Airbnb upsells can work well without being pushy. Research shows 57 percent of guests will spend extra on tailored services during their stays. The platform now has over five million hosts worldwide and 448 million nights booked. This creates huge opportunities to boost your income and your guest's experience through carefully selected add-ons.
Great Airbnb upsells make vacation experiences better instead of feeling like constant charges. Guests feel valued and pampered when hosts provide services that make travel easier. These tailored experiences and upgrades help achieve higher satisfaction scores and better reviews. This leads to more bookings.
Smart hosts are going beyond simple accommodations to create memorable stays through strategic collaborations in 2025. Here are ten Airbnb upsell ideas your guests will love and gladly pay for!
1. Early Check-In and Late Check-Out
Standard check-in and check-out times rarely match travel schedules perfectly. Giving guests flexible arrival and departure times is one of the easiest Airbnb upsells to apply. Your guests will appreciate this service a lot.
Many travelers deal with tricky schedule gaps. They might arrive early after overnight flights or have evening departures that leave them stuck with luggage. You can turn these time extensions into a profitable service. Your guests get the convenience they need, and you make extra money without much effort.
Hosts report earning at least $100 extra monthly through this simple upsell option [1]. The best part? You're making money from unused hours when your calendar permits it.
Guests usually ask for flexible timing because:
- Their morning flights arrive hours before check-in
- They have late evening departures after checkout
- They need to work around their children's nap times
- They want to get the most out of their vacation [2]
Airbnb's default check-in time is 3:00 PM and checkout is 11:00 AM [3]. Flexible timing can improve the guest experience by a lot. Strict schedules add unnecessary stress to their trip [1].
Here's how to set up this upsell and make it work:
- Establish clear policies - Put your standard times and fee structure in your listing description, house rules, and pre-stay messages [2].
- Price appropriately - You could charge:
- $10-20 per hour
- Half-day rates for longer extensions
- Flat fees based on your market position
- Automate the process - Create message templates: "For late check-out, our cleaners can confirm the evening before based on their schedule. They might give an extra hour or two. Let me know if you're interested!" [2]
- Think over operational impacts - Only offer extended times when your calendar has enough turnover time. Your cleaning staff's schedule comes first [2].
- Provide alternatives - If you can't extend times, suggest luggage storage options like Bounce or local storage facilities [2].
This upsell is easy to manage. You just need to adjust your schedule and coordinate with cleaners. All of this can be automated in SuiteOp! Once a guest purchases an early check-in, your smart locks automatically update access time, PMS gets updated with the adjusted details, and your cleaners get notified that the property must be ready with an earlier deadline. Your guests see this flexibility as a service rather than an extra charge.
Note that flexible timing brings more than just extra income. Properties that offer this service get higher occupancy rates. Guests prefer places that fit their schedule needs [1]. This gives you an edge in busy markets where standing out is vital.
Some guests might not want to pay for extended times. You can suggest booking an extra night at a discount instead. This could bring in more revenue and solve their timing issues at the same time.
2. Pool Heating
Vacation rental data shows pools rank as top amenities worldwide [4]. All the same, many hosts miss a great chance by including heated pools instead of offering them as a premium add-on service.
Pool heating as an upsell creates two advantages. Your property's luxury appeal gets a boost and you earn more money without extra work [5]. Plus, guests like having the choice rather than paying for heat they might not use during their stay.
Hosts who want to try this upsell should know about the upfront costs. A professional setup has:
- High-capacity gas heater (400,000 BTU): approximately $3,400 [6]
- Smart automation system: around $900 [6]
The upfront cost might seem substantial, but the automation pays for itself through remote management quickly. Systems like the Pentair IntelliConnect let hosts:
- Control heater functions remotely via smartphone
- Schedule heating only when needed
- Stop unauthorized use by guests who haven't paid for heating [6]
Smart pricing makes this work well. Successful hosts charge about $35-$75 daily for pool heating [6]. This rate covers costs and creates profit while staying reasonable enough for guests to pay happily. So your heated pool becomes both attractive and profitable.
Numbers tell the story clearly. One host spent $345.26 on gas over a month but made $500 in heating fees during that time [6]. That's a 45% profit margin on the service.
Here are some proven tips to run this efficiently:
You don't need constant heating. Turn the heater on around 6:00 AM on check-in day and off around 10:00 AM at checkout [6]. Set clear temperature expectations - pool pros suggest 84°F [6] as the sweet spot between comfort and cost.
A pool cover makes a vital companion investment. It keeps the temperature steady, stops debris, and cuts heating costs by preventing heat loss - especially important in cooler weather [6].
Pool heating done right creates an upsell that makes guests happier and increases your income. By making it optional rather than standard, guests control their experience and you earn more for offering premium comfort.
3. Local Experiences and Tours
A successful Airbnb host does more than provide a cozy bed - they create authentic local experiences. Research shows travelers want to dive into new cultures (62%), savor local food (52%), and connect with people (33%) during their stays [8]. This growing desire for real experiences gives hosts a great chance to boost income through local partnerships.
Local business partnerships turn basic accommodations into gateways of cultural discovery. Your rental becomes truly memorable when you offer exclusive perks that lift it above the competition [9]. Everyone wins in these setups - guests get authentic experiences, local businesses find new customers, and hosts earn extra income.
The most successful local experience upsells include:
- Guided tours and adventures – Team up with local guides who offer neighborhood walks, history tours, or outdoor fun like hiking, kayaking, or wildlife watching
- Culinary experiences – Cooking classes, food tours, wine tastings, or VIP restaurant bookings
- Cultural immersion – Artisan workshops, cultural event tickets, or special gallery and museum access
- Wellness activities – Yoga classes, spa treatments, or meditation sessions
You can structure these partnerships in different ways. Many hosts choose commission-based arrangements to earn a percentage from guest bookings [1]. Another option lets you secure exclusive discounts or extra perks that make guests feel special [10].
Getting the word out is simple. Add activity details to your welcome guide, mention them in check-in messages, or create a special section in your digital guest guide. Some hosts design physical vouchers or experience menus to showcase what locals offer. Upsells live natively in SuiteOp’s guest portal with 60% of bookings purchasing at least one upsell during their stay. You can also connect third party platforms like Viator, Mount, and Ticketmaster for a wide library of events and offerings.
Money flows in beyond just commissions. Properties with curated local experiences tend to get better reviews, fuller calendars, and more return visits. Guests love insider tips that help them find authentic spots they might miss otherwise.
Start by looking for partners whose services match your guests' interests. Focus on exclusive deals they won't find anywhere else - it adds value to your rental and shows you're a true local expert.
4. Rental Equipment for Outdoor Activities
Guests love the convenience of rental equipment for outdoor activities, and it creates a nice extra income stream too. Most travelers don't want to lug around bulky gear or pay high prices at local shops. This makes on-site equipment rentals an attractive option that makes their stay better.
Your property's location determines what equipment you should rent out. A beach house could offer snorkeling gear and beach toys. Lakeside spots work great with kayaks or canoes. Mountain properties might want to stock snowshoes in winter. Urban locations do well with bicycle rentals [1]. The secret lies in matching your equipment to what guests typically do around your property.
The right pricing strategy is a vital part of making this work. Smart hosts usually price their rentals below what local shops charge [1]. Guests appreciate knowing they're getting better value than other options. One host put it well: "Renting equipment from you may save your guests money compared to renting from a sports club or store" [13].
Equipment rentals sound great but there's work to be done. Safety comes first - Standard Airbnb insurance doesn't cover guests using your equipment off your property [14]. Hosts handle this in different ways:
- They offer guests the option of a damage waiver to cover a certain amount of damage (95% of the time, no damage occurs)
- They team up with licensed rental companies instead of providing gear themselves
- They only let guests use equipment on the property
- They get special rental insurance
Equipment needs regular care too. You'll need to check bikes to make sure they're safe to ride, verify life jackets meet safety rules, and keep all gear clean and working properly [15].
Yes, it is possible to find creative ways around these challenges. Some hosts build relationships with local rental shops that bring equipment when guests ask [15]. Others use services like Spinlister for bikes or Boatsetter for boats to take care of insurance and maintenance [15].
Whatever way you choose, good communication makes equipment rentals work better. Write out safety rules and usage instructions. Don't forget about extras like helmets for bikes or life jackets for water activities [13]. For outdoor adventures, tell guests about the terrain, weather they should expect, and what clothes or supplies they'll need [16].
This works because it makes things easier for guests and gives them good value. They can enjoy everything around your property without worrying about bringing or finding equipment somewhere else.
5. Transportation Services and Airport Pickups
Transportation arrangements in unfamiliar places create stress for travelers. Guests find logistics frustrating, especially when they need to get from airports to their accommodations. Your transportation services can provide real value to guests while generating extra income.
Guests love airport pickups after long flights. The service saves them from the chaos of navigating unknown terminals, finding taxis, or trying to figure out public transportation systems. They also appreciate the personal touch and immediate help with their luggage.
You can take several approaches to this upsell:
Personal pickup service – The airport's proximity lets you offer direct pickups. Some hosts surprise their long-stay guests with complimentary service [17]. Others make it profitable by charging around 50-60% of standard Uber or taxi rates while keeping it attractive to guests [18].
Transportation partnerships – Strategic collaborations with local transportation providers benefit everyone. Your guests get reliable service while you earn commissions through affiliate arrangements [1]. Safety standards remain high with professionally-vetted drivers who have verified insurance and clean driving records [3].
Vehicle rentals – Some guests want independence during their stay. Your vehicle rental option creates great convenience when combined with property bookings. This positions your listing as a complete travel solution [19]. A host explains: "We offer a clean, reliable car for rent, perfect for day trips or exploring the city" [19].
Your transportation upsells need attention to these operational details:
- Clear pricing and availability in pre-arrival communications
- Local regulations for transportation services
- Insurance coverage verification for personal services
- Simple booking processes through your guest portal
The financial rewards go beyond direct revenue. Properties with transportation services get better reviews and higher rebooking rates [20]. Business travelers see this convenience as a necessity rather than an option [20].
Airport transfers offer the clearest value to start. You can expand later to cover other transportation needs like rides to attractions, shopping areas, or special events. Your guests will appreciate having these options without doing extensive research.
Transportation upsells solve a common travel challenge and show your steadfast dedication to detailed hospitality. An experienced host notes, "Travelers choose accommodations that minimize stress and research time" [20]. This makes transportation services one of your most appreciated upsell options.
6. Luggage Storage for Guests
Vacation rental guests often face a common problem: what to do with their luggage because property turnover times rarely match their travel schedules. Most check-in and check-out times don't line up with flight schedules. This creates a perfect chance to offer luggage storage as an upsell that solves a real guest problem.
Guests who arrive early or leave late have few choices. They end up dragging their bags around town without storage options. This makes it nowhere near as easy to enjoy their first or last day. Property owners can turn this headache into a service that benefits everyone.
Here are some ways to add luggage storage as an upsell:
- Direct storage service - My cleaning schedule sometimes lets me store luggage at the property for a small fee. This works best if you have extra space like a garage, annex, or dedicated storage room.
- Partner with local businesses - Local cafés, shops, or hotels can become great allies. They get more foot traffic and your guests get a valuable service.
- Connect with dedicated storage services - You can avoid liability issues while still helping your guests solve their problem.
Bounce
Bounce stands out as a prominent luggage storage service that has more than 6,000 partners across 2,000+ cities worldwide [21]. They work like Airbnb but for bags—connecting travelers with safe storage spots at local businesses such as coffee shops, hotels, and convenience stores.
The service costs a flat fee whatever the bag size—USD $5.90 per bag for 24 hours (€5 in Europe and £5 in the UK) [2]. Each booking comes with $10,000 insurance protection and you can cancel for free until check-in time [2].
Bounce's customer ratings show their quality with a 4.4/5 on Trustpilot from 1,178 reviews and higher scores on app stores [21]. Guests can easily book through the app or website, then show their confirmation to drop off their luggage.
This upsell serves as both a helpful service and a must-have feature. Guests don't mind paying to make the most of their vacation time. Storage options often result in better guest satisfaction and reviews because they remove a major travel hassle.
Adding this simple yet valuable service helps your property stand out in competitive markets without much extra work.
7. Private Chefs
Private chef services rank among the most memorable parts of any vacation. Adding them as an Airbnb upsell can turn regular stays into amazing food experiences. My hosting experience shows that guests give private chef services the highest ratings among premium add-ons.
More guests want real food experiences without stepping out of their rental. A professional chef who creates tailored meals in your kitchen brings an intimate feel that no restaurant can match. You won't need to look up restaurants, book tables, or find transportation - that adds great value.
Here's how a private chef experience works:
- The chef arrives approximately 2 hours before the meal
- They prepare all dishes using fresh ingredients they bring
- Food is served professionally at your desired pace
- The chef cleans the kitchen completely before departing
Prices change based on menu complexity and group size. Private chef experiences start at USD 89.00 per person (minimum two guests) [22]. Luxury multi-course meals can cost between €137 to €215 per guest [23]. Large groups spend about USD 817.00 on average to book a private chef [24].
Yhangry
Yhangry leads the market in connecting vacation rental guests with skilled private chefs. They've served over 16,000 in-home dining experiences and earned a 4.7-star rating [25].
Yhangry gives hosts a great advantage with its free integration. I don't pay anything as a host - Yhangry takes care of everything from finding chefs and talking to guests to handling payments and planning [25].
The platform helps hosts boost their earnings by a lot. Some hosts make up to £4,000 per 100 bookings through this add-on [25]. Yhangry started in the UK and just recently launched in the US!
Yhangry's menu choices range from casual meals to Michelin-starred dining. Guests can pick family-style meals, cooking classes, or deep dives into regional flavors based on their priorities [26].
Hosts should know that chefs come with their own ingredients and equipment. They clean up after cooking and can handle special diet needs if you ask ahead [24].
8. Mid-Stay Cleaning
Clean sheets and spotless bathrooms are at the top of every guest's wishlist. A recent poll shows 64% of guests want their rooms cleaned daily or every other day [5]. Mid-stay cleaning works great as an upsell that benefits both hosts and guests.
Mid-stay cleaning is a lighter service that happens during a guest's stay. The service focuses on basic cleanup, sanitization, and restocking of toiletries and linens [7]. It costs less than a full turnover clean but makes a big difference to guest comfort.
This service shines best with bookings that last a week or longer [7]. Guests love coming back from their daily adventures to find their living spaces refreshed without lifting a finger.
Here's what you get by offering mid-stay cleaning:
- Higher property value perception – Guests view properties with cleaning options more favorably [7]
- Increased guest comfort – Living spaces stay pleasant throughout longer stays [7]
- Preventive maintenance – Small issues get fixed before they grow [7]
- Additional revenue – You create a service-based income stream without much extra work
The key lies in clear communication. Let guests know about this option during booking and give them at least 24 hours' notice before cleanings [7]. Random cleaning visits can feel intrusive and ruin the guest experience. Guests can purchase a mid-stay cleaning upsell directly in the SuiteOp portal. Notifications can be automated to message your cleaning team of the task details.
Prices change based on your property size and location. Most hosts charge 30-50% less than a full turnover clean. Guests see this as a worthwhile luxury—"Who doesn't like coming home to a freshly cleaned space after a long day of sightseeing?" [27].
Properties with professional cleaning teams can roll out this upsell easily. Modern booking systems let guests schedule and pay for cleaning services right through your property's portal [28].
9. Upgraded Welcome Baskets
Welcome baskets can revolutionize your revenue stream through profitable upsells that delight your guests. Data backs this strategy—over 32,000 Airbnb reviews mentioned welcome baskets in 2023, and 94% of these mentions earned 5-star ratings [6].
Premium welcome baskets tap into reciprocity psychology. Your guests' positive connection with the property starts right after their tiring journey when they find an unexpected luxury offering. Properties with welcome basket mentions saw a 60% drop in 4-star and lower reviews [6].
These upgraded baskets come in several popular categories:
- Luxury Basket: Champagne, salmon, artisan cheeses, olives, and specialty meats—perfect to spark a romantic evening [27]
- Local Chef's Basket: Regional recipes, spices, and wines specific to your area [27]
- Self-Care Package: Facials, bath bombs, locally-made soaps, lotions, tea, and chocolate [27]
- Celebration Packages: Customized treats for birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays [29]
Successful hosts price these premium options at 5-10% of their nightly rate [29]. This smart investment pays off—guests who mention welcome baskets in reviews are more likely to give top ratings.
The most effective welcome basket upsells serve two purposes: they provide practical value after travel and genuine pleasure. High-end properties can match their price point with premium options like local wine, pre-assembled charcuterie boards, or chocolate-dipped strawberries [6].
A handwritten note that acknowledges your guest's specific reason for staying creates an individual-specific touch. This simple gesture turns your upsell into a memorable hospitality experience [6].
10. Health and Wellness Kits
Modern travelers prioritize self-care during their stays, which creates perfect chances for thoughtful wellness-focused upsells. Health and wellness kits show guests you care about their wellbeing and address their common needs.
These kits come in two categories. Essential health necessities prevent urgent trips to stores—toothbrushes, toothpaste, contact lens containers, bug spray, and sun protection [13]. Premium wellness items help guests relax—yoga mats with meditation guides [30], bath salts, essential oils, face masks, cozy robes, and guided meditation playlists [4].
The setup is simple yet brings substantial value. Small baskets of health essentials placed in bathrooms with clear pricing let guests buy what they need. Premium wellness packages promoted before arrival give guests a chance to improve their stay experience.
Strategic collaborations with local wellness providers expand these upsell options. Local massage therapists or estheticians offering in-room services create luxury experiences that guests gladly pay for [4].
These offerings solve ground travel problems and improve comfort naturally. Guests who forget essentials or want relaxation options appreciate having these items accessible. This approach turns small inconveniences into chances for hosts to deliver exceptional service and boost revenue.
Upsells on SuiteOp
SuiteOp helps Airbnb property managers boost their income with a complete platform that automates upsells. The software lets hosts create customized upsell options that bring in a lot more revenue.
How upsells work in the SuiteOp guest portal
SuiteOp has four different types of upsells: Advertisements, Requests, Purchases, and Postcards [31]. You can create your own ads or pull them from partners like Viator. Requests work well for amenities that need approval and can be free or paid. Purchase upsells are perfect for items you always have available. The Postcard feature lets guests send real postcards to any US address [31].
Guests love the ability to shop in the guest portal and easily purchase add-on services. For operators wanting to provide the top guest experience, having the best guest portal in the industry makes their stay just that much better!
Targeting and rules
The platform shows upsells based on smart assignment rules. You can set these rules by property, use templates, or trigger them based on guest verification answers [32]. This smart approach shows guests only what they might want, which makes sales much better.
Third-Party Platforms - Viator, Mount
SuiteOp combines smoothly with Viator right now. Hosts can show local experiences directly in their guest portal [33]. You earn 8% commission from each booking [34]. Mount works the same way and adds more options to your upsell list without extra work.
Real results from SuiteOp Clients
Renjoy started using SuiteOp in March 2025 and made USD $11,500 in new guest revenue in just 30 days. This was five times more than their SuiteOp subscription cost [35]. They expect to make USD $138,000 yearly from these automated upsells [35]. For every 100 units managed, operators should see $10,000 in additional monthly EBITDA from upsell offerings.
References
[1] - https://www.uplisting.io/blog/the-top-7-airbnb-upselling-strategies
[2] - https://bounce.com/blog/airbnb-luggage-storage-problems
[3] - https://blog.gettransfer.com/sv/benefits-of-chauffeur-service-for-airbnb-hosts-and-guests/
[4] - https://www.menutiger.com/blog/airbnb-upsells
[5] - https://www.optiisolutions.com/blogs/stayover-cleans
[6] - https://stayvello.com/welcome-baskets-that-wow-a-guide-to-making-a-great-first-impression/
[7] - https://turno.com/blog/should-you-schedule-mid-stay-cleanings/
[8] - https://pro.regiondo.com/blog/airbnb-experiences-host/
[9] - https://www.airdna.co/blog/local-partnerships-for-rental-properties
[10] - https://www.bnbcalc.com/blog/airbnb-business/how-to-start-airbnb/mastering-the-art-of-local-partnerships-enhancing-your-short-term-rental-experience
[11] - https://www.airbnb.com/host/experiences
[12] - https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/How-to-Master-Upselling-on-Airbnb-Delight-Guests-amp-Grow-Your/td-p/2085660
[13] - https://www.5starstr.com/blog/your-guests-wont-be-annoyed-by-these-10-airbnb-upsells
[14] - https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/kayaks-bikes-as-amenities/td-p/1395765/page/2
[15] - https://airhostsforum.com/t/what-do-you-think-about-offering-bike-rentals-with-your-airbnb/3958
[16] - https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/3018
[17] - https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Support-with-your-bookings/Do-you-offer-your-guests-a-driving-service/m-p/1771154
[18] - https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Airport-Pick-Up-Service/m-p/1038758
[19] - https://www.hostaway.com/blog/turo-and-airbnb-how-to-rent-your-vehicle-on-airbnb/
[20] - https://www.welcomepickups.com/blog/vacation-rentals/awareness/do-i-need-a-private-transfer-service-for-my-airbnb-business/
[21] - https://www.going.com/guides/bounce-luggage-storage
[22] - https://www.atyourtable.com.au/food-dining-trends-news/hire-a-private-chef-for-your-airbnb-experience/
[23] - https://www.airbnb.com/services/5674045
[24] - https://yhangry.com/en-us/
[25] - https://www.guesty.com/marketplace-items/yhangry/
[26] - https://startupsmagazine.co.uk/article-yhangry-brings-full-service-flair-staycation-market-private-chef-food-experiences
[27] - https://www.lodgify.com/blog/airbnb-upsells/
[28] - https://sirvoy.com/blog/2022/10/28/three-housekeeping-opportunities-to-satisfy-hotel-guests-and-cut-costs/
[29] - https://hospitable.com/airbnb-welcome-basket
[30] - https://hello.pricelabs.co/short-term-rental-upsells/
[31] - https://suiteop.com/help/en/articles/9617562-creating-upsells
[32] - https://suiteop.com/help/en/articles/11071992-guest-portal-faqs
[33] - https://suiteop.com/integrations/viator
[34] - https://suiteop.com/help/en/articles/10041969-using-viator-upsells-in-suiteop
[35] - https://suiteop.com/case-study/renjoy
[36] - https://ensoconnect.com/resources/urban-stay-case-study
