Airbnb Introduces Stays in Iconic ‘Up House’ and ‘X-Men Mansion’

In a bold move mixing game-show glamor with marketing pizzazz, Airbnb is offering customers the opportunity to spend a night in a Paris museum, stay in houses designed to resemble movie sets, or sleep surrounded by eight Ferrari racing cars. These fantastical listings are part of a vibrant new campaign by the short-term rental giant, aiming to showcase itself as a company that offers experiences rather than just alternatives to traditional hotel stays. The 11 temporary listings, referred to as “icons” by Airbnb, were unveiled to the public by CEO Brian Chesky at an event in Los Angeles, highlighting the company’s innovative and imaginative approach to hospitality.

The idea for this elaborate publicity endeavor stemmed from the success of a Barbie-themed house in Malibu, California, that Airbnb listed last year in conjunction with a popular movie featuring the iconic fashion doll. Following the same formula of linking promotions to pop-culture products, celebrities, or events, Airbnb aims to keep its brand top of mind by providing unique and engaging experiences to its customers. CEO Brian Chesky emphasized the company’s departure from its traditional platform model, stating, “We’re not historically known for making anything. We’re a platform. I think it’s really great to show what it looks like when suddenly you can step into our vision and our imagination.”

Unlike the typical rental properties listed on the platform, Airbnb is offering its “icons” at a heavily discounted rate or even for free to a selected number of winners. Approximately 4,000 lucky individuals will have the chance to book one of the featured properties or events after explaining why they would like to experience it. Winners will have the opportunity to stay at unique locations, such as the Musee d’Orsay in Paris, where Airbnb has recruited designer Mathieu Lehanneur to transform the clock room into a luxurious bedroom overlooking the River Seine. Guests staying at the museum will have the exclusive privilege of witnessing the opening ceremony of the Olympics from the museum’s terrace, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

For those seeking an American adventure, Airbnb is offering a house in New Mexico inspired by the 2009 animated film “Up” from Pixar-Disney. The house, constructed from scratch by Airbnb and adorned with 8,000 balloons for authenticity, will be lifted off the ground 50 feet by a crane, providing guests with a remarkable view and a memorable experience. Additional one-time events include a sleepover at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello, Italy, a living room performance by rapper Doja Cat, and an intimate evening with comedian Kevin Hart in his exclusive members-only lounge.

The “icons” campaign aims to captivate and engage customers across various unique and themed experiences, ranging from stays at historical museums to exclusive performances by celebrities. With a significant financial backing from its profitable year in 2023, Airbnb is committed to expanding and enhancing its offerings to continue providing memorable and distinctive experiences to its global audience. As CEO Brian Chesky hinted, the 11 featured listings are just the beginning, with many more innovative concepts already in development to further establish Airbnb as a leader in experiential hospitality.