Airbnb is Now So Much More Than Just an Airbnb

Modern hotels have been around for over a century, shaping the way we travel for years. In 2008, Airbnb had an idea: what if booking a home could be as easy as booking a hotel? Introducing Airbnb Services, Airbnb Experiences and the revamped Airbnb app.

Since then, Airbnb has welcomed over two billion guests, transforming the way people travel. But a successful trip is about more than just where you sleep. That’s why Airbnb is excited to launch:

Airbnb Services: Convenient extras to make your stay even more special
Airbnb Experiences: Explore the city with locals who know it best
New Airbnb App: Everything you need—lodging, activities, and services—in one easy-to-use app

“Seventeen years ago, we changed the way people travel. Over two billion guests later, Airbnb has become synonymous with a place to stay. With the launch of Services and Experiences, we’re changing the travel world once again. Airbnb is now so much more than just an Airbnb.” — Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb

Airbnb Services

People often choose hotels for the services they offer, such as gyms, spas, and room service. Today, Airbnb is bringing those same services directly to your accommodation.

Meet Airbnb Services: extraordinary offerings to make your stay even more memorable. Airbnb is launching ten service categories across 260 cities, with new services being added regularly in the Airbnb app. Here are the first ten categories available:

Chefs: In-home meals prepared by professional chefs, customized to your preferences.
Photography: Personalized photo shoots with experienced photographers.
Massage: Relaxing massages including Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology from certified professionals.
Wellness: Treatments like microdermabrasion, body scrubs, facials, and more from certified beauty specialists².
Personal Training: Yoga, HIIT, strength training, and other fitness sessions with certified trainers, including renowned fitness professionals and world champions.
Hair: Professional hairstyling, blowouts, and more from experienced stylists.
Makeup: Makeup for everyday looks or special occasions by professional artists.
Nail Care: Manicures and pedicures from skilled nail specialists.
Meals: Ready-to-eat meals prepared by professional chefs.
Catering: Full-service catering, including personalized menus, decor, and equipment setup and breakdown.

Airbnb Services are vetted for quality, with a focus on expertise and reputation. Service hosts have an average of ten years of experience. Airbnb verifies their identities and experience, and they must present relevant licenses and certifications. Many hosts are leaders in their fields, including chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning photographers, and top trainers.

There’s something for every budget, starting at under 50 euros. Whether you’re looking for an affordable meal or a daily workout with a famous trainer, you’ll find it on Airbnb. Airbnb is also partnering with hosts to offer exclusive deals.

Airbnb is the only platform where you can book thousands of these services in one place, in over 260 cities worldwide. On each service listing, you’ll find host qualifications, offerings, and pricing. Best of all, booking on Airbnb is simple, requiring just a few steps. And you don’t have to stay at an Airbnb or be traveling to book these services—book a massage, personal training session, or haircut right at home.

“People choose hotels for the services. And they choose Airbnbs for the space. Now you get the best of both worlds: great homes with services that make your stay even more special.” — Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb

Experienced professionals can now sign up to become service hosts on Airbnb. It’s a new way to share your expertise and grow your business. Apply today at airbnb.com/host/services.

Services are available in select Airbnb listing. Availability may vary by region and is currently limited in areas such as Brazil and Puerto Rico.

Airbnb Experiences

When people book an Airbnb, they often do so because they want to experience a place like a local. But finding authentic activities in a new city can be challenging. Often, you’re stuck in large groups, following a guide with a microphone, and doing activities that feel like a forced itinerary. What if you could experience a city just like the locals do?

Introducing the revamped Airbnb Experiences: activities hosted by locals who know the city inside out. Airbnb is launching Experiences in over 650 cities worldwide, with new locations being added every day. Explore the best parts of a city with activities like:

Sightseeing, Museums, and Cultural Activities
See the restoration of Notre-Dame through the eyes of Axelle Ponsonnet, one of the architects on the restoration team.
Culinary Experiences, Cooking Classes, and Dining
Learn how to make noodles with chef Saburo Ishigōka, the culinary mastermind behind a Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded restaurant.
Outdoor Activities, Watersports, and Wildlife
Ride horses through sacred Inca sites and stunning landscapes in the Andes with an expert in Andean culture and anthropology.
Gallery Activities, Creative Workshops, and Shopping
Give your wardrobe a boost with a personal styling session from Jamie Mizrahi, fashion advisor to Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Fitness, Wellness, and Beauty
Step into the ring for a real Lucha Libre training session with professional wrestler Retro.

Airbnb ensures all activities meet strict quality standards, with a focus on expertise, reputation, and authenticity. Hosts are rated based on their experience, connection with the city, and guest feedback. Activities are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet high standards.

Airbnb Originals

The company also introduces Airbnb Originals: extraordinary activities hosted by world-renowned experts, specifically designed for Airbnb. Learn to bake at the iconic French Bastards bakery with chef Raphaelle Elbaz. Or play beach volleyball with Olympian Carol Solberg at the iconic Leblon Beach in Rio. Some Originals are even hosted by real celebrities, like Megan Thee Stallion’s Otaku Hottie Quest or Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet set. And that’s just the beginning.

Airbnb Experiences is all about connection. Later this year, you’ll be able to see who’s joining your activity before you book, message the group during the activity, and stay in touch afterward—all with simple and transparent privacy settings. The best part? You don’t even need to travel to join. Many of these activities are available to book in your own city.

“Today’s typical tourist activities don’t really let you connect with the city you’re visiting. The most authentic way to explore a city is with locals. They know it like the back of their hand. With Airbnb Experiences, you’re doing more than just visiting a new place.” — Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb

Activity hosts can now sign up for Airbnb Experiences. If you know your city inside out and offer a unique activity that’s unlike anything else, apply to become a host at airbnb.com/host/experiences.

The New Airbnb App

Since 2010, the Airbnb app was primarily used for booking stays. Now, with the new app, you can also book services and activities—all in one place.

And the best part? The app thinks with you as you travel. Once you’ve booked your stay, the app will recommend services and activities tailored to your destination and travel companions. When you arrive, the app provides a detailed itinerary with arrival information and an overview of everything you’ve booked on Airbnb. During your trip, you’ll also get recommendations for nearby activities.

Airbnb nearly rebuilt the app from the ground up, with:

Explore Tab: A brand new home page to discover popular destinations, activities that fit your plans, and services around the world.
Travel Tab: An easy-to-read itinerary with details on your accommodation, services, and activities.
Messages: A refreshed chat feature where you can share photos and videos and easily pay for customized services.
Profile: A revamped profile where you can share your Airbnb travel experiences and connect with fellow travelers.

Airbnb has also revamped the app for hosts, making it easier than ever to manage stays, services, and activities.

Airbnb Start: A user-friendly tool to create listings, making it easy for hosts to add a service or activity to Airbnb.
Today Tab: A new tab to manage everything related to your bookings, helping hosts serve their guests better.
Calendar: The updated calendar for stays, services, and activities now includes a daily overview with a detailed schedule you can sync with Google Calendar.
Listings Tab: With new management tools for services and activities, hosts can easily update any part of their listing, from location to pricing.

The new Airbnb app leverages the latest technology, enabling hosts to offer stays, services, and activities—and much more in the future. A beautifully animated design system was also developed to bring the world of Airbnb to life. The result? A new way to plan your trip that’s just as enjoyable and effortless as the trip itself.