These days, experiences are considered more valuable than anything else, and the Airbnb Experience platform exists to serve the insatiable thirst for experiences. In fact. Gen Z is known to value experiences over anything else, particularly if they come with photo ops that look great on Instagram. Creating an unforgettable Airbnb experience can elevate your rental, increase bookings, and generate positive reviews. Travelers are increasingly looking for unique, immersive stays that go beyond a standard rental.
So, how can you design an event that resonates with guests? Let’s break down the essentials of crafting a high-quality Airbnb experience, from concept to execution.
What is an Airbnb experience?
An Airbnb Experience is an activity or tour hosted by a local that travelers can book through the Airbnb platform. It could be anything from a cooking class to a Buddhist meditation circle, offering a more personal and unique way to explore a destination. It’s a great add-on for Airbnb landlords who want to keep their guests coming back, and for guests looking to do things above and beyond the normal tourist milieu.
Why offering an Airbnb experience matters
The days when a clean bed and a decent view were enough to secure five-star ratings are long gone. Airbnb has over 7 million listings worldwide, and with more hosts entering the market every year, standing out is probably the most important facet of all. Offering a unique experience doesn’t just add value, it gives your listing a competitive edge.
How Airbnb experiences drive higher revenue
Offering a curated experience alongside your Airbnb rental isn’t just a nice touch; it’s a smart business move. Guests are often willing to pay more for stays that include memorable activities that touch their soul, which means higher nightly rates. These listings also tend to perform better in Airbnb’s search results, giving you more visibility and potentially more bookings. Experiences create a deeper connection with guests, often resulting in awesome reviews and a higher chance of repeat stays or word-of-mouth referrals. As Airbnb continues to prioritize guest engagement, hosts who go beyond just offering just the run of the mill place to sleep are better positioned to stand out and grow their income.
How to create an unforgettable Airbnb experience
Step 1: Understand your audience
The first step in building a great experience starts with understanding your guests. A family in a mountain cabin may enjoy a nature hike, while a couple in a city loft might prefer a wine tasting or even a live music performance in the later hours at a secret location.
Guest demographics, location, and seasonality all play a role. A beachfront rental suits paddleboarding lessons for kids , while a downtown loft is perfect for cocktail-making classes for young urban professionals. Outdoor experiences work better in summer, while indoor workshops are better in winter.
Step 2: Choose an experience that fits your rental
The best Airbnb experiences complement your property’s unique setting, making them feel like a natural extension. A beachfront rental suits water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. An urban loft thrives on food and nightlife experiences. For example, suppose your property is right next to the club/bar district of a popular city. Why not organize a bar tour for your guests? Mountain cabins are ideal for outdoor adventures, and luxury estates can host exclusive, high-end events. Here’s a breakdown of ideal experiences based on rental type:
| Rental Type | Best Experience Ideas |
|---|---|
| Urban Apartments | – Private dining with a chef, where guests enjoy a gourmet meal without leaving the comfort of the rental. – A cocktail-making class, teaching guests how to mix and shake craft cocktails. – A guided street art tour, exploring the hidden murals and graffiti in your city. |
| Beachfront Homes | – Paddleboarding or surfing lessons, giving guests a way to enjoy the water like a local. – A seafood grilling workshop, where they learn to prepare fresh, local seafood on the grill. – A private beach bonfire night, complete with s’mores, storytelling, and live music. |
| Countryside Cabins | – Outdoor survival training, teaching guests essential skills like fire-starting and shelter-building. – Foraging experiences, where they learn to identify edible wild plants and mushrooms. – Farm-to-table dining, featuring fresh ingredients sourced from local farms or gardens. |
| Luxury Retreats | – VIP wine tastings with a sommelier, featuring rare or locally produced wines. – Private yoga and wellness retreats, offering meditation, spa treatments, and personalized workouts. – Live music performances, turning your rental into an intimate concert venue. |
Making sure your experience feels organic
The best Airbnb experiences are those that feel like a natural part of the stay, not something forced or out of place. Guests shouldn’t have to go out of their way or rearrange their plans to participate. For instance, a local farm-to-table dinner makes more sense if your rental is in a rural area than a city food tour. A beachfront property is better suited for a seafood cooking class than a wine tasting, although the two of them together are always popular! And while hiking might not fit an urban location, a street photography walk could. The key is to match the experience with your property’s vibe, location, and what your guests are likely looking for.
Step 3: Set the scene for an immersive experience
A great event isn’t just about what guests do—it’s about how they feel. The right ambiance transforms an ordinary gathering into a memorable experience, whether it’s a candlelit wine tasting, a farm-to-table dinner, or an outdoor movie night.
Lighting sets the mood. Soft, warm lights create intimacy, while string lights, lanterns, and candles add charm. Indoors, smart LED lighting can elevate the experience, making the space feel inviting and immersive.
Music shapes the atmosphere. A well-curated playlist enhances the event—upbeat jazz for a cooking class, soft ambient sounds for yoga, or cultural music for an authentic local touch.
Comfort is key. No one enjoys an event if they’re too hot, too cold, or uncomfortable. Providing ample seating, blankets for cool evenings, and shade for daytime gatherings ensures a seamless, enjoyable experience for every guest.
Step 4: Market your experience for maximum bookings
Even the best Airbnb experience won’t be profitable if no one knows about it. Marketing is just as important as the event itself, and hosts must be strategic in how they promote their experiences to attract guests. A well-marketed event can quickly turn into a high-demand offering that keeps your rental fully booked and boosts your income.
There are several ways to increase visibility and bookings, from leveraging Airbnb’s built-in tools to tapping into social media and guest referrals.
Use Airbnb’s built-in features
Airbnb provides tools specifically designed to help hosts market their experiences. The Experiences section allows hosts to list events that guests can book alongside their stay, making it easy to reach travelers actively looking for activities.
To maximize bookings:
- Create a compelling listing – Use high-quality images, a well-written description, and a strong title to grab attention. Highlight what makes your event unique.
- Offer limited-time promotions – Special discounts for first-time guests or seasonal offers can boost initial engagement and encourage bookings.
- Optimize for Airbnb search – Use relevant keywords in your experience description to increase discoverability on the platform.
Leverage social media to attract guests
Social media is a powerful tool for marketing Airbnb experiences, allowing hosts to engage potential guests visually and authentically. A well-crafted short video, guest testimonial, or behind-the-scenes glimpse can generate excitement and increase bookings.
One of the most effective strategies is showcasing real guest interactions, laughter at a cocktail-making class, a toast at a wine tasting, or a scenic dinner setup. Seeing others enjoy the experience makes it feel more desirable and bookable. Beyond self-promotion, guest-generated content is invaluable. When past guests share their photos and tag your rental, it creates organic, credible marketing that’s more persuasive than paid ads. Encouraging guests to post their experiences helps build trust, visibility, and long-term interest in your offering.
Encourage guest referrals for organic growth
Guests who have a memorable experience are likely to share it with friends and family, generating authentic, organic traffic. Turning satisfied guests into brand ambassadors can significantly increase bookings.
A simple referral incentive, like 10% off their next booking or a complimentary add-on, encourages repeat visits. Partnering with local businesses as well, can be a great lead generator and referral network for guests.
For a structured look at referral strategies and their impact, here’s a breakdown:
| Referral Strategy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Offering discounts to returning guests | Encourages repeat bookings, builds guest loyalty |
| Providing referral perks (free add-ons, upgrades) | Incentivizes guests to bring friends, increases group bookings |
| Partnering with local businesses | Expands audience reach, strengthens local connections |
How to price your Airbnb experience
Pricing isn’t just about covering costs, it’s about positioning your experience as a high-value offering that guests see as worth paying for. Setting the right price requires balancing affordability with profitability, ensuring that you attract bookings while maximizing revenue.
Key pricing strategies
Research competitors – Check what similar experiences in your area charge. If similar events are priced between $50-$100 per person, setting your price within that range keeps you competitive.
Offer tiered pricing – Create Standard vs. VIP packages to attract different budgets. A basic package might include a standard wine tasting, while a VIP package adds a private sommelier and premium vintages for a higher price.
Use dynamic pricing – Adjust prices based on demand and seasonality. Charge more during peak travel months and offer early bird discounts to encourage pre-bookings.
Real-life pricing scenario: A rooftop cocktail experience
Let’s say you’re hosting a rooftop cocktail-making experience in a city apartment. You expect 15 guests per event and plan to run two events per weekend.
Your expenses include:
Ingredients and materials – Fresh fruit, alcohol, mixers, glassware: $150 per event
Instructor fee – A professional mixologist: $200 per event
Setup & décor – Mood lighting, table decorations: $50 per event
Your total event cost is $400 per session.
Now, if you charge $50 per guest, you make $750 per event and clear a $350 profit per session. Scaling this to two events per weekend, your monthly earnings (assuming four weekends) would be $2,800 in profit.
Legal, Safety, and Final Considerations
The AirBnb market is evolving, and due to the attractiveness of Airbnb and STR as an investment, this market is sure to grow and competition is sure to climb. An Airbnb experience can be a great way to claw ahead of the competition, but be forewarned. Before launching an Airbnb experience, it’s essential to ensure compliance with Airbnb’s policies and local regulations. Some cities have restrictions on short-term rental (STR) event hosting, so checking local laws is the first step. Airbnb also has strict guidelines on permitted experiences, so reviewing their policies can help avoid any issues. Taking these precautions ensures a smooth, legally compliant event that guests can enjoy without concern and ideally refer all their friends and family!
FAQ
How do I handle cancellations for my Airbnb experience?
Airbnb has specific cancellation policies for experiences, so it’s essential to choose the one that best fits your event. A strict policy may protect your revenue, but a flexible one can encourage more bookings. Consider offering rescheduling options instead of refunds to retain guests while maintaining income stability.
Can I offer an experience at a rental I don’t own?
Yes, but you must have the property owner’s permission and ensure compliance with local regulations. If you’re renting, check your lease agreement and confirm with your landlord that hosting an Airbnb experience is allowed. Some buildings and HOAs have specific rules about hosting events, so it’s crucial to verify before launching your experience.
What should I do if a guest gets injured during my experience?
Safety should always be a top priority, and having liability insurance is really important if your business involves physical activity, food, or alcohol. Make sure to clearly outline safety precautions and require waivers if necessary. In case of an injury, remain calm, assist the guest, and follow Airbnb’s guidelines for reporting incidents.
