Are you tired of staying in the same old Airbnb-style lodgings and want something new for your end-of-summer travels? Do you have a couple of hundred thousand to blow on a vacation getaway? Well then say hello to Airbnb Luxe.
Travel
Taking luxury travel to a whole new level, Airbnb Luxe caters to those upper echelon members of society who demand such amenities as “trip designers,” concierge services, and instant 24/7 VIP support. For example, an Airbnb Luxe traveler could choose a vacation package featuring their own private island in French Polynesia. Or, perhaps a castle in France or a 9 bedroom/12 bathroom mansion in Bel Air might better suit their needs. With an array of award-winning homes to now choose from, the sky is the absolute limit.
Hotels have offered luxury options for decades, so, why not Airbnb? Considering that the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas offers their best suite for a whopping $100,000 per night, the old couch-surfing Airbnb believes the time is now right for them to get in on the elite action.
In 2017, Airbnb bought the upscale vacation rental site Luxury Retreats for $300 million and has since integrated those homes into its site. Then, in 2018, Airbnb added the high-end rental tiers Airbnb Plus and Beyond by Airbnb to their roster. Combine that with the multiple partnerships Airbnb has established with real estate magnates to rent out luxury suites in New York City and San Francisco apartment buildings and you have the birth of the new luxury service from Airbnb.
“Today’s luxury traveler is craving more than just high-end accommodations,” said Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky. “They seek transformation and experiences that leave them feeling more connected to each other and to their destination.”
Late last month, Airbnb Luxe launched with over 2,000 “handpicked” homes and estates that were each subjected to a strict evaluation process. Now, travelers will get “dedicated trip designers to arrange bespoke experiences and services to make every stay truly magical,” Airbnb said. These “highly trained” designers will tailor each trip to meet the travelers’ needs, such as coordinating private chefs, in-house massage therapists and personal trainers in private gyms.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, Airbnb Luxe ain’t cheap.
Although some Luxe rentals may rent for a measly $1,000 per night, others might go for as much as $150,000 nightly — and that doesn’t include the massage therapists, butlers, chefs, housekeeping staff, and other luxury add-ons.
In the words of Airbnb, Luxe tier is “part of our continued effort to ensure Airbnb is for everyone.”
So, pull out your American Express Black Card and check out the new Airbnb Luxe — for the “discriminating” traveler.
