11 Types of Discounts on Airbnb as an Advertising Tool in 2025 – 6 Situations When Offer Discounts, Say ‘No’ & How to Manage Them

More and more Airbnb travelers are looking for lower prices and discounts because they want to extend their stays without sacrificing their budget, visit more places, or travel more than once or twice a year, etc. And with this, we are not encouraging you to simply lower prices; travelers want what is known as a “unique opportunity,” that is, a good product at a discounted price. They do not want the cheapest vacation rental on the market but one of their dreams at a price that makes them feel like they are saving.

But how do you offer a special discount on Airbnb? In what situations can you find them? What types exist? And, most importantly, when do you say ‘no’ to a discount? If you are interested in knowing how to seem like a bargain to your guests without losing money or negatively affecting your budget or reputation, keep reading!

Competitive Airbnb Pricing vs. Discounts – What is Better?

As an Airbnb host, staying competitive means continuously analyzing the market, monitoring competitors, and implementing dynamic pricing in your business. Competitive pricing allows you to adjust your rates based on demand, ensuring you remain attractive to potential guests. The key is finding a balance between the true value of your property, the experience you offer, and the perception of worth – making guests feel they’re getting more than they’re paying for.

Airbnb has many different discounts and special offers in the pricing section that you, as a host, can propose to your guests. This opportunity is also broadly used as one of the advertising tools on the platform if you know how to use it right. But, of course, if you are confident that your listing is worth what you are asking for, don’t feel obligated to give discounts or deals. If giving a discount means you will put your property below your competition, it could be a risk.

What to Keep in Mind Before Offering Discounts

If a guest requests a discount and you immediately agree without hesitation, they may start to question why it was so easy to lower the price. This could lead them to negotiate even further or look elsewhere, assuming there’s still room for a better deal. In the long run, this approach can hurt your profitability. That’s why it’s crucial to be strategic and selective about offering discounts – don’t hand them out without a clear purpose.

If you find yourself consistently offering discounts to every Airbnb guest, it might be a sign that your base price is too high. Consider adjusting your rates to better align with your target audience while accurately reflecting the value of your property, services, and overall experience.

When to Say ‘No’ to Airbnb Discounts?

Many travelers will take the initiative and may try to haggle the price of your vacation rental, especially if they are not doing so through a platform like Airbnb where the rates are more fixed and definitive (they may be booking directly through your website). We do not recommend, under any circumstances, that you accept a new price that means awarding your vacation rental a lower value than it is actually worth.

Vacation rental owners who offer good services and want to outperform their competitors should not give in to haggling, because the price at which you advertise your property also says about you and your services:

• Are they good?
• Are they better than others?
• Do they have added value?

So, it is not worth reducing your profits to get one more guest. If you do, you may not be able to accept a guest who would pay the price you have asked, and you would lose out.

Also, you do not want to attract the type of guest who is looking for any bargain without prioritizing the quality of the service. They may just want a cheap place to throw a party or worse, or they may not value the property (because you didn’t value it either) and end up trashing it.

How do you say ‘no’ to haggling over your vacation rental rate?

Let’s be honest. Why don’t you want to lower the price of your Airbnb listing? Because your budget plan doesn’t work out, because it doesn’t pay off compared to the cleaning costs and other services you’ll have to pay for your guests’ stay, because you know your services are worth the price you’ve set for them, etc.

You may want to fill your calendar, increase the number of reviews, and reach more guests, but if you undersell yourself, you’ll be known for just that, and this will be a precedent you’ll have a hard time overcoming. If your vacation rental has been so cheap in the past, why would anyone pay more for it? Lowering a price you consider fair is like setting an inappropriate rate from the start.

6 Situations You May Encounter
When Offering Discounts on Airbnb

Offering discounts doesn’t have to be a bad thing – it can be a smart marketing strategy when done correctly. Here are some common scenarios you may encounter as a host and how to handle them effectively:

1. The guest looking for the lowest price

Some guests are only concerned about price. They have a limited budget and look for every possible way to reduce the price even slightly. If you’re confident in your competitive pricing strategy, show the potential guest the value of the property so they understand why.

During the low season, if your goal is to fill gaps in your booking calendar, offering a small discount can help secure the reservation.

Instead of lowering your price outright, consider offering added value – such as a complimentary service or amenity – that aligns with the guest’s needs.

2. The negotiating guest

Negotiation is common in the vacation rental industry, but not every request deserves a price cut. If a guest tries to bargain for a discount during peak season, it may not be in your best interest to comply. Instead, suggest alternative dates when lower rates are available.

If a guest insists on a discount, stand firm and focus on showcasing the value of your property rather than reducing your profit margin.

3. The last-minute guest

Some guests wait until they’re deep into the booking process before asking for a discount, hoping you’ll agree to secure the reservation.

This is a smart tactic on their part, but it doesn’t mean you should drastically lower your price at the last minute. Instead, consider offering a small discount if they confirm their booking within 24 hours – especially during the off-season when securing a reservation is more valuable.

4. The loyal guest

One of the best parts of hosting is building connections with returning guests. Offering loyalty discounts can strengthen these relationships and encourage repeat bookings. A personalized discount makes guests feel valued and increases the likelihood of them choosing your rental over competitors in the future.

5. The traveler who wants to stay for 7, 14, 28, or more days

Nowadays, it is very common to see situations where travelers, for example, request a long-term rental – 7 nights or more. And, of course, this is beneficial for the host, when he will be absolutely sure that his accommodation will be booked for a long period and he does not have to worry that his property will be empty. In such a situation, you can offer a discount, for example, from 15% when booking for 7 nights and 30% when booking for a whole month.

6. The guest who often books with you

Many travelers book through platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, or Vrbo, which charge commission fees to both guests and property owners. Increasingly, property owners are recognizing the advantages of direct bookings via their own websites. By promoting your independent booking platform, you can offer special incentives – such as discounts or exclusive perks – to encourage guests to book directly and save on fees.

While online travel agencies (OTAs) can significantly boost the visibility of your vacation rental, direct bookings offer a major financial advantage. By bypassing OTA commission fees, you retain the full revenue and can reinvest the savings into guest incentives—whether through discounts or added services. If you’re considering creating your own vacation rental website, be sure to check out this proposal for website development.

How to Manage Discounts on Airbnb?

Offering discounts comes with multiple benefits. Not only does it attract more travelers looking for great deals, but it also helps you stay ahead of the competition. So, how should you manage and apply discounts effectively? Here’s what you need to know:

1. Analyze and study your guests

Do you know who your ideal guests are? What type of traveler is most interested in your property? Understanding your guests’ preferences allows you to tailor discounts that truly appeal to them. For instance, if your primary audience consists of young couples who take weekend trips, a “Stay 3 nights, pay for 2” offer could encourage bookings. If digital nomads frequently book your property at the last minute, a limited-time flash discount might be the perfect incentive.

There are several ways to gather insights about your guests. The most direct approach is to request feedback – either through satisfaction surveys at the end of their stay or by encouraging them to leave a review on your website. If you’re familiar with tools like Google Analytics, you can analyze visitor demographics such as age, gender, and country of origin to refine your marketing strategy. Additionally, monitoring engagement on your business’s social media profiles can provide valuable clues about the type of experiences your audience is seeking.

Strategic discounting can also help you anticipate guest needs. When done thoughtfully, it not only attracts bookings but also places you ahead of your competitors.

2. Create your own discount code

Once you’ve set up your discount code, you can use it as a marketing tool by contacting past guests. Send them a message expressing your appreciation for their stay and offer them an exclusive 20% discount if they book within the next 48 hours. You can also use a business card with a discount code, leaving it in your apartment ensures that all guests receive a special offer.

Offering exclusive deals to past guests is a highly effective way to build customer loyalty. Special promotions also provide an opportunity to recover lost bookings – consider including travelers who previously showed interest in your property in your mailing list for this offer.

3. Set clear rules

Discounts on Airbnb should benefit both the guest and your business. Once you understand what attracts the travelers you want to host, you can craft a strategic plan to offer them the right incentives.

When creating special offers, discounts, and packages, carefully calculate your profit margins. Determine whether it’s more advantageous to target new guests or encourage repeat bookings (loyalty-building opportunities for past guests tend to be highly effective).

4. Providing more instead of less

Who says irresistible deals only come in the form of price cuts? Enhancing the value of your vacation rental – without increasing rates – creates a unique opportunity for guests. They’ll feel like they’re getting more for their money, even if the price remains the same.

Think of adding value through thoughtful gestures: provide a welcome basket with local products, partner with nearby businesses to offer discounts on activities or free meals at local restaurants, or organize events tailored to your ideal guests. Enhancing the guest experience can be just as motivating as a price reduction.

5. Share about discounts on Airbnb on your social networks

With your promo code created, spreading the word is high time. Many travelers follow their favorite companies and brands on social media, making it an ideal place to communicate with probable guests, strengthen your name presence, and attract a wider audience. Be sure to share your Airbnb promotions there.

Beyond announcing discounts, use social media to showcase your rental. Highlight perks such as a welcome basket (with a photo), a relaxing pool, or other standout amenities that add value to a guest’s stay.

Facebook is an excellent platform for quick promotions – post your offers on your timeline, in stories, and in travel-related groups. Instagram is another powerful tool where you can share limited-time stories featuring your promotional code alongside engaging visuals of your rental.

6. Look for opportunities in your own calendar

Use discounts strategically to fill gaps in your calendar. If it’s Thursday and your weekend remains unbooked, promote a last-minute deal across all your channels. Struggling with low occupancy during the off-season? Adjust your rates to attract more bookings – generating revenue even at a lower price is better than having an empty property.

11 Types of Discounts on Airbnb

Discounts on Airbnb are a powerful tool for attracting guests, increasing occupancy and increasing host income. They allow flexible price management depending on demand, season, booking type and guest behavior. The main goals of discounts:

• Attracting guests – a lower price motivates users to choose your property.
• Increasing occupancy – discounts help fill dates that might otherwise remain empty.
• Competitive advantage – in regions with high competition, discounts make the offer more attractive.
• Income optimization – instead of letting your property stand idle, you can reduce the price but still receive a guaranteed income.
• Rewarding loyal guests – discounts can stimulate repeat bookings.

Now let’s look at the specific types of discounts available on Airbnb:

11 types of discounts on Airbnb platform

Discount type	Description	Benefits
1. Early bird discount	A discount for guests who book well in advance (30-90 days or more).	Guaranteed occupancy, income planning, and early bookings from price-sensitive guests.
2. Last-minute deals	Discount for last-minute bookings, when dates are close to the check-in date.	Helps avoid empty nights and attracts spontaneous guests, especially during low season.
3. Long stay discounts	Discounts for stays with more nights than travelers typically book (it depends on a specific host and how many days a typical booking is for them).	Attracts business or remote workers, offers financial stability, and reduces turnover.
4. Weekly rentals	Discounts for stays of 7+ nights, usually between 10-20%.	Encourages longer stays, increases booking length, and reduces operational costs.
5. Monthly discounts	Discounts for stays of 28+ days, typically ranging from 15-30%.	Appeals to remote workers and long-term guests, providing steady cash flow.
6. Referral deals	Discounts for guests who refer others to book a stay.	Encourages word-of-mouth marketing and creates a loyal customer base.
7. Seasonal discounts	Discounts adjusted for peak or off-peak seasons.	Helps maintain bookings during low season and capitalizes on high demand during peak times.
8. Special offers	Customizable offers that can include changes to price, dates, or guest count after an inquiry.	Creates urgency for quick bookings and allows flexibility to close reservations faster.
9. Flash sales	Time-limited, high-discount promotions (24-48 hours).	Drives quick bookings, especially for last-minute availability and new listings.
10. Loyalty discounts	Discounts for returning guests, ~5-15% or progressive discounts for multiple stays.	Builds customer loyalty, encourages repeat bookings, and reduces marketing costs.
11. New listing promotions	Discounts for the first 3 bookings, typically 20%.	Helps new listings gain visibility, attract reviews, and improve search ranking.

1. Early bird discount

This discount is for guests who book their accommodation in advance. For example, 30, 60, 90 days, or even one year before their check-in date. It has such benefits as:

• Guaranteed occupancy for future periods.
• Income planning in advance.
• Increased chances of booking for guests who are looking for great deals in advance.

Set an early bird discount to encourage guests to book your listing well in advance. Determine a reasonable lead time that suits your booking flow – typically 3 to 6 months ahead – and set a discount rate that makes your offer more attractive than competitors.

2. Last-minute deals

As a business owner/host, you want to keep the flow of guests coming in and not have empty rooms because that is losing money. If you see your calendar empty and no bookings, then it is likely that you should consider lowering your price to rent out your property and make a profit. However, during high season in a very popular tourist destination, this is unlikely to be an option.

3. Long stay discount

It means staying for four weeks can often be cheaper than three weeks, or even two! This lesser-known tip is based on the generous discounts many Airbnb hosts offer for extended stays. For instance, typically, guests book 4 nights, but if they book 5+ nights, they can get a good discount! Some hosts even make one to two-week stays less expensive than booking just 2-3 nights.

Long stay discounts on Airbnb tend to attract people who travel for work (such as medical professionals) or for study purposes. Lately, they have also found favor among remote workers. In this case, the guest is not necessarily traveling to the destination for work, but rather to escape the routine while working remotely.

4. Weekly rentals

Weekly discounts apply to guests staying for 7 or more nights. These discounts encourage travelers to extend their stay, benefiting both the host and the guest.

• Increases the average booking length.
• Lowers operational costs, as fewer turnovers mean fewer cleanings and less maintenance.
• Appeals to vacationers and remote workers looking for an extended getaway.

We advise you to set a discount of 10-20% for weekly stays. This makes your listing more competitive while ensuring profitability. In tourist-heavy areas, weekly discounts can attract longer-staying guests in slower periods.

5. Monthly discounts

According to Airbnb, a short-term stay is less than 28 days. Once a stay reaches 28 days or more, it is considered a long-term or monthly rental on Airbnb. If the listing is available for reservation with 28+ days, hosts usually offer from 25 to even 50% discounts if the reservation is, for instance, 3+ months, for such bookings!

If your listing is in an area with demand for mid-term rentals (such as business districts or university towns), offering a monthly discount can attract long-term tenants and provide a steady cash flow.

6. Referral deals

Referral discounts encourage guests to recommend your property to friends and family in exchange for a discount on future stays.

• Boosts word-of-mouth marketing.
• Creates a loyal customer base.
• Attracts new guests with a trusted recommendation.

Offer previous guests a referral discount if they recommend your listing to someone who books a stay. This can be a 5-10% discount on their next visit.

7. Seasonal discounts

Seasonality is one of the most important factors to consider when adjusting your prices. During peak seasons, such as summer vacations or holidays, demand increases, justifying higher rates.

In contrast, during low seasons, it is advisable to lower prices to attract guests and maintain a steady flow of bookings. Offering special deals can help you reduce empty nights.

8. Special offers

Special offers on Airbnb are a powerful tool that allows hosts to customize prices and conditions to attract potential guests. This type of offer usually comes after a prior inquiry from the guest, at which point you can adjust details such as price, dates, or number of guests to close a reservation quickly.

These offers are valid for a limited period of time, usually 24 hours, which encourages travelers to make quick decisions. It is important to note that any changes to the original conditions, such as changing dates or number of guests, may invalidate the special offer and recalculate the total price.

9. Flash sales

Flash sales are short-term, high-discount promotions lasting 24-48 hours, designed to quickly boost occupancy rates.

• Creates urgency and encourages quick bookings.
• Ideal for filling last-minute vacancies.
• Effective for new listings looking to gain visibility.

Run flash sales with 20-30% discounts for a limited time (24-48 hours) to attract more guests quickly, especially during low-demand periods.

10. Loyalty discounts

Loyalty discounts are designed to reward returning guests and encourage them to choose your property over competitors when booking their next trip. Repeat guests are highly valuable because they reduce marketing costs, increase occupancy rates, and leave more positive reviews, which can further boost your ranking on Airbnb. For example:

• Provide 5-15% off for guests who have stayed before and book again within a set period (e.g., within 6-12 months).
• If Airbnb’s system doesn’t allow direct discounts for past guests, message them with a special offer for their next stay.
• Reward guests who have stayed multiple times by offering progressive discounts (e.g., 10% off the second stay, 15% off the third, etc.).
• If you have multiple properties, offer a discount for guests who stay at different locations in your portfolio.

11. New listing promotions

Posting a new listing on Airbnb can be challenging because you don’t have any reviews or ratings, and the platform’s system prioritizes already-vetted listings. Airbnb offers an automatic discount on the first 3 bookings (usually around 20%), which makes your offer more competitive. This mechanism helps to get the first reviews faster and improve search positions.

New listings get a temporary boost in search results for the first 7 days. This is a chance to quickly attract guests, so it’s important to launch your listing at the right time – for example, before a weekend or during busy season; make your listing available for instant booking – Airbnb promotes such listings higher.

To sum the above

Maximizing occupancy and revenue on Airbnb often involves the strategic use of discounts. By effectively applying various types of discounts, hosts can attract more guests and ensure repeat bookings and improved satisfaction.

Discounts on Airbnb don’t have to mean losing money. If you manage to create a good strategy, it can become a win-win for both you and your guests: you’ll increase your bookings and your guests will leave with a positive experience. Turn your vacation rental into a unique opportunity while still getting the benefits your services deserve!

Frequently asked questions about
Airbnb discounts

Updated on: 2025-03-24. Author: Mark Vasiliy Smetanin

Tags: Airbnb Airbnb Advertising Airbnb management Airbnb Marketing