Understand the differences between Airbnb Plus and Superhost to determine which is right for you.
If you're an Airbnb host, you've likely heard about Airbnb Plus and Superhost. What's the difference? Which is better? Can you have both?
Both titles are a badge of honor, but there are differences in eligibility and benefits. Let's explore Airbnb Plus and Superhost to help you decide which is better for your vacation rental business.
What Is Airbnb Plus?
Airbnb Plus is a program launched in 2018 that recognizes listings offering high-quality, unique, and stylish accommodations. Airbnb carefully curates and inspects these homes to ensure they meet high standards, providing guests with a consistent and exceptional experience.
Listings that qualify receive a badge displayed on the listing. Remember, Airbnb Plus is given to the listings themselves, not the host. Each rental location needs individual consideration.
Basic Requirements for Getting a Badge
To be eligible for Airbnb Plus, listings must meet basic requirements:
- Maintain a minimum 4.8-star rating
- Accepted booking requests at a rate of 95% or more over the previous year
- Have had no host-side cancellations outside of extenuating circumstances
- Maintain all regular Airbnb hospitality standards
If your listing meets these, you can apply for Airbnb Plus. The listing must meet specific design and amenity requirements, including a fully equipped kitchen, a cohesive design, and an easy check-in process.
Airbnb sends a third-party inspector to check for specific style, comfort, and hospitality standards, compiling a home visit report.
Benefits and Disadvantages
Benefits of being an Airbnb Plus host include:
- Prominent featuring on the Airbnb website and mobile app, increasing visibility
- Ability to charge higher nightly rates due to guaranteed high quality
- A session with a professional photographer
- Support and advice regarding interior design
- Access to an exclusive community center for Plus members
- Access to a dedicated support team
Disadvantages may include:
- Pressure to meet strict design and amenity requirements, which can be challenging and expensive
- Homes must pass an inspection, which can be time-consuming and stressful
- Stricter exclusivity requirements, potentially limiting listing on competing sites
Who Can Be an Airbnb Plus Host?
To be an Airbnb Plus host, you must have a property that meets the design and amenity requirements. The program is open to hosts in select cities who complete the application process. Each listing is considered separately and requires its own application.
What Is an Airbnb Superhost?
Airbnb Superhost recognizes experienced and highly rated hosts who provide exceptional hospitality. Unlike Airbnb Plus, the Superhost designation is given to the host rather than each listing. Superhosts are seen as experts in hosting and are known for outstanding experiences.
Eligibility Requirements for Airbnb Superhosts
To become an Airbnb Superhost, you must meet the following requirements over a 12-month period:
- Hosted at least 10 trips
- Maintained a 4.8-star or higher average rating
- Responded to 90% of inquiries or booking requests within 24 hours
- Had no cancellations
Benefits and Disadvantages
The benefits of being an Airbnb Superhost include:
- Prominent featuring on the Airbnb website and mobile app, increasing visibility
- Occasional featuring in Airbnb promotional emails
- Guests are more likely to book with a Superhost
- Access to a dedicated Airbnb support team
- A $100 Airbnb coupon every year that Superhost status is maintained
The disadvantages of being an Airbnb Superhost include:
- Must maintain high ratings and response rate times, which can be stressful
- Intense competition due to many Superhosts on Airbnb
Who Can Be an Airbnb Superhost?
To be an Airbnb Superhost, you must meet the requirements for each of your vacation rentals. The program is open to all Airbnb hosts, and there is no application process. Once you've met the requirements, you're automatically given Superhost status and a badge.
Which Is Right for You?
Deciding between Airbnb Plus and Superhost depends on your goals. If you have a property that meets strict design standards, offers a range of amenities, and provides a unique experience, then Airbnb Plus might be the right choice.
If you pride yourself on being an attentive host and maintaining high standards, then Airbnb Superhost may be a better fit. Remember, you can be an Airbnb Superhost and have listings with the Airbnb Plus designation.
Make It Easy To Meet Hospitality Standards
Whether you're an Airbnb Superhost or have Airbnb Plus listings, managing your properties is easier with Tidy! With tools to manage bookings, schedule cleaners, communicate with your team, and more, Tidy makes it easier to maintain the standards required to provide your guests with the best stay possible.
Conclusion
Both Airbnb Plus and Superhost offer unique benefits and recognition. Evaluate your property and hosting style to determine which program aligns best with your goals.