Seventeen years and two billion guests later, Airbnb is reimagining its role in the travel industry. In a major announcement, CEO Brian Chesky revealed that the company is introducing a suite of Airbnb hotel services and an upgraded version of its “Experiences” platform, signaling a significant pivot beyond just lodging. Travelers can now book room service, spa treatments, personal training sessions, and even gourmet meals prepared by professional chefs — all directly through Airbnb’s redesigned app.
These new Airbnb hotel services aim to compete with traditional hotels by enhancing the convenience and luxury of Airbnb stays. The platform will also include beauty services like hair and nail appointments, providing a more comprehensive travel experience. According to Chesky, the company wants to help users “monetize the biggest asset in your life, which is probably not your home but your time, passion, and skill set.”
A Fresh Take on Local Experiences
Airbnb is also relaunching its “Experiences” service with a strong emphasis on authenticity and professionalism. These experiences are curated by local experts and cover a wide array of categories such as culture, cuisine, wellness, and sports. Currently available in 100 cities, the revamped offerings include standout activities like a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris with one of its restoration architects, ramen-making in Tokyo with chef Saburo Ishigoka, and lucha libre wrestling training in Mexico City.
The new version comes after earlier struggles with quality control. Mitch Bach, CEO of Trip School, noted that while the original experience providers were culturally rich, they often lacked professional training. Airbnb has addressed this by instituting a vetting process to ensure guides have the necessary expertise, reputation, and authenticity. Chesky emphasized that while the product has evolved, it remains distinctly “Airbnb” by prioritizing unique, insider perspectives.
Some offerings, known as “originals,” are being specially designed for the platform. These include pastry classes at the French Bastards Bakery in Paris and beach volleyball sessions with Brazilian Olympian Carol Solberg. The company is even partnering with celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Sabrina Carpenter for exclusive music and dance-themed events.
Affordability, Access, and a New Booking Experience
One common complaint about Airbnb’s original experience platform was cost. The company has responded by lowering average prices to around $65 per person, making the activities more accessible to a broader audience. The redesigned app also integrates all services — lodging, experiences, and amenities — into a single booking flow. Once confirmed, guests can use a new “trip mode” feature to manage and update their itineraries easily.
A new social layer allows travelers to connect with others booked for the same experience, creating opportunities for shared adventures. This expanded platform reflects Chesky’s broader vision for the company: “I’ve always believed that Airbnb was destined to do more than just provide a place to stay,” he said.
With these changes, Airbnb continues to redefine what it means to travel, transforming homes into hotels and vacations into immersive, curated experiences with Airbnb hotel services at the core of this evolution.
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