Airbnb’s 2025 Summer Release has been highly anticipated thanks to the long-awaited, much-discussed relaunch of the company’s experiences vertical. On the heels of mixed first quarter financial results, the short-term rental giant did officially relaunch experiences, along with another new vertical, Airbnb Services, and a new mobile app during an event in Los Angeles.
The new and refreshed Airbnb categories come after the company said in February that it would spend up to $250 million on new lines of business this year. At the time, Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky called for “the beginning of a new Airbnb,” in line with his oft-discussed plan to expand beyond Airbnb’s core business.
The new Airbnb Services offering delivers hotel-style perks directly to your rental. That includes everything from in-home massages, chef-prepared meals, and personal training to blowouts, facials, and professional photography.
Services are now available in 260 cities, and hosts must be licensed, verified, and experienced, with many boasting backgrounds in Michelin-starred kitchens or elite spas.
Airbnb Experiences, meanwhile, has been overhauled to include guided adventures hosted by locals, from ramen-making with renowned chefs to exploring Notre Dame’s restoration with its architects.
The new Airbnb Originals adds celebrity-led options, like throwing a football with Patrick Mahomes or styling sessions with Hollywood consultants.
The revamped Airbnb app supports it all with smart trip planning. After booking a stay, the app offers personalized recommendations, an itinerary view, and real-time updates on local experiences and services nearby.
It also allows for group messaging and seamless service payments—all wrapped in a sleeker, more intuitive interface.
While hotels have long had the edge when it comes to amenities, Airbnb’s latest pivot is a direct challenge to that model.
By combining the flexibility and charm of home rentals with premium services and curated experiences, Airbnb is blurring the lines between short-term rentals and full-scale hospitality providers.
The updates appear to be aimed at appealing to travelers seeking both authenticity and convenience, positioning Airbnb more directly against traditional hospitality providers.
Welcome to the next generation of global exploration. Whether you’re booking a castle in the Cotswolds or a rooftop massage in Rio, now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb. Explore it all here.
“Seventeen years ago, we changed how people travel,” said Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky.
“With the launch of services and experiences, we’re changing travel again. Now you can Airbnb more than an Airbnb.”
