Airbnb Services are positioning the platform as a serious challenger to traditional 5-star hotels.
Airbnb has moved far beyond home rentals, unveiling a sweeping expansion into professional-grade services and curated local experiences—all available directly through a reimagined Airbnb app.
A New Era for Airbnb Travelers
For years, travelers debated whether to choose the comfort of hotels or the flexibility of short-term rentals. Airbnb disrupted the lodging industry by offering unique homes around the world. But many travelers still turned to hotels for one key reason: services. In response, Airbnb has introduced Airbnb Services, a suite of offerings designed to match (and sometimes exceed) the convenience, luxury, and personalization of hotel amenities.
Launching in 260 cities worldwide, Airbnb Services offers everything from private chefs and massage therapists to licensed estheticians and personal trainers. And this is only the beginning—Airbnb promises to expand categories and cities regularly through its redesigned app.
What Airbnb Services Include
Airbnb has divided its new offerings into 10 initial categories, all curated for quality and verified for expertise and certification where required. Here’s a look at the launch services:
| Service Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Chefs | Custom in-home meals from Michelin-level professionals |
| Massage | Certified therapists offering Swedish, deep tissue, and reflexology sessions |
| Spa Treatments | Facials, scrubs, and skincare by licensed estheticians |
| Personal Training | Workouts including yoga, HIIT, and strength training with elite trainers |
| Hair & Makeup | Professional stylists for events, photoshoots, or daily glam |
| Nails | Manicures and pedicures by experienced specialists |
| Photography | Book sessions with local photographers for vacation memories |
| Prepared Meals | High-quality, ready-to-eat meals delivered to your Airbnb |
| Catering | Full-service events with decor, equipment, setup, and cleanup |
Airbnb Services are priced for a range of budgets. Many options start below $50, while luxury offerings cater to those seeking exclusive experiences. Guests can book these services even if they’re not staying in an Airbnb, bringing luxury amenities directly to locals as well.
Airbnb Experiences: The Local Upgrade
Alongside its services rollout, Airbnb has revamped its Airbnb Experiences program. These curated local adventures—led by chefs, artisans, athletes, and artists—are now available in 650 cities and include everything from ramen-making classes in Tokyo to horseback rides through Incan ruins in Peru.
Airbnb is also launching “Airbnb Originals,” featuring once-in-a-lifetime sessions hosted by global celebrities and cultural figures. Think: baking with a French chef in Paris, stepping into a Lucha libre ring in Mexico City, or getting style tips from a Hollywood fashion consultant. These experiences are designed to go far beyond ordinary tours, offering immersive, story-driven activities that connect travelers to local life.
The New Airbnb App: A One-Stop Travel Hub
To integrate homes, services, and experiences, Airbnb has rebuilt its app from the ground up. The new interface delivers a tailored itinerary, smart recommendations, and seamless booking tools for every part of the trip. Whether it’s a last-minute massage or a full culinary itinerary, travelers can now plan and manage their entire vacation through one platform.
- Explore tab: Discover trending destinations, services, and experiences near you.
- Trips tab: Organize homes, bookings, and day-by-day plans in a single timeline.
- Messages: Communicate with hosts, customize your services, and share media.
- Profile: Track travel history, experiences, and verified guest details.
Hosts also benefit from upgraded management tools, including simplified listings for services and experiences, real-time calendars, and integrations with tools like Google Calendar.
So, Can Airbnb Services Compete With 5-Star Hotels?
The answer increasingly looks like yes. With offerings like spa-grade treatments, Michelin-level dining, and personalized fitness, Airbnb now delivers services that rival—and in some cases surpass—what’s found in traditional hotels. And because many of these services are available à la carte, they appeal to a broader audience, from budget-conscious travelers to those seeking high-end experiences.
Brian Chesky, Airbnb co-founder and CEO, described the shift as a return to hospitality’s roots: “Now we’re giving you the best of both worlds—amazing homes with services that make them even more special.”
And perhaps that’s the crux of Airbnb’s 2025 transformation: redefining what modern travel looks like—not just where you stay, but how you live, explore, and connect while you’re there.
With the ability to book massages in Milan, dining experiences in Seoul, or photography sessions in Cape Town—all through a single app—Airbnb has moved closer to being a full-service travel ecosystem. Whether it can ultimately replace the 5-star hotel experience may depend on personal preference. But one thing is clear: the competition just got a lot more interesting.
