You Can Now Book Chefs, Makeup Artists, and Catering Through Airbnb
It means that those planning a bachelorette weekend in an Airbnb can hire a hairdresser, nail technician, and makeup artist to get the group ready for a big evening out—all on the Airbnb platform. In the morning, the whole gang can take a private pilates session on the terrace, before a local chef pops by to prepare a celebratory dinner in the kitchen. No spa? No problem. A masseuse and facialist will come to you instead.
Each host has been vetted through an evaluation of expertise and reputation, has an average of 10 years' experience, completed an identity verification process, and submitted relevant licenses and certifications. Many categories come lauded with a gamut of options, including chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, award-winning photographers, and celebrity fitness trainers.
So, on your next trip to Paris, you can book a street style photographer who's worked with Adidas and Vogue for a quick shoot, banishing average touristy snaps from your Instagram for good. In Austin, Egyptian chef Kareem el Ghayesh, featured on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown, will head over and make brunch for you—both a novelty and the chance to avoid cooking.
Services will vary by location and are bookable via the brand's app and website. You don't need to stay in an Airbnb to book, so if there's something you'd like to try in your city, they'll come to your home instead. In the US, there are currently just shy of 2,000 services available, with 150 in New York City.
Newly-revamped Experiences
Airbnb has also put some work into refreshing its Experiences section, which has existed on the site since 2016. The brand spoke to a range of locals in over 100 cities in 30 countries, using the insights to find what makes up each city's identity—and to find the most interesting people visitors might otherwise never meet. The result is a more sophisticated set of offerings than before, designed to connect travelers with in-the-know locals in 650 cities across the world.
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