Looking to earn more from your Airbnb without raising nightly rates? Upselling might be your best-kept secret. By offering thoughtful add-ons—like early check-in, local food baskets, or guided tours—you can boost your income while giving guests a more personalized stay. It’s a win-win: they enjoy added comfort and convenience, and you generate extra revenue with minimal effort.
Airbnb itself is leaning into this trend. With its growing focus on services and experiences, the platform is evolving from a simple booking site into a full travel ecosystem. That shift opens up exciting new ways for hosts to enhance the guest journey—and their bottom line.
Below, we’ll dive into creative upsell ideas, how to implement them smoothly, and why now is the perfect time to make the most of this strategy.
Understanding Upselling in the Airbnb Context
At its core, upselling on Airbnb means offering guests extra services or experiences for an additional fee. Think of it like this: you're not just renting out a space—you’re creating a stay worth remembering. That could mean offering a late checkout, stocking the fridge with local craft beer, or arranging a private yoga session on the patio.
And yes, it pays off. Hosts who upsell effectively often see a 10–30% boost in revenue. But it’s not just about the money—these add-ons make stays feel more personalized, which often leads to better reviews, repeat guests, and referrals.
Plus, let’s face it: competition on Airbnb is tough. A few creative touches can help your listing stand out from the sea of “cozy” apartments and “charming” cottages. Done right, upselling turns a good experience into an unforgettable one—and that’s great for business.
Categories of Creative Upsells
Let’s break down the most effective types of Airbnb upsells—simple extras that can seriously boost your bottom line and leave guests feeling like they scored a five-star stay.
1. Convenience Enhancements
Sometimes the little things make a big difference. These add-ons take stress off your guests’ shoulders and put extra cash in yours:
- Early Check-In / Late Check-Out: Many travelers would gladly pay for a few extra hours to relax or get their bearings. Offering flexible check-in or check-out is one of the easiest upsells you can implement.
- Luggage Storage: If your guests arrive early or have a late flight, a safe place to stash their bags is a welcome perk.
- Transportation Services: Partner with a local driver or rideshare to offer airport pickup or rides around town. It’s convenient for guests and a great chance to add value.
2. Personalized Experiences
Upsells don’t just have to be practical—they can also be memorable. Guests love experiences that feel tailored and thoughtful:
- Local Food & Drink Packages: A curated basket with regional snacks, wine, or artisanal goods can turn a stay into something special.
- Romantic Getaway Packages: Rose petals, candles, and champagne for anniversaries or honeymoons? Guests will pay for that extra “wow” factor.
- Wellness Services: In-house massages, private yoga, or even a guided meditation session can create a peaceful, retreat-like vibe.
3. Adventure and Leisure Add-Ons
If your area is known for outdoor fun, let your guests dive right in:
- Sports & Equipment Rentals: Bikes, paddleboards, snowshoes—whatever fits your location, offer gear so guests don’t have to hunt for it.
- Guided Tours: Work with local guides to offer excursions like hikes, food tours, or history walks. It’s a great way to support your community and stand out to guests.
4. Home Comfort Upgrades
Guests love when their Airbnb feels like more than just a place to crash. These simple additions boost comfort and convenience:
- Welcome Baskets: Tailor them to your guests—snacks for families, wine and chocolates for couples, or essentials for business travelers.
- Mid-Stay Cleaning: Offer a tidy-up for longer bookings. It keeps things fresh and shows you care about the guest’s comfort.
- Laundry Services: A huge win for travelers on extended trips. You can provide in-unit laundry access or offer to do it for them for a fee.
Each of these upsells can be adapted to your listing, your guests, and your local flavor. The trick is to keep it simple, useful, and genuine. Up next, we’ll talk about how to offer these extras without being pushy or creating more work for yourself.
Implementing Upsells Effectively
So, how do you actually get guests to say “yes” to your upsells? It’s all about timing, personalization, and making the process seamless.
1. Personalization and Timing
Not every guest is looking for the same thing. A family on vacation might love a beach gear bundle, while a couple on a romantic getaway might be all in for a wine-and-cheese welcome. That’s where guest profiling comes in—understanding who’s booking so you can offer upsells that actually appeal to them.
Then, it’s all about when you pitch it. Mention add-ons during the booking process or in your pre-arrival messages—guests are more likely to say yes when they’re still in planning mode.
2. Seamless Integration
Tools like Hostfully and Touch Stay let you create beautiful, mobile-friendly guidebooks that go beyond local recommendations. You can embed clickable upsells for services like:
- Late checkout
- Mid-stay cleaning
- Airport transportation
- Local tours or private chefs
These services can be accessed via a branded QR code on your welcome card or fridge magnet—making it easy for guests to browse and book without ever texting you.
For a more advanced guest journey, platforms like Enso Connect let you automate upsell offers based on check-in timing or booking type. Want to offer spa services to honeymooners, or ski rentals for winter guests? Enso can trigger the right offer at the right time via email, SMS, or even WhatsApp.
The key is to keep upsells visual, timely, and effortless to access. When guests see what's available in a clean interface—especially one that doesn’t require awkward back-and-forth—they’re far more likely to convert. And with tools that track engagement, you’ll know exactly what services are driving extra revenue.
3. Leveraging Technology
Lastly, if you want to keep things hands-off, tech is your friend. Platforms like The Host Co let you automate your upsell offers, track performance, and even handle payments. It’s set-and-forget, and it works around the clock—no manual follow-ups needed.
Airbnb’s Strategic Shift Towards Services
Airbnb isn’t just about places to stay anymore—it’s becoming a one-stop shop for the entire travel experience. The company has been quietly relaunching its Experiences platform, bringing back options like private chefs, guided tours, and hands-on workshops. It’s clear they’re betting big on turning every trip into something more immersive and memorable.
They’re also investing heavily in new business areas that go beyond hosting—everything from services to community-driven travel ideas. For Airbnb hosts, this shift is more than just interesting news. It’s an open invitation to think bigger.
Whether it’s offering your own add-on services or partnering with local vendors, there’s real potential to turn your listing into a full-blown experience—and get paid more for it.
The Bottom Line
Creative upsells are a simple, effective way to increase your Airbnb income while giving guests a more memorable stay. From welcome baskets to local tours, these small touches can lead to happier reviews, repeat bookings, and a healthier bottom line. The key is to offer value—not just add-ons for the sake of it.
If you’re serious about turning your Airbnb into a high-performing short-term rental, upselling is just one piece of the puzzle. Awning’s full-service property management can help you unlock more revenue, streamline operations, and even manage those upsells for you.
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