Achieving Airbnb superhost status is a goal for many hosts as it often leads to increased bookings and revenue. However, some hosts are critical of the program, feeling that Guest Favorites have overshadowed superhosts on the platform. Guest Favorites focus on individual properties that are liked and booked most by guests, while superhost status highlights hosts who excel at providing excellent hospitality. The change in search filters has made it more difficult for guests to find superhosts and has shifted the focus towards Guest Favorites.
To qualify as a superhost, hosts must meet certain requirements, including completing a minimum number of trips or reservations, maintaining a high response rate, keeping cancellations minimal, and maintaining a high overall host rating. Airbnb reviews host performance quarterly, with assessment periods starting on specific dates throughout the year. If hosts meet the requirements by the assessment date, they will automatically become superhosts without needing to apply.
Superhosts receive various benefits, including increased visibility and appeal of listings, trust-building with potential guests, increased bookings, and revenue. They also earn more money, on average an increase of 22%. Additionally, superhosts receive a 20% bonus on host referrals, an annual travel coupon, complimentary photography sessions, and priority support from Airbnb. However, some hosts feel that the checklist for superhost status is too rigid, especially regarding the minimum number of nights required.
Many hosts feel that factors beyond their control, such as the number of guests a property can host, average occupancy nights, and listing price, impact their superhost status. Hosts like Nicki Hutchman feel that the requirements, especially the minimum number of nights, can be challenging to meet. Concerns have also been raised about guests threatening to leave negative reviews to gain discounts or additional services, impacting hosts’ review scores unfairly.
Some hosts feel that Airbnb’s emphasis on cancellations is too strict, leading to anxiety for hosts and breaking the trust guests expect when booking a listing. Airbnb has implemented changes to reduce cancellations, including adjusting default booking settings, reducing calendar availability, and implementing new pricing tools to prevent inaccurate pricing. Host cancellations were reduced by 36% in the final quarter of 2023 following these updates.
Managing the superhost program can be challenging for Airbnb, especially as the supply of listings continues to increase. Some hosts, like Wendy Qi, understand the difficulties of differentiating hosts on the platform. While the superhost badge is seen as validation and comes with benefits, some hosts feel restricted by the all-or-nothing nature of the program and the inability to opt into some features and opt out of others. Overall, hosts acknowledge the benefits of the superhost program but are critical of certain aspects that they feel are too rigid or beyond their control.
