Airbnb is making a renewed push into boutique hotels this summer while adding grocery delivery, car rentals and FIFA World Cup experiences to its platform.
The short-term vacation rental giant announced the new features as part of its 2026 Summer Release, with Airbnb detailing plans to bring thousands of boutique and independent hotels into its fold in 20 destinations, including New York, Paris, London, Madrid, Rome and Singapore, with additional cities to follow.
The company said it will showcase "hotels that feel like Airbnb," and that no "big chains" will be included.
Airbnb's expanded hotel network will also offer a price-match guarantee. Guests who find a lower rate for the same property elsewhere will receive the difference as Airbnb credit. The company is currently offering up to a 15% credit toward a future home booking for guests who book a hotel, with the promotion valid through year-end.
At the same time, Airbnb announced that it has partnered with grocery technology company Instacart for grocery delivery and airport transit specialist Welcome Pickups for airport transfers. It has also partnered with app-based luggage storage network Bounce.
Additionally, car rentals will become bookable via the Airbnb app this summer. First-time car renters through the platform will receive 20% credit toward a future booking.
Lastly, the platform is expanding its Experiences platform, adding more than 3,000 experiences centered on local landmarks and 2,500 food-focused experiences.
It will debut FIFA World Cup 2026 programming across six host cities, including events such as a watch party in Los Angeles with World Cup champions Abby Wambach and Julie Foudy, and a training session with Argentine football star Javier Mascherano.
Airbnb first opened its platform to hotel distribution in 2018 and acquired last-minute hotel booking app HotelTonight in 2019.
Last year, the company launched Airbnb Services, offering personal chefs, massages, hair styling and other hotel-like on-demand services in 260 cities.