When visiting a new country or city, there are two ways to explore it—like a tourist or like a local. Airbnb wants to help you do the latter. The accommodation company has released many new features involving more affordable options, more info about hosts, and better transparency when it comes to checking out.
It follows reports that some guests were given a list of chores to perform before leaving their temporary homes. Think stripping the beds, doing the laundry, and vacuuming. No, we’re not making this up.
One of Airbnb’s new features allows guests to view the host’s checkout instructions before hitting the reserve button. They’ll also be able to highlight any ridiculous tasks in their post-stay review, with the listing being removed if it received too many complaints.
As for the local element, the platform is attempting to reinvigorate its original policy of renting a room in a hosted home.
“Airbnb’s original tagline was ‘travel like a human’ and the human part was always more important than the travel part, because the most memorable part of traveling is the other people you’re with,” says CEO and co-founder Brian Chesky. “Meeting somebody new, walking in their shoes, and seeing the city through their eyes: this is the soul of Airbnb.”
Those opting for Airbnb Rooms can get the vibe of their potential host through the new Host Passports which include their name, photo, and fun facts.