How to Build a Website Like Airbnb [based on MisterB&B case]

Are you looking to build a website like Airbnb? It's a great idea that promises lucrative opportunities. 

 

However, the development process brings challenges: budget planning, technical complexities, and competition can appear overwhelming.

 

Lucky for you, the Onix team has extensive experience providing travel software development services.

 

We developed a website like Airbnb, namely MisterB&B. This travel booking platform, dubbed the "gay Airbnb" by Forbes, is uniquely designed for LGBTQ-friendly accommodations.

 

Drawing from our related experience, we are eager to share with you the knowledge on:

 

• essential functionalities for the app
• development tips
• app development cost considerations, and
• factors that ensure a smooth, efficient, and budget-conscious development process

 

Keep reading to learn all the nuances of building a website like Airbnb!

Travel booking platform built by the Onix team

The Core Features of Airbnb-Like Website

Below, our experts outline the functionality required for each role in a marketplace platform: guests, hosts, and administrators.

 

The functionalities for guests

 

User authentication and registration:

 

• A secure registration process with options for email verification or social media login is needed.
• Profile creation with personal information and preferences.

Example of registration on the travel platform built by Onix

 

Property search and booking:

 

• Advanced search functionality with filters for location, dates, price range, property type, and amenities.
• Instant booking or request-based reservation options.
• Access to property details, including descriptions, photos, reviews, and ratings.
• Ability to save favorite properties for future reference.

Onix built a search engine with filters for a database of over 2 million listings

 

Messaging and communication:

 

• In-app messaging system for communicating with hosts regarding booking inquiries, special requests, and check-in details.
• Notifications for new messages, booking confirmations, and updates on reservations.

 

Reviews and ratings:

 

• Ability to leave reviews and ratings for properties and hosts after the stay.
• Access to previous reviews and ratings to make informed booking decisions.

Payment processing:

 

• Secure payment gateway integration supporting multiple payment methods.
• Transparent pricing breakdown, including fees, taxes, and additional charges.

 

For example, for TravelBid.com, Onix’s experts integrated Stripe and PayPal. For MisterB&B, we integrated Stripe, Paypal, Payoneer, and Adyen payment systems, allowing users to accept payments and securely send payouts online.

 

 

The functionalities for hosts

Property listing and management:

 

• User-friendly interface for creating and managing property listings with detailed descriptions, photos, and pricing.
• Calendar management to update availability and block dates.
• Tools for editing, deleting, or temporarily disabling listings.

 

Booking management:

 

• A notification system for new booking requests and instant bookings is needed.
• Ability to accept, decline, or negotiate booking requests.
• Access to guest profiles and booking details for reference.

Example of a travel booking platform designed by Onix

 

Messaging and communication:

 

• In-app messaging functionality to communicate with guests regarding inquiries, bookings, and check-in instructions.
• Notifications for new messages and booking confirmations.

 

Payment management:

 

• Integration with payment gateways to receive payments securely.
• Access to financial transactions, including earnings, payouts, and transaction history.

 

Learn more: How to Integrate a Payment Gateway in Mobile Apps

 

The functionalities for administrators

User and content management:

 

• Dashboard for managing user accounts, permissions, and profiles.
• Tools for monitoring and moderating user-generated content, including listings, reviews, and messages.

 

Transaction and revenue tracking:

 

• Access to financial reports, transaction logs, and revenue analytics.
• Management of fees, commissions, and payouts to hosts.

 

Dispute resolution:

 

• System for handling disputes, complaints, and violations of community guidelines.
• Mediation tools to resolve conflicts between guests and hosts.

 

Platform maintenance:

 

• Oversight of platform performance, uptime, and scalability.
• Implementation of updates, patches, and security measures to ensure platform integrity.

 

 

Legal and compliance:

 

• Compliance with regulatory requirements and industry standards, such as data privacy laws and anti-discrimination policies.
• Management of legal agreements, terms of service, and privacy policies.

 

By implementing these core features tailored to the needs of guests, hosts, and administrators, an Airbnb-like app can create a thriving marketplace ecosystem that fosters trust, convenience, and satisfaction for all stakeholders involved.

 

 

How to Build a Website Like Airbnb: Development Tips From Onix

Building a website like Airbnb requires careful planning, strategic execution, and attention to detail.

 

At Onix, we've honed our expertise in creating travel platforms, and we're excited to share our development tips to guide you through the process.

 

Here's a comprehensive overview of the critical steps and considerations to keep in mind during  Airbnb-like site development:

 

Develop a strategic vision

To establish a strategic vision, our experts recommend starting with a Lean Inception methodology to ensure smooth development and maximize potential advantages.

Development with a Lean Inception approach

 

Using Lean Inception from the start enables organizations to:

 

• Align stakeholders' understanding and expectations effectively
• Define precise objectives
• Prioritize use cases aligned with business goals
• Analyze user requirements
• Devise a comprehensive development strategy
• Lay a robust groundwork for efficient Airbnb-like app development

 

At Onix, the Lean Inception process begins by assembling a diverse team of stakeholders, including product owners, developers, and designers. Typically spanning one to two weeks, the workshop adheres to a structured agenda aimed at achieving specific objectives:

 

1. Goal setting

Defining the project's vision, objectives, and success metrics, entailing discussions on the problem statement, desired outcomes, and key success indicators.

 

2. User persona development

Identification and creation of user personas representing the target audience ensures that features and functionalities cater to end-user needs and preferences.

 

3. Feature prioritization

Conducting exercises to prioritize features based on importance and feasibility.

 

4. Storyboarding

Visualization of the user journey to determine interactions with the product.

 

5. Minimal viable product road mapping

Crafting a roadmap for building the MVP based on prioritized features and user stories, outlining tasks and milestones for timely delivery.

 

6. Iterative refinement

Engaging in iterative discussions and refinements throughout the Lean Inception process to maintain alignment and clarity, incorporating stakeholder feedback and adjusting project plans and scope as necessary.

 

 

Start with MVP development

Initiating with an MVP is strongly advised. This strategy allows you to:

 

• validate your app concept and facilitate user feedback collection.
• concentrate on fundamental features and functionality that accelerate the development and time to market. 
• gauge the feasibility of your app concept while mitigating development expenses and risks.

 

Upon validating your concept and acquiring user feedback, you can iterate and enrich your app utilizing real-world insights, leading to a more resilient product.

 

 

Choose the right technology stack

The original Airbnb tech stack is apparently effective, but creators of new services need not necessarily emulate it.

 

There are many options, and our competent software development team will surely select the tech stack most suitable for your project and business needs and will make the most of the chosen technologies, such as: 

 

 

APIs (application programming interfaces) that enable apps to access functions and databases can be a considerable part of the project.

 

Some common types of third-party APIs used in travel websites include:

 

• Global distribution systems (GDS). GDS APIs provide access to a vast inventory of flights, hotels, rental cars, and other travel services aggregated from airlines, hotel chains, and other suppliers worldwide. They allow OTAs to search, book, and manage travel inventory in real time.

 

• Hotel aggregators. Hotel aggregator APIs aggregate hotel inventory from multiple suppliers and online travel wholesalers, providing OTAs with a wide selection of hotel options and competitive pricing. They offer real-time availability, room descriptions, photos, and reviews.

 

• Airline APIs. They allow OTAs to directly access flight schedules, pricing, availability, and booking functionalities from airlines' reservation systems. They enable OTAs to offer comprehensive flight options, including low-cost carriers and charter flights.

 

• Car rental APIs. Car rental APIs provide access to rental car inventory from major car rental companies and local suppliers. They offer features such as vehicle availability, pricing, rental terms, and booking management capabilities.

Example of car rental page designed by the Onix team

 

Read also: Travel APIs: Types, Benefits, Best APIs, and How to Choose Them 

 

Create an intuitive and visually appealing design

The look and feel of a platform like Airbnb has to appeal to the target audience, primarily guests, and inspire confidence.

 

Here are some practical tips our experts gathered to help you create intuitive and engaging interfaces:

 

• Simplify navigation

Keep the navigation simple and intuitive. Use clear labels and organize content logically to help users find what they need effortlessly. Employ familiar navigation patterns such as menus, tabs, and search bars to enhance usability.

 

• Visual hierarchy

Establish a clear visual hierarchy to guide users' attention and prioritize essential elements. Use size, color, contrast, and spacing to distinguish between sections and highlight critical information such as listings, reviews, and pricing.

 

• Consistent design language

Maintain consistency across the interface regarding layout, typography, colors, and icons. Consistent design elements enhance recognition and usability, making it easier for users to navigate and interact with the app.

 

• Streamlined booking process

Simplify the booking process to minimize friction and encourage conversions. Break down the steps into bite-sized tasks, provide clear instructions, and offer visual cues to guide users through each stage, from searching for listings to making reservations.

 

• Interactive maps

Integrate interactive maps to help users explore listings and neighborhoods visually. Allow users to filter and refine search results based on location, proximity to amenities, and points of interest. Provide helpful information such as public transportation options and nearby attractions.

 

• High-quality imagery

Utilize high-quality images and videos to showcase listings effectively. Visuals are crucial in enticing users and conveying properties' unique features and ambiance. Implement image galleries, virtual tours, and 360-degree views to enhance the browsing experience.

 

• Personalization and recommendations

Leverage user data and preferences to personalize the experience and provide relevant recommendations. Offer personalized search results, recommendations for similar listings, and tailored notifications based on user's past behavior and preferences.

 

 

Implement robust security measures

Implementing robust security measures is crucial when building a site like Airbnb to protect user data, ensure transactional security, and maintain trust.

 

"Embracing the right payment gateway is akin to crafting a smooth journey for travelers and businesses. At Onix, we believe in empowering travel businesses with seamless, secure, and innovative solutions.

 

By integrating cutting-edge payment gateways, we enable businesses to focus on what truly matters – delivering exceptional travel experiences while we handle the complexities behind the scenes."

 

- Denis Sheremetov, CTO at Onix

 

Onix team successfully implemented online fraud detection and prevention measures on a travel booking website, MisterB&B.

 

Among the solutions implemented by Onix devs to effectively combat online travel fraud, safeguard its operations, and foster trust among their customers, we can mention:

 

• integration with reliable property listing aggregators and providers like Booking.com, Rentals United, Guesty, Ospita from Koedia, and BookingSync

 

• integrations with Stripe, MANGOPAY, Adyen, PayPal, Tipalti, and Payoneer, allowing users to accept payments and securely send payouts online

 

• revamped integrations with existing property management platforms and other systems to utilize the new API, ensuring improved security, fewer vulnerabilities, enhanced documentation, and tailored features to meet specific requirements.

 

• integrated the fraud detection system into the client's booking workflow and backend systems. We ensured that the fraud detection processes operated seamlessly in the background without impacting the user experience or causing delays in booking transactions.

 

Learn more: Fraud Detection Using Machine Learning: A Comprehensive Overview

 

• implemented real-time monitoring capabilities within the fraud detection system to detect suspicious activities during the booking process.

 

 

 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Website Like Airbnb?

So, what is the cost of the Airbnb website development?

 

One can calculate the cost of travel software development by multiplying the time required to deliver the necessary functionalities by the man/hour rate.

 

Our experts provide a breakdown of the mid-range travel website development cost based on MisterB&B.

Travel website development costs

 

It's important to note that these figures provide a sample estimate of costs. After reviewing the estimated cost, reach out for a proposal, enabling us to align on the best strategy and provide you with an accurate quote to build a site like Airbnb.

 

 

Onix's Experience in Building a Website Like Airbnb

The Onix team successfully built a travel booking website designed explicitly for renting LGBTQ-friendly accommodations, MisterB&B. 

 

The service is available on a website and two mobile apps. Along with the standard private properties and LGBTQ-friendly hotels, they offer guides to significant destinations, Gay Pride events worldwide, and other valuable information to the community.

Travel booking platform built by the Onix team

 

The Onix team implemented the following solutions:

 

• Established regular communication channels to ensure transparency in the development process and timely delivery of valuable products.

 

• Enhanced the search engine, enabling quick searches within a vast database of over 2 million listings using various filters.

 

• Upgraded technologies to more reliable platforms, utilizing RoR for the backend and React for the frontend, ensuring high-quality app performance, increased capacity, and expanded functionality.

 

• Integrated seamlessly with property listing aggregators and providers such as Booking.com, Rentals United, Guesty, Ospita, and BookingSync, significantly expanding the listing base and business opportunities.

 

• Developed a fraud detection system to identify illegitimate and high-risk financial activities, safeguarding against scams, ensuring financial security for businesses and users, and maintaining a high level of security.

 

• Integrated secure payment systems, including Stripe, Paypal, Payoneer, and Adyen, allowing users to securely accept payments and make payouts online, automating financial processes and enabling payment tracking within the platform.

 

Summing Up

Throughout this article, we've explored how to create a website like Airbnb, including the complexities of functionality and insights into the costs involved. With this knowledge, you can start developing a travel website without costly mistakes that waste time and resources.

 

Remember, you don't have to go alone when starting Airbnb-like website development. Our extensive experience and proven methodologies are here to support you on the path to success.

 

No matter where you are in your travel website or mobile application development, don't hesitate to contact Onix for consultation or assistance. We're here to help!

 

 

FAQ

 

Which business models AirBnB uses?

Airbnb primarily employs the following business models:

 

• Commission-based model. Airbnb charges the guest 6-12% of the booking fee for every booking.

 

• Transaction fee from travelers. When travelers make payments for stays, they are charged a 3% transaction fee, which adds to Airbnb's revenue.

 

• Additional services. In addition to accommodation bookings, Airbnb offers various ancillary services such as Airbnb Experiences (activities and tours hosted by locals), Airbnb Plus (premium home listings), Airbnb for Work (business travel accommodations), and Airbnb Luxe (high-end luxury accommodations).

 

How to monetize a website like Airbnb?

Here are some ways of how you can go about monetizing a platform similar to Airbnb:

 

• Service Fees: Charge hosts and guests a service fee for each booking made through your platform. This fee can be a percentage of the booking amount.

 

• Subscription Plans: Offer hosts premium subscription plans with additional features and benefits, such as enhanced listing visibility, promotional tools, and analytics.

 

• Advertising: Partner with local businesses or complementary service providers to display ads on your platform. You can also offer sponsored listings or featured placements for a fee.

 

• Ancillary Services: Explore additional revenue streams by offering ancillary services such as guided tours, transportation, cleaning services, or travel insurance to guests.

 

• Data Monetization: Analyze user data and market trends to identify valuable insights that can be sold to third parties, such as tourism boards, real estate developers, or hospitality industry stakeholders.

 

How long does it take to build a website like Airbnb?

The development timeline for a website like Airbnb can vary depending on complexity, features, and team size. Developing and launching a fully functional site can typically take several months to a year or more.

 

How much does it cost to create a website like Airbnb?

A basic online travel website development budget starts at around $70K when outsourced to Eastern Europe, Latin America, or South Asia. Each element expanding the services and improving the customer experience will increase the cost. The minimum budget for an Airbnb-like web application will start at $100K.

 

How can Onix help in creating a website like Airbnb?

Onix is an IT outsourcing company with vast experience in building travel and hospitality software and web and mobile booking systems. We can help with the following needs:

 

• Consultations and product requirements analysis
• Custom rental listing and booking platform development
• UX/UI design services with an emphasis on responsive design principles
• Integration of APIs and third-party services like payment gateways, maps, etc.
• User data and transactions security and compliance
• Performance optimization to enhance loading times and responsiveness
• Continuous improvement and maintenance, and more.