Airbnb Rooms: Homestay giant releases new updates

Airbnb is making an extensive set of improvements to its service, starting with the introduction of Airbnb Rooms as well as 50 new features and upgrades.

Airbnb Rooms is a new take on the original idea behind the room share platform. In response to user feedback highlighting the guests want to know more about who they’re staying with the new system features over 1 million listings with redefined filters and new privacy features. .

“With Airbnb Rooms, we’re getting back to the idea that started it all – back to our founding ethos of sharing,” CEO & co-founder, Airbnb, Brian Chesky, said.

“Airbnb Rooms are often more affordable than hotels, and they’re the most authentic way to experience a city. This is the soul of Airbnb.”

New features include:

Host Passport – We want every guest to feel comfortable staying with a Host. Exclusive to Airbnb Rooms, the Host Passport helps you get to know your Host before booking your stay. Simply tap the Host Passport to view a larger photo and details Hosts have shared about themselves, including where they went to school, what they do for work, a fun fact about themselves and much more.

Airbnb Rooms category – Airbnb Rooms are easy to discover, with a new category featuring a curated set of 1 million private bedrooms. Listings include access to shared spaces, like the kitchen, living room, or backyard.

Redesigned filters – We’ve redesigned the “type of place” filter to make it easy to switch between Airbnb Rooms, entire homes, or all types of places. It’s simple to view the average price for each type of place with an enhanced price filter that updates based on your choice.
New privacy features – We know that when you’re sharing a home, privacy is important. All Airbnb Rooms will clearly indicate if the bedroom door has a lock. The listing page also shows whether the bathrooms are shared or private, and whether people other than the Host will be in the home during your stay.

Airbnb Rooms – Sydney Outdoor Lounge. (Supplied)

“Millions of people have given us feedback on how to improve Airbnb. We’ve listened,” Chesky, said.

“Today, we’re introducing the most extensive set of updates ever. Our design-driven approach means we’re always making Airbnb better, and our over 50 new features and upgrades are just the beginning. We will never stop improving Airbnb.”

Here are just a few of the 50+ new features and upgrades we’re launching for guests starting today:

New client feedback measures include:

Transparent checkout instructions – Guests can now view checkout instructions on the listing page before booking, and they’ll receive a reminder before they leave the home. During the review process, guests can tell us about any excessive requests. And listings with repeated low ratings from unreasonable chores will be removed from Airbnb.

Improved maps – Used by more than 80 percent of guests, we’ve updated maps with faster performance, persistent pins when zooming and panning, and more results when searching.

Redesigned wishlists – Wishlists now include a redesigned interface, one-tap saving, and an improved calendar that shows availability of wishlisted homes. Guests can also add notes to any wishlisted listing – making it easier to remember why they loved it.

Simpler and more affordable monthly stays – For stays over three months, we’re significantly reducing the guest service fee after the third month. Guests in the US can also save for stays over one month when paying with their linked bank account. And when searching, the new Months tab features an all-new interface that makes it easy to dial in a range from 1-12 months.

Priority customer service on a trip – We created a dedicated 24/7 support team for priority access when you’re on a trip, with a goal of answering 90 percent of calls in English in two minutes or less.

Pay over time – Through a new partnership with Klarna, guests in the US and Canada can apply to pay for stays in four interest-free instalments over six weeks. For bookings over $500, guests can apply to pay monthly (US only). More countries will be added throughout the year.
Instant rebooking credit – If a Host cancels within 30 days of arrival, most guests will receive an instant credit that can be used to rebook another stay immediately.

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airbnb Airbnb Rooms Brian Chesky Klarna