What is an Airbnb Superhost and How to Become One

What is an Airbnb Superhost?

There are two types of Airbnb hosts: regular hosts and Superhosts. Airbnb Superhosts are hosts who consistently go above and beyond in their duties as hosts to provide an exceptional experience to guests. They are easily identified from the badge that appears on their listing and profile.

Why did Airbnb Launch the Superhost Program?

The Airbnb Superhost program celebrates and rewards hosts on the platform who have proven to be a cut above the rest. The program helps Airbnb and guests differentiate between great vs average hosts but also recognize consistency in providing excellent service to guests. It is an added markup on star ratings by measuring hosts against a comprehensive and standardized set of metrics. The Superhost program also takes into account a host’s entire portfolio of properties.

How to Become an Airbnb Superhost?

Hosts don’t have to apply to become a Superhost, they automatically earn or maintain the status as long as they reliably deliver on the designated metrics established by Airbnb.

Every quarter, Airbnb evaluates the performance of their hosts in the past 12 months. However, hosts who have been on the platform for less than 12 months are also eligible.

The assessment takes place over a five-day period beginning on:

• January 1
• April 1
• July 1
• October 1

Any host who meets the stipulated requirements at each assessment date will gain Superhost status. Hosts are notified at the end of the assessment period (though it can take a few days) and it can take up to 1 week for the badge to show up for new hosts.

A Superhost who fails to meet the full criteria at any quarterly assessment will immediately lose their status and consequently their badge.

What are the Requirements for Becoming an Airbnb Superhost?

Airbnb has stipulated a standardized set of criteria that hosts must achieve consistently in order to become and remain an Airbnb Superhost. For hosts with multiple properties, the metrics must be achieved across all listings. These are:

10 Stays or 100 Nights over 3 Trips

To ensure Superhosts maintain their experience in hosting, Airbnb requires they host at least 10 stays or 100 nights over at least 3 stays.

90% Response Rate

A quick response to guest messages is an essential element of ensuring good service. Thus, Airbnb expects Superhosts to maintain a minimum 90% response rate by replying to guests quickly.

As important as the task is, it also requires a lot of time and effort and takes away from other urgent hosting duties. Hosts are best advised to automate their Airbnb messaging, ideally using a channel manager like Hostaway’s.

1% Cancellation Rate

Superhosts must maintain a cancellation of 1% or less, that is 1 cancellation per 100 reservations. Exceptions are only made for cancellations that fall under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy.

For hosts who list their property on more than one platform or manage multiple properties, double bookings are the most common cause of cancellations. They are advised to connect their calendars, preferable with a property management system like Hostaway.

4.8 Overall Rating

To earn and/or maintain Superhost status, hosts must ensure a minimum 4.8 overall rating based on reviews from their Airbnb guests in the past 12 months. The date of the review is considered to be the date that the guest submits it and not the date they checked out.

To ensure guests leave good reviews, hosts not only need to provide excellent service reliably but also make sure guests leave reviews at all. Guest review templates and automated guest messaging allow hosts to gain a steady stream of good reviews.

Why Become an Airbnb Superhost?

Airbnb Superhosts gain more than just a cute badge on their listings and profile. There are a number of advantages that accrue with the status including higher earning potential and exclusive rewards.

1. Increase Bookings

Potential guests are always looking for reliable hosts. Superhost status not only helps your listing stand out but gives guests an even bigger reassurance that you can be relied upon to ensure a wonderful stay. According to AirDNA, Superhosts experience an 81% higher occupancy rate.

2. Improve Visibility

Superhost status provides hosts greater visibility in a number of ways including the ‘Superhosts only’ search filter as well as greater chances of being featured in Airbnb newsletters and curated lists. There is also the badge that appears on your listing and profile. According to AirDNA, Superhost status provides a 5% improvement in listing traffic.

3. Inspire Trust

Because guests are assured of their booking not getting canceled as well as an outstanding experience by booking with a Superhost, it immediately inspires trust in guests in your properties.

4. Increase ADR

Because guests are assured of premium service and experience, Superhosts can generally charge a higher rate than their ordinary competitors.

5. Grow Income

The improved trust, visibility, occupancy, and ADR all lead to increased income for your Airbnb property portfolio. According to AirDNA, Superhosts are able to earn 60% more revenue per available day.

6. Gain Recognition Among Your Peers

Being a Superhost is a badge of honor. It impresses both guests and fellow Airbnb hosts. The added recognition can also help you build a network in the industry and enjoy a privileged status among your peers.

7. Experience Exclusive Rewards

For every full year that Superhosts maintain their status, they are credited with a USD 100 travel coupon. They also earn an extra 20% on top of the usual referral bonus when they refer a new host to sign up to Airbnb and get invited to local Airbnb events.

8. Enjoy Dedicated Airbnb Support

Airbnb customer support for hosts can more often be a frustrating experience but Superhosts are provided priority treatment when communicating with Airbnb, allowing them to resolve matters faster, serve guests better, and enjoy a better Airbnb experience.

How to Cancel a Booking as a Superhost

Superhosts are required to maintain a cancellation rate of less than 1% but there are times when even the best host has to cancel a reservation due to an unavoidable circumstance. If the reason you cancel a booking is covered under Airbnb’s Extenuating Circumstances Policy, you can make sure it does not infringe on your eligibility for Superhost status as well as waive any penalties. Just make sure you file your claim within 14 days after canceling or before the next guest arrives.