Airbnb hosts blindsided by luxury new feature offering guests access to private chefs, massages and glam

Daily Mail​

3 days ago

AirBnb is offering customers access to private chefs, spa treatments and a slew of other experiences at their rental homes - but hosts are outraged by the new feature.
The travel-booking company announced in May that guests can purchase add-ons to enhance their getaway.
Under the AirBnb app's 'Services' tab, customers can hire professionals including photographers, hairstylists, personal trainers, massage therapists and chefs that come directly to the property they booked.
Those offering up their talents have been vetted and approved by Airbnb. They must submit their credentials before they are allowed on the platform.
But many people who have listed their houses, condos and apartments on the site feel they are getting the short end of the stick because they don't get a cut of Airbnb's profit from it and are not notified when someone books a service at their property.
'Most hosts don't need more headaches, and that's what this feels like,' Rhonda Stephens, who lists her historic farmhouse near Nashville on the app, told the WSJ.
Stephens has noted on her listing that services are banned. And while all hosts have the choice to opt out of the add-ons, some believe this could drive visitors away.
Orlando-based massage therapist Marie Moreau was contacted by AirBnb to see if she wanted her business promoted on the platform.
She had since booked several sessions through the short-term accommodation site, which she says went fantastically.
Despite her success so far, Moreau said she understands why some hosts are turned off by allowing people to provide services in their homes.
'But the more restrictions you put on something, the more it doesn't really look appealing to the public,' she told the WSJ.
Amy Maynor, who has three rentals in Jacksonville, Florida, said despite verification from AirBnb, she still opted out.
She has earned super-host status, meaning she has been highly ranked on the app, and worries her reputation could be tarnished by a reckless third party.
Maynor, who has privately arranged excursions and other offerings for her guests, said their is no way for her to independently check if providers are screened, licensed or insured.
Her home owner's insurance explicitly applies to guests, but not those hired through AirBnb.
She is also deterred from the idea because some of the service choices listed, such as massages, may simply make a mess.
'I don't want to get the oils all over the couch or the beds, or what have you,' she told the outlet.
AirBnb said professionals must have liability insurance to operate under them. The company's own Aircover policy also included this kind of insurance, the WSJ reported.
Regardless of Airbnb's reassurance about providers, infuriated hosts have taken to social media to express their discontent.
In a Reddit forum devoted to hosts, one person wrote: 'I actually don't want to provide any services or have anything to do with any of this.
'I don't like the idea of anyone coming to my place to offer any services and I am pretty happy not to deal much with the guests and they seem like it that way too.'
Another said that Airbnb has failed to consider that some properties may have limitations.
'Airbnb just doesn't seem to grasp that everyone's property is different and has different needs,' they wrote.
'Some have strict parking restrictions. Some have strict septic conditions. Some have neighbors that are nice enough but just don't want to be pushed too far.'
'Another issue that comes to mind is that if they provide a poor service,' one person chimed in.
'The guest might take it out on Airbnb hosts and rate our listing poorly because they will bundle the whole thing into one negative experience.'
CEO Brian Chesky introduced 'Services' and re-introduced 'Experiences' in May as a part of the company's mission to handle all things travel-related.
He previously announced his intention to turn his business into the 'Airbnb of anything.'