Airbnb’s Boldest Shift Yet
Airbnb’s Quiet Power Move: What It Means for Small Hotels and Vacation Rentals
So, Airbnb just quietly linked HotelTonight to its platform, and it’s actually a bigger move than it seems. Basically, if you're in the US or UK and book a last-minute hotel through HotelTonight, you’ll now get 10% back in Airbnb credit. Sneaky smart, right?
It’s kind of like a soft launch of an Airbnb loyalty program—without officially calling it that. And it makes a lot of sense when you think about today’s travelers. Some people are mixing work and play, doing business trips during the week and Airbnb stays on weekends. Airbnb’s move here is clearly trying to tap into that hybrid traveler mindset.
Of course, some folks love the added perk and flexibility, while others worry that Airbnb is drifting too far from its original “live like a local” vibe. But either way, it’s a pretty strategic step toward keeping users in the Airbnb ecosystem, whether they’re booking a hotel or a home.
💡 Why It Matters for Small Hoteliers
If you’re a boutique hotel or inn, this could actually open a door. HotelTonight specializes in last-minute bookings, and now with this tie-in to Airbnb, your property might end up in front of a new type of traveler—someone browsing Airbnb who might not have even been looking for a hotel. If you’re listed on HotelTonight, it’s like getting a surprise extra shelf at the Airbnb store.
It also shows that Airbnb is warming up even more to hotels. This could mean more features or tools in the future that make it easier for small hotels to list, compete, and be found on the platform—especially for guests who prefer hotel-like consistency.
🏡 What About Vacation Rental Owners?
Here’s the real tea: Airbnb just gave travelers a reason to book hotels and still stay within the Airbnb universe. That could mean more competition, especially in urban markets where hotels dominate the last-minute scene.
But here’s the flip side: people are still earning Airbnb credit from HotelTonight stays—which means they’re more likely to use that credit on their next trip… possibly on a vacation rental. So, while hotels may grab a few bookings on the front end, vacation rentals still benefit on the back end.
🔍 What You Can Do
Watch this trend – Airbnb may roll this out wider or start offering more hotel-like perks that could shift traveler habits.
Focus on what hotels can’t offer – Like local guides, unique touches, flexible spaces, or a kitchen. Double down on your niche.
Update your Airbnb listing – Make sure it’s attractive to those same hybrid travelers Airbnb is now targeting (think: Wi-Fi speed, work-friendly setups, comfort for short stays).