Hi @Chris158,
What I meant was: What does Airbnb have in mind with Plus?
They want to create a standard global brand, which means the same standard everywhere.
Whether you are in Toronto, LA, Barcelona, Sydney, London or wherever Plus is available.
Same way of presentation, same amenities, etc.
Almost like a global hotel with literally rooms everywhere.
The only main difference is, when you step outside the door.
As they are trying to reach the more traditional travelers. Whom still prefer a hotel over an Airbnb.
Because baseline, there are still certain distinctive differences between a hotel and an Airbnb.
Although Airbnb is more or less about the same everywhere. Each Airbnb host does have its own unique style of hosting. On basis of their personality, culture, what’s on offer and what works best for them.
When you are on Plus, you will lose a significant amount of control on your listing. And you will no longer be the unique experience, you used to be (you do become 13 in a dozen).
1 of the things, I’ve seen with Plus, is the almost complete lack of text in the listing.
I can only imagine, they have chosen to do so. Because otherwise they had to hire an army of text writers/editors.
With only a few lines of poetic text in the listing left. This will make the host and/or the listing more vulnerable.
Each current listing has its own unique 1-3 unique selling points (which can be just anything). And accompanying text and presentation is part of that.
Therefore, booking an Airbnb tends to be more communication-intensive than a hotel.
When booking a hotel: You book it and you just show up at the reception desk - at more or less any moment on your arrival date - as you desire. With Plus you are forced in that model too.
Hardly any upfront communication? I prefer good communication upfront. So, both the guest and the host know what to expect (I’m a ‘remote host’, you see).
I’ve read stories here – on Plus, but also in other internet communities: about bookings going down and lowering prices. But also the opposite.
Only time will tell, what Plus will bring in the end.
Also do realize, Airbnb is taking a huge risk with this program! Their reputation is at stake here.
When the program was announced, they ‘promised’ to have 75.000 properties on the program by the end of the year.
Wall Street is keeping an eye on them too. And 1 thing they don't like is non-delivery of promises.
Oh, and 1 more thing: What about the photos in a year from now?
I.e.: When you want to change an item in your listing (replacing the couch, the curtains, the coffee table, and so on).
Will they repeat the onboarding exercise – for free? Don’t think so.
Can you anyhow change something after the photoshoot?
