What makes Airbnb business different?

[Ankush12]

What are the crutial points which makes Airbnb business different from others and what makes people to start this business over others?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Ankush12 The key difference for many is the ability to make money with limited investment/risk. By this I mean the many hosts who utilise a spare room in their house or an annex at their house that already exists.

[Sherry509]

I purchased a home near family so I could visit often without displacing kids from their bedrooms.  Plus, my husband, daughter and I could have our private space. 

Airbnb was the perfect solution for the financial help we needed to sustain our vacation home on one income.   Now we have two vacation homes that we share on Airbnb!  We're not breaking the bank, but we're making ends meet.   The best parts are interacting with guests and learning how to host them remotely.

[Zulkarnain3]

Hi @Ankush12 , in my point of view, I used to operate Airbnb, previously in one of the Hotel that I worked with. I use different user ID (company ID),  and AirBnB is keep  consistenly maintain actual and real promotion set up, both user (customer and accomodatation provider). Easy to use, user friendly, very simple, I love it. 

[Sally1017]

@Ankush12 We had stayed in several Airbnb over the years and loved the concept. After retirement with a large two story home and family not coming to stay so often as their children got older we thought we would try Airbnb. I loved the way Airbnb made it so easy to set up hosting on the Airbnb App. We have it all set up now with a small outlay to turn it into a beautiful Airbnb for couples and we are getting regular bookings. It’s an easy way to earn some extra cash for our future travel plans.

[Rosemary338]

@Ankush12 What I like most about Airbnb is that the guests are nice and better quality that other Online Platforms, maybe due to their filtering out high risk guests/ party guests. 

Also, since the review are from both sides, both guests and hosts, are at their best, thus providing better quality of stay. 

[Leyla72]

@Ankush12 I did not  try other booking sides. Airbnb side is user friendly, efficient, easy. I used to be in vicious circle; working 9 to 5 for around 25 years. I miss home. I love spending time at home and doing Airbnb. 

[Susan4439]

User friendly and support from Airbnb made it the best choice for me.

[Kelly1313]

I wanted to retire and build a new home on our 10 acres that had an existing home. So we built it and turned the existing into a fabulous vacation rental, and we often have wonderful guests who invite us over for wine or conversation. It’s lovely meeting new people from all around the world!  We especially enjoy hosting wedding groups, starting a new life together, it’s so sweet! So the points are-great retirement job, new friends, allows for travel when we want, employs others as well (housekeeping, lawn care, pool cleaners etc).

[Shady2 · Accepted solution]

Hi Ankush 👋,

That’s a great question! As someone who’s been an Airbnb Host and Superhost since January 2019, I’d say what truly makes Airbnb different from other business models is its human-centered approach.

Unlike traditional hospitality or real estate, Airbnb allows hosts to offer personalized experiences rather than just a place to stay. It’s about storytelling, culture, and connection — every home has a story, and every guest leaves with one. 

Here are a few key points that make Airbnb stand out:

1. Flexibility – You can start with one room or an entire property and scale at your own pace.

2. Authenticity – Guests seek unique stays that reflect local culture, not standardized hotels.

3. Community – Airbnb creates a global network of hosts supporting and learning from each other.

4. Empowerment – Many hosts turn unused spaces into income streams, achieving independence and creativity.

For me, what started as a side idea turned into a lifestyle and business I love — one that connects people across borders. 

Warm regards,
Shady *

*[Advertising removed in line with the Community Center Guidelines] 

[Jason114]

@Ankush12 Airbnb stands out because it blends real estate, hospitality, and technology in a way that's easy for individuals to join. It gives ordinary people the chance to turn unused space into income without the overhead of a hotel, while offering guests a more personal, local experience. What draws many to this business is its flexibility.. you can start small, scale over time, and build a lifestyle around hosting rather than just running a traditional rental.

[Alex]

This is a great point of view, @Jason114! How long have you been hosting? This shows a lot of experience. 🏡

[Jason114]

Thanks @Alex! Glad to contribute. I've been hosting on and off since 2012. Love Airbnb!

[Alex]

That's where the experience comes from! Have you always hosted listings owned by you, or have you also co-hosted in the past, @Jason114?

[Jason114]

Thanks @Alex! I started from humble beginnings circa 2012.. renting out a spare bedroom in my apartment on Airbnb and living alongside over a hundred guests, meeting so many amazing people along the way. Later, I expanded into rental arbitrage, leasing properties from owners and subletting them to guests on Airbnb under professional subleasing agreements. From there, as I acquired real estate I began renting out my own properties. Then later I eventually moved into full-scale property management for other owners

Today, I run an accounting firm that serves a wide range of Airbnb clients.. from everyday hosts and co-hosts to real estate investors and property management companies handling trust accounting. I've seen just about every situation at the ground level, so you'll often find me sharing insights across a variety of hosting and accounting topics.