Getting your property listed on Airbnb is a fantastic way to reach new guests! Depending on exactly how your property is set up and how you prefer to manage your pricing, NightsBridge gives you two different options for connecting 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 Rate Connection (Highly Recommended)
Think of this as your everyday, straightforward link to Airbnb. It is the basic 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 some fantastic benefits for your guest experience:
- Easy modifications: Guests can smoothly change their dates or occupancy without having to cancel and rebook entirely.
- Open communication: Guests can easily message you with enquiries before they officially book.
- Beautiful discounts: Any discounts you create in NightsBridge will automatically pull through to Airbnb and display beautifully with an eye-catching strikethrough on your listing.
- Simple calendar: You get to keep your normal, easy-to-read calendar view 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.
What are the main differences
| Feature | Rate Plan connection | Standard Rate connection |
|---|---|---|
| Booking Modifications | ❌ Not supported - guests must cancel and rebook | ✔️ Supported - guests can modify dates and occupancy without cancelling |
| Pre-Arrival Messaging | ❌ Not supported - guests can't contact the host before booking | ✔️ Supported - guests can message the host before booking (enquiries/pre-approvals) |
| Discounts with Strikethrough | ❌ Not displayed on Airbnb listings | ✔️ Discounts on listings show the strikethrough |
| Back Office Calendar View | 🔵 Calendar view is replaced with Grid view | ✔️ Calendar view is maintained |
| Occupancy-Based Pricing (per person pricing) | ✔️ Supported | ❌ Not Supported |
| Rate Plans / Non-Refundables | ✔️ Supported | ❌ Not 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 API connection | Standard Rate API 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 |