Getting your property listed on Airbnb is a fantastic way to reach new guests! Depending on how your property is set up and how you prefer to manage your pricing, NightsBridge offers two different ways to connect your calendar to your Airbnb account.
Here is a simple breakdown of the two connection types so you can choose the perfect fit for your business:
Option 1: The Standard Connection (Highly Recommended)
Think of this as your everyday, straightforward link to Airbnb. It is the easiest way to set your daily rate and works beautifully if you generally charge a flat unit price for one or two guests.
Because this is the most compatible setup for Airbnb's future strategy, it comes with great benefits for you and your guests:
- Flexible guest modifications: If a guest needs to change their dates or the number of people staying, they don’t have to cancel and start all over again. Airbnb allows them to adjust the booking on their side.
- How it works on NightsBridge:
We won't automatically alter the booking on your calendar. Instead, we will send you an email immediately to let you know about the modification, and you can quickly adjust the details on your NightsBridge Calendar to match.
- How it works on NightsBridge:
- Extended Two-Year Availability: You can now capture early planners and repeat guests much further in advance! We sync your availability up to two years (24 months) ahead, as long as you have your rates loaded that far.
- Open communication: Guests can easily message you with enquiries and questions before they officially book.
- Beautiful discounts: Any promotions you set up in NightsBridge apply automatically and display with an eye-catching strikethrough rate on Airbnb.
- Simple calendar: You get to keep your familiar, easy-to-read calendar layout in your Airbnb back office.
Option 2: The Rate Plan Connection (For Advanced Pricing)
This connection is designed for highly tailored pricing strategies. It is ideal if you rely on complex, per-person pricing for groups of three or more guests, or if you need to create specific non-refundable rate plans.
While it offers great pricing flexibility, there are a few operational limitations to keep in mind before choosing this route:
- Rigid bookings: If a guest wants to change their dates, they cannot modify the booking. They will have to cancel and completely rebook.
- No pre-arrival messages: Guests cannot contact you through the platform before they book.
- Hidden discounts: While you can still offer discounts, you have to create them directly on Airbnb, and they will not display with a strikethrough on your public listing.
- Grid view: This connection replaces your normal calendar view with a grid format.
Quick Feature Comparison
| Feature | Standard connection | Rate Plan connection |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Modifications | ✔️ Supported - Guests modify on Airbnb; we email you to update your calendar | ❌ Not supported - Guests must cancel and rebook entirely |
| Availability Sync | ✔️ Up to 2 years (if rates are loaded) | ✔️ Standard sync limits |
| Pre-Arrival Messaging | ✔️ Guests can message the host before booking (enquiries/pre-approvals) | ❌ Not supported - guests can't contact the host before booking |
| Discounts with Strikethrough | ✔️ Certain discounts on listings show the strikethrough | ❌ Not displayed on Airbnb listings |
| Back Office Calendar View | ✔️ Familiar Calendar View is maintained | 🔵 Grid view replaces your standard calendar |
| Occupancy-Based Pricing (per person pricing) | ❌ Not Supported (Best for unit pricing for 1-2 guests) | ✔️ Supported (Best for per-person pricing for 3+ guests) |
| Rate Plans / Non-Refundables | ❌ Not Supported | ✔️ Supported |
Which should you choose?
If your property setup allows it, we highly recommend choosing the Standard connection to give both you and your guests the smoothest, most compatible experience!
| Consideration | Rate Plan connection | Standard connection |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Occupancy | Best when needing per-person pricing for 3 pax+ | Best for unit pricing with a 1-2 pax occupancy |
| Discounts | Discounts need to be created directly on Airbnb as rate plans | Discounts on NightsBridge will automatically apply on Airbnb |