This article will guide you on how to connect the Airbnb API channel to your Cloudbeds PMS.
Things you should know before getting started
- Your listing(s) status must be “Listed” in Airbnb — the sync will not work if the listing is not active/listed on Airbnb.
- Room configurations, currency settings, and default property time zone must match between Cloudbeds PMS and Airbnb.
- Before you begin the standard full connection process:
- If you are opting for a full connection through Cloudbeds PMS, make sure you are not connected to another Channel Manager in Airbnb before proceeding:
- In Airbnb, go to Account > Privacy & Sharing > Connected Apps and click Remove Access if needed.
- If you want to connect through a third-party channel manager (SiteMinder, iHotelier, SynXis, etc.) to use only specific Cloudbeds Guest Communication tools, you can opt for a Custom Connection and follow the steps in this guide: Guest Messaging & Reviews for Airbnb and Expedia with Third-Party Channel Managers.
- If you are opting for a full connection through Cloudbeds PMS, make sure you are not connected to another Channel Manager in Airbnb before proceeding:
- Recreate any availability blocks that existed in Airbnb directly in Cloudbeds PMS before connecting — manual Airbnb blocks are removed when the connection starts.
- Smart Pricing is not supported via the API connection.
- Instant Booking is automatically enabled after connecting.
- Airbnb cannot update availability for these listing types: car, condohotel, dorm, in_law, other, parkingspace, pousada, timeshare, vacation_home, van house. Cloudbeds PMS can receive bookings, but functionality is limited.
- See the Airbnb Onboarding Guide for onboarding help.
- Review our Airbnb API FAQ for connection details.
Airbnb API connection guide
- Before mapping, log in as the Listing Owner in Airbnb. Co-hosts/hosting teams cannot connect the channel.
- Airbnb requires the main host account to have a profile photo uploaded before authorizing a connectivity provider.
- If unsure who the primary host is, see: What is a primary host?
- Go to Distribution.
- Open the Discover tab and search for Airbnb API.
- Click View Channel.
- Click Enable Channel.
Authorize Cloudbeds channel manager to manage your Airbnb listings
- Log in with the Airbnb listing owner’s credentials (not a co-host).
If you see errors, log out of all Airbnb accounts in your browser(s) and authorize again.
- Accept Airbnb Terms and Conditions.
- Click Allow to authorize Cloudbeds PMS.
You should see a confirmation message after successful authorization:
- Map room types in Cloudbeds to corresponding Airbnb listings following the guidance below.
Map one-to-one only — do not link one room type to multiple listings or the reverse.
Mapping steps vary by your Airbnb setup (individual listings, room types, dorms). See the correct guide:
- If you manage multiple properties under one Cloudbeds login, you may see a warning — ignore it and continue.
- If one Airbnb account serves multiple Cloudbeds PMS properties, you can link them as long as each property maps to its own listings set to avoid sync issues.
If you get an error during mapping, see Airbnb API Troubleshooting. If it persists, contact support.
After mapping, you’ll be taken to Room Settings to review or edit listing details.
For field-by-field details, see Airbnb API – Room Settings.
- Click Configure next to each room.
- Review Price, taxes, pricing rules, and discounts. Click View/Edit.
- Check your Price Settings.
If you have Advanced channel rates, you can choose which Cloudbeds rate plan feeds Airbnb’s standard rate.
- Taxes
- Pricing rules & discounts
Additional Settings
- Check-out task items: Select tasks for guests to complete before check-out.
A successful room setup shows as Setup Completed on the Room Mapping page:
If needed, add a base rate adjustment (percentage or fixed amount) on this page.
Learn how Base Rate Adjustment works: Base Rate Adjustment or How to Send Different Rates to Channels
The mapping is complete. You can return to the mapping page any time to edit room mapping, room settings, or base rate adjustments.
On the Room Settings page, verify that listings are properly mapped and free of errors/missing settings:
Things to note after the connection is complete
- Double-check rates and availability on Airbnb by viewing your listing calendar and simulating a guest booking.
- If applicable, add taxes/fees or commission to the Reservation Source: Airbnb API in Cloudbeds PMS.
- Disable the Airbnb iCal connection (if previously used) to avoid conflicting updates.
- Re-import all reservations that were previously connected via iCal.
- After connection, hosts cannot edit rates, availability, or restrictions in Airbnb — those fields are blocked and managed by Cloudbeds.
- Co-hosts may still see editable fields in Airbnb but must not change them — editing in Airbnb can cause price/availability discrepancies or overbookings.
- If you use Cloudbeds Guest Experience, enable Airbnb messaging per this guide.
Comments
The hyperlink above to the "AirBnB Onboarding Guide" just takes you to the AirBnB home page. It does not take you to any type of manual or guide. There is also nothing in the AirBnB help/support center mentioning Cloudbeds. As a Cloudbeds user this is very frustrating.
I would have hoped the partnership between AirBnB and Cloudbeds would have provided mutual support. I'm already super frustrated trying to get this setup, as was the case when I previously set up a different API connection. Here we go again.
Hello, Jennifer Ose-MacDonald,
Thank you so much for your valuable feedback about this article.
We have already updated the referred link in all languages. We have also created a new follow-up ticket, so our Support Team can verify your request and offer assistance as soon as possible.
Regards!
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