Airbnb Plus

[Angela608]

Just listened to the new updates for Airbnb on their FB Live and feel discouraged as a Host.

I don't have an emaculately designed modern home with features that "WOW" guests. I have a humble space for budget seeking travelers in a very expensive city (San Francisco).

Is Airbnb weeding people out instead of including everyone?

[Kim87]

It's a matter of time indeed.

[Rebecca181]

@Fred13 @Kim It will be even MORE interesting to see if the 'Plus' hosts are treated differently than us regular / super host types. Meaning, more favorably. As in, damage claims are suddenly a relatively easy, smooth, and painless process. But for 'Plus' and 'Beyond' hosts only. Would that be a form of discrimination, if such a scenario actually unfolded? Or are these hosts possibly working under different policies than traditional hosts? I wonder if they will have their own 'Community Center' to converse on - Far away from this one ('cuz then we'll never know their claims were paid - And what we don't know won't hurt us).

Alternatively: Perhaps suddenly ALL hosts will find that their damage claims are suddenly processed and paid and they are appropiately reimbursed! And everyone is happy!!! 

[Jiw0]

I agree, but the truly up-market category is the 'Beyond' thing. 

Plus I think will very much be a goal for the more professional Superhosts.   Frankly I'd apply today, bet there will be a rush: be ranked at the top for $149, that's a killer deal.

[Scott336]

As said above and how the program was explained to me, the goal is to attract consumers not currently using AirBnB who stay in mid-high end hotels.  Not intentded to “shift” the course of the company but to increase it’s bottom line.  They are growing. They want Market Share.  This is one way that may accomplish that.

[Mary593]

I am just going to throw my two cents out here for those that feel they do not have an immaculate modern space and therefore are not "plus" material.  

I think it is possible it that Select or Plus isnt trying to squeeze you out, I think it may designed to serve another purpose.  I too do not have a mordern space. however we did do updates that made it easier to make it immaculate and we did capitalize on some historic vibes.  We were initially invited to join for free however unable to make an appointment due to lack of staff.  Now we would have to pay to apply.

That being said, we feel after much study and research that larger stand alone properties do not "fit" or represent well in the Airbnb logorithm which was originally designed as a room/couch sharing platform.  I think this may be their effort to capitalize earnings and retain larger properties.

FWIW

MC

[Pat-And-Mike0]

Am not sure that ABB + will work.  Surely wealthy people who want luxury will prefer high end hotels that have several restaurants, pools, bars from which to choose?  What do y'all think?

[Jiw0]

They do now yes.  But don't underestimate AirBnB, they're definitely giving it a serious go to pitch it at exactly the groups who still use hotels.

[Kim-and-Jen0]

@Angela608

It's somehow some people is excluded. but dont feel discourage, because a lot of people who traveling are looking for some cheaper options and not everyone has budget, if they do they might pick some 5 stars hotel. I am more curious about Superguest, how the guest earn to be super guests? or it's kind of loyalty programme that actually they dont have to put any effort to be nice guests and maintain some average stars reviews...

[Kate292]

Those who offer easy, affordable, clean and simple accommodation will continue to have a prosperous market- most guests are not looking for "luxury": the market dicates what the market  wants, not airbnb.

[Amanda8]

I just read everything on the Airbnb Plus and got really excited until I found out that it is only going to be for listings in the large cities across the world.  Austin is considered the Texas Hill Country all the way to San Antonio and in between taking in small towns like Boerne, San Marcus, New Braunfels, and Fredericksburg.  It's a huge destination region in Texas known for it's wineries and is the number one tourist destination.  But because we are not in a LARGE city, we cannot participate in the Plus program.  This is really disappointing when as a Superhost you work hard to keep up your ratings and qualify for all the requirements for the Airbnb Plus.

I am hoping this new team will take into consideration some of the smaller, outlying towns in a region and not leave us out.  Afterall, it is for the good of us all.  We make money, Airbnb makes money.

[Mary593]

Amanda, 
I agree with you. I wish I could be a Plus ambassador and travel to applicats that want to be included for palcement! As a business one would hope that Airbnb has the professional chops to represent that the Plus program is ONLY offered in Metro areas on-line.

All my best fellow hosts,

MC

[Donald28]

Its not even just large cities. Atlanta isn't an area where a host can offer an "experience" and now it's not an area for the plus program. 

[Scott336]

How far out of Austin are you? There is a Plus program here...in “beta” right now as I understand.

[Ria16]

Humble dwelling also but busy enough. 😉 It’s going to be interesting to see how Air promote this to guests and take that move forward? Tv advertising maybe? Trivago is huge with ads here.

[Linda108]

Some listings are destinations in and of themselves.  My guests are coming to my area to enjoy activities and want an inexpensive place to sleep.  I don't aspire to Air BNB Plus at my stage of life, but I could see how it could be fun to have a top drawer listing.  As a guest, I would like to keep my dollars with Air BNB and might want to enjoy a more upscale listing.  I see this idea as presented - expansion not exclusion.