Airbnb has become the go-to platform for people to list their homes, apartments, and unique spaces for short-term rentals. But some savvy hosts have also found ways to list hotel rooms on Airbnb to earn extra income.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick overview: Hotel room listings on Airbnb typically involve hosts partnering with hotels, renting out blocks of rooms, or ‘subletting’ bookings from other sites.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dig into the various strategies hosts use to list hotel rooms on Airbnb, whether it’s entirely permitted, and tips for identifying reputable hotel room listings as a guest.
Partnering Directly with Hotels
One way that people list hotel rooms on Airbnb is by partnering directly with hotels. This type of collaboration allows hotels to tap into the Airbnb market and reach a wider audience of travelers. At the same time, it provides Airbnb users with more options when searching for accommodations.
Formal Agreements
When partnering with hotels, Airbnb often establishes formal agreements with them. These agreements outline the terms and conditions of the partnership, including pricing, availability, and any specific requirements set by the hotel.
By formalizing the relationship, both Airbnb and the hotel can ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Revenue Sharing
One of the key aspects of partnering with hotels is revenue sharing. Airbnb and the hotels agree on a percentage or fixed amount that the hotel will receive for each booking made through the platform. This allows hotels to generate additional income by leveraging their existing infrastructure and resources.
According to a study conducted by HospitalityNet, hotels that list their rooms on Airbnb can increase their revenue by an average of 6-12%. This additional income can have a significant impact on hotel profitability, especially during off-peak seasons.
Benefits for Hotels
Partnering with Airbnb offers several benefits for hotels. Firstly, it allows them to reach a broader audience, including travelers who may not typically consider staying at a hotel. This increased exposure can lead to higher occupancy rates and greater brand visibility.
Secondly, listing hotel rooms on Airbnb enables hotels to tap into the platform’s user-friendly interface and booking system. This can streamline the reservation process, making it more convenient for both guests and hotel staff.
Lastly, partnering with Airbnb can help hotels differentiate themselves from competitors. By offering unique experiences and personalized services, hotels can stand out in a crowded marketplace and attract guests who value the authenticity and local touch that Airbnb listings often provide.
Renting Room Blocks Independently
When it comes to listing hotel rooms on Airbnb, one option that hosts have is to rent room blocks independently. This involves booking multiple rooms within the same hotel and listing them individually on Airbnb.
This method allows hosts to take advantage of discounted rates and offer a unique experience to their guests.
Booking Discounted Rates
One of the main advantages of renting room blocks independently is the ability to secure discounted rates from hotels. By booking multiple rooms at once, hosts can negotiate better prices and pass on the savings to their guests.
This can be particularly beneficial for larger groups or families traveling together, as they can enjoy the convenience of staying in the same hotel while also saving money.
Additionally, some hotels offer special perks or amenities for booking room blocks, such as complimentary breakfast, access to the hotel’s facilities, or even discounted tickets to local attractions. These added benefits can enhance the overall guest experience and make the listing more attractive to potential renters.
Managing Listings
Managing multiple listings for room blocks on Airbnb requires careful organization and attention to detail. Hosts need to ensure that each room is accurately described and photographed, highlighting its unique features and amenities.
It’s important to provide clear information about the hotel’s location, nearby attractions, and any additional services or amenities available to guests.
Hosts also need to be proactive in managing bookings and communicating with guests. This includes coordinating check-ins and check-outs, addressing any concerns or questions, and providing assistance throughout the guest’s stay.
By offering excellent customer service, hosts can build a positive reputation and attract more bookings in the future.
Drawbacks
While there are benefits to renting room blocks independently, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider. One challenge is the availability of room blocks, as hotels may have limited availability or restrictions on the number of rooms that can be booked at a discounted rate.
Another consideration is the level of competition on Airbnb. With so many listings available, hosts need to ensure that their room blocks stand out among the crowd. This may require additional marketing efforts, such as professional photography, unique selling points, or strategic pricing strategies.
Lastly, hosts should be aware of the potential for fluctuating demand and seasonal variations. This can impact the occupancy rates and pricing of room blocks, requiring hosts to be flexible and adaptable in their approach.
‘Subletting’ Bookings from Other Sites
One way that people list hotel rooms on Airbnb is by ‘subletting’ bookings from other sites. This means that they find hotel deals on websites like Expedia, Booking.com, or Hotels.com, and then list those rooms on Airbnb for a potentially higher price.
By doing this, they can take advantage of the popularity and user base of Airbnb to attract more guests and potentially make a profit.
Re-listing Hotel Deals
When individuals sublet hotel rooms on Airbnb, they essentially re-list the same hotel deals that are already available on other booking platforms. They might make a few changes to the listing, such as adding additional amenities or highlighting certain features, but the core booking details remain the same.
This practice allows them to tap into the Airbnb community and potentially reach a larger audience of travelers who prefer using Airbnb for their accommodation needs.
Violates Airbnb Policy
While some people may see subletting hotel rooms as a clever way to make extra money, it is important to note that this practice violates Airbnb’s policy. According to Airbnb’s Terms of Service, hosts are required to have the legal right to list the properties they offer for rent.
Since subletting hotel rooms typically involves listing rooms that the host does not actually own or have permission to rent out, it goes against Airbnb’s rules and can result in consequences for the host, including account suspension or removal.
Harder to Identify
Identifying listings that involve subletting hotel rooms can be challenging for Airbnb. The platform relies on its community and automated systems to flag and remove any listings that violate its policies.
However, since subletting involves re-listing existing hotel deals, it can be harder to differentiate these listings from genuine home or apartment rentals. Airbnb continuously works on improving its detection methods, but some subletting listings may slip through the cracks.
It is worth mentioning that subletting hotel rooms on Airbnb is not a widespread practice, and the majority of listings on the platform are genuine home or apartment rentals. Airbnb encourages its community to report any suspicious listings or violations of its policies to ensure a safe and authentic experience for all users.
Tips for Identifying Hotel Listings
When browsing through hotel listings on Airbnb, it’s important to be able to identify the ones that meet your specific needs and preferences. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Photos
Photos are the first thing you should look at when evaluating a hotel listing on Airbnb. High-quality and well-lit photos can give you a good sense of what to expect. Pay attention to the details – do the rooms look clean and well-maintained? Are the common areas inviting?
It’s also a good idea to look for photos of the specific room or rooms you’ll be staying in, rather than just relying on generic images.
Amenities
Take a close look at the amenities provided by the hotel. Are they in line with your expectations? Look for amenities such as free Wi-Fi, parking, breakfast, gym access, or swimming pools, depending on what you value most during your stay.
Keep in mind that some amenities may come at an additional cost, so be sure to check for any extra fees.
Cancellation Policy
Another important factor to consider is the hotel’s cancellation policy. Life can be unpredictable, and it’s always a good idea to know what options you have if your plans change. Some hotels may offer flexible cancellation policies with full refunds, while others may have stricter policies with penalties for cancellations.
Be sure to read the cancellation policy carefully before making a reservation.
It’s also worth noting that Airbnb provides a rating system for both hosts and listings. Take the time to read reviews from previous guests to get a sense of their experiences. This can give you valuable insights into the quality of the hotel and help you make a more informed decision.
Remember, when booking a hotel room on Airbnb, it’s essential to carefully evaluate the photos, amenities, and cancellation policies to ensure that the listing meets your expectations and suits your needs. By doing so, you’ll have a better chance of having a great experience during your stay.
Conclusion
While listing genuine hotel rooms on Airbnb is often frowned upon and violates policy in some cases, hosts have found creative ways to market hotel inventory on the platform. For guests, it pays to scrutinize listings carefully and look for red flags indicating a hotel masquerading as a typical Airbnb rental.
But reputable hotel listings can also provide perks like rewards points and cheaper rates.
