Imagine booking a cozy cabin or chic apartment for your weekend escape—and finding out you can now book a private chef or a massage therapist to come directly to you.
Sounds dreamy, right? Well, Airbnb has rolled out exactly that.
But while it’s a hit with some guests, many hosts are not thrilled. In fact, they’re worried, frustrated, and speaking out.
A New Feature That Sounds Great for Guests
Back in May, Airbnb quietly introduced a new offering called “Services.”
It lives right in the app, under a tab where travelers can now hire vetted professionals—everything from hairstylists and photographers to personal trainers and chefs—to come straight to their rental.
It’s part of Airbnb’s broader plan to become a one-stop-shop for travel.
These providers aren’t just random freelancers either.
Airbnb requires them to submit credentials and be approved before joining the platform.
For guests, it means a more tailored, luxurious stay—no need to leave the comfort of your holiday home to indulge in spa treatments or fine dining.
Hosts Left Out of the Loop and Out of the Profits
But while Airbnb is banking on this feature to enhance the guest experience, hosts are raising the alarm.
One big issue? They’re not informed when a guest books a service on their property. And they don’t get a share of the revenue, either.
Take Rhonda Stephens, who rents out a charming historic farmhouse just outside Nashville. S
he told The Wall Street Journal that she doesn’t want extra hassles added to her hosting duties—and this new feature feels exactly like that.
She even made it clear on her listing that services are not allowed.
Opting Out Isn’t Always So Simple
Technically, hosts can opt out of the add-ons.
But some, like Rhonda, worry that doing so might make their properties seem less appealing to potential guests.
There’s a fear that guests might skip over listings without these “extras,” even if the hosts have valid reasons for not wanting outside professionals on-site.
Amy Maynor, a highly rated super-host with three properties in Jacksonville, Florida, decided to stay out of the program.
Her concern? Liability and control.
She’s worked hard to build a solid reputation and doesn’t want it jeopardized by an unknown third party delivering a poor service—especially when there’s no way to independently confirm the provider is properly licensed or insured.
And then there’s the practical side of things. “I don’t want to get oils all over the couch or beds,” she said, referring to in-home massages.
Her homeowner’s insurance doesn’t even cover these types of third-party interactions.
Service Providers Like the Idea—But See Both Sides
Not everyone is against it. Marie Moreau, a massage therapist based in Orlando, was approached by Airbnb to list her services.
She’s had a few sessions booked and said they’ve gone really well.
Still, even she can understand why hosts would be hesitant about letting strangers perform services in their homes.
She points out that too many restrictions might turn off customers: “The more restrictions you put on something, the less appealing it looks.”
Liability Insurance Is Required, but Hosts Are Still Wary
Airbnb insists that all service providers carry their own liability insurance, and its Aircover protection plan also kicks in if anything goes wrong.
But despite that reassurance, many hosts aren’t convinced.
They’ve taken to Reddit and other online forums to vent their concerns.
One host posted, “I actually don’t want to provide any services or have anything to do with any of this,” adding that they’d rather keep their distance from guests—and many guests seem to prefer it that way too.
A One-Size-Fits-All Plan Doesn’t Sit Well With Hosts
The core frustration for many property owners is that Airbnb’s model doesn’t consider the unique needs and restrictions of each home.
Some rentals are in neighborhoods with strict rules around parking.
Others are on properties with delicate septic systems.
Some hosts just don’t have the infrastructure to support on-site service providers.
There’s also the concern about accountability. What if a guest books a disappointing service? Will they leave a bad review for the entire experience—including the rental—even if the host had nothing to do with it?
Airbnb’s Bigger Vision Isn’t Easing Concerns
This all ties into Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky’s ambitious vision.
In May, he announced plans to expand the company’s reach beyond just rentals.
His goal? Make Airbnb “the Airbnb of everything.”
That includes services, experiences, and anything else travel-related.
But hosts, who are the backbone of the platform, aren’t sure this new direction is in their best interest.
They’re worried it complicates their roles, introduces new risks, and takes decisions out of their hands—all while Airbnb collects more revenue.