The Best Time to Book an Airbnb | Pacaso (2024)

FAQs

Is there a cheaper time to book Airbnb? ›

Is there a best time to book? Finding the best price on an Airbnb is an art and a science. Many factors go into pricing (more on that below), but according to recent NerdWallet research, the sweet spot seems to be about four weeks in advance of your travel date.

Instant Book listings allow you to book immediately without needing to send a request to the Host for approval, provided you've completed your account setup. There's no additional fee, and it's especially convenient for last-minute trips. Simply filter your search to show only Instant Book listings and book away!

And Airbnbs? They fall somewhere in between. Our analysis shows that the just-right zone is around four weeks before departure. Yet it will be further in advance during peak travel seasons and may even reverse during low seasons when hosts are desperate for occupancy.

Today's travelers are flexible; your booking calendar could be too. Last-minute stays tend to be 1 to 3 nights, versus the traditional 1-week long vacations.

Guests are allowed to contact the Airbnb host about the nightly rate. They can, for example, ask for a lower nightly rate or a percentage off the total cost of the booking. While there's nothing against negotiating, be cautious of guests asking for a discount on top of a special offer.

You can negotiate the rate for your next Airbnb stay. There are several reasons that you can give for requesting a cheaper rate, from a last-minute booking to an extended stay. Depending on the situation, a host may be happy to discount the price to avoid having a property sit empty.

So, is booking an Airbnb last minute cheaper? We recommend a middle path: Booking neither many months in advance nor a few days before check-in, but somewhere in between. This offers the lowest typical rates, according to our data. Keep in mind that this rule of thumb won't apply in every situation.

Your payment method will be charged as soon as your reservation is confirmed (excluding security deposits). This applies for Instant Book, too. No matter how far in advance you book, the Host doesn't receive payment until 24 hours after your scheduled check-in.

You can discount by the week, month, or a custom time frame that you create. Early-bird discounts: Add a discount for booking further in advance. Last-minute discounts: Reduce your nightly price as the check-in date gets closer.

Most people book their Airbnb accommodations in the late afternoon and evening, typically between 5pm and 10pm.

What is the most popular Airbnb of all time? ›

The Mushroom Dome is the most booked and most wish-listed property on Airbnb's platform, besting 5.6m other listings, including a house shaped like an elephant, a cave in France, and a 12th-century Scottish castle.

While it's rare, sometimes a Host may need to cancel a reservation. We understand this can impact your plans in a big way. Rest assured, if your Host cancels your reservation before check-in, you'll receive a full refund.

Airbnb rewards properties that use Instant Book. Since the booking is automated, your response time will be almost immediate. Airbnb prioritizes listings in their SEO that have a high response rate. A higher SEO means more guests viewing your property on Airbnb.

Last-minute discounts: Reduce your nightly price as the check-in date gets closer. Early-bird discounts: Add a discount for booking further in advance.

Prices will fluctuate based on the availability and demand for certain areas and types of accommodation, so you may find prices varying drastically from one day to the next. Airbnb will also raise and lower prices to maximize profit.

Despite the listed price, there is often room for negotiation, leading to a win-win situation for both hosts and guests. This article will delve into strategies that enable hosts to negotiate Airbnb prices effectively, even when it might initially seem counterintuitive.