A Complete Guide to Airbnb Concierge Services for Hosts
Want to wow your guests and earn more from your Airbnb? Learn how concierge services like private chefs, in-home massages, and local experiences can turn a good stay into an unforgettable one.
Key Takeaways
- The right concierge service will increase your Airbnb rental income through upselling opportunities.
- To become a true Airbnb concierge service provider, think beyond property management.
- Hosts use digital concierge tools daily, such as guidebooks or messaging systems.
- Offer premium concierge service add-ons, such as grocery delivery to guests' doors, private chef services, or massages to meet guest expectations.
- Services provided by property managers are sometimes referred to as Airbnb concierge services.
Airbnb owners put a lot of effort into setting up and maintaining their properties. But that's not all. There are other ways to impress guests, improve guest satisfaction, and increase your income.
When you offer concierge services, you go beyond an ordinary stay. Instead of being seen as just another accommodation provider, you become a concierge specialist.
Learn how you can elevate your guests' experience by offering premium services such as private chefs, wellness treatments, or personalized local experiences. This approach works well when you want to attract guests willing to pay for high-end services, even if your property isn't labeled a "luxury estate."
What Are Airbnb Concierge Services?
Concierge services are additional services offered to guests while they are staying at your property. Airbnb concierge services elevate guests' stay and create additional revenue opportunities for your Airbnb business.
An Airbnb concierge could provide personalized recommendations for the best local attractions and help coordinate check-in. Or take it a step further: organize a romantic dinner with a master chef or book a hair and makeup stylist for a special event.
To become a true Airbnb concierge service provider, think beyond property management. You can partner with a local guide to show guests hidden gems like a neighborhood mural tour or artisanal chocolate tasting. You could also create a hassle-free experience for busy business travelers by arranging grocery delivery to their door.
In each of these examples, concierge services add extra value for guests and shift your role from host to experience provider. Note how this isn't limited to luxury listings. All hosts who embrace these services will stand out in an increasingly competitive market.
Benefits of Concierge Services for Hosts
Satisfying Airbnb guests' needs through concierge services benefits hosts in many ways.
Stellar guest experience and better reviews
Guests notice when hosts provide high-quality services. They love when their stay feels personalized. Offering concierge services, such as arranging a private in-home massage or organizing a local food tour, makes guests more inclined to leave positive reviews.
Stand out in a crowded market
The concierge services you provide are your unique selling point that makes your listing stand out from competitors. Memorable experience attracts guests to your short-term rental properties. More often than not, those guests don't mind paying top dollar for exceptional service they can't find elsewhere.
Justify higher nightly rates
Concierge services allow you to offer premium add-ons without dramatically increasing operational costs. Even smaller concierge touches, like pre-arranged or regular grocery delivery, can increase perceived value and make higher nightly rates seem reasonable.
Attract repeat bookings
Guests who receive personalized concierge services are more likely to return. A guest who enjoys a private yoga session in your living room, a couples' massage, or a chef-prepared dinner may plan their next trip to stay with you again.
How Airbnb Concierge Services Work
Some property managers also market themselves as providers of concierge services in addition to management services.
In the vacation rental industry, full-service property management companies handle cleaning and maintenance. They can arrange cleaning services during guest turnover, guide guests through the check-in and check-out process, manage guest communication, and respond instantly to maintenance requests.
They're often in charge of marketing as they optimize and promote your listing on Airbnb and other platforms, and create a comprehensive digital guidebook for guests. A property manager can also act as an Airbnb concierge.
Partner with service providers to support your guests
Property owners create exceptional guest experiences by partnering with local businesses to meet guests’ special requests.
Many service companies and local guides offer local tours and are always looking for new customers, so you can easily send your guests their way.
A tired couple checking in after a long flight? Imagine having their fridge stocked with fresh groceries from a local deli. A group of friends on a weekend getaway? Point them to the local brewery tour you've partnered with.
Based on experience, guests absolutely love it when these offers feel effortless. You might not be a Michelin-star chef, but you can certainly arrange one for your guests for a private in-home dinner. You may not be a masseuse, but organizing an on-demand massage shows you're invested in your guests' comfort.
Travelers choose short-term rentals over hotels to get a local experience. Acting as a concierge, you're giving them the comfort of a hotel stay while keeping the unique vibe of an Airbnb property.
Provide Airbnb services yourself
Concierge-style hosting doesn't always mean outsourcing additional services. As a host, you can provide services yourself.
You can handle restaurant reservations or organize curated experiences. Offer personalized attention, arrange a last-minute airport pickup, or recommend the best spot for sunrise coffee, and make guests feel like VIPs.
You don't need a luxury property to do this. Even a cozy studio can feel like a five-star stay when it comes with thoughtful, concierge-level service.
Examples of services that hosts can provide
Here are ideas to think about when it comes to offering additional services or amenities:
- Laundry services
- Grocery delivery
- Airport transport
- Breakfast or welcome basket
- Flexible check-in/out if your schedule allows
- DIY spa basket
- Training equipment
- Guided tours
And if you have expertise in a specific area, such as professional photography, you can offer your skills as a service to Airbnb guests.
What Are the Most Common Airbnb Concierge Services
Some of the most common services for Airbnb travelers include:
Grocery delivery
Imagine arriving at your vacation rental and finding the fridge already stocked with fresh produce and breakfast essentials. Also, some busy professionals searching for monthly stays may prefer you organize grocery shopping for them weekly.
Catering
For larger groups or special occasions, catering can be arranged so everyone can enjoy restaurant-quality food without leaving the house. Hosts position their rental as “event-ready." If guests are celebrating a birthday or another anniversary, you can also arrange for a local florist to deliver flowers.
Private chef
For a more personal touch, some travelers book private chefs to prepare multi-course meals in the rental's kitchen, with cleanup afterward. A skilled chef can make personal recommendations, suggest wines and desserts, and even contribute to a lively atmosphere at the table.
In-home spa treatments
Wellness-focused guests often choose in-home spa services. Licensed estheticians can provide facials, body scrubs, or more advanced treatments like microdermabrasion. It's perfect for pre-wedding parties, group trips, or anyone who wants to look and feel refreshed during their vacation.
Massage
Airbnb guests often want to relax and recharge during their stay, and professional massage services bring that spa-level experience right into the rental. Certified therapists can offer a range of treatments tailored to guests' needs, such as deep tissue for tension relief.
Professional photography
How many times have you wanted to capture your trip? Instead of scattered, piled-up selfies, travelers can take it to the next level. They can hire a professional photographer to capture their moments with elegance and high standards. Anyone can book an influencer-level photoshoot.
Professional makeup, nail, and hair stylist services
Guests may be preparing for a major event like a wedding, attending a special dinner, or simply wanting to look their best for a professional photoshoot. When stylists offer on-the-spot services at the Airbnb property, travelers can get ready without the stress of finding a salon, arranging transportation, or working around tight schedules.
Personal training
Many people are sports-oriented, and training is an important part of their routine. When traveling, it's a hassle to have to stop doing your activities or search for a trainer or facility in a new city or country. This is an opportunity for yoga or fitness instructors to step in, and they can bring equipment to the rental or organize outdoor sessions to help guests keep up with their health routines.
Pet care
If you allow pets, prepare a welcome kit for pets, with treats and equipment. You can also connect pet owners with pet sitters and dog walkers, and make a list of pet-friendly places nearby. This way, you also signal to guests that you have a high regard for their pets' well-being.
How Are Airbnb Concierge Services Priced?
If you provide a service yourself, such as airport transfers, grocery shopping or laundry, you can set a reasonable price that makes guests feel they are getting real value without feeling ripped off.
Concierge service costs depend on many variables and the service provided. Collaborating directly with local partners creates win-win arrangements in which guests receive high-quality services, property managers may earn a commission, and service providers receive fair compensation for their work.
Property management companies that provide operational management and concierge services may take a 10–30% commission on your rental revenue. Some other companies charge a flat monthly fee instead.
Digital Concierge Tools for Airbnb Hosts
Digital guidebooks
Digital guidebooks are a good example of how digital tools add value for guests. They can provide curated local recommendations without you having to act as a local expert.
AI messaging assistant
Tools like iGMS, a property management platform for Airbnb hosts, are also very handy.
With iGMS, you automate and personalize guest messages with triggers and AI assistance. The messaging system allows you to upsell services to guests like a perfect digital concierge.
A tool like iGMS handles routine tasks like updating calendars or assigning cleaners and improves your chances of earning five-star reviews.
FAQ
What are operational Airbnb concierge services?
Property management companies may describe Airbnb concierge services as the work they perform daily on behalf of hosts.
This includes handling guest communication, managing check-ins and check-outs, organizing cleaning and maintenance, and creating, pricing, and marketing listings.
On top of that, managers can arrange extra services upon guests' request, going the extra mile to ensure guests get more than just accommodation.
What is the Airbnb feature called Services?
Airbnb also has a feature called Services where anyone, including hosts, can apply to offer specialized services. The platform charges a fee similar to the one applied to nightly stays. To become a service provider, you need to go through an application process and get vetted by Airbnb.
Final Thought
Previously, dedicated concierge services were associated with luxury. Now, Airbnb concierge services are an added benefit for anyone running a short-term rental business.
Private chefs, in-home spa treatments, photography sessions, or curated local experiences based on your property's location create value and turn a stay into a story guests will want to tell.
About the Author
Zorica Milinkovic is a B2B SaaS writer who is passionate about psychology, marketing, and, when inspiration strikes, cooking. You can find her on LinkedIn.
