Airbnb Services, Experiences and New App: What’s New in 2025

Airbnb is revolutionizing vacation rentals by infusing them with the conveniences and indulgences typically reserved for high-end hotels. The platform’s 2025 Summer Release introduces Airbnb Services, a collection of on-demand amenities, alongside a refreshed Airbnb Experiences lineup and a completely redesigned mobile app. These enhancements bridge the gap between cozy home stays and luxury hospitality, available initially in 260 cities across 10 categories, with expansions planned.

Why Vacationers Are Shifting to Enhanced Stays

Travelers have long prized Airbnb for its authentic, home-like accommodations that offer space, privacy, and local immersion. However, many still turn to hotels for extras like spa treatments or in-room dining. Airbnb addresses this by enabling guests to book professional services directly at their rental, eliminating the need to leave the comfort of their temporary home.

This shift caters to modern preferences for personalized, flexible travel. Families can schedule child-friendly activities, couples might opt for romantic dinners prepared by a chef, and solo adventurers could arrange photography sessions to capture memories. By vetting providers—requiring an average of 10 years of experience, proper credentials, and strong reputations—Airbnb ensures quality comparable to five-star resorts.

Exploring Airbnb Services: Luxury at Your Doorstep

At the heart of the update is Airbnb Services, which delivers hotel-grade perks right to your Airbnb. Launching with 10 categories, these offerings transform ordinary stays into tailored retreats. Guests book via the app after securing their lodging, with personalized recommendations based on location, group size, and trip details.

• Chefs and Culinary Delights: Hire professional chefs for bespoke in-home meals. From gourmet breakfasts to multi-course dinners, menus adapt to dietary needs and preferences. Prepared meals and full catering options include setup, decor, and cleanup for hassle-free hosting.
• Wellness and Relaxation: unwind with massages featuring Swedish, deep tissue, or reflexology techniques from certified therapists. Spa treatments like facials, body scrubs, and microdermabrasion are performed by licensed estheticians.
• Beauty and Grooming: Get manicures, pedicures, haircuts, or beard trims from skilled specialists, perfect for pre-event freshening up without salon visits.
• Photography Sessions: Capture professional photos during your stay, ideal for family portraits or travel souvenirs by experienced photographers.
• Fitness and Personal Training: Private sessions with trainers help maintain routines, offering gym access without leaving home.

These services roll out progressively, with new cities and categories added regularly. Pricing varies by location and provider, but the convenience factor—seamless integration into your itinerary—makes it a game-changer for discerning travelers.

Revamped Airbnb Experiences: Dive into Local Culture

Beyond in-stay services, Airbnb has relaunched Airbnb Experiences with a focus on authentic, host-led adventures in 650 cities. These aren’t generic tours; they’re curated by locals offering cultural, culinary, wellness, and sports activities that reveal hidden gems.

Highlights include museum explorations, gallery walks, foodie tastings, and active pursuits like beach volleyball. For star power, Airbnb Originals feature celebrity-hosted events: bake with Paris chef Raphaelle Elbaz, join Olympian Carol Solberg for volleyball, embark on Megan Thee Stallion’s Otaku Hottie Quest, or spend a day with NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The app’s algorithm suggests Experiences alongside Services, creating cohesive trip plans. Hosts benefit from simplified submission tools, making it easier to list offerings.

The New Airbnb App: Your All-in-One Travel Hub

Streamlining discovery and management, the redesigned app unifies homes, Services, and Experiences. Key features include:

• Explore Tab: Search and browse accommodations, services, and activities with tailored suggestions.
• Trips Tab: Centralized itinerary view for upcoming bookings, messages, and details.
• Today Tab (for Hosts): Quick access to reservation info for better guest service.
• Profile Upgrades: Track past trips, connections, and memories in one profile.
• Host Tools: Easy listing setup, Google Calendar sync, and pricing adjustments for Services/Experiences.

For guests, this means less app-switching; for hosts, streamlined operations boost earnings potential. The intuitive interface reduces friction, encouraging more bookings.

Impact on Travelers, Hosts, and the Industry

These updates position Airbnb as a full-spectrum travel platform, challenging traditional hotels by offering similar amenities with greater personalization. Travelers gain flexibility—enjoy a home’s space with hotel services—while hosts diversify income through Services and Experiences.

Early feedback highlights convenience: a family in New York booked a chef for a birthday dinner; a couple in London scheduled massages post-sightseeing. Industry analysts predict this could increase average booking values by 20-30% as guests bundle offerings.

Challenges remain, like ensuring consistent quality globally and navigating local regulations for services. Airbnb’s vetting process mitigates risks, but scalability will be key.

How to Get Started with These Features

1. Update your Airbnb app to the latest version.
2. Book a stay, then check the Services tab for recommendations.
3. Browse Experiences via the Explore section.
4. For hosts: Use Airbnb Setup to list services or activities.
5. Confirm bookings and communicate via the Trips tab.

Availability starts in major hubs like New York, London, Paris, and Tokyo, expanding soon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Airbnb Services available everywhere?

Currently in 260 cities across 10 categories, with more locations added regularly via the app.

How does Airbnb vet service providers?

Providers undergo checks for 10+ years experience, credentials, and reputation.

Can I book Experiences with my stay?

Yes, the app suggests and bundles them seamlessly post-booking.

What’s new for Airbnb hosts?

Simplified listing tools, calendar integration, and dedicated management tabs.

Do celebrities really host Experiences?

Yes, Airbnb Originals feature verified stars like Patrick Mahomes and Megan Thee Stallion.

Future Outlook: Airbnb’s Vision for Travel

Looking ahead, Airbnb plans to deepen integrations, perhaps adding transportation or event tickets. This evolution underscores a broader trend: platforms blending accommodations with lifestyle services for holistic travel. Whether solo, with family, or friends, these tools make every journey more special and stress-free.