What steps would you take to alter the way hotels are viewed on Airbnb's platform?

The question fundamentally inquires how you would enhance the perception of hotels that are part of Airbnb’s platform if you were in a position of responsibility there. The interviewer is interested in strategies that could make these hotels more attractive to potential guests. Your objective is to discuss how you would reshape and elevate the narrative surrounding these hotels, which may involve elements such as listing information, imagery, the platform's user interface, the introduction of more hotel-specific functionalities, and the effective use of customer reviews and ratings. Be sure to ground your response in the concepts of perception management, user experience, and product strategy.

To alter the perception of hotels listed on Airbnb's platform, providing detailed information about the properties could be beneficial. This might encompass information on available amenities, neighborhood characteristics, cleanliness standards, and the hotel's unique features. Requiring professional, high-quality images of the hotels could also enhance their visual appeal. Moreover, Airbnb could improve search filters, enabling users to find properties based on the specific amenities they need. Furthermore, prominently featuring customer reviews can help shift perceptions of hotels. Since individuals tend to trust their peers more than advertisements, showcasing the experiences of past guests can increase the perceived trustworthiness and reliability of the properties.

One possible approach to enhance the perception of hotels on the Airbnb platform could revolve around creating a distinct user experience. Essentially, customers turn to Airbnb for a home-like atmosphere. To make hotel listings more attractive on Airbnb, they should provide offerings that align with this expectation. This can be accomplished by encouraging hotels to showcase unique features, such as themed rooms, special experiences, or distinctive hospitality elements that appeal to the typical Airbnb clientele seeking more than just a place to stay. Incorporating a "Virtual Tour" feature could also improve the customer experience by offering a realistic glimpse of the hotel and its surroundings. Finally, by collaborating with local tour guides or experience providers, Airbnb can further utilize its platform to create 'accommodation plus experiences' packages that set hotel listings apart and encourage potential guests to view them in a new light.