Of course you can! Airbnb has no policy to stop guests from negotiating for better prices.
However, negotiating Airbnb prices isn’t always guaranteed until you find the right situation and ask for the discount in a polite and strategic manner.
Instead of clicking “Request to Book” right away, you can talk to the host via the “Contact Host” button, send your desired message, and ask for better prices.
But what are the situations that increase your chances of winning a discount? How can you negotiate for it? Read this detailed guide and learn it!
When You Should Negotiate Airbnb Prices?
Negotiating prices is a great option to save money not only on Airbnb but also on airbnb competitors. And finding the right situation (or certain listing) lets you do so.
That said, these situations are perfect to ask for discounts:
1. Off-Season or Low-Demand Periods
Off-season is the best time to negotiate Airbnb short-term rental prices.
Travel destinations have peak seasons when demand is high, such as winter for ski resorts or summer for beach destinations. However, off-seasonality lowers the demands, which leaves many properties unoccupied.
If you’re traveling at such a time, reach out to the host and ask for a lower rate.
Hosts prefer to rent out their spaces rather than let them sit empty. If a host isn’t getting enough bookings, they would accept a lower offer than keeping the property vacant.
The best strategy here is to do some research first. Find such multiple listings in the desired area. Talk to multiple hosts and go with the one with the best price.
2. Long-Term Stays (Weekly or Monthly Rentals)
Long-term stays are the best friend of short-term rental hosts.
While short stays require frequent cleaning, check-ins, and check-outs, longer stays come with a stable income and a lot less hassle for property owners.
If you need to book a property for a week or a month, you should ask for a discount. Hosts are always ready to offer a discount to long-term renters.
Interestingly, many hosts already have weekly or monthly displays on their listings. But even if they don’t, you can still ask for your desired special deal.
3. Last-Minute Bookings
Suppose you have liked a listing, been going through it for a week or two, and it isn’t yet booked two or three days before you intend to go.
If this is the case, you can book that place at a lower price just before your journey.
As mentioned earlier, Airbnb hosts would rather accept a lower rate than have their property sit empty for the night.
Therefore, if you see that a listing is still available a day or two before your stay, reach out to the host and ask if they can offer a discount.
The best strategy is to save multiple listings (20 to 30) in your wishlist. That way, if you miss one booking that doesn’t work out, you’ll have other alternatives to choose from.
Be polite and explain that you’re looking for a last-minute deal. Some hosts might not agree, but others will be happy to lower the price to fill their space.
4. Fill a Gap Between Bookings
Sometimes, Airbnb listings have small gaps between bookings—such as one or two nights before the next guest arrives.
And this gap is a nightmare for the hosts. Why? Because these short gaps can be difficult for hosts to fill because most travelers prefer longer stays.
If you notice a listing with an empty night between bookings, message the host and ask if they would be open to a discount.
Since it is hard for them to book that short period, they prefer to accept a lower rate rather than let it go to waste. This strategy works especially well for high-demand properties where shorter gaps are harder to fill.
It also helps if you’re flexible with your dates. If you can adjust your stay slightly to match the gap, you can get a deal more easily.
How to Negotiate Airbnb Prices?
When you text a host on Airbnb, you’re talking to the property owner or the virtual assistant they hired for the job. In either case, communicate strategically to secure the booking.
Always start your message with a warm greeting. Try to make the discount request in a clear and respectful manner.
Acknowledge the effort they’ve put into maintaining the property or the appeal of the listing.
Here’s an example message you can use:
| Hi [Host’s Name],
I was wondering if you might be open to offering a discount for a [long-term stay/last-minute booking/filling a gap]. I’d be happy to book right away if we can agree on a fair price. Let me know what you think. Thanks! |
After the greeting part, Point out the circumstances that make you feel a discount is appropriate (as you can see in the example above).
For example, off-season, booking at the last minute, or filling in a short gap between other reservations.
This shows you’ve thought it through and aren’t arbitrarily asking for a lower price.
When You Shouldn’t Negotiate?
While negotiating an Airbnb price can be beneficial, there are certain situations where doing so might come across as unreasonable or inappropriate.
Here are those instances when it is best to avoid negotiating price:
- When the host has a strict no-negotiation policy.
- During peak travel seasons or holidays when the list has high demand.
- If you’re already getting a discount on the property.
- For short stays (1-2 Nights), especially if the listing is already competitively priced.
- If the listing has exclusive amenities or features justifying its cost.
- When the host has explicitly stated that discounts are unavailable.
- The price is already a good deal and set competitively.
Prop Tip!: Approach the negotiation respectfully and consider the host’s perspective. Doing so significantly improves communication and increases your chances of securing a better deal.
Conclusion
Negotiating Airbnb prices is a smart way to save money, but timing and approach matter.
If it is off-season time with lower demand, long stays, last-minute bookings, and filling short gaps, you can increase your chances of getting a discount.
Always be polite and clear when messaging hosts, and highlight why a lower price makes sense. However, avoid negotiating during peak seasons or when the listing is already discounted.
A respectful approach improves communication and increases your chances of success.
