If you use Airbnbs to avoid booking a cramped hotel space, you’ve been missing out on the associated amenities that are fundamental to a good vacation. But even if you don’t get any room service, the new Airbnb Services feature strives to help you find other ways to relax — allowing you to book spas, massages and more near where you’re staying.
Airbnb Services is designed to help you book services you would get at a more traditional hotel. The initial rollout of the feature includes 10 distinct categories in 260 cities around the world.
You’ll be able to order in-home chefs (although it’d still be cheaper to get some of the best meal kits instead), caterers, vacation photographers, massage therapists, estheticians, personal trainers, hairstylists, makeup artists and nail technicians from the Airbnb app.Â
All Services hosts are vetted by Airbnb and must undergo an identity verification process and submit any necessary licenses and certifications before you can see them on the app.
Airbnb Services vary in price — obviously, it won’t be cheap if you’re ordering the services of a Michelin star chef — but the company plans to include at least one service host in every available category for $50 or less.
“People choose hotels for their services. People choose Airbnbs for the space,” said Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO. “Now, we’re giving you the best of both worlds — amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
Airbnb Experiences gets a revamp
Although Airbnb Services is a new feature for the booking app, Airbnb Experiences is also getting revamped. Since its launch, Experiences has let people book local guides to share the places and activities that are meaningful to them. You’ve been able to visit landmarks and galleries, go on food tours and explore the wildlife outdoors.
Now Airbnb Originals is expanding the Airbnb Experiences feature — you’ll be able to book “extraordinary experiences with the world’s most interesting people.” Airbnb’s examples of Originals experiences include joining Megan Thee Stallion on an anime-themed Otaku Hottie Quest, taking part in a Short n’ Sweet set with Sabrina Carpenter and learning how to throw a football in a perfect spiral with Patrick Mahomes.
Airbnb Experiences — including the new Originals — are available in more than 650 cities around the world, and Airbnb is planning on expanding the feature to new hosts internationally.
