Airbnb continues to expand its offerings beyond traditional apartments and houses. Starting this summer, the platform will allow hotel bookings, focusing on boutique and independent options that maintain the company's characteristic style.
The new feature includes thousands of new accommodations in major cities such as New York, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome, and Singapore. According to the company, these are hotels that feel like an Airbnb, with a promise to match prices if the user finds a lower rate elsewhere.
Additionally, those who book these hotels will receive up to 15% credit to use on future reservations. In this way, Airbnb aims to compete better against specialized platforms like Booking.com.
New services to make travel easier
Another important addition is grocery delivery within the app. Guests will be able to receive purchases during their stay, and in some cities, deliveries can even be scheduled before arrival so that the host has everything ready. For now, it is available in 25 cities in the United States through a partnership with Instacart.
Deliveries are free for Airbnb guests and also offer a $10 discount on orders of $50 or more. It is a very useful tool, especially when traveling abroad and it is difficult to use local apps.
Regarding transfers, the company partnered with Welcome Pickups to offer airport pickups. The service operates in 160 cities around the world, with drivers tracking flights in real-time. Users who book through Airbnb will receive a 20% discount.
More amenities and experiences
The option to see nearby places to store luggage through the company Bounce has also been integrated. This allows guests to leave their bags if the accommodation is not yet available, and they receive a 20% credit for their next booking.
Starting this summer, users will also be able to rent cars directly from the platform, with vehicles available near the accommodation. On the first rental, 20% of the expense will be returned as credit.
On the experiences side, Airbnb has added thousands of new options. Among the most notable are those related to famous tourist attractions like the Tokyo Skytree and the Taj Mahal. The offering of culinary and cultural experiences has also expanded.
Additionally, special experiences linked to the FIFA World Cup have been added in six host cities, including parties with previous champions. All of this aims to enrich the entire travel experience, not just the accommodation.
With these updates, Airbnb reinforces its position as a comprehensive app for travelers, combining stays, transportation, food, and activities in one place. The changes come at a time when users are increasingly seeking comfort and varied options during their vacations.
