Airbnb Plus

Sam397
Level 10
Reno, NV

Airbnb Plus

I just read an article about a program AirBnB started sometime in 2018, its called AirBnB plus. I haven't heard anything about it from BnB or seen anything about it on this forum. The article didn't get into to much detail but from what I could tell if a host signs up for it BnB will send an inspector out to your listing and verify that it meets their requirements and then somehow or another you get the upper-end guest that pays more money. Like I said the article was vague so I that's about all I know. There are several hosts that participate in this forum that are very well informed about BnB so I figured someone would know something about it. @Letti0 not to put you on the spot but  I figured if anybody knew anything about it would be you. 

5 Replies 5
Helen3
Level 10
Bristol, United Kingdom

@Sam397 If you look on Airbnb Help Centre there is an explanation about how it works. It is by invitation only. And only operates in certain key locations.

 

it's been covered quite a few times in this forum too. If you use the search functions relevant posts should come up.

Sam397
Level 10
Reno, NV

@Helen3 ok I will do that. Thank you for the info. 

Branka-and-Silvia0
Level 10
Zagreb, Croatia

@Sam397

it's not so simple, they come to your place and suggest few thousand $ improvements, you invest and then wait for a photographer ....when he finally arrives he take pictures as he likes and upload it. If you are not satisfied with pictures or their order you can't do anything... they write your text, very brief, and you can't edit it.... the whole process takes ages to be done and you have to pay for it.  Plus hosts are not happy at all, they say they have more views but no bookings.

It seems plus programm is more suitable for hotels than for private hosts. It is all about the property, not the host.

 

Jim40
Level 3
Mashpee, MA

Hi Sam,

I was invited to apply for the Plus Program by an e-mail which stated, "We took a look at your current listing photos, and are really impressed."  So I scheduled a visit from one of their professional photographers (a.k.a. Air BnB Partner.)  He spent about 3 hours in my home, verifying about 100 amenities required for Plus verification, then taking photos.  18 so called "fixes" were suggested, most of them minor.  However, contrary to what their own colleagues had previously indicated, the Plus Team determoned that in their opinion my guest room "seemed dated," and that I should consider replacing furniture and decor to meet their "high standards of design."

 

It's important to note that the photo accompanying this suggested fix (and most of the others as well)  was sub-standard at best, and so dark (all lights in the room turned off), that the only things visible in the photo were a lamp shade and a comforter.  I myself would never book this room based on these photos...looks like a flop house...terrible.  The Plus team did acknowldege eventually that they had better photos, but declined my request to share even one for comparison, indicating they were "not allowed to share photos with anyone until they were published on the Plus listing page."  Huh??

 

Bottom line:  the Plus team insists that I follow their re-modeling request if I want to move forward with the Plus program.  I have since e-mailed them indicating that upon further consideration, I was withdrawing my application. 

 

As an aside, I've noticed to date only one Plus listing in this area of Cape Cod...not on page 1, but page 3!  So where's the promised "better listing placement" for Plus program members?  And guess who's on page 1?  Lil ol' non-Plus member me.  Go figure.

 

.       

Emilia42
Level 10
Orono, ME

@Sam, in the past 6 months I have only seen posts on the forum about how disappointed and frustrated hosts were after being accepted into the Plus program. "Professional photos" are horrible, hosts have no control over their listing page, little to no increase in price, very slow response from Airbnb, etc. are some of the common themes from new Plus members. I have yet to read anything positive. 

 

 

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Plus/m-p/742834

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Upgrade-to-AirBNB-Plus-where-s-my-narrative-disappeared-to/...

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Airbnb-Plus-Dont-Do-It/m-p/900950

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/AIRBNB-PLUS-bad-program/m-p/815072

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Airbnb-Plus/m-p/867748

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Opt-Out-AirBnB-Plus/m-p/805435

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/Airbnb-Plus-Photos/m-p/711948