Airbnb Introduces Wallet-Friendly Vacation Rental Category Called ‘Airbnb Rooms’
Borders have opened up, but things still aren’t back to the way they were. For one, prices are on the rise, prompting travelers to be more tactful with their itineraries.
Ahead of the summer vacation season, Airbnb is inviting jet-setters to plan their trips wisely and stretch their dollar, euro, yen, and so on with its new budget-friendly option, Airbnb Rooms.
The homestay rental site notes that more than 80% of private rooms on its platform are priced at under US$100 per night, and average around US$67 a night. With the current economic state, it believes these options should be highlighted more than ever so that people can travel on smaller budgets.
“With Airbnb Rooms, we’re getting back to the idea that started it all—back to our founding ethos of sharing,” describes Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. “Airbnb Rooms are often more affordable than hotels, and they’re the most authentic way to experience a city. This is the soul of Airbnb.”
The company says many guests are interested in knowing their hosts better, and Airbnb Rooms enables this while encouraging them to experience a new destination like a local.
To break the ice between host and guest ahead of an experience, Airbnb has introduced ‘Host Passports’, which feature details hosts have shared about themselves, like their occupation, where they went to school, and interesting trivia about their lives.
At the same time, staying in the residence of someone you’ve just met can be a vulnerable experience. To ease privacy and personal space concerns, all Airbnb Room listings will indicate if a bedroom door has a lock, and if bathrooms are shared or private. Guests will also be informed beforehand if the homeowner will be around during their stay.
To boost access to affordable accommodation, the company has additionally overhauled its ‘type of place’ filter so users can locate more Airbnb Rooms and their prices.
