Key takeaways
- An airbnb concierge provides guests with added convenience, luxury, and personalization.
- Your Airbnb doesn't need concierge services. In fact, for many Airbnb hosts, it’s not worth offering them.
- You should consider offering Airbnb concierge services if you have a high-end listing or cater to guests traveling for special occasions, like anniversaries or honeymoons.
Not every Airbnb guest is looking for a concierge – plenty are perfectly happy with self check-in and a clean, well-decorated space. But for certain properties and certain travelers, Airbnb concierge services can be a lucrative amenity that sets you apart. Think luxury villas, high-end urban rentals, or vacation homes catering to families who want more convenience built into their stay.
Offering concierge services doesn’t have to mean turning your rental into a full-service hotel. It just means layering in thoughtful, personal touches that give your property an edge in competitive markets and help justify higher nightly rates.
In this guide, we’re breaking down:
- What an Airbnb concierge actually is
- When it makes sense to offer concierge services
- What it might cost
- 10 guest-approved ideas to inspire you
What is an Airbnb concierge?
When you book a hotel, you expect to have access to a concierge or front desk receptionist who can answer questions, provide recommendations, and be an all-around resource for your stay. A concierge is common practice at hotels – but what does that look like at an Airbnb, where there isn’t on-site staff?
An Airbnb concierge is anyone (or anything) that helps guests with tasks, bookings, or experiences beyond the basics of accommodation. Airbnb concierge services help elevate the guest experience and provide a personal touch in a setting without on-site employees. They’re a way to bring the best part of hotel stays – friendly, 24/7 support – to your vacation rental.
Examples of Airbnb concierge services:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off service
- In-house spa services
- Tour and activity booking
An Airbnb concierge is anyone (or anything) that helps guests with tasks, bookings, or experiences beyond the basics of accommodation.
DIY vs. hiring a professional concierge
There are two ways to offer Airbnb concierge services: do it yourself or outsource.
DIY is always going to be the more cost-effective approach – but of course, it requires having adequate time and resources available. The last thing you want is to tout 24/7 support and leave guests hanging when they need you.
Options for hiring a pro:
- Third-party concierge company: Companies like AirConcierge will stand in as your property’s dedicated concierge for a flat monthly fee or a cut of your revenue.
- Co-host or solo concierge: Rather than partnering with a concierge services company, you can alternatively hire a single person – could be an Airbnb co-host or just a solo contractor with hospitality experience – to serve as your property’s concierge point person.
Keep in mind, there’s also the option to take a hybrid approach: you handle lighter requests (like providing restaurant recs and booking tours for your guests), while outsourcing heavier lifts (like airport pickups).
How much does it cost to offer concierge services at my Airbnb?
The cost of offering concierge Airbnb services varies wildly depending on what you’re offering, and whether you’re DIYing or outsourcing.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- DIY options
Free, aside from your time. To save time for yourself, consider investing in evergreen resources, like a comprehensive digital guidebook with local recommendations. - Third-party concierge companies
Expect to pay a flat monthly fee (a few hundred dollars per month) or a commission fee of at least 10-20%. - Co-host or solar contractor
Hiring a dedicated point person to offer concierge services for every stay will probably be charged as either a commission (average 5-10%) or at an hourly rate ($15-$50+/hour)
To offset these costs, consider building them into your nightly rate. We recommend including them in your rate rather than charging services as paid add-ons.
Does my Airbnb need concierge service?
No, your Airbnb doesn’t need to offer concierge services. In fact, they’re not a good fit for many vacation rentals.
Why?
Because the average Airbnb guest doesn’t expect concierge services. The short-term rental industry has established itself as a hotel alternative, not a hotel replacement. When booking an Airbnb or Vrbo, most travelers are aware that they’re renting a property or room without the amenity of a staffed front desk – and a lot of people choose STRs over hotels for that very reason.
With that in mind, you should only offer Airbnb concierge services if they will definitely pay off. Concierge services are typically best suited for high-end or luxury properties where guests expect – and are willing to pay for – the convenience of a concierge.
How to decide if you should offer Airbnb concierge services
We’ve covered what your options are for offering concierge services, and how much you can expect to pay for them. We’ve also established that you don’t need concierge services to run a successful Airbnb.
So how do you decide whether it’s worth offering concierge services at your STR?
Ask yourself these questions:
- Who are your typical guests?
Are they budget travelers who prioritize cost when looking for accommodations? Concierge services probably aren’t necessary. But if they’re luxury travelers who don’t fret over the total bill, offering concierge services can really set your property apart from competitors.
If you decide that Airbnb concierge services are a good match for your typical guests, next consider which services they’d most appreciate. For example, business travelers might appreciate laundry service and an airport shuttle. Families may prioritize childcare or grocery delivery. Couples might get the most out of spa treatments or a private chef. - What’s your bandwidth?
If you’re already juggling multiple turnovers a week without the help of a property manager or co-host, adding concierge services might burn you out unless you outsource. Additionally, consider your skills and expertise. If you’re not a foodie and aren’t familiar with the restaurants near your property, reconsider offering local restaurant recommendations as a concierge service. - What’s your nightly rate?
If you’re charging $120/night, offering a $300 add-on probably won’t make sense. But for a $1,200/night villa, guests may happily pay for the convenience. - What’s available locally?
Your concierge services are only as good as your partnerships. If you own a loft downtown, you might have access to private chefs and guided tours, whereas a remote cabin may lean more on curated outdoor experiences.
What you’ll get from offering concierge services at your vacation rental
Done right, STR concierge services can be a hit with guests, earning you five-star reviews and repeat bookings.
Some of the biggest benefits of offering Airbnb concierge services include:
Better reviews
Guests love to feel cared for – especially in an STR setting where it’s not expected. And they’ll certainly remember the details that made their trip seamless, whether that’s a stocked fridge waiting for them after a long flight or a guided wine tour you arranged with a local expert.
Those little extras translate into more five-star reviews, which are the real currency of Airbnb success.
Higher revenue
Whether you bake them into a higher nightly rate or offer them as add-ons, concierge services can help increase your ADR and overall revenue.
Consider too that you might earn referral commissions when your guests book tours, chefs, or spa services through your concierge program.
Guest loyalty
When guests feel like their every need has been anticipated, they’re far more likely to book with you again. That repeat business is worth its weight in gold because loyal guests cost nothing to acquire.
Stay competitive
Travelers today have more options than ever. In a crowded market, your vacation rental needs to stand out.
Offering concierge services transforms your property from basic accommodations into an experience. That distinction can help you win bookings over similar rentals in your area, especially among higher-paying guests who value convenience and personalization.
10 in-demand Airbnb concierge service ideas
Guests don’t always know what they want until they see it offered – and that’s the magic of concierge services. These ideas cover a range of price points and guest types, so you can pick and choose what fits your property and market.
Airport pick up
Nothing feels better than stepping off a plane and finding a driver waiting to whisk you away. Offering airport transfers removes the stress of navigating taxis, shuttles, or ride apps, especially in destinations where those options aren’t reliable.
If you want to be hands-on, you can arrange and complete pick-ups and drop-offs yourself. Just make sure you have a clean vehicle with ample space for passengers and luggage.
Prefer not to do the driving yourself? Partner with a local shuttle service. For best results, be the liaison between the shuttle service and your guests so everything is seamless.
Grocery delivery
Nobody wants to go grocery shopping after a red-eye flight. A stocked fridge sets the tone for the stay.
You can offer a standard package or let guests submit their own shopping list in advance. This service is particularly appreciated by families with kids and guests staying longer than a weekend.
If you want to offer a standard grocery package, consider including:
- Essentials like milk and butter
- Breakfast basics, like toast, eggs, coffee, orange juice, and bacon
- Snacks – think chips and salsa, hummus, pre-cut vegetables, and fruits
- A bottle of wine
Private chef
This one screams luxury – perfect for high-end properties or stays marketed to couples.
Search on a platform like Take a Chef for a professional near you, ask around at local restaurants, or partner with a nearby culinary school. Offer the service for various occasions, like fun al fresco brunches and romantic in-home dinners. You could even tie it to local cuisine (tapas in Spain, barbecue in Texas, wine-paired dinners in Napa) to make the experience extra special.
On-site masseuse or spa
Wellness is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. Let your guests treat themselves to a massage after a day of hiking or as a special couples’ experience. You can team up with local practitioners to offer massage, facials, or nail treatments directly in your property – no on-site spa required.
Private yoga or fitness classes
Tons of vacationers – especially those staying longer than a weekend – appreciate maintaining a fitness routine while traveling. Treat guests to an in-home yoga session or complimentary pilates class. You don’t need any fancy equipment or an on-site gym; just partner with providers who can bring equipment to your property or host sessions in their own facilities.
Vacation planning services
For a lot of people, planning is the hardest part of traveling. Offering itinerary support removes decision fatigue and helps guests maximize their time
You can offer services like:
- Making dinner reservations
- Booking tours and excursions
- Planning walking routes for must-see attractions
- Facilitating transportation between activities
Local tours
Guided tours are one of the top activities for travelers. If you’ve got hospitality chops or have a passion for something local, consider leading your own tour – think wine tastings, local food tours, or historical tours. Alternatively, just partner with local tour guides to get discounts for your guests and facilitate a half- or full-day excursion.
Childcare services
Traveling with kids can be stressful, and parents often need a little time to themselves. By connecting guests with vetted babysitters or nanny services, you’ll give families peace of mind while adding a thoughtful touch to their stay. This service can be the deciding factor for parents choosing between your rental and another.
Pet care
Pet-friendly rentals are in high demand, so offering concierge services for furry guests is a smart move. Dog walking, grooming appointments, or pet-sitting can help pet owners actually relax instead of being tied to their pets’ routines. A simple partnership with a local dog walker could turn into a big draw for your property.
Laundry services
This is a small but mighty perk, especially for longer stays and business travelers. Whether it’s a laundry pick-up service or in-unit wash-and-fold, guests will appreciate not having to spend their vacation dealing with laundry. It’s also an upsell that requires minimal effort on your part once the system is set up.
Professional photography
This is a unique experience that guests will love. Offer a photo session with a local photographer who knows the best angles and hidden spots. This works especially well for scenic destinations, honeymoons, and bachelorette parties.
So, is an Airbnb concierge worth it?
At the end of the day, Airbnb concierge services are not a must-have for every host. A rustic cabin that thrives on simplicity doesn’t need a concierge to stay booked. But for vacation rentals chasing higher nightly rates, longer bookings, or five-star reviews that stand out, concierge services can be a differentiator.
It all comes down to fit: your guest profile, your bandwidth, and your market. If those align, concierge services can turn your rental into a place to remember.
