Airbnb Is a Very Unique Form of OTA Platform

Hotel rooms once used to be the only option for travelers to find a lodging place. However, with the introduction of OTA platforms, things are completely different now.  Airbnb is one such platform and the most famous one for short-term rentals. It has completely changed how people book accommodations, offering something different from traditional hotels. But what makes Airbnb so unique? Airbnb has a lot of unique aspects that make it stand out from its competitors. It is affordable in most cases, has more listings, and much more.  Read on to learn the unique aspects of the platform in detail!

A Lot Of Listings

Airbnb has all kinds of places to stay, with more than 8 million active listings. Do you need a small room, an entire property, a treehouse, a castle, or a yurt? Airbnb has everything for you. You can also find pet-friendly options, wheelchair-accessible rooms, or places with special amenities (pool, hot tubs). Everyone can find something of their choice as per their needs and budget. 

Many Personalized Experiences

Staying at an Airbnb can feel more like home. On the platform, hosts welcome guests with welcome notes and snacks, sharing personal stories, guidebooks, and much more. Hosts often recommend local restaurants, markets, and hidden attractions you wouldn’t usually find in guidebooks. They even take care of cleaning, restocking utilities, and much more. Many travelers appreciate this connection, as it gives the trip a personal touch.

Accept Short and Long Stays 

Whether you want to find a place to stay for a few days, week, or months, you can do so On top of that, if your stay is more than a week, you can easily find hosts and listings with discounts for long stays. In fact, staying long is more affordable than short-term stays, Check-ins and check-out timings are also flexible for guests with odd schedules. Hosts also offer specific things like cribs for families, Wi-Fi for work, or even extra bedding if needed. You can get pretty much every facility. 

Spread All Around World

Airbnb is present all around the globe—in more than 220 countries and regions. Via the platform, you can visit anywhere in the world and still book a stay—around the big cities, small villages, and even remote locations. Moreover, you can find homes that reflect local culture to better experience the locality. For example, you can find a traditional Japanese-style house in Kyoto or a cozy farmhouse in Tuscany. This makes it easier to connect with the local vibe of the place you're visiting.

Airbnb Experiences

Have you ever heard of Airbnb Experiences? Airbnb Experiences are unique, host-led activities that are designed in a way that they appeal to the guest. Local people run these activities, so they feel authentic. These activities go beyond traditional tours and classes and give them a chance to connect with the locals better. You can join a cooking class, go hiking, or learn a craft. These experiences give you a chance to meet locals and learn something new, making your trip even more memorable.

Affordable Option

Airbnb charges a 3% fee from the host but 14% to 16% from guests. While Airbnb isn’t the most affordable option for guests, it is for hosts for sure. However, guests also have good news. The platform may be a bit higher, but the listings available are way more affordable than the other OTAs. They can even book a single room or shared spaces if affordability is important to them.  Some Airbnbs have free extras like parking, laundry machines, or bicycles for guests to use. All these things help you save money during your trip.

User-Friendly Platform

The Airbnb website and app are also easy to use and navigate.  The most highlighted feature of it is its search functionality. You can search for homes by price, location, or features, like whether it has a pool or allows pets. When the results pop up, each listing has clear photos and reviews from other travelers. For hosts, the most important feature is dynamic pricing. Even if you don’t have a dedicated Airbnb revenue management person, you can turn this feature on to do the job. The backend algorithm automatically sets a competitive price based on demand, competition, seasonality, and other aspects.

Conclusion

Airbnb is different from other short-term rental options because it offers variety, affordability, and a personal touch. With over 8 million listings worldwide, travelers can find all kinds of places, from small rooms to castles. Hosts often make stays special with welcome notes, local tips, and flexible check-in times.  The platform also offers long-stay discounts and unique experiences led by locals. It’s easy to use, with clear photos and reviews. Airbnb makes travel more comfortable, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone.