Airbnb is ushering in a new era of services, going beyond its traditional role in short-term rentals. The company is enriching its platform with offerings such as private chefs, massages, and personal trainers. CEO Brian Chesky noted that travelers choose hotels for the amenities and Airbnbs for the space—emphasizing that users will now enjoy “the best of both worlds.”

This upgrade comes as the company warns of a potential decline in bookings in the U.S., due to President Donald Trump’s volatile economic policies, which are negatively impacting consumer sentiment. Although Airbnb has hosted over two billion guests since 2008, it continues to face challenges.

Many cities have imposed restrictions on short-term rentals in an effort to combat housing shortages caused by overtourism.

Luxury Perks at Affordable Prices
The newly offered services, initially available in 260 cities, cost less than $50. They include spa treatments, photographers, and makeup artists, and can even be booked by individuals not staying in an Airbnb. The company’s updated app also allows users to schedule custom excursions and activities—a feature first introduced in 2016.

These new hotel-style features reflect the evolving needs of travelers, said Gary Bowerman, director of travel marketing firm Check-in Asia, in an interview with the BBC.

Another highlight of the new app is the “Originals” tab, which offers exclusive experiences around the world. These include, for example, a beach volleyball match in Rio de Janeiro with Olympic medalist Carol Solberg, or a Sunday with NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes.