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Update: Airbnb stopped the Airbnb Plus program on November 6, 2023.

As a short-term rental owner or manager, we are sure you are always looking for new tactics and strategies to stand out from the competition and generate more booking requests. To put your vacation rental in the spotlight, Airbnb offers the Airbnb Plus program, which gives a real guarantee of quality to your property. In this guide, you will find the criteria for joining this program, its advantages, and much more!

What is the Airbnb Plus program?

The Airbnb Plus program highlights a selection of vacation rentals that are of exceptional quality and demonstrate exceptional service/hospitality from the hosts. In fact, each accommodation undergoes a thorough in-person quality check to ensure the quality of the facilities. The Airbnb Plus accommodation range is identifiable via the PLUS badge.

What is the difference between the Airbnb Superhost program and Airbnb Plus?

Airbnb Superhost hosts are already rewarded with a badge attached to their listing showing the quality of their accommodation and the high ratings they’ve earned through bookings. But Airbnb Plus status goes even further and highlights properties with unparalleled hospitality, top-notch amenities and impeccable design.

What are the criteria for joining the Airbnb Plus program?

First of all, you must have a classic vacation rental or a private room with a private bathroom.

Secondly, you should know that Airbnb Plus is only accessible by invitation from the company. That said, hosts in the Superhost program are automatically qualified. In addition to already meeting the quality criteria of the Airbnb Superhost program, Airbnb requires you to:

Provide your travelers with exceptional hospitality and smooth, easy check-in/check-out service (digital lock, key safe or in-person greeting)
To offer very good basic amenities: wifi, towel sets, soap/shampoo, full kitchen, streaming service on your TV…
To stand out from the crowd with little touches: welcome gift, soft drinks in the fridge etc.
To rent a property with a unique and coherent style, featuring beautiful design elements, and comfortable, premium equipment

To go further: See the conditions of use of the Airbnb Plus program and the eligibility criteria in detail.

An obligation of exclusivity to Airbnb

On the other hand, by being part of the Airbnb Plus program, you will have to offer your vacation rental exclusively on Airbnb and/or on your own website. You will not be able to promote it on other competing rental platforms.

Airbnb will therefore ask you to disable your listings on third-party booking sites.

How much does Airbnb Plus cost?

The Airbnb program is not free. In fact, you will need to pay a $149 application fee. The fee will be charged once the Airbnb host has arranged a visit to their short-term rental with an Airbnb representative for a quality check. This fee will either be payable by wire transfer to Airbnb or deducted from the host’s future earnings.

It is important to note that this fee is non-refundable and does not guarantee Airbnb Plus status or continued participation in the program.

What are the benefits of Airbnb Plus status?

If you were to join the Airbnb Plus program with your accommodation, you will have access to the following exclusive benefits package:

the PLUS badge to distinguish yourself on the booking platform, gain the trust of guests and highlight the premium side of the travel experience you offer
Access to interior design services that respect your budget and style
Access to various services such as a photo session with a professional photographer to put your property in the right light, help in writing your ad or even a makeover of your property to create a coherent interior
Sending information to help you stay on top and receive good Airbnb reviews
Additional assistance to support you: community center, Airbnb Plus educational videos and interior design tips.
The opportunity to stand out from thousands of Airbnb listings by being part of a selection of accommodations

The Airbnb number: the platform advertises 7 times more rental income on average the year after joining.

How do I leave the Airbnb Plus program?

You can leave the program freely, but you will lose your Airbnb Plus benefits such as increased visibility. On the other hand, you will get your listing back as well as your traveler comments/reviews.
In short: a nice gain in visibility.

Airbnb Plus allows you as a host to gain visibility and to have a nice showcase of your property to fill your booking calendar more easily. Moreover, your exceptional host experience and your outstanding welcome are rewarded.