Airbnb Luxe vs. Plus: Which Is Better for Owners?

Have you heard about Airbnb Luxe and Plus but didn’t have a single clue what they meant? Did it leave you unsure of how to proceed in your hosting journey? Don’t worry; we’ll take you through Airbnb Luxe vs. Plus to find out which one is better for owners.

Airbnb Luxe is better for owners who have extravagant properties and are willing to dedicate themselves to meeting Luxe’s meticulous standards for hosts. However, Airbnb Plus is better for more everyday hosts who have a keen eye for style, detail, and hospitality that goes above and beyond.

But are these programs really worth it over having just the standard listing?

Keep reading to learn more about what each Airbnb Luxe and Plus are, how they compare to the standard platform, and how to achieve these distinguished statuses.

Airbnb Luxe: The Basics

Airbnb Luxe is an entirely different platform than the conventional site we know and love.

In early 2017, Airbnb obtained the Montreal-based company, formerly known as Luxury Retreats, to build a new, more elevated business component. What did the acquisition cost? Roughly $300 million.

Luxury Retreats had a base of over 4,000 stays in more than 100 different places across the globe. All of those listings are now a part of Airbnb Luxe.

Luxe is a sophisticated version of Airbnb. A very sophisticated version. Think villas and mansions and penthouses, breathtaking mega homes, and stunning estates. It’s not your old $95 a night stay in a downtown apartment with noisy neighbors.

Instead, Airbnb Luxe is exactly what it sounds like – a luxury travel site. The platform works similarly to standard Airbnb, but the process is slightly elevated, just like its listings. More on that soon.

Guests can expect a much higher standard when they book on Luxe. After all, they’ll have to pay a pretty hefty amount to secure a night at one of these mind-blowing getaways – anything under $1,000/night would be considered a steal. It’s not for the faint of heart.

The size of a property isn’t the unique aspect of Luxe stays.

You get your own trip designer with your booking, who is there to enhance your experience in any possible way. Plus, get ready for a ridiculous array of amenities, including spa services, personal drivers, and on-site chefs. Guests get to live life like it’s a Gatsby party.

For the wealthy it’s a way to maintain a lifestyle away from home. But for the peasantry like us, it’s an experience in and of itself.

What’s the Difference Between Luxe and Airbnb?

Two roommates conceptualized Airbnb as a company as they set up inflatable beds in their apartment’s living room. Since then, the platform has honored its roots.

On the standard Airbnb website, hosts can list just about any kind of stay. Got a spare bedroom in your apartment? Rent it on Airbnb. What about a massive cabin your grandpa built on a remote island? List it. This platform prides itself on its diverse, unique, sometimes niche stays.

That’s what separates Luxe from regular Airbnb.

Luxe hospitality is the best of the best. It’s not just about the place, though that is a big part of it. Listings on Luxe are hand-picked for the best quality possible. However, a big part of what makes Luxe stand out is its dedication to top-notch service. Instead of doing it all yourself, you’ll have access to concierge services and a full support team.

Simply put, Airbnb Luxe is for homes that are entire experiences in and of themselves.

You might be able to find a luxurious castle getaway in the English countryside on Airbnb, but you won’t be able to find a cheap studio apartment with a self-check-in on Luxe. But that’s okay! That’s why the two platforms exist.

The actual listing styles differ too. Do you know how fancy restaurants don’t put the prices on the menu? That’s similar to the way Luxe works. Instead, you see the prices; there are just no reviews, ratings, or host profiles. The standard is so high that you don’t need to be bothered with those details.

How Do I Become a Part of It?

It’s no easy feat to become part of the Luxe team. These homes have to meet over 300 different criteria to be considered. Here’s a brief overview of the standards you’ll need to meet:

• Form. The construction of your stay has to be well laid out. Does the design make sense? Does every area have enough room for all guests? Is your house fully furnished?
• Function. It’s not just about looks. Everything needs to be in tip-top shape and perform impeccably. This means you’ll need to get the highest quality, well, everything.
• Feel. It’s not enough to just be luxurious. It has to feel luxurious too. This is where style comes into play. This doesn’t just go for interior design, though. Do you have a perfectly manicured lawn? Great. How about an infinity pool? Even better. Still, this doesn’t mean it has to look like everyone else’s idea of perfection. The best Luxe stays are full of their unique character.
• Location. Your neighborhood plays a role in your Luxe approval – a big one. Surrounding suburbs, accessibility, and distance to other communities all determine how well you rank on location.
• Services. What can you provide your guests aside from the property itself? Luxe travelers can ask for various services like chefs, childcare, and sports equipment. To get approved, you’ll need to be able to deliver on this end of things too.

And even if you meet the requirements, it doesn’t guarantee you will be accepted into the Luxe program. In fact, at the time of this writing there isn’t a way to even apply. In essence, they choose you and not the other way around.

What Happens After I Get Chosen?

Once you’ve met all the standards, your listing will move to the prestigious Luxe website.

The details on what comes next are sparse (maybe intentionally?), but you’ll be held to a meticulous standard. It is Luxe, after all. You don’t have to go at it alone, though. Their team will be along for the ride to ensure your experience is as luxurious as promised.

How Does It Benefit Hosts?

If you’ve got a luxury property to rent, there are luxury guests who will pay to stay. Once your listing gets approved by Luxe, you’ll be among a mere couple thousand competitor hosts on this alternative Airbnb platform.

Luxury guests have higher expectations, especially since they are paying thousands of dollars per night.

You’ll also have the help of the Luxe team to maintain your coveted status. Because you’re now at a much more elite level of hosting, you don’t have to worry about reviews at all. On top of that, trip designers will take booking matters out of your hands.

Your job will be much less administrative, so you can dedicate more time to crafting a great home experience.

Pros of Airbnb Luxe

If status alone isn’t enough to convince you to aspire to Luxe standards, here are some other advantages of gaining this coveted distinction.

• Guests come to Luxe prepared to spend a little more. Don’t worry about charging too much or going too overboard on amenities. Luxe travelers are looking for the cream of the crop, so they know they’ll have to pay higher rates than usual. Remember, Luxe guests aren’t looking for a budget vacay. Go all out. It might not be in everyone’s wheelhouse, but it will be in someone’s. If you build it, they will come!
• You’ll be featured on a separate page of Airbnb alongside only a few thousand hosts. The Luxe platform is way less crowded than most standard booking sites, which means your rental won’t get lost in the depths of the internet. It’ll be all eyes on you – plus the other handful of stays in your area. Less competition is definitely a win.
• Airbnb will help you make your guests’ experience the best experience. It takes extreme dedication and a pretty penny to make your property Luxe worthy. Once you do your part, Airbnb will do theirs, ensuring every other part of your visitors’ experience is just as luxurious.

Cons of Airbnb Luxe

Like all good things, there are some downfalls to consider. Here are a few cons of hosting an Airbnb Luxe.

• It’s harder to stumble across a Luxe listing unless a guest is seeking one. People have to go out of their way to find a Luxe listing. They won’t be promoted on the top of a location search page like other hosts with specialized status’. While it’s great that you get your own separate page on the Airbnb site, you’ll be hard-pressed to convert someone to a Luxe stay if they weren’t already on the hunt for one.
• Luxe stays are a niche market. Let’s face it: not everyone has a few grand to spend on a luxurious vacation experience (sadly). So, while your listing will stand out more when it’s not in a flooded market, you should also remember that fewer people are looking for such experiences.
• If your home’s design doesn’t meet the standards, you won’t be chosen. No degree of impeccable hosting can get you selected for Luxe if your house’s aesthetic just doesn’t fit the bill. Essentially, unless you’re hosting a villa or willing to make some serious upgrades, Airbnb Luxe is not for you.

Airbnb Plus: The Basics

We know that Airbnb’s platform is built on trust, and we know that we should be doing our research by reading reviews before booking (or accepting a booking), but let’s be real: that can be very time-consuming. We’re only human, and sometimes we just want to book with ease.

That’s where Plus comes in.

Airbnb Plus is a distinction that notices the best hosts on the platform. Think of these stays as an Airbnb highlight reel. Hosts who reach Plus status get a badge on their listing to show that they’ve met several designs, hospitality, and amenity requirements. They’re also boosted to the top of Airbnb’s algorithm for optimal booking potential.

Plus stays are verified for exceptional quality, well equipped with all the essentials (plus a little bit more), and have been pre-screened by third party services. Guests can have comfort in knowing they’re getting exactly what they’re paying for, and hosts are rewarded for going above and beyond.

What’s the Difference Between Plus and Airbnb?

Unlike Luxe, Plus exists directly on the standard Airbnb website. Check out our post on the differences between Superhost vs Plus in more detail.

Like Superhost status, it’s a distinction from standard Airbnb users. As a Plus host, you’re held to higher standards regarding communication, cleanliness, and style. However, the company has a Plus team to support these great hosts who always put their best foot forward.

Basically, Plus assures guests that your home has been vetted and will feature everything they need for a fantastic stay, including a smooth check-in and prompt help whenever they need it.

The extra effort and guaranteed satisfaction that comes with a Plus stay also means that hosts can get away with charging a little more.

How Do I Become Part of It?

This program is granted through invite-only and has high standards for hosts. At a minimum, Airbnb requires Plus hosts to meet the following standards:

• Maintain at least an average 4.8 star rating overall throughout the past year.
• Have not canceled any reservations over the past year (except in extenuating circumstances).
• Accept 95% of bookings requested in the past year.
• Provide guests with an entire place or a private room with a separate bathroom.

Beyond the metrics, you’ll have to prove your hosting game is top-tier. Airbnb Plus guarantees that hosts will have access to everything they need for a great stay. These details include:

• Effortless check-in with a lockbox, keypad, or a welcoming host (you).
• Fully functional and equipped kitchens (including working appliances, utensils, and most importantly, coffee)
• Clutter-free, clean, beautifully designed interiors filled with character and style
• Lightning-fast WiFi and streaming services

Once these requirements are met, a third-party inspector will check out your place to ensure it’s up to Plus standards. You might have to make some updates first to please the design team. After that, you’re good to go.

What Happens After I Get Chosen?

After Airbnb Plus approves you, they’ll send a professional photographer your way to capture the quality of your place. This ensures your listing looks as incredible as it can be – and it helps maintain the aesthetic of Airbnb Plus listings. They will then update your listing using new high-resolution pictures.

One sneaky detail of Airbnb Plus is that you’ll have to give them exclusivity to your rental. This means no double-dipping with other booking sites, which can be a major drawback.

In exchange for this, they’ll help you out with your property management. Airbnb Plus wants their hosts to succeed (it benefits them too, after all), so you’ll have assistance from their support team. This group of professionals will help you serve customers promptly.

So, while you have more work to keep up with as a Plus host, you’ll also have more support.

How Does It Benefit Hosts?

Plus status lets potential renters know you are guaranteed to be a fantastic host with an impeccable property. Guests are more likely to book with you than most other hosts on this platform because you stand out from the pack.

When you become an Airbnb Plus host, the company provides you with high-quality professional images of your stay. These well-lit, detail-oriented photographs immediately make your home stick out from the 85% of listings that are using smartphone pictures.

Your eye would be drawn to listings like these before dimly-lit iPhone photos, too, right?

Since you’ve invested so much into your listing, Airbnb invests back in you. Algorithms favor Plus hosts, so you can expect an average 22% revenue increase the year after you gain Plus status. You can also enjoy a design team to keep your place in style and help from the support team to respond promptly to requests and inquiries.

Pros of Airbnb Plus

There are many upsides that Airbnb Plus hosts can look forward to. Here are a few of them:

• Your listing will still be featured on the basic Airbnb platform. Unlike Luxe, your Plus rental will still show up on the standard website, just with some more distinction. This is great because it means the millions of guests who book through Airbnb will easily come across your home without having to search for it on a separate branch of the platform.
• Guests can filter their search results for just Plus rentals. Your hard work surely won’t go unnoticed. Once you achieve coveted Plus status, you’ll have a badge pinned to your listing so guests can easily spot you. They’ll also be able to filter search results to just find Plus hosts like you.
• Hard work can get you picked for Plus. Don’t count yourself out if you have a humble home. Airbnb Plus is less about square footage and more about what you can do as a host. Enhance your house with beautiful décor, thoughtful touches, and communicate promptly to make your guests’ experiences the best experiences. You’ll be on your way to Plus in no time.
• As long as your place is private, you can work towards Plus status. You don’t have to own a mansion or remote island to be eligible for Airbnb Plus. Suppose your property can guarantee guests privacy (either an entire home or a private room and bathroom). In that case, you can get started on your journey towards Plus, making this platform more beginner-friendly and accessible than Luxe. No villa needed!

Cons of Airbnb Plus

Unfortunately, some disadvantages come with aspiring to reach Airbnb Plus status. These cons include:

• Your listing will be mixed in with the other millions of stays on Airbnb. Though Plus hosts have separated from regular listings and Superhosts thanks to their special badge, you’ll still be competing against 6.1 million worldwide listings at the end of the day. Despite this.
• Plus verification isn’t offered everywhere. While there are Plus stays across the globe, they aren’t offered in every city. At least not yet. It never hurts to put effort into maintaining your rental to these standards (we know it’ll get you some amazing reviews), but unless you live in a major travel hub, you probably won’t get your Plus badge. Maybe one day!
• Airbnb Plus requires rental exclusivity. If you were thinking about maximizing your income by listing your home on another site as well, forget it. You’ll need to agree that Airbnb is the only platform where renters can book your stay before they bump you up to Plus status. In exchange for this, they help you with customer support, so it’s not all bad.
• Your choices might become more restrictive. Plus is designed to optimize the guest experience while increasing your bookings, but some guests feel they have less control over their listing. The design team may ask you to change the décor, and you could have to update your listing name and description. Be prepared to hand over the reins – at least to an extent – when you join Plus.

Which Should You Choose?

Now that you know all about the two platforms, which one should you aspire for? There are a few questions we have to ask you first.

• What is your current rental like? Do you have a massive villa, mansion, or estate in an incredible location? If the answer is no, you sadly won’t be a good fit for Luxe. The upside is, though, that with enough hard work, attention to detail, and a great track-record of reviews, you should be able to reach Plus status.
• How much money are you willing to spend? Checking all 300 boxes of Luxe requirements can take a lot of time, effort, and money. It’s a big commitment and can call for a lot of changes, so make sure you’re willing to fork over the cash.
• Where are you hosting from? Unfortunately, Luxe and Plus don’t exist in every city, though you can find them scattered across the globe. Before you fully commit to transforming your listing to meet either of these standards, make sure it’s available in your area first.

Final Thoughts

Airbnb Luxe is an entirely different platform than the standard website. Suppose you have an elite, upscale property to rent out and are willing to commit time and money to make it perfect by Luxe’s meticulous standards. In that case, it can be incredibly intrinsically, financially, and professionally rewarding.

On the other hand, Airbnb Plus is a distinction from standard hosts that will bump you to the top of search results and very likely increase your booking revenue. This status is much more achievable for everyday people and relies more on your hospitality than property size.