How To Ask For A Discount On Airbnb: Money-Saving Tips For Your

Planning a trip? Airbnb offers a wide range of accommodation options, from cozy apartments to luxurious villas. While the platform is known for its convenience and unique experiences, the cost can sometimes add up. However, there are ways to save money on your Airbnb stay. One effective strategy is to ask for a discount. In this guide, we'll provide practical tips and strategies to help you negotiate a lower price and make the most of your travel budget.

Airbnb hosts often have the flexibility to offer discounts, especially for longer stays, off-peak seasons, or last-minute bookings. By politely and respectfully asking for a discount, you might be surprised at how many hosts are willing to accommodate your request.

Before you reach out to hosts, make sure you've done your research. Understanding the average rates for similar properties in the area and during your desired dates will give you a good starting point for negotiations.

how to ask for discount on airbnb

Being polite and respectful goes a long way in negotiations. Approach hosts with a friendly and professional tone.

Be polite and respectful
Do your research
Ask early
Be flexible
Offer a longer stay
Book during off-peak season
Consider last-minute bookings
Leverage your Airbnb profile

Remember, asking for a discount is perfectly acceptable on Airbnb. Hosts are often willing to negotiate, especially if you're a good communicator and demonstrate genuine interest in their property.

Be polite and respectful

When asking for a discount on Airbnb, it's crucial to be polite and respectful towards the host. Remember that they are running a business and are not obligated to offer you a discount. Approaching them with a friendly and professional tone will increase your chances of getting a positive response.

Here are a few tips for being polite and respectful when asking for a discount:

Use a friendly greeting: Start your message with a warm and friendly greeting, such as "Hello [host's name]" or "Dear [host's name]."
Express your interest in their property: Compliment the host's property and explain why you're interested in staying there. This shows that you've taken the time to research their listing and appreciate its unique features.
Be specific about your request: Clearly state the discount you're requesting and the reason behind it. For example, you could say, "I'm interested in booking a week-long stay at your property, and I was wondering if you might be willing to offer a discount for a longer stay."
Be understanding and flexible: If the host is unable to offer you the exact discount you requested, be understanding and flexible. Let them know that you're still interested in booking their property and ask if they can offer any other concessions, such as a late checkout or a free parking space.

Remember, being polite and respectful is key to successful negotiation. By approaching the host with a friendly and professional attitude, you're more likely to receive a positive response and secure a discount on your Airbnb stay.

In addition to the tips above, here are a few other things to keep in mind when asking for a discount on Airbnb:

Check the host's profile: Some hosts have a policy of offering discounts for certain types of guests, such as first-time Airbnb users or guests who book multiple nights.
Look for special offers: Airbnb often runs promotions and offers discounts for specific properties or dates. Keep an eye out for these special offers when searching for your accommodation.

Do your research

Before reaching out to hosts to ask for a discount, it's important to do your research and understand the market rates for similar properties in the area and during your desired dates. This will give you a good starting point for negotiations and help you determine a reasonable discount to request.

Here are a few tips for doing your research:

Check Airbnb: Search for similar properties in the same area and during your desired dates. Pay attention to the prices, amenities, and reviews.
Use Airbnb's price map: Airbnb has a price map feature that allows you to see the average nightly rates for different areas and dates. This can be a helpful tool for getting a general idea of what you should expect to pay.
Read reviews: Pay attention to the reviews of the properties you're considering. This can give you insights into the quality of the property and the host's responsiveness.
Consider the host's experience: Hosts with more experience may be more likely to offer discounts, especially for longer stays or off-peak seasons.

Once you've done your research, you'll have a better understanding of the market rates and be able to make a more informed decision about how much of a discount to request.

Here are a few additional tips for doing your research:

Check for special events: If there are any special events happening in the area during your desired dates, prices may be higher. Keep this in mind when setting your budget and negotiating a discount.
Consider your travel dates: If you're flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find better deals. For example, prices are often lower during the off-peak season or on weekdays.
Look for last-minute deals: If you're spontaneous and can book your trip at the last minute, you may be able to find some great deals. Hosts may be more willing to offer discounts to fill up their calendar.

Ask early

One of the best times to ask for a discount on Airbnb is early in the booking process. This gives the host plenty of time to consider your request and make a decision. It also shows that you're serious about booking their property and that you're open to negotiation.

Here are a few tips for asking early:

Send a pre-booking message: Before sending a booking request, send the host a pre-booking message expressing your interest in their property and asking about their availability. You can also mention that you're open to negotiating a price.
Be flexible with your dates: If you're flexible with your travel dates, mention this to the host. This may make it easier for them to accommodate your request for a discount.
Be polite and friendly: When asking for a discount, it's important to be polite and respectful. A friendly and professional approach is more likely to get a positive response from the host.

Here are some additional tips for asking early:

Consider sending a message before the host pre-approves your book request: This shows that you're doing your research and that you're genuinely interested in their property.
Be persistent: If the host doesn't respond to your initial inquiry, don't give up. Send a follow-up message a few days later. Your persistence may eventually be rewarded with a discount.
Be willing to walk away: If the host isn't willing to negotiate on price, be willing to walk away and look for another property. There are plenty of other Airbnb hosts who are open to negotiation.

By asking early, being polite and persistent, you increase your chances of securing a discount on your Airbnb stay.

Be flexible

One of the best ways to increase your chances of getting a discount on Airbnb is to be flexible with your travel dates and your budget. Hosts are more likely to offer discounts to guests who are willing to book during off-peak seasons or on weekdays. They may also be more willing to negotiate on price if you're willing to book a longer stay.

Here are a few tips for being flexible:

Consider traveling during the off-peak season: Prices are typically lower during the off-peak season, which is typically the shoulder season (spring and fall) and the winter season (excluding holidays). If you're flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to save a significant amount of money.
Be open to booking a longer stay: If you're planning a longer trip, consider booking a longer stay at your Airbnb. Many hosts offer discounts for stays of a week or more.
Be willing to compromise on your budget: If you're on a tight budget, be willing to compromise on your budget slightly. Even a small discount can save you money, especially if you're booking a longer stay.

Here are some additional tips for being flexible:

Consider booking a property that's a bit further away from the city center: Properties that are located further away from the city center are often more affordable. You can save even more money if you're willing to use public transportation or rent a car.
Be open to trying new experiences: If you're flexible with your travel plans, you may be able to find some unique and affordable Airbnb experiences. For example, you could stay in a treehouse, a yurt, or a boat.

By being flexible with your travel dates, your budget, and your expectations, you can increase your chances of getting a discount on your Airbnb stay.

Offer a longer stay

One of the best ways to get a discount on Airbnb is to offer to book a longer stay. Many hosts are willing to offer discounts to guests who are willing to stay for a week or more. This is because longer stays are less work for the host, as they don't have to clean and prepare the property as often.

Here are a few tips for offering a longer stay:

Be upfront about your desired length of stay: When you send an inquiry to a host, be upfront about how long you want to stay. This will give the host a chance to consider your request and offer you a discount.
Be flexible with your travel dates: If you're flexible with your travel dates, you may be able to find a host who is willing to offer you a discount for a longer stay. For example, you may be able to get a discount if you're willing to stay during the off-peak season or on weekdays.
Consider booking multiple properties: If you're planning a longer trip, consider booking multiple Airbnb properties. This can be a great way to save money, especially if you're traveling with a group of people.

Here are some additional tips for offering a longer stay:

Offer to pay a higher cleaning fee: Some hosts may be willing to offer a discount if you're willing to pay a higher cleaning fee. This is because cleaning is one of the biggest expenses for hosts.
Offer to do some chores: If you're staying in an Airbnb for a longer period of time, you may be able to save money by offering to do some chores, such as cleaning or laundry.

By offering a longer stay, you can increase your chances of getting a discount on your Airbnb stay.

Book during off-peak season

One of the best ways to save money on your Airbnb stay is to book during the off-peak season. This is typically the shoulder season (spring and fall) and the winter season (excluding holidays). During these times, prices are typically lower and hosts are more likely to offer discounts.

Fewer crowds: Traveling during the off-peak season means you'll encounter fewer crowds at popular tourist destinations. This can make for a more enjoyable and relaxing trip.
Lower prices: Prices for flights, hotels, and Airbnb rentals are typically lower during the off-peak season. This can save you a significant amount of money on your trip.
More availability: During the off-peak season, there is typically more availability at Airbnb properties. This means you're more likely to find the perfect property for your needs.
Better deals: Hosts are more likely to offer discounts and deals during the off-peak season in order to fill their calendars. This can be a great opportunity to save money on your Airbnb stay.

If you're flexible with your travel dates, consider booking your Airbnb stay during the off-peak season. This can be a great way to save money and have a more enjoyable trip.

Consider last-minute bookings

If you're spontaneous and flexible with your travel plans, consider booking your Airbnb stay at the last minute. Many hosts offer discounts on last-minute bookings in order to fill their calendars.

Lower prices: Last-minute bookings often come with discounted prices, as hosts are eager to fill their calendars and avoid losing out on potential income.
More availability: Last-minute bookings can also give you access to more availability, especially at popular properties that are typically booked up well in advance.
Unique experiences: Last-minute bookings can also lead to unique and memorable travel experiences. For example, you may be able to find a last-minute deal on a vacation rental in a remote location or a unique property, such as a treehouse or a boat.
Be flexible: To take advantage of last-minute bookings, you need to be flexible with your travel plans. You may need to be willing to travel on short notice or stay in a property that is not your first choice.

If you're looking for a great deal on your Airbnb stay, consider booking at the last minute. With a little flexibility, you can save money and have a memorable travel experience.

Leverage your Airbnb profile

Your Airbnb profile can play a big role in your ability to get a discount. Hosts are more likely to offer discounts to guests with complete and well-written profiles.

Complete your profile: Make sure your Airbnb profile is complete and up-to-date. This includes adding a profile picture, writing a detailed bio, and verifying your identity. A complete profile shows hosts that you're a trustworthy and reliable guest.
Write a friendly and informative bio: Your Airbnb bio is your chance to introduce yourself to hosts. Write a friendly and informative bio that highlights your interests, travel style, and why you're interested in staying at their property. A well-written bio can make you more appealing to hosts and increase your chances of getting a discount.
Get positive reviews: Positive reviews from previous hosts are one of the best ways to build trust with new hosts. When you stay at an Airbnb property, be a respectful and considerate guest. Leave the property clean and tidy, and follow the host's house rules. Positive reviews will make you more attractive to hosts and increase your chances of getting a discount.
Use Airbnb's messaging system: Airbnb has a built-in messaging system that allows you to communicate with hosts. Use this system to send polite and respectful messages to hosts. When you send an inquiry, take the time to personalize your message and show the host that you're genuinely interested in their property. You can also use the messaging system to negotiate a discount.

By leveraging your Airbnb profile, you can increase your chances of getting a discount on your next stay.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to ask for a discount on Airbnb:

Question 1: Is it okay to ask for a discount on Airbnb?
Answer 1: Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to ask for a discount on Airbnb. Hosts are often willing to negotiate, especially if you're a good communicator and demonstrate genuine interest in their property.

Question 2: When is the best time to ask for a discount?
Answer 2: The best time to ask for a discount is early in the booking process. This gives the host plenty of time to consider your request and make a decision.

Question 3: How much of a discount should I ask for?
Answer 3: The amount of discount you ask for will depend on a number of factors, such as the length of your stay, the time of year, and the host's pricing strategy. A good rule of thumb is to ask for a discount of 10-20%.

Question 4: What are some tips for negotiating a discount?
Answer 4: Here are a few tips for negotiating a discount on Airbnb:

Be polite and respectful.
Do your research and understand the market rates for similar properties.
Ask early in the booking process.
Be flexible with your travel dates and budget.
Offer a longer stay.
Book during the off-peak season.
Consider last-minute bookings.
Leverage your Airbnb profile.

Question 5: What should I do if the host says no?
Answer 5: If the host says no, don't be discouraged. You can always try negotiating a smaller discount or look for another property that offers a discount.

Question 6: Are there any other ways to save money on Airbnb?
Answer 6: In addition to asking for a discount, there are a few other ways to save money on Airbnb. You can:

Use Airbnb's price map to find properties that are within your budget.
Look for properties that offer discounts for longer stays or last-minute bookings.
Consider sharing a property with friends or family to split the cost.
Use Airbnb's coupons and promo codes.

Closing Paragraph for FAQ: I hope this FAQ has been helpful. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below.

In addition to the tips in the FAQ, here are a few more tips for getting a discount on Airbnb:

Tips

Here are a few additional tips for getting a discount on Airbnb:

Tip 1: Be flexible with your travel dates: If you're flexible with your travel dates, you're more likely to find a host who is willing to offer you a discount. For example, you may be able to get a discount if you're willing to stay during the off-peak season or on weekdays.

Tip 2: Consider booking a longer stay: If you're planning a longer trip, consider booking a longer stay at your Airbnb. Many hosts offer discounts for stays of a week or more.

Tip 3: Ask about last-minute deals: If you're spontaneous and can book your trip at the last minute, you may be able to find some great deals. Hosts may be more willing to offer discounts to fill up their calendar.

Tip 4: Use Airbnb's coupons and promo codes: Airbnb often offers coupons and promo codes that can be used to save money on your stay. Be sure to check Airbnb's website or app for the latest deals.

Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting a discount on your next Airbnb stay.

Now that you know how to ask for a discount on Airbnb, you can start planning your next trip and save money on your accommodation.

Conclusion

Asking for a discount on Airbnb is a great way to save money on your next trip. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of getting a discount. Remember to be polite and respectful, do your research, and be flexible with your travel dates and budget. You can also try offering a longer stay or booking during the off-peak season.

With a little effort, you can easily save money on your next Airbnb stay. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next trip today!