Airbnb Just Woke Up and Chose Upgrades
We write about travel for everyone—not just for status chasers. So, when Airbnb dropped a major update for summer 2025, we paid attention. Especially because this is the first time in a while that the company’s changes feel like they actually benefit travelers, not just hosts or shareholders.
Let’s be honest. Airbnb has lost quite of bit of traction. High cleaning fees, unclear pricing, and hosts with excessive rules have driven a lot of people back to hotels or toward using points for something more reliable. But with this new release, Airbnb seems ready to win people back.
Here’s what’s new and worth knowing.
Verified “Guest Favorites”
Airbnb is finally giving travelers a way to find better listings faster. The new “Guest Favorites” badge highlights listings that consistently get strong reviews and haven’t had any major issues in the last year. There are over 2 million of them now, and they’ve earned their spot by actually delivering what they promise.
This could cut down on the guessing game when you’re choosing a place to stay.
Transparent Pricing (For Real)
Pricing has always been a headache on Airbnb. You’d find a place listed at $150 a night, only to see it jump to $400 after fees. That’s changing. Starting now, Airbnb shows the total price up front, before taxes. No more surprise fees at checkout.
This one alone makes searching feel a lot more straightforward.
Better Tools for Hosts = Better Listings for You
Airbnb’s new Listings tab is designed for hosts, but it could help guests too. It gives hosts better insight into what travelers care about, how their place compares to others, and where they can improve. The result? More accurate descriptions, better amenities, and hopefully fewer letdowns.
Smarter Search and Filters
Airbnb has improved its search filters so you can now avoid listings with low ratings and focus on properties that meet your standards. The platform also puts more emphasis on features travelers actually care about, like strong Wi-Fi, self check-in, or pet-friendly spaces.
It feels more curated and less like a lucky guess.
Group Trip Planning Gets Easier
Trying to plan a trip with friends or family? Airbnb now lets you share listings and vote on favorites inside the app. No more long text chains or spreadsheet chaos. It’s not groundbreaking, but it makes trip planning smoother.
Book Local Experiences with Your Stay
Airbnb is also bringing Experiences back into the spotlight. Now, you can book activities like food tours, hikes, or hands-on classes right alongside your lodging. It’s integrated into the search flow, so you don’t have to jump between apps or websites to fill your itinerary.
For travelers who like a bit of structure or want to explore with a local guide, this is a useful upgrade.
Should You Give Airbnb Another Look?
It depends on how you travel. These updates address a lot of long-standing frustrations, especially around pricing and search filters. The verified badge system also makes it easier to book with confidence.
But Airbnb still isn’t for everyone. Some fees are still there. Some hosts still go overboard with checkout rules. And if you’re sitting on a stash of credit card points, a hotel might still be the better deal.
Still, for those who like the flexibility of a vacation rental and want a more transparent, easier-to-navigate experience, Airbnb’s summer updates are a step in the right direction.
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Jacqueline Gomez
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