiences, and what could travelers love more than surprise and wonder? But that approach also has drawback because they can never be sure what they'll find when they arrive at the place.
Is it teeming with roaches? Are their dirty plates in the dishwasher? Is someone's underwear hanging by the faucet in the bathroom? Is the host a racist?
That's what Airbnb Plus aims to do, which is to offer audiences a list of homes that are guaranteed to have everything they need.
On the other hand, Beyond by Airbnb is more than just luxury homes. It's also about guaranteeing that a customer gets the best hospitality and travel experience a place could offer. Both tiers, however, target individuals who have no qualms about shelling out extra bucks for more luxurious experiences.
"Every Airbnb Plus home is one-of-a-kind, thoughtfully designed, and equipped with a standard set of amenities — whether you're in a private room or have the entire place to yourself," the company states in its website. Homes in Airbnb Plus also have hosts rated 4.8 and above.
Airbnb Plus Pricing
But again, these are going to be expensive. Whereas a standard Airbnb booking costs, on average, $100 per night, an Airbnb Plus booking costs $200 on average. Each home must manually apply to be included in the Plus tier, and once they get accepted, the company will send over a photographer to inspect their properties and see if they meet the criteria.
Are you likely to book through Airbnb Plus? Why or why not? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
