8 coathangers, 5 Mbps internet, no pests: what makes an Airbnb Plus

Airbnb has launched its answer to a five-star hotel rating, in a move that shows it gunning for the luxury market

Airbnb is celebrating its tenth anniversary with updates to its service that show just how far the company has moved from its original vision. Chief among them is Airbnb Plus, a new category of listings that are pitched as more luxurious and high-quality than the rank-and-file homes leased on the site.

To qualify for Airbnb Plus, listings have to meet a specific set of criteria set by the platform and be verified in person. The feature is something like Airbnb's version of a five-star hotel rating, and it demonstrates the company's increasing desire to capture the high-end travel accommodation market. It's come a long way from renting out an airbed in someone's spare room.

Airbnb's announcement of the new service talks of "beautiful homes and exceptional hosts". To be eligible for the Airbnb Plus badge, a listing needs to offer an entire property or a private room with private bathroom, and be located in one of 13 specific cities (London is currently the only one in the UK). The host needs to have at least a 4.8 rating out of 5, and to have accepted 95 per cent of booking requests and cancelled none of their reservations over the past year – standards that are already in place for becoming one of Airbnb's 'Superhosts'.

If they meet these criteria, hosts can then apply for their rooms to be inspected, first remotely, and then in person, and have the opportunity to make improvements to their listed property based on feedback. Once everything is in place, the listing will have all the special Plus privileges enabled 6 - 12 weeks later, which include better search ranking, an improved listing with the opportunity for professional photography, and improved customer support. All of this ostensibly gives the host a chance to earn more from their listing.

Airbnb says that it has over 100 criteria for listings to be judged worthy of becoming an Airbnb Plus. On its website, there is a summary of these, split into four sections, the first titled "thoughtfully designed". It suggests that the space be tidy and attractive, with everything on display either usable by a guest or adding to the aesthetics. An additional tips video encourages hosts to "showcase your curated personality" with "collections that highlight your passions".

"Comfortable" involves making sure the guest has space for themselves and their possessions, stating there should be at least eight coathangers and an empty drawer or shelf for their clothing. Beds should have two pillows per guest, and have soft, matching linen. Airbnb also recommends adding decorative pillows and throws and ensuring there are no wrinkles on the surface of the bed.

The most self-explanatory criterion is "well-maintained", which asks hosts to ensure that the space is clean, bright and smells nice; nothing is broken or damaged; and that "there are no signs of pests".

Perhaps the most surprising criteria come under "well-equipped." Alongside the basics like smoke detectors, essential cooking utensils and ingredients and an iron and ironing board, Airbnb expects its Plus hosts to have plenty of modern conveniences. These include Wi-Fi with over 5 Mbps download speed, a TV with cable or streaming capabilities, and filtered water with a supply of either coffee or tea.

Airbnb is launching Plus as part of its tenth birthday celebrations. The company famously came into being after founders Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia rented out three air beds in their apartment. New features like Airbnb Plus show how far the company has moved away from this initial idea of "democratising travel" and into the luxury market. It is clearly no longer pitching itself as just a cheap alternative to hotel room, but an accommodation option at any level.

Airbnb has been criticised in some markets for contributing to housing shortages and has frequently found itself at odds with the hotel industry on issues of regulation. The company's IPO is hotly anticipated, though cofounder and CEO Brian Chesky recently said that this will not happen in 2018.

This article was originally published by WIRED UK