Yahoo Finance Airbnb is expanding further into luxury homes. Here’s a look inside some of the new ‘first class properties’
Remember when Airbnb was just about renting someone else’s spare room in a strange city?
How things have changed.
Airbnb has ramped up its range of premium properties through a new partnership with luxury accommodation platform Luxico.
It’s the latest boost to Airbnb’s higher-end offerings – in February this year, Airbnb launched Airbnb Plus, its premium tier of “only the highest quality homes” listed by hosts with a rating of 4.8 stars or more. Airbnb Plus homes have been screened in-person and come equipped with more luxurious amenities, from high-quality linens and bath products to a fully stocked kitchen and beautiful interior design – and a higher price tag.
Nearly 200 luxury homes screened by Luxico are joining those premium tier properties, with the partnership meaning that travellers will be able to book Luxico listings through the Airbnb platform and make use of Luxico’s services such as its 24 hour personal concierge service and property management service.
The luxury property rental platform displays a hand-picked selection of 180 five-star-standard properties in premium holiday locations culled from a pool of 900 homes (only one in eight make the cut).
Here’s a look inside some of their premium properties:
‘Balmoral Beach View’, Mosman NSW: from $5,166
‘European Manor’, Toorak, VIC: from $1,161
Photo source: Luxico
‘Windsor Retreat’, Windsor VIC: from $744
Photo source: Luxico
‘Arthouse’, Abbortsford, VIC: from $337
Photo source: Luxico
‘Flinders Loft’, Flinders Lane VIC: from $260
Photo source: Luxico
Airbnb is proving to be less of a threat to housing and property markets than it is to the hotel and accommodation industry.
Airbnb country manager for Australia and New Zealand Sam McDonagh said the partnership with Luxico was part of a “roadmap” to bring Airbnb’s benefits to “every type of traveller”.
“As part of this, we are dedicated to working with small hospitality businesses that excel at offering the best host and guest experiences and living our mission of belonging,” he said.
“With more and more Airbnb guests seeking homes that boast personality and seamless design, the addition of Luxico’s concierge service will help attract and meet the needs of luxury travellers on our platform.”
“With the launch of Airbnb Plus, Luxico are the perfect partner to support this premium offering in Australia,” McDonagh said.
Airbnb’s partnership with Luxico comes a week after the tourism industry disruptor announced the acquisition of French concierge services and property management company Luckey Homes.
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