Airbnb has evolved far beyond simple room rentals, and nowhere is that more obvious than with Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe. If you’ve ever scrolled through listings and wondered what these labels mean—and how they compare to standard listings—understanding the differences can help you choose the right stay for your budget, expectations, and travel style.

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Overview: Standard Airbnb vs. Airbnb Plus vs. Airbnb Luxe

Airbnb now effectively offers three “tiers” of stays:

• Standard Airbnb listings – The core marketplace. Any eligible host can list a space, quality varies widely, and guest reviews are your main quality signal.
• Airbnb Plus – A curated collection of homes that have passed an in‑person quality inspection and meet stricter design, comfort, and amenity standards.
• Airbnb Luxe – A premium category of luxury properties with exceptional design, high-end amenities, and access to a dedicated trip designer/concierge.

Understanding what sets these tiers apart can help you quickly filter for the level of quality and service you want.

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What is Airbnb Plus?

Airbnb Plus is a selection of homes that have been verified in person for quality and comfort. It’s designed for guests who want more reliability and style than typical listings, without paying ultra-luxury prices.

Key features of Airbnb Plus

While exact criteria can vary by city, Airbnb Plus homes generally share these characteristics:

• In-person inspection
  A representative has physically visited the property to ensure it meets Airbnb’s Plus standards for cleanliness, comfort, design, and functionality.

• Consistent quality standards
  Plus homes are expected to have:

  • Comfortable, quality mattresses and bedding
  • Reliable hot water and good water pressure
  • Fast and dependable Wi‑Fi
  • Fully functional kitchen essentials (basic cookware, dishes, utensils)
  • Working heating and/or air conditioning appropriate for the local climate
  • Blackout/adequate curtains or blinds in bedrooms
  • Sufficient storage space for guests’ belongings

• Design and style focus
  Airbnb Plus prioritizes:

  • Cohesive interior design (not just random furniture)
  • Well-decorated, photogenic spaces
  • Thoughtful details like artwork, plants, and coordinated decor

• Enhanced amenities
  You’ll often find:

  • Quality linens and towels
  • Good lighting and mirror placement
  • Basic toiletries provided
  • Clear instructions for appliances and house rules

• Higher review standards
  Plus listings typically:

  • Have a history of strong reviews
  • Are hosted by experienced, responsive hosts
  • Maintain high ratings for cleanliness and accuracy

Who Airbnb Plus is best for

Airbnb Plus is typically a good fit if you:

• Want a stay that looks and feels more like a well-designed boutique hotel or stylish home
• Prefer predictable comfort and functionality over experimental or budget stays
• Don’t need ultra-luxury service, but do want assurance the basics are excellent
• Are traveling for special occasions where aesthetics matter (anniversaries, photoshoots, work trips)

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What is Airbnb Luxe?

Airbnb Luxe is the platform’s top-tier collection of high-end, luxury properties. It focuses on exceptional design, exclusive locations, and personalized service.

Core characteristics of Airbnb Luxe

Airbnb Luxe includes stays such as villas, private estates, designer homes, chalets, and penthouses. They’re positioned to rival or surpass five-star hotel experiences.

Key elements of Airbnb Luxe include:

• Exceptional property standards

  • Architecturally impressive or design-led homes
  • Premium furnishings, materials, and finishes
  • Spacious layouts—often with multiple bedrooms and expansive living areas
  • Private and often prestigious locations (beachfronts, vineyards, mountain retreats, high-end city districts)

• High-end amenities
  Many Luxe properties feature:

  • Private pools, hot tubs, saunas, or spas
  • Home theaters, game rooms, or professional-grade kitchens
  • Expansive outdoor entertaining spaces
  • Stunning views (ocean, city skyline, mountains, etc.)

• Dedicated trip designer (concierge-style service)
  This is one of the biggest differentiators. When you book Airbnb Luxe, you typically get a trip designer who can:

  • Help plan your itinerary
  • Arrange transport (airport transfers, car services, drivers)
  • Coordinate chefs, massages, childcare, or housekeeping
  • Organize experiences like yacht charters, winery tours, guided hikes, or private excursions

• Strict vetting and curation
  Airbnb Luxe properties go through rigorous evaluation, including:

  • Detailed inspections for design, quality, and comfort
  • Assessment of facilities and services
  • Ongoing performance expectations around guest satisfaction

Who Airbnb Luxe is best for

Airbnb Luxe usually suits:

• Travelers seeking a luxury villa or estate experience rather than a hotel
• Group trips (families, retreats, weddings, corporate getaways) where a single, high-end property makes sense
• Special occasions where personalized service is important
• Guests comfortable with premium pricing in exchange for privacy, space, and high-touch support

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What are standard Airbnb listings?

Standard listings are the original core of Airbnb’s marketplace: anything from a basic room to a castle, depending on what hosts offer.

Key traits of standard listings

• Open marketplace
  Any eligible host can list a room, apartment, house, or unique space (tiny homes, cabins, boats, yurts, etc.), subject to Airbnb’s basic standards and local regulations.

• Wide range of quality and style
  Quality can range from:

  • Simple, budget-friendly rooms
  • Average family homes
  • Beautifully designed spaces (sometimes similar to Plus level)
  • Unique or quirky stays that don’t fit typical categories

• No in-person quality verification by Airbnb
  Airbnb does not routinely inspect standard listings. You rely largely on:

  • Photos and descriptions
  • Reviews and ratings from previous guests
  • Host profile and response rate

• Variable amenities and comfort
  Some standard listings can rival or exceed Plus quality, while others are very basic. You’ll need to check:

  • Wi‑Fi speed/availability
  • Air conditioning or heating
  • Kitchen facilities
  • Bedding quality and room configuration
  • Parking, accessibility, and other practical details

• Flexible price points
  Standard listings cover the full price spectrum: from very cheap to very expensive, depending on location, size, and features.

Who standard listings are best for

Standard listings work well if you:

• Are price-sensitive or traveling on a budget
• Enjoy “local” or quirky experiences that might not be perfectly polished
• Don’t mind doing more research and reading reviews carefully
• Want maximum choice in type of property and location

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Key differences between Airbnb Plus and standard listings

While both are on the same platform, there are important distinctions between Airbnb Plus and regular listings.

1. Verification and consistency

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Properties are inspected in person.
  • Must meet predefined standards for design, comfort, and amenities.
  • More consistent experience from listing to listing.

• Standard listings:

  • Not routinely inspected by Airbnb.
  • Quality primarily validated by guest reviews and photos.
  • Experience can vary widely.

2. Design and aesthetics

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Emphasis on stylish, cohesive interiors.
  • Listings often look “Instagram-ready.”
  • Great for travelers who prioritize decor and ambiance.

• Standard listings:

  • Style ranges from very basic to spectacular.
  • You may find beautiful spaces—but they’re not curated into a separate category.

3. Amenities and comfort expectations

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Must meet certain comfort and amenity benchmarks (reliable Wi‑Fi, comfortable beds, functional kitchen, etc.).
  • Fewer unpleasant surprises like missing essentials.

• Standard listings:

  • Amenity quality varies.
  • You need to manually check details: Wi‑Fi, A/C, kitchen tools, laundry, etc.

4. Pricing

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Often mid‑to‑upper range pricing in their local markets.
  • You’re paying a bit more for assurance of quality and design.

• Standard listings:

  • Full spectrum—from budget-friendly to premium.
  • Some standard listings may be cheaper but riskier; others can match or beat Plus quality at similar prices if you research thoroughly.

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Key differences between Airbnb Luxe and standard listings

Airbnb Luxe is a different league compared to typical Airbnb stays.

1. Property type and scale

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • Large, high-end homes, villas, estates, and signature properties.
  • Often multiple bedrooms, expansive grounds, and premium locations.

• Standard listings:

  • Everything from shared rooms to entire homes.
  • Many are modest or mid-range properties.

2. Service level

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • Comes with a trip designer or concierge-style support.
  • Help with planning, logistics, and services (chefs, drivers, spa, etc.).
  • Experience is closer to a luxury resort or private villa service.

• Standard listings:

  • No built-in concierge; host support varies.
  • Some high-end hosts may provide extra services, but it’s not guaranteed or standardized.

3. Quality and design standards

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • Stringent requirements for design, materials, and maintenance.
  • Expected to offer consistently high-end comfort and amenities.

• Standard listings:

  • Quality depends entirely on the individual host and property.
  • Luxury-level standard listings exist but aren’t part of a specialized program with strict controls.

4. Price bracket

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • Premium pricing, often comparable to or above luxury hotels.
  • Designed for guests with a larger budget and higher expectations.

• Standard listings:

  • May range from very affordable to expensive, but many options remain accessible to average travelers.

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Key differences between Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe

Both Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe are curated, but they serve different segments.

1. Target market

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Travelers who want reliable comfort and good design without ultra-luxury services.
  • Good for couples, small families, business travelers, and style-conscious guests.

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • Luxury travelers, large families, groups, and high-budget trips.
  • Suitable for once-in-a-lifetime vacations, retreats, destination celebrations.

2. Service and support

• Airbnb Plus:

  • No dedicated concierge; interaction mainly with the host.
  • Service level depends on the host’s responsiveness.

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • Includes access to a trip designer who can tailor your stay.
  • More hands-on assistance with planning, bookings, and on-the-ground services.

3. Property expectations

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Comfortable, stylish, well-equipped, but not necessarily extravagant.
  • Typically comparable to a high-quality boutique hotel or well-appointed home.

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • High-end, often striking properties with standout features (infinity pools, expansive grounds, breathtaking views).
  • More emphasis on exclusivity and wow factor.

4. Price and availability

• Airbnb Plus:

  • Generally more affordable than Luxe and available in more mainstream urban areas.
  • Still a step up from many standard listings.

• Airbnb Luxe:

  • High price points and more limited to luxury or vacation-destination markets.
  • Often centered in iconic or exclusive locations.

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How to find Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe listings

When searching on Airbnb, you can usually surface these categories by using filters or categories.

Finding Airbnb Plus

• Use search filters:
  • Enter your destination and dates
  • Look for “Airbnb Plus” as a filter or category (availability can vary by region and over time)
• Alternatively, some cities have a dedicated “Plus” section showcasing these homes.

Finding Airbnb Luxe

• Browse categories:
  • On the homepage or search results, look for “Luxe” as a category.
• Filter by:
  • Number of guests
  • Property type (villas, chalets, etc.)
  • Desired amenities (pool, ocean view, etc.)

If you don’t see Airbnb Plus or Luxe options in a particular destination, it may mean those programs are limited or not available in that area.

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Pros and cons of each type of listing

Standard listings

Pros

• Largest variety of locations, types, and price points
• Many budget-friendly and unique options
• Potential to find hidden gems with excellent value

Cons

• Quality and comfort can be unpredictable
• More research needed (reviews, photos, host communication)
• No special guarantees beyond Airbnb’s general policies

Airbnb Plus

Pros

• In-person verified for comfort and design
• More consistent quality and amenities
• Easier to choose confidently based on photos and description
• Often ideal balance of style and practicality

Cons

• Usually more expensive than basic standard options
• Not available everywhere
• Still not a full-service or concierge-type experience

Airbnb Luxe

Pros

• Exceptional properties with luxury finishes and amenities
• Concierge-style support via trip designers
• Ideal for high-end trips, groups, and special occasions
• High level of privacy and exclusivity

Cons

• Premium pricing, often out of reach for many travelers
• Limited availability by destination
• May be more space than smaller groups really need

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How to decide: standard listing vs. Plus vs. Luxe

Use these questions to choose the right tier for your trip:

1. What is my budget?

   • Tight budget: Start with standard listings, sort by price, and refine from there.
   • Mid-range budget: Consider Airbnb Plus to ensure comfort and style.
   • Large budget: Explore Airbnb Luxe for high-end stays and extra services.

2. How important is reliability of comfort and amenities?

   • If you want predictability and high baseline quality, Airbnb Plus is a strong middle ground.
   • If you’re willing to research and accept more variation, standard listings might suffice.

3. Do I need luxury-level service and space?

   • For multi-generational family trips, retreats, or destination weddings, Airbnb Luxe can provide the space and support you need.
   • For solo travelers or couples, Luxe may be more than necessary unless it’s a special splurge.

4. How much time do I want to spend researching?

   • Little time: Airbnb Plus or Luxe reduces the risk and decision fatigue.
   • More time: You can often find excellent value within standard listings with careful filtering and review reading.

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Practical tips for choosing the right Airbnb listing

Regardless of whether you choose standard, Plus, or Luxe, these steps help ensure a good stay:

• Read recent reviews carefully
  Focus on comments about cleanliness, noise, comfort of beds, Wi‑Fi reliability, and host responsiveness.

• Check all photos
  Look for:

  • Clear images of every room
  • Bathrooms and kitchens (often reveal true cleanliness/quality)
  • Views, outdoor spaces, and building entrances

• Confirm key amenities
  Especially:

  • Heating/cooling (very important in extreme climates)
  • Parking availability and cost
  • Elevator access (for higher floors)
  • Workspace and Wi‑Fi speed (if working remotely)

• Communicate with the host
  Ask questions about anything unclear. Prompt and clear responses are a good sign of a reliable host.

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Summary: How Airbnb Plus and Airbnb Luxe differ from standard listings

• Standard Airbnb listings offer maximum variety and flexibility, but quality varies widely. You must rely on reviews and your own research.
• Airbnb Plus is a curated, in-person-verified tier of comfortable, stylish homes with consistent amenities and design, typically at mid to upper-mid price points.
• Airbnb Luxe is the top luxury tier, with exceptional properties, high-end amenities, and concierge-style trip designers for a fully tailored experience.

If your priority is budget and variety, standard listings are usually best. If you want reliability and style without ultra-luxury prices, Airbnb Plus can be ideal. If you’re planning a high-end, special trip and want both a spectacular home and personalized support, Airbnb Luxe is designed for exactly that.