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Airbnb is continuing its evolution beyond home rentals with a series of new additions, as reported by CNBC.
Airbnb’s new additions will help to address some quality and safety concerns shared by its users.
The company’s new rollouts include boutique hotels, travel services, and exclusive experiences.
Starting this summer, travelers can reserve rooms at boutique and independent hotels in 20 key destinations, including New York, London, and Paris, marking a significant expansion.
Other destinations where customers can make reservations include Paris, Rome, Madrid, and Singapore.
The company has indicated that more locations are expected to join the program in the coming months.
To encourage travelers to try the new hotel offerings, Airbnb will provide guests who stay at participating properties with up to a 15% credit that can be applied to a future Airbnb home reservation.
The company is also introducing a price-match program that awards Airbnb credit if a lower rate is found elsewhere.
When selecting these added hotels and boutiques for its platform, Airbnb will continue to use location, design, character, and hospitality as major criteria.
>>Hotels must hold all necessary business licenses and be in full compliance with local short-term rental and zoning laws.
>>Details on room types, amenities (such as accessibility features), and all fees must be transparent.
The expansion reflects Airbnb’s broader goal of offering travelers more ways to plan and customize their trips.
“Travel shouldn’t just be convenient.
It should be meaningful.
The best trips help you explore, learn, and come home a little different from when you left,” Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky said in a statement.
Several new partnerships are also being added to the platform.
Through an agreement with luggage storage company Bounce, Airbnb guests will receive a 15% discount on storage services.
Meanwhile, a new collaboration with Instacart will allow groceries and household items to be delivered directly to an Airbnb property.
In certain destinations, hosts will even be able to receive those deliveries and stock accommodations before guests check in.
Airbnb is also expanding its Experiences program with soccer-focused events tied to the FIFA World Cup.
Planned activities include watch parties, training sessions, and opportunities connected to former professional players Abby Wambach and Javier Mascherano.
The latest announcements build on several recent additions to the platform.
Earlier this year, Airbnb launched private airport transfers in over 100 cities, allowing travelers to arrange chauffeured transportation through the service.
The company also previously introduced amenities such as in-home chefs, personal trainers, massage services, and hair styling as part of its growing lineup of travel-related offerings.
Jessica is a freelance journalist on a quest to see and experience everything our gorgeous planet offers and share her experiences with her fellow travelers. Jessica has written for several world-class Travel Magazines.
