Hotels, B&Bs and Hostels are welcome on Airbnb!
Airbnb’s changed from its early days so we think it’s worth reflecting on how these changes could attract new customers for you.
Hotels, Guest Houses, Hostels and Glampsites are now joining the Airbnb platform along with Cottages and other self catering accommodations. Its a safe bet to say that Airbnb’s change is all about opening up their listings to provide more choice for their customers.
Airbnb Users
Getting more bookings often means attracting new and different types of guests and on Airbnb these guests will typically be younger and booking closer to arrival;
- About 40% of guests that book on Airbnb are aged between 25-34 years, this is quite a bit younger than typical bookers from other sources.
- Last minute bookings are a big thing on Airbnb with about 40% of bookings being made fewer than 15 days before arrival. A great way to fill some gaps, especially in the quieter seasons.
Many people don’t realise that business people also form a significant part of Airbnb’s customer base. Airbnb is quite an attractive site for a number of business travellers that are looking for the sort of experience only independently run businesses just like yours can provide. These are more likely to be new customers that might not find you if it wasn’t for Airbnb.
Many of Airbnb’s customers are very loyal and will only use their platform to book their stay so being on Airbnb means you’re immediately exposed to them. They’re also looking for exactly what you offer (professionally run independent accommodation) so it’s worth getting in “front of them”.
Many of you are already aware that freetobook and Airbnb are now fully connected for updating rates, bookings and availability so you don’t need to worry about double bookings or double entry. You’ll also get the support and advice that comes with our Channel Manager connections team.
Like all of the services we offer, the Airbnb connection is optional. To get connected and find out more just visit the Tab “Plus” and select the “Airbnb” section.
I already have an Airbnb account but would like to advertise more
All the options are in your Tab “Plus” in freetobook, these include all the biggest advertisers or Online Travel Agents(OTAs) in the world. Thanks Craig
Estamos muy felices y esperamos buenos resultados.
We are just listed be doubtcwe will get any bookings (we are 4* Gold rated B&B) as Airbnb slap their fee on top of our date thus making us appearing more expensive to customers. Our price has to be the same across the board says Booking.com therefore we cannot reduce our price to include Airbnb’s service charge. Our hands are tied. Good in theory but doubt we will get any bookings via Airbnb
Yes you are right airbnb has a different pricing model so keeping prices on all system the same is a challenge. At freetobook we are here to help you do that so please use the helpdesk to explain what you want to happen and we will do all we can to help. Thanks Craig
We are just listed but very much doubt we will get any bookings (we are a 4* Gold rated B&B) as Airbnb slap their service fee on top of our rate thus making us appear more expensive to customers. Our price has to be the same across the board says Booking.com therefore we cannot reduce our price to include Airbnb’s service charge. Our hands are tied. Good in theory but doubt we will get any bookings via Airbnb
I hope you do get bookings, let us know 🙂
A few weeks ago I tried to connect my freetobook site to Airbnb but they were charging a large fee to do so and I did think it worth it. Are they still charging???
I don’t know why Airbnb is charging a large fee. This is not our understanding. As for freetobook prices they are always clearly listed on our website, the prices are the same for everyone https://en.freetobook.com/pricing
Thanks Craig,
Very good summary of what AirBnB offers nowadays to small independent properties.
Watch out Expedia and Booking; AirBnB is now a serious professional competitor.
Dear Airbnb
Do you syncronise to our calender and block out rooms in the hotel off our ‘ free to book ‘ site if one gets reseved online? Or do we have to do it manually?
Yes the connection between airbnb and freetobook is a full 2 way connection which updates, prices, availability and bookings, everything you need. Thanks Craig
I have recently put 4 listings on Airbnb.
1 for the entire home & 3 others for the separate rooms . The Airbnb listings are priced without breakfast & therefore have a different price than Free to book which offer breakfast with any of the 3 rooms listed. My free to book is under one listing and the Airbnb is 4 separate listings.
How does one do to sync calanders ?
Please put specific questions about connections on the freetobook helpdesk they will answer you from within your freetobook account, its much more efficient and accurate to do it there. Thanks