Currently VoIP numbers such as Skype numbers can not be added to an Airbnb account, but there are a number of crucial benefits to using an VoIP number instead of a personal cell or home number:
1. Dedicated number: as soon as it rings you know it's Airbnb related.
2. Privacy and safety: your personal number is kept safe and not subjected to abuse.
3. Guest have to use Airbnb for text: most VoIP are landline number that don't support texting, so guests are forced to use the Airbnb app, which actually makes life easier for everyone.
4. Answer from anywhere in the world, on any device: as long as you have an internet connection, you can answer calls from anywhere without expensive roaming charges. Super useful when travelling on local SIMs or working on the laptop at an airport for example.
5. Better smartphone supports are here: both iOS and Android can now treat VoIP calls as normal calls, making them easier to use.
We have already switch to using a Skype number, and even though we can't bake it into our account we just message it out to confirmed guests, as well as printing them out and leave them in the rooms. It's worked out great so far. Ultimately, Airbnb should also consider building VoIP functionality directly into their smartphone APPs.