How To List an Hotel On Airbnb

Introduction.

If you’re a hotel owner, you’ve probably noticed how popular Airbnb has become with travellers looking for unique, budget-friendly, and convenient accommodations.

Listing a hotel on Airbnb could be a game-changer, especially if you’re looking to reach a new customer base that prefers flexible and personalized experiences.

But how exactly do you get started? Airbnb’s platform was initially geared toward private homes, so you might be wondering if it’s any different when it comes to hotels.

Here’s everything you need to know, from the setup process to managing expectations.

How Do I List a Hotel On Airbnb?

While Airbnb was initially designed to cater to homeowners renting out extra space, it has since expanded to welcome boutique hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and even larger hospitality spaces.

Listing a hotel on Airbnb involves a few strategic decisions and adjustments to make sure it stands out and appeals to the right audience.

I’ll walk you through each step to get your hotel up and running on the platform.

Step 1: Understand Airbnb’s Requirements and Policies.

Before diving in, it’s helpful to know that Airbnb has some unique rules and policies for hospitality businesses.

While it’s far less complicated than other booking sites, Airbnb still expects you to uphold a certain level of guest experience, including transparency around fees, maintaining consistent standards, and responding to guest inquiries quickly.

Make sure your hotel meets these key Airbnb standards:

Transparency: Clearly state your pricing, amenities, and any extra charges upfront.
Quick Communication: Airbnb values hosts who respond quickly to guest messages, usually within 24 hours.
High Standards: Cleanliness, safety, and accuracy are emphasized on the platform.

Step 2: Create an Airbnb Business Profile.

Next, set up a professional profile. Unlike personal accounts, a business profile allows you to manage multiple listings, add a custom brand logo, and display a business name. It’s a great way to start building credibility on the platform. To set this up, follow these steps:

Sign in to Airbnb and go to Account Settings.
Select Professional Hosting Tools to enable business features.
Complete the profile by adding your business name, logo, and relevant details about your hotel.

Step 3: Write an Appealing Listing Description.

The listing description is where potential guests decide if they want to book. Be clear and engaging, highlighting features that would matter to a traveller, like proximity to popular attractions, amenities, and any special features (think rooftop pools or breakfast options). Here’s how to make your description stand out:

Title: Keep it descriptive but straightforward, like “Downtown Boutique Hotel with Rooftop Views.”
Description: Mention unique aspects of your hotel, room options, check-in/check-out policies, and nearby attractions.
Photos: Invest in quality photos, showing everything from rooms to amenities. Airbnb listings with high-quality photos typically receive 24% more bookings.

Step 4: Set Up Your Pricing and Availability.

Airbnb’s pricing system lets you adjust rates based on demand, which can work well for hotels with fluctuating seasonal rates.

You can set daily, weekly, or monthly rates, add fees for additional guests, or adjust prices for high-traffic dates. To set up your pricing:

Go to the Pricing section of your listing.
Set your base price and add variations for peak seasons.
Consider using Airbnb’s Smart Pricing tool, which automatically adjusts prices based on demand in your area.

Step 5: Decide on Booking Preferences.

Airbnb allows hosts to set booking preferences to control availability, reservation length, and guest requirements.

If you want to keep certain periods blocked or only accept longer stays, this section is where you can customize those options.

You can set minimum and maximum stay limits, add house rules, and even require pre-approval for specific guests.

Pros and Cons of Listing a Hotel on Airbnb

Pros

Increased Visibility: With over 4 million hosts globally, Airbnb exposes your property to a huge customer base, many of whom may not consider traditional booking sites.
Flexible Pricing: Airbnb’s pricing system lets you adjust rates dynamically, which can boost revenue during high-demand periods.
Direct Guest Communication: Airbnb’s platform allows you to communicate directly with guests, which can help you personalize their stay.
Enhanced Brand Image: Many guests appreciate hotels that blend a local experience with professional hospitality standards, which could improve your brand perception.

Cons

Competition: Airbnb’s platform is saturated with hosts, which can make it challenging for hotels to stand out unless they offer something truly unique.
Booking Fees: Airbnb takes a 3-5% fee on each booking, which can cut into profits, especially for smaller hotels.
Guest Expectations: Airbnb guests often expect a personalized experience, which might require extra effort from staff compared to regular hotel bookings.
Cancellation Policies: Airbnb’s flexible cancellation policies are often a pain point for hotels used to more restrictive terms on traditional booking platforms.

FAQ

1. How much does it cost to list a hotel on Airbnb?

Airbnb does not charge any upfront fee to list your hotel. Instead, it takes a commission from each booking, typically between 3% and 5%.

2. Can I list multiple rooms in a hotel on Airbnb?

Yes, Airbnb allows hotels to list individual rooms, suites, or the entire property. Each listing can have its own description, price, and availability settings.

3. Does Airbnb require hotels to meet certain standards?

Yes, Airbnb expects all hosts, including hotels, to meet standards for cleanliness, safety, and accurate descriptions. Poor guest ratings can affect visibility on the platform.

4. Can hotels offer additional services like breakfast or parking on Airbnb?

Absolutely. You can mention any amenities or services like breakfast, parking, or even airport shuttles in the description to make your listing more appealing to potential guests.

5. How does Airbnb handle taxes for hotels?

Airbnb will automatically collect certain occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts in applicable regions, but it’s best to verify any local tax requirements specific to your hotel.

Conclusion

Listing a hotel on Airbnb can open up new revenue streams, attract a different type of traveler, and create opportunities for increased brand visibility.

However, it requires a strategic approach to pricing, guest experience, and maintaining high standards.

As with any booking platform, you’ll need to invest in great photos, a compelling listing, and clear communication with guests.

Is your hotel ready to make the leap? What unique features would you highlight to stand out in Airbnb’s competitive landscape?