Airbnb Readies a Premium Tier to Compete More With Hotels, Sources Say
- Service will rely on inspectors to check homes for quality
- Pilot program is designed to lure wealthier travelers
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Airbnb Inc. is close to launching a new service that will match guests with quality-inspected home and apartment rentals. The product is intended to attract higher-paying travelers who have yet to use Airbnb because they prefer the amenities guaranteed by fancy hotels, said three people familiar with the project.
The service, expected to launch as a pilot with a select group of hosts as soon as this week, will send Airbnb inspectors into hosts’ homes to ensure they meet a checklist of quality standards designated by the company, said two of the people. If the homes pass the inspection they will be eligible for a featured section of Airbnb’s website and mobile apps, they added.