What is an Airbnb Superhost?
An Airbnb Superhost is an individual who stands out on the platform for their ability to provide above-average service and guest experiences. In Airbnb’s words, it’s a badge to let everyone know that the host is ‘extra awesome’.
Airbnb adds a special red and orange badge to the profiles of Superhosts so that potential guests can easily recognise them, as well as labelling all their listings with ‘Superhost’.
Any host can become a Superhost, from people offering simple private rooms to Airbnb veterans who run multiple opulent properties. Becoming an Airbnb Superhost is purely a reflection of the service provided by the individual, not the luxury, uniqueness or exclusivity of their properties.
You may have seen it on Airbnb: a little red and orange badge that almost looks like a military medal, sitting next to the profile picture of experienced hosts. Just beneath you’ll see the word ‘Superhost’.
But what exactly does it mean to be an Airbnb ‘Superhost’? If you’re looking to put your property up on the platform, is it something that you should aim to achieve and what benefits will you enjoy?
In this article, we’ll outline exactly how to become an Airbnb Superhost, the benefits of being a Superhost on Airbnb, and why this status is worth aiming for.
How to become a Superhost on Airbnb
Being a Superhost is a common aspiration for hoteliers, and the good news is that Airbnb is very clear on what you need to do to become one. To qualify as a Superhost you need to meet these key requirements over the previous twelve months:
Airbnb Superhost step 1: Meeting the number of stays or nights
As a host, you need to complete at least ten trips or a minimum of three reservations that total 100 nights. This criterion is structured to give equal opportunities to hosts who offer both short-term and long-term stays. So whether you’re welcoming weekend visitors or accommodating guests for extended stays, you can aim for Superhost status.
Airbnb Superhost step 2: Maintaining a 90% response rate
Quick and effective communication is at the heart of excellent hospitality. Therefore, hosts must reply to at least 90% of new reservation-related guest messages within 24 hours. This requirement ensures that guests receive swift responses to their queries, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.
Airbnb Superhost step 3: Keeping a low cancellation rate
Airbnb expects hosts to honour their commitments. Therefore, your cancellation rate must be kept under 1% – in other words, you can only cancel one in every 100 reservations. There are exceptions made in extenuating circ*mstances, but generally, a lower cancellation rate denotes reliability, which is crucial in establishing trust with your guests.
Airbnb Superhost step 4: Achieving a high rating
A high overall review score is a testament to exceptional hosting. To qualify for Superhost status, you need a review score of 4.8 or higher. While 80% of hosts achieve a rating of 4.5 or higher, Airbnb believes that a score of 4.8 truly distinguishes the finest hosts. This standard encourages hosts to continually strive for excellence in their service, thereby creating memorable experiences for their guests.
There’s no need to apply to become a Superhost – the designation is awarded automatically. Airbnb assesses potential Superhosts every quarter on January 1st, April 1st, July 1st, and October 1st. If you meet the above requirements by the time of these assessments, you’ll automatically gain Superhost status. You will be notified about your status at the end of each assessment period, and it may take up to a week for your Superhost badge to show up on your listing.
What’s the difference between an Airbnb host and a Superhost?
As soon as you post your listing on Airbnb and begin to take bookings, you officially become an Airbnb host. Not every Airbnb host is a Superhost, however.
The Superhost designation was created to reward hosts who went out of their way to offer the highest quality guest experience possible. According to AirDNA, just 19.4% of Airbnb hosts – fewer than one in five – achieve Superhost status.
What are the benefits of being a Superhost on Airbnb?
The benefits of becoming a Superhost extend far beyond the shiny little profile badge. As a Superhost you can expect to:
- Attract more guests: Superhost status is a sign that you reliably offer an enviable guest experience, and can prove the difference in a traveller choosing your property over another.
- Be more visible: Superhost properties rank higher in the search results, as Airbnb can recommend these properties with confidence. Airbnb also offers a dedicated Superhost search filter.
- Drive extra revenue: Having proven that you offer a superior guest experience, as an Airbnb Superhost you can charge more for a stay than a comparable yet lower-ranked property.
- Enjoy exclusive rewards: Airbnb offers a number of exclusive rewards to thank Superhosts for making Airbnb a more desirable platform. You receive a 20% higher referral fee and earn travel coupons if you maintain your status for four consecutive quarters. You may even be featured in the official Airbnb newsletter!
How much do Airbnb Superhosts make?
From October 2021 to September 2022, Superhosts have collectively earned over $23 billion in income from hosting on Airbnb. On a more personal level, according to AirDNA, on average Superhosts earn 60% more revenue than standard Airbnb hosts… but this number doesn’t tell the whole story.
Earning the Superhost status isn’t simply about acquiring a badge to display on your profile. It’s the tangible reflection of the hard work, dedication, and commitment to service that you’ve invested into your Airbnb hosting journey. This badge may certainly lead to a few extra bookings, and it might allow you to slightly increase your nightly rate. Nevertheless, the true driver of your revenue as a Superhost is the high-quality guest experience you deliver consistently.
It’s this commitment to service that you’ve likely been practising long before you received the Superhost badge. This level of service is what sets you apart and makes guests choose your listing over others. This, in turn, leads to more bookings, potentially higher rates, and ultimately, increased revenue.
Airbnb Superhost tips you should know
Becoming an Airbnb Superhost requires commitment, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to provide a great experience for your guests. Here are three tips to help you achieve and maintain Superhost status:
1. Prioritise Communication
One of the requirements for becoming a Superhost is maintaining a 90% response rate or higher. Prompt and clear communication is crucial in hosting. Respond to inquiries and reservation requests as quickly as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Keep your guests informed about any changes or updates and make sure they have all the information they need for their stay. Being available for your guests’ questions and concerns can significantly enhance their overall experience.
2. Deliver High Quality Experiences
Aim to exceed your guests’ expectations every time. Ensure your listing is clean, comfortable, and as described in your posting. Provide amenities that add value to their stay, such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a well-stocked kitchen, or local recommendations for dining and sightseeing. Receiving positive reviews from satisfied guests will help improve your overall rating, another key factor in attaining Superhost status.
3. Minimise Cancellations
Superhosts must maintain a cancellation rate of less than 1%. This means you should avoid cancelling bookings as much as possible. Ensure your calendar is always up to date to prevent double bookings, and consider implementing stricter cancellation policies to discourage guests from cancelling. If you must cancel a reservation due to unforeseen circ*mstances, communicate with your guest immediately and help them find alternative accommodation if possible.
Remember, becoming a Superhost isn’t just about meeting the minimum requirements. It’s about creating memorable experiences for your guests and constantly striving for excellence in your hosting duties.
Do more as an Airbnb Superhost with Little Hotelier
While becoming an Airbnb Superhost can seriously boost the performance of your property, it’s far from the only way to grow your hotel business. By utilising purpose-built hotel management system software like Little Hotelier, you can drive more reservations and revenue than ever before.
- Easy OTA management. Our channel manager allows you to manage your listing across all your chosen OTAs – Airbnb, Booking.com, Expedia and more – from a single interface. With Little Hotelier’s channel manager software you can update availability and pricing across all OTAs in seconds, avoid double bookings, and enjoy up to 46% more reservations.
- In-depth performance insights. Little Hotelier’s reporting software equips you with the information you need to make the smartest moves for your property. You can track your performance, compare it with your competitors, and make data-driven decisions about pricing and special offers to maximise reservations and revenue.
- Earn more direct bookings. While Airbnb can be a fantastic source of bookings, the reality is that the platform takes a significant cut of each reservation. If you have built your very own property website you grant guests the opportunity to book directly with you. By saving on commission costs, you can earn more while guests pay less. And Little Hotelier makes building websites for hotels fast and simple!
Give yourself back the time to focus your energies on delivering the most incredible guest experience you can – the type that will drive you toward Superhost status. Get started today with a free, fully featured 30-day trial!
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By Dean Elphick
Dean is the Senior Content Marketing Specialist of Little Hotelier, the all-in-one software solution purpose-built to make the lives of small accommodation providers easier. Dean has made writing and creating content his passion for the entirety of his professional life, which includes more than six years at Little Hotelier. Through content, Dean aims to provide education, inspiration, assistance, and, ultimately, value for small accommodation businesses looking to improve the way they run their operations (and live their life).
