Airbnb Plus vs Superhost: Which Is a Better Title To Have?

If you're an Airbnb host, you have likely heard two common phrases floating around regarding status: Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Superhost. So, what is the difference between these two designations? Which one is better? Are they something you either have one or the other of, or can they be attained simultaneously?

While both titles are a badge of honor for hosts, there are differences in eligibility requirements and benefits. So, let's talk about the ins and outs of the Airbnb Plus and Superhost designations to help you decide which title is better for your vacation rental businesses.

What Is Airbnb Plus?

Airbnb Plus is a special program that was launched by Airbnb in 2018. It recognizes listings that offer high-quality, unique, and stylish accommodations. Airbnb carefully curates and inspects Airbnb Plus homes to ensure they meet a high quality standard. Airbnb Plus listings offer guests a consistent and exceptional experience.

Listings determined to qualify for the Airbnb Plus program will be given a badge displayed on the listing so that potential guests know that they meet these high criteria. One important thing to remember with Airbnb Plus is that the designation is given to the listings themselves rather than the host. So, if you're a host with multiple listings, each rental location will need to be considered for the program individually.

Basic Requirements for Getting a Badge

To be eligible for Airbnb Plus, listings must meet some basic Airbnb 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 cancellations on the host side outside of extenuating circumstances
• Maintain all the regular Airbnb hospitality standards

If you listing meets these requirements, you can apply to have the listing considered for Airbnb Plus. To qualify, the listing must meet additional specific design and amenity requirements that go above and beyond basic Airbnb requirements. These requirements could include having a fully equipped kitchen, a thoughtful and cohesive design throughout the unit, and an easy check-in process.

Airbnb will send a third-party inspector to perform a home visit that will check for specific style, comfort, and hospitality standards. The inspector will then compile a home visit report to include with the application.

Benefits and Disadvantages

The benefits of being an Airbnb Plus host include:

• Airbnb Plus homes are featured prominently on the Airbnb website and mobile app, resulting in increased visibility of listings
• Guests are willing to pay more for a home that is guaranteed to be of high quality, so you can charge a higher nightly rate than for a regular listing
• A session with a professional photographer to photograph the Airbnb Plus listing
• Support and advice regarding interior design
• Access to an exclusive community center for Plus members that provides insider expertise
• Access to a dedicated support team that can help you with any issues that arise

Some factors that may be seen as disadvantages to being an Airbnb Plus host include:

• The pressure to always meet strict design and amenity requirements, which can be challenging and expensive
• Homes must pass an inspection by Airbnb, which can be time-consuming and stressful
• Airbnb maintains stricter exclusivity requirements with Airbnb Plus listings, meaning that you may not be able to list your rental on competing sites

Who Can Be an Airbnb Plus Host?

To be an Airbnb Plus host, you must have a property that meets the strict design and amenity requirements listed above. The program is open to hosts in select cities who complete the application process and are approved for the program. Remember, each listing will be considered separately and will require its own application process.

What Is an Airbnb Superhost?

Airbnb Superhost is a program that recognizes experienced and highly rated hosts who provide exceptional hospitality to guests. Unlike Airbnb Plus, the Superhost designation is given to the host rather than each individual listing. Superhosts are seen as experts in hosting and are known for providing outstanding experiences to their guests.

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:

• Superhosts are featured prominently on the Airbnb website and mobile app, resulting in increased visibility
• Superhosts are occasionally featured in Airbnb promotional emails
• Guests are more likely to book with a Superhost because they're seen as experts in hospitality
• Superhosts have access to a dedicated Airbnb support team that can help them with any issues that arise
• Every year that Superhosts maintain their status, they receive a $100 Airbnb coupon to use on a trip of their choice

The disadvantages of being an Airbnb Superhost include:

• Superhosts must maintain high ratings and response rate times to retain their status, which can be stressful if unexpected situations arise
• There are many Superhosts on Airbnb, so the competition can be intense

Who Can Be an Airbnb Superhost?

To be an Airbnb Superhost, you must meet the Airbnb Superhost requirements listed above for each of your vacation rentals. The program is open to all Airbnb hosts, and there is no application process to become a Superhost. Once you've met the requirements, you're automatically given Superhost status and a badge that's displayed on your listings.

Which Is Right for You?

Deciding between Airbnb Plus and Superhost depends on your goals as a host. If you have a property that meets the strict design standards, offer a range of amenities, and want to provide a unique and exceptional experience to your guests, then Airbnb Plus might be the right choice for you.

If you pride yourself on being a consistently attentive host and always maintaining high standards with various listings, then Airbnb Superhost may be a better fit. Remember that you can be an Airbnb Superhost and have listings with the Airbnb Plus designation, so it is possible to achieve both!

Make It Easy To Meet Hospitality Standards for Your Potential Guests

Whether you're an Airbnb Superhost or your listings sport Airbnb Plus badges of honor, 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 ensure you maintain the standards required to provide your guests with the best stay possible.

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