If You’re Airbnbing This Summer, Here Are Three Major Changes That You Need To Look Out For

Airbnb is poised to redefine how we travel this summer, thanks to a series of significant updates unveiled at a recent media event in Los Angeles. Attended by numerous Hollywood celebrities, including the Beckhams, Chance the Rapper, and Christina Aguilera, the event showcased innovations designed to enhance the travel experience. Elle India was present at the reveal, and we have the breakdown for you.

Room Service at Your Airbnb? Yes, Really!

Imagine a chef preparing a French apéritif in your Parisian studio or a personal trainer customizing a workout at your Californian villa. Airbnb has launched its new Airbnb Services tab in 260 cities globally, bringing hyperlocal chefs and other professionals directly to your vacation doorstep.

As reported in ELLE Gourmet, this new feature allows you to book chefs who can prepare and deliver everything from breakfast boxes to multi-course degustation menus. In Paris, Chef Pietro, a Mandarin Oriental alumnus, offers a refined three-course meal. In London, Chef Karl, formerly with The Connaught, serves a champagne afternoon tea or a traditional British dinner.

These services extend beyond culinary offerings to include masseuses, personal fitness trainers, make-up artists, hair stylists, and even local photographers ready to create a vacation mood board in picturesque cities.

Dave Stephenson, Airbnb’s Chief Business Officer, explains: "People come to Airbnb for our great locations and value. But then they go to a hotel, and there are things we don't have, like a spa, a gym, or a restaurant. But now you can bring these items and integrate them into your Airbnb stay… The travel experience is so much better."

Book-A-Celeb Experiences

Building on the popularity of Airbnb Experiences, this summer sees the introduction of Airbnb Originals, a series of curated experiences created exclusively by community insiders. These range from an afternoon with Axelle Ponsonnet, a Notre Dame de Paris restoration specialist, to a ramen-making atelier with Japanese Michelin-rated chef Saburo Ishigoka.

The most talked-about aspect is the celebrity-led Originals. US rapper Megan Thee Stallion is curating a Los Angeles-based experience transforming participants into anime characters. Sabrina Carpenter will host a day-long glamour experience in the same city. Chance The Rapper recently hosted an immersive sound and light presentation. While the celebrity experiences are available for a limited time on a first-come, first-served basis, other Originals will be part of the regular offerings.

An Enhanced App Experience

The Airbnb app has received a significant design overhaul, enhancing the user experience for booking stays, services, and experiences. The update includes an explore tab, a long-awaited Trips tab, and a more interactive profile page. The new app also facilitates social sharing, connections with fellow travelers, and community-based features.

ELLE Verdict

Airbnb's app updates, expanded experiences, and new services mark a significant shift in the travel industry. These changes aim to build a strong sense of community while leveraging technology to provide travelers with more unique and personalized options.

Currently, Originals and Services are not yet available in the Indian market. While an India launch is anticipated, it remains to be seen how effectively Airbnb can adapt to the Indian market's specific needs by partnering with suitable chefs and experience providers.