Business Travel: Airbnb's Work Trip Accommodations Explored

Airbnb for Work is a feature on the Airbnb platform that allows business travellers to filter and select from properties that are vetted for business travel. It was introduced in 2018 when the company rebranded its professional network as Airbnb for Work and started targeting the corporate travel market. Airbnb for Work provides a free admin dashboard that makes it easier to book, manage, and report on company trips. It also offers price alerts, payment groups, and access to Airbnb for Work experts.

Airbnb for Work: a free admin dashboard to book, manage and report on company trips

Airbnb for Work is a free admin dashboard that makes it easier to book, manage, and accurately report on company trips. It offers a range of tools to help companies manage their business travel and employee relocations.

The dashboard is split into four tabs: Trips, Reporting, Invoices, and People, and it provides access to Airbnb for Work experts. It also offers price alerts and payment groups to help manage company travel spending.

One of the key features of Airbnb for Work is the ability to filter search results for properties vetted for business travel, including specific amenities such as 24-hour check-in, a designated workspace, and a curated list of hosts with 5-star reviews. This makes it easier for corporate travellers to find suitable accommodations that meet their needs.

Additionally, the "Third-Party Bookings" tool allows coworkers to manage bookings on behalf of others, which is particularly useful for assistants booking travel for executives.

Airbnb for Work also offers a more cost-effective solution for companies, with rentals costing up to 40% less than hotel stays, especially for long-term stays. Many hosts offer reduced rates for weekly and monthly bookings, making it a perfect option for relocations or extended business trips.

Overall, Airbnb for Work provides companies with a convenient and flexible way to manage their business travel, offering a wide range of lodging solutions that meet the emerging needs of today's business travellers.

Business travel tools: price alerts, payment groups, and access to Airbnb for Work experts

Airbnb for Work is a feature that makes arranging accommodation for business trips a breeze. It offers a worldwide selection of homes and boutique hotels, as well as a suite of helpful tools.

Price Alerts

Price alerts help businesses manage their travel spending by providing notifications when prices change or reach certain thresholds. This enables companies to stay within their budgets and make informed decisions about their travel arrangements.

Payment Groups

Payment groups are another feature that assists in managing company travel spending. It allows for easy organisation and tracking of payments, helping businesses keep a close eye on their expenses.

Access to Airbnb for Work Experts

Airbnb for Work also grants users access to a team of experts dedicated to business travel. These specialists are well-versed in the platform and can provide guidance, support, and insights to ensure a smooth booking process for companies. Their expertise can be invaluable, especially for larger organisations or those new to using Airbnb for business travel.

In addition to these tools, Airbnb for Work offers a free admin dashboard, making it simpler to book, manage, and report on company trips. It also provides business travel-ready listings, with specific amenities that cater to business travellers, such as 24-hour check-in, designated workspaces, and highly-rated hosts.

The platform also introduced "Third-Party Bookings," which streamlines travel management by allowing coworkers to handle bookings on behalf of others. This feature is particularly useful for assistants or administrators who need to coordinate travel for multiple employees.

Business travel amenities: laptop-friendly workspaces, 24-hour check-in, and designated workspaces

Airbnb has made it easier for business travellers to find suitable accommodation by introducing a "laptop-friendly workspace" requirement. This feature ensures that listings with a dedicated workspace option are displayed to guests who need a space to work during their stay.

The "laptop-friendly workspace" requirement is straightforward: it simply requires "a table or desk with space for a laptop and a chair that's comfortable to work in". This basic necessity is essential for guests who need a functional workspace during their travels.

To make guests more comfortable and enhance their experience, Airbnb suggests hosts provide additional amenities. While these are not mandatory, they can elevate the guest's stay and make the workspace more accommodating. Some suggested additions include fast and reliable Wi-Fi, a coffee maker, tea kettle, and extra tech items such as a computer monitor, smart speakers, and phone chargers.

In addition to the laptop-friendly workspaces, 24-hour check-in and designated workspaces are also important considerations for business travellers. 24-hour check-in provides flexibility for guests arriving at any time of day, ensuring they can access their accommodation without hassle. Designated workspaces within the accommodation can further enhance the guest's experience, providing a dedicated area to focus on work without distractions.

By offering these business travel amenities, Airbnb listings can cater to the needs of guests who require a functional and comfortable space to work during their travels. These features ensure that business travellers have a productive and enjoyable stay, making the most of their time away from home.

Business travel expenses: one-click expensing to bill lodgings directly to the company

Airbnb has been aiming to attract more business travellers and has introduced a range of features to make it easier for companies to use the service. One of these features is one-click expensing, which allows business travellers to bill their lodgings directly to their company, rather than having to pay with a personal card and wait for reimbursement. This makes cash flow management easier for employees and payments simpler for the company through a personalised dashboard.

However, companies have to handle separate invoicing for accommodation, transport, etc. This can be simplified by using a travel management service, which can combine invoices and save time, making it easier to manage travel budgets.

The 'for work' filter on Airbnb allows corporate travellers to identify which homes are suitable for business trips. When you create an account with a work email address, you are automatically given the option to filter search results for properties vetted for business travel. These properties include amenities such as a laptop-friendly workspace, continuous WiFi access, an iron, hangers, a hairdryer, shampoo, and more.

The Airbnb for Work dashboard is split into four tabs: Trips, Reporting, Invoices, and People. It also includes price alerts and payment groups to help manage company travel spending.

Business travel suitability: safety, security, and location considerations

When travelling for work, safety, security, and location are paramount. Here are some considerations for business travellers to ensure a safe and secure trip:

Research the Destination

It is important to research the destination thoroughly. This includes visa requirements, local culture, and seasonal temperatures, but also destination-specific perils. Researching unsafe areas to avoid, local unrest, and potential major climate events can help prepare for any eventuality. Knowing the political climate of a destination can also help travellers avoid areas of unrest and civil disobedience.

Have an Emergency Plan

It is a good idea to keep important phone numbers, such as local police, embassies, and emergency contacts, readily available. Providing copies of itineraries and travel documentation to emergency contacts and keeping additional copies in luggage and hotel safes ensures easy access in the event of an emergency.

Health Precautions

Taking the necessary health precautions is vital when travelling for business. This includes getting the required vaccinations and bringing extra prescription medications. Carrying a first aid kit for minor incidents is also recommended. Knowing where to access healthcare locally is important, as is being aware of the availability of international medical support.

Transportation

Mapping local transportation options in advance can help travellers avoid scams, such as inflated cab fares and counterfeit discounted tickets. Pre-booking rides to and from the airport and using accredited services are recommended. When using public transportation, it is important to familiarise oneself with the routes to avoid getting lost.

Security and Theft

Visitors can be easy targets for thieves and scammers. Being vigilant and aware of one's surroundings is crucial. Keeping passports and valuables secure and only carrying small amounts of currency can help prevent theft. Leaving bags unattended in cars or with strangers should be avoided.

Cybercrime

Connecting to secure VPNs when using the internet is essential to protect personal information. Free Wi-Fi networks in public places should be avoided, as they may compromise personal information.

Accommodation

Researching accommodation options is crucial for business travellers. Knowing the security measures in place, such as 24-hour front desk staffing, and avoiding ground-floor rooms can enhance security. Placing a "do not disturb" sign on the door when away can deter opportunistic theft. Knowing the emergency exit plan is also vital in case of an emergency.

Frequently asked questions