Airbnb Luxe Requirements

The Two Ways In

1. Airbnb invites you. Airbnb's help page says it reviews listings and flags homes that may qualify based on design, amenities, photos, location and hosting track record. A strong candidate gets an invitation in the Airbnb inbox.
2. You nominate your own listing through Airbnb's nomination form. A host with several homes can submit them together.

The Standards for the House (Airbnb's list)

Location: an upscale neighborhood that offers privacy to guests.

Design: intentional and cohesive design throughout the home.

Kitchen: a full kitchen with high-end stainless steel or paneled appliances and a full-size refrigerator.

Laundry: a private washer and dryer (Airbnb notes that exceptions may apply in some places).

Primary bedroom: a king or queen bed and an en-suite bathroom with an enclosed, standalone shower.

The Details

Airbnb lists these as also considered when it judges a listing's fit: white sheets with a white comforter or duvet, and blinds or drapery on every window. Rollaway beds and air mattresses do not count as beds.

Towels: at least two towels of each type per guest, based on the home's maximum occupancy.

Pool: chaise loungers for at least half of the listing's total occupancy. Airbnb's own example is 10 guests, 5 loungers.

The Walkthrough

Every listing has an in-person walkthrough with a local Home Consultant. Airbnb says to block up to 2 hours for the visit, to clean and stage the home as it would be for a guest arrival, and to check that the key amenities work.

Timing, Badge and Fees

The process takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on scheduling and on any listing details that need updating. The listing stays live, visible and bookable the whole time. After approval the Luxe badge arrives in about 7 to 10 days. Airbnb says there are no additional fees or costs for the Luxe program, and your current commission structure stays the same.

Keeping the Luxe Badge

Airbnb runs quarterly reviews against the Luxe requirements, and a listing can gain, keep or lose its badge. Airbnb asks Luxe hosts to put an on-site representative's contact details in the house manual section of the listing and to answer guests quickly.