Airbnb Plus is like a debutante’s ball, where all the most beautiful Airbnbs are spotlighted for their general excellence. For hosts seeking to maximize their Airbnb earnings, becoming an Airbnb Plus host offers numerous benefits. This guide breaks down what Airbnb Plus actually is, who it benefits, how it compares to regular listings, and whether it’s worth it for serious rental property owners.
What is Airbnb Plus?
Airbnb Plus is a curated program offered by Airbnb for hosts with exceptionally well-designed, fully equipped, and consistently five-star-rated homes. In other words, the crème de la crème of Airbnb listings in a given location. Unlike standard listings, Airbnb Plus homes are verified in person for quality and design. It’s intended to help travelers find stylish, trustworthy homes with hotel-level consistency, while helping hosts achieve higher visibility and revenue potential.
How did Airbnb Plus start?
Airbnb Plus was officially launched in February 2018, starting in 13 cities including Los Angeles, Austin, Toronto, and Rome. By mid-2019, the program had expanded rapidly to cover more than 300 cities worldwide, offering guests access to a growing collection of verified, high-quality homes. However, between 2020 and 2021, Airbnb paused further expansion of the program due to global travel disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2023 through 2025, the company began rebranding and refining the Airbnb Plus criteria, narrowing its focus to select markets and emphasizing design consistency and premium guest experience.
Requirements to qualify for Airbnb Plus
- Be a private or entire home listing (shared rooms are excluded)
- Maintain a 4.8+ average rating from at least 5 reviews
- The host must have accepted 95 %+ of booking requests
- Listing must feature thoughtful design and cohesive decor
- Provide amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a fully stocked kitchen, premium bedding, etc.
- Pass an in-person inspection by an Airbnb representative (or virtual walkthrough in some areas)
Fees and process
Airbnb Plus does not currently charge an application fee, but upgrades may be required to meet quality standards. Hosts are also expected to allow a professional photographer to shoot the property (Airbnb typically covers this cost).
Main benefits of Airbnb Plus
For eligible hosts, Airbnb Plus can offer significant visibility and financial advantages. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits and how they contribute to stronger listing performance:
Higher search visibility
Listings in the Airbnb Plus program often appear closer to the top of search results. For example, if a guest filters for “entire homes” or “business travel,” a Plus listing is more likely to show up ahead of others, even if it’s priced slightly higher. That kind of exposure leads to more clicks, better booking rates, and calendars that stay full.
Professional photography
Airbnb Plus is like a debutante’s ball, where all the most beautiful Airbnbs are spotlighted for their general excellence. For hosts seeking to maximize their Airbnb earnings, becoming an Airbnb Plus host offers numerous benefits. This guide breaks down what Airbnb Plus actually is, who it benefits, how it compares to regular listings, and whether it’s worth it for serious rental property owners.
Higher nightly rates
Plus listings tend to command a premium because they signal quality and reliability. For example, if a similar home earns $200 per night, a comparable Plus listing might earn $230 or more simply because guests perceive it as safer and more stylish. That bump in rate can significantly improve profit margins over time.
Increased booking rate
Guests are more likely to book a Plus listing because they know what to expect. For example, a business traveler browsing for a two-week stay might skip over standard listings in favor of one with verified photos and a clean design. That trust leads to faster bookings, which in turn helps the listing rank even higher in future searches.
Brand reputation
The Plus badge sets a property apart in a crowded marketplace. For example, if a guest is comparing five similar listings, the one with the Plus badge is more likely to win the booking. This builds consistency and credibility, especially helpful for hosts managing multiple properties under one name.
What are the downsides of Airbnb Plus?
While Airbnb Plus can deliver substantial rewards in visibility, pricing power, and occupancy, it’s not the right fit for every short-term rental operator. Hosts considering the program should carefully weigh the upside of the program, particularly when looking at the up-front costs, which tend to be high. Here is what to watch out for:
High upfront costs and limited flexibility
Airbnb Plus requires more than just a clean space, it demands cohesive design, upgraded furnishings, and aspects that make the property truly one of a kind or unique. Meeting those standards can mean spending thousands, especially if the property isn’t already styled to that level. Once approved, changes to the space are also restricted. Even something as simple as replacing a table or repainting a wall may require notice or requalification through Airbnb.
Higher expectations and limited availability
Guests expect more from Plus listings and tend to hold them to a higher standard, meaning that the hose should be well aware of the expectations. That includes spotless cleanliness, fully stocked amenities, and a smooth, hotel-like check-in. Small issues like a slow-draining sink or a missing corkscrew could lead to negative reviews.
Potential costs to upgrade your unit
For hosts looking to join Airbnb Plus, here’s a breakdown of the typical upgrade costs involved. These estimates will vary based on property size, local contractor pricing, and current setup.
| Upgrade Category | Estimated Cost | What It Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Interior design (furniture, decor) | $3,000–$8,000 | New sofas, beds, accent pieces, rugs, lighting, artwork, and cohesive room layouts |
| Appliance upgrades | $1,500–$4,000 | Modern kitchen appliances (microwave, dishwasher, fridge), upgraded washer/dryer units |
| Professional cleaning service contracts | $150–$250 per turnover | Deep cleaning services to meet guest-ready standards between each booking |
| Welcome kit & guest amenities | $100–$500 | High-thread-count linens, quality toiletries, coffee kits, bottled water, slippers, and guidebooks |
Many of these improvements, especially appliances, furniture, and lighting, can qualify for accelerated depreciation via a cost segregation study. If you’re investing in upgrades anyway, pairing the process with a proper tax strategy can improve your ROI and shorten your payback period.
How Plus listings perform across major U.S. markets
While the costs of upgrading to Airbnb Plus may seem steep, the potential revenue boost is clear when examining how Plus listings perform in top markets. Across cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Austin, Airbnb Plus properties consistently command higher nightly rates and achieve better occupancy. The combination of premium pricing and increased booking volume makes the investment worthwhile in competitive locations, especially when paired with tax-saving strategies like cost segregation.
Real-world example: ROI from an Airbnb Plus conversion
Case study: Phoenix, AZ STR
Before upgrading to Airbnb Plus, the property earned an average nightly rate of $145 with an occupancy rate of 65%.
After the upgrade and Airbnb Plus designation, the listing’s average nightly rate increased to $190, with occupancy rising to 78%.
These improvements brought the property in line with Airbnb Plus performance seen in other competitive U.S. markets, confirming the upgrade’s financial viability. The host invested $7,200 in improvements and recovered the cost in just four months.
Comparing Airbnb Plus to standard Airbnb and other platforms
To make an informed decision, it helps to compare Airbnb Plus against standard Airbnb listings and competitors like VRBO and Booking.com.
| Feature | Standard Airbnb | Airbnb Plus | VRBO | Booking.com |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Listing verification | No | Yes (in-person or virtual) | No | No |
| Professional photography | Optional | Provided by Airbnb | Optional | No |
| Search visibility boost | Moderate | High | Moderate | High |
| Control over pricing | Full | Full | Full | Limited (algorithmic) |
| Premium guest expectations | No | Yes | No | Yes |
How to upgrade to Airbnb Plus: Step by step
Joining Airbnb Plus involves more than just signing up, it’s a process that ensures your property meets Airbnb’s strict quality and design standards. Here’s how to go from a regular listing to a verified Plus property:
- Meet Airbnb Plus eligibility: Before applying, make sure your listing qualifies. You’ll need a high overall rating (typically 4.8 or above), a history of consistent bookings, and a fully furnished space with premium amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, a stocked kitchen, and quality linens. Shared rooms are not eligible; only entire homes or private units qualify.
- Schedule an inspection: If your home meets the baseline criteria, you’ll be invited to schedule an inspection. Depending on your city, this could be an in-person visit from an Airbnb representative or a virtual walkthrough using Airbnb’s provided tools.
- Complete required upgrades: After the inspection, Airbnb may give you a checklist of changes needed to meet Plus standards, which could include small design adjustments, decluttering, replacing certain items, or ensuring all appliances work properly. Some hosts may need to invest in higher-quality furnishings or decor to pass the follow-up check.
- Host a professional photoshoot: Once your space is ready, Airbnb will send a professional photographer to capture high-quality images of your listing. This is included as part of the Plus onboarding and ensures your listing looks visually consistent with others in the program.
- Launch the Plus listing: After completing the upgrades and final approval, your listing will receive the Airbnb Plus badge. It will be promoted with premium placement in search results, setting it apart from standard listings and appealing to guests who prioritize design and reliability.
Is Airbnb Plus worth it?
Yes, it is, but only if the fit is right. If your property already features high-quality furnishings, thoughtful design, and strong guest reviews, or you’re prepared to invest in those upgrades, then Airbnb Plus can absolutely be a strategic move to increase your short-term rental’s performance. If your property is down in the dumps/ramshackle, and couldn’t even get near what’s needed to qualify for Airbnb Plus, then the money you would need to invest in it might not be worth it. The elevated visibility, higher booking conversion, and ability to command premium nightly rates often justify the initial cost, but only in cases where the costs aren’t too much to bear upfront. In many markets, Plus listings consistently outperform standard ones on both occupancy and revenue metrics.
FAQ
Can you opt out of Airbnb Plus after joining?
Yes, hosts can choose to leave the Airbnb Plus program if they decide it’s no longer a good fit. However, opting out may remove the Plus badge, reduce search visibility, and impact booking performance. If you made decor or amenity upgrades specifically for Plus, consider whether the benefits you’re receiving still outweigh the costs before withdrawing.
Does Airbnb Plus affect your ability to list on other platforms?
No, joining Airbnb Plus doesn’t restrict you from listing your property on platforms like VRBO, Booking.com, or direct booking websites. However, to maintain Plus status, you’ll need to ensure your Airbnb listing remains consistent with the standards outlined in the program. This includes maintaining decor, amenities, and performance expectations regardless of multi-platform use.
Are there specific insurance requirements for Airbnb Plus properties?
Airbnb Plus doesn’t come with separate insurance rules, but higher guest expectations and more valuable furnishings may warrant better protection. Hosts should consider a short-term rental insurance policy that covers liability, contents, and guest-caused damage. If you’re investing in high-end upgrades, it’s strongly recommended that you update your policy to reflect replacement costs.
