Updated November 2026. By Erika Albert, Broker, E-Rae Realty.
You can charge Austin Airbnb guests for convenience extras such as early check-in or late check-out, laundry, pre-stocked groceries, pet or babysitting services, and outdoor or tech rentals. The best add-ons are things guests actually want that cost you real time or money. The basics guests expect belong in your nightly rate. Below is what to offer, what to leave free and how to set up paid extras without creating review problems.
As an Airbnb host, one of the keys to success lies in providing an exceptional guest experience. Offering additional services and amenities for a fee is a creative way to elevate your hosting game, stand out from competitors, and boost your earnings. However, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and challenges of offering these extras to ensure they align with your hosting style and resources.
Are paid add-ons worth it for an Austin STR?
They can be, if the extra income covers the extra work. Here is how the upside and the downside stack up.
The pros of offering add-ons
- Increased revenue. Charging for extra services allows you to earn more per booking. These small fees can add up over time, significantly increasing your profits without having to raise nightly rates.
- Enhanced guest experience. Guests appreciate convenience and thoughtful touches. Add-ons tailored to their needs can lead to higher satisfaction and better reviews.
- Competitive edge. By offering unique services, you can differentiate your property from others in your area. This can be especially advantageous in competitive markets.
- Longer stays. Guests planning longer stays may find the convenience of extra services appealing, encouraging them to book your property over others.
The cons of offering add-ons
Offering add-ons means more responsibilities for you. Whether it’s coordinating services or ensuring amenities are delivered, the time and effort required may increase. Will this extra income offset the additional responsibilities? Furthermore, add-on services offer the ability to wow guests, but if the services don't meet expectations, this could back-fire on you and lead to poor reviews. This is particularly something to pay attention to when considering partnering with other local businesses for add-on services.
Which extras can I charge for?
These are the categories most hosts start with. Pick the ones that fit your property and your guests.
Household comforts
- Laundry or dry-cleaning services
- Additional cleaning sessions during the stay
- Pre-stocked pantry or grocery delivery
Convenience services
- Early check-in or late check-out
- Airport pick-up or drop-off
- Babysitting or pet-sitting services
Luxury add-ons
- Wine or champagne on arrival
- In-house spa or massage services
- Special occasion decorations (for example, birthdays or anniversaries)
Outdoor or adventure extras
- Bike, kayak or paddleboard rentals
- Guided tours or local experiences
- Lake Austin wake surfing excursion
Tech or entertainment upgrades
- Gaming console rental
- Streaming service bundles
- Outdoor movie setup
Which extras should be free?
Charge for extras that guests choose and that cost you real time or money. Keep the basics free and built into your nightly rate: clean linens and towels, a working coffee maker, the essentials in the kitchen and bathrooms, and anything your listing already promises. Nickel-and-diming guests for things they expect is a fast way to earn a poor review.
If an extra takes more effort to deliver than it brings in, skip it. It is better to offer two or three services you deliver well than a long menu you cannot keep up with. Start small, test what works for your property, and refine your offerings based on guest feedback.
How do I add paid extras on Airbnb and Vrbo?
However you list them, clear pricing and early communication matter more than the platform.
- Set clear pricing. Be transparent about the cost of each service in your listing and make sure to note if it's a per person fee. Include these in your listing description or send guests a brochure after booking.
- Use the platform's tools. Airbnb allows you to create Experiences or add special offers to bookings, which keeps the transaction on the platform. Check Airbnb's and Vrbo's current rules on extra fees before you list a price.
- Collect payment securely. If you’re charging outside of the booking platform, use a secure payment platform like PayPal or Venmo to avoid disputes.
- Bundle services. Offer package deals to make services more appealing. For example, an “Anniversary Special” could include late checkout, champagne, and decorations.
- Communicate in advance. Inform guests about the availability of these services during booking confirmation. Early communication helps set expectations and avoids surprises.
What should I do next?
Offering additional services and amenities for a fee can help you maximize your Airbnb income while creating unforgettable guest experiences. However, to succeed, it’s vital to balance the effort and cost of providing these services with guest satisfaction and your profitability goals.
By carefully implementing add-ons, you can transform your short-term rental into a truly exceptional stay that guests are happy to pay extra for.
What’s next? Have you tried offering additional services in your Airbnb? Share your experiences in the comments below!
