| Purpose | Understand common Airbnb API connection behavior in Cloudbeds PMS, including sync differences, Instant Book behavior, supported features, rates, guest communication, and reservation balances. |
| Best for | Property admin · Property manager · Owner |
| Use this when | You need to understand how Airbnb API works with Cloudbeds PMS, compare Airbnb API with Airbnb iCal, confirm supported Airbnb API behavior, or troubleshoot common Airbnb API questions. |
| You need | Access to the Distribution page and an active Airbnb account or listing connected or ready to connect through the Airbnb API. |
| Expected result | You understand what the Airbnb API can sync, how it differs from Airbnb iCal, how Instant Book works with the Airbnb API, and which related article to use for setup, iCal behavior, or disconnection steps. |
| Important limit | Airbnb API automatically enables Instant Book. Cloudbeds PMS does not currently process Airbnb booking requests, pending requests, or temporary holds as pending bookings through the Airbnb API connection. |
Introduction
Airbnb can connect to Cloudbeds PMS through Airbnb API or Airbnb iCal. These connection types do not work the same way. Use this FAQ to confirm which behavior applies to Airbnb API, where Airbnb iCal behavior is different, and which related guide to follow when you need setup or connection details.
This article focuses on frequently asked questions about the Airbnb API connection. For step-by-step connection instructions, use the Connect Airbnb API to Cloudbeds PMS guide.
Table of contents
- Airbnb API connection basics
- Airbnb API supported features and listing behavior
- Airbnb API Instant Book and reservation behavior
- Airbnb API rates, availability, and pricing
- Airbnb API guest communication and payment balance
Airbnb API connection basics
Use this section to understand the difference between Airbnb API and Airbnb iCal, when to switch from iCal to API, and how to remove the old Airbnb iCal connection if it is still active.
What is the difference between Airbnb API and Airbnb iCal?
Airbnb iCal and Airbnb API are two different ways to connect Airbnb with Cloudbeds PMS.
iCal stands for Internet Calendaring and Scheduling Core Object Specification, also known as iCalendar. API stands for Application Programming Interface.
| Connection type | How it works | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Airbnb iCal | Uses calendar feeds to synchronize availability events, such as blocked dates or bookings, between Airbnb and Cloudbeds PMS. | iCal is not exclusive to hospitality systems and was not developed specifically for hotel or property-management workflows. Updates are not instant because the channel must pull new calendar information. This can create a higher risk of overbookings, and rates are not updated through iCal connections. |
| Airbnb API | Provides a direct connection between Cloudbeds PMS and Airbnb so multiple types of data can sync between systems. | Airbnb API supports a stronger sync than iCal and reduces the window of time when a double booking could occur. Cloudbeds PMS can update rates, availability, restrictions, cancellations, and modifications. Airbnb API also supports room types with multiple units, discounts, pricing rules, availability rules, and taxes or fees. |
For more information about calendar-based connections, review Calendar-based channels and iCal connections in Cloudbeds PMS.
If all my rooms are connected to Airbnb iCal, when can I switch to Airbnb API?
You can switch from Airbnb iCal to Airbnb API immediately. If Airbnb iCal was previously used, disable the Airbnb iCal connection to avoid conflicting updates.
To switch the connection, follow the steps in Connect Airbnb API to Cloudbeds PMS.
How can I disable the old Airbnb iCal connection?
If Airbnb iCal is active, disable the old iCal connection before using Airbnb API to avoid conflicting updates.
- Access the Distribution page.
- Find Airbnb (iCal).
- Delete all links added to the Airbnb iCal connection.
- Go back to the channel and remove the checkmark.
Airbnb API supported features and listing behavior
Use this section to confirm which Airbnb API features are supported, how far Cloudbeds PMS sends rates and availability, and which Airbnb listing behavior may affect multi-inventory.
Which Airbnb API channel features are supported?
| Supported by Airbnb API | Not supported by Airbnb API |
|---|---|
|
|
How many photos can we upload to Airbnb?
You can upload as many photos as you like.
Which Airbnb listing types do not support multi-inventory?
Airbnb provided the following guidance for Room Type Inventory:
Room Type Inventory Policies:
Room Type inventory allows hosts to have multiple availabilities for the same listing on the same day. Hosts can group multiple rooms into a single representative set and use daily availability counts to manage the availability on the listing.
This feature should be implemented only when there is more than one room available per day for the listing, and when these rooms share similar attributes such that they can be considered true substitutes. The rooms should have the same amenities, bed configurations, size, decor, and address.
Listings with property type House are not eligible to be listed as Room Type Inventory.
How far in the future can Cloudbeds PMS update Airbnb rates and availability?
Cloudbeds PMS sends rates and availability for the next three years to Airbnb. Airbnb displays 365 days.
Airbnb API Instant Book and reservation behavior
Use this section to confirm how Instant Book works when Airbnb is connected through API, and how Airbnb API behavior differs from Airbnb iCal behavior for booking requests, pending requests, and temporary holds.
How does Instant Book work with Airbnb API?
Airbnb Instant Book definition
Instant Book is an Airbnb feature that allows guests who meet the listing requirements to book available dates without the owner or host reviewing the request before the reservation is confirmed.
Instant Book behavior with Airbnb API
When your listing is connected through the Airbnb API, Instant Booking is automatically enabled on Airbnb. It cannot be turned off while the Airbnb API connection is active. To stop using Instant Booking, you need to disconnect the Airbnb API connection from Cloudbeds PMS.
Airbnb guest requirements that remain editable
Since Instant Booking is enabled automatically through the Airbnb API connection, you can still edit the guest requirements under Booking Settings when editing your listings on the Airbnb extranet.
Choose which options are required for confirmed guests:
- Profile photo
- Government-issued ID
- Recommendation from other hosts
- Pre-booking message: enter a message the guest must read and reply to before confirming the reservation.
Does Cloudbeds PMS process Airbnb API booking requests or temporary holds?
No. Cloudbeds PMS does not currently process Airbnb booking requests, pending requests, or temporary holds as pending bookings through the Airbnb API connection.
If you do not want to receive Instant Book reservations from Airbnb, review whether an Airbnb iCal connection is the right connection path for your workflow. Airbnb iCal works differently from Airbnb API and has more limited synchronization behavior. Learn more in Calendar-based channels and iCal connections in Cloudbeds PMS.
Airbnb API rates, availability, and pricing
Use this section to check how Airbnb displays rates and availability sent from Cloudbeds PMS, and why pricing may appear different between systems.
How can I check the accuracy of rates and availability sent to Airbnb?
When Airbnb rates and availability are controlled by Cloudbeds PMS, check that Airbnb displays the expected prices and availability for the mapped room type or listing.
- Log in to the Airbnb extranet and go to Listings.
- Open the listing that you want to check and click Preview listing.
- On the new page, confirm that you see the Preview mode header.
- Select the stay dates and number of guests.
The rates and availability should match the base rates and availability in Cloudbeds PMS for the selected room type or listing.
Why are the daily rates different from the calendar in the reservation payout?
Although each daily rate may be different in your calendar, Airbnb takes the total reservation amount and divides it by the number of nights. Airbnb then displays that amount as the daily rate.
For example, in this seven-night reservation, the daily rates in the calendar were:
- Friday: $29
- Saturday: $23.20
- Sunday: $23.20
- Monday: $18
- Tuesday: $18
- Wednesday: $18
- Thursday: $18
Total: $147.40
Airbnb divided the total by the number of nights, displayed it as $21.00 per night, and rounded the total to $148.00.
Why can't I see weekly or monthly discounts for my dorm rooms in Airbnb?
When you configure a weekly or monthly discount for dorm rooms in Cloudbeds PMS mapping, you will not see those discounts reflected in Airbnb extranet settings. This does not mean the discount is not being applied.
Cloudbeds PMS calculates the discounted price and sends the final rate to Airbnb based on the stay dates, length of stay, and number of guests. Because the discount is already calculated before the rate is sent, Airbnb may show None in the weekly or monthly discount fields in the Airbnb extranet.
In Cloudbeds PMS, the weekly and monthly discounts are configured in the Airbnb room pricing settings:
In the Airbnb extranet, the same weekly and monthly discount fields may display as None, even when Cloudbeds PMS is already sending the discounted final rate:
To confirm whether the discount was applied, check a reservation made under the weekly or monthly discount rule. The final reservation rate should already include the discount compared with your calendar rates.
Why is the room price shown on Airbnb different from Cloudbeds PMS?
Room prices can differ between Airbnb and Cloudbeds PMS for several reasons. The most common causes are:
- Taxes and fees are not configured the same way in Cloudbeds PMS and Airbnb. Taxes and fees should be configured consistently to display the correct reservation total.
- Airbnb has discounts or pricing rules applied, such as length of stay discounts, cancellation policy discounts, or last-minute discounts.
- Flat fees are not included in the rate breakdown. Flat fees should be added as inclusive.
Check the following articles for more information:
Airbnb API guest communication and payment balance
Use this section to understand Airbnb guest contact limitations and why Airbnb reservations may show a balance due in Cloudbeds PMS.
Why can't I email Airbnb guests?
Airbnb does not send guest email addresses for reservations due to Airbnb policies. Use Airbnb messaging tools and phone numbers to contact Airbnb guests.
For more information, check Airbnb's resource: An update for hosts who use the email alias feature.
Why does a balance due show up in Cloudbeds for Airbnb reservations?
Airbnb guests pay Airbnb directly, and Airbnb pays the property by bank transfer. Because of this payment flow, Cloudbeds PMS imports the Airbnb reservation with a balance due.
To clear the balance, manually add a payment in Cloudbeds PMS to reflect the funds the property receives from Airbnb.
Related articles
Use these articles when you need setup steps, iCal behavior details, disconnection steps, or tax and fee configuration guidance related to Airbnb.
- Connect Airbnb API to Cloudbeds PMS: Use this guide to connect Airbnb API, authorize the Airbnb account, map listings, and review room settings.
- Calendar-based channels and iCal connections in Cloudbeds PMS: Use this guide to understand how iCal connections work and how they differ from API connections.
- Airbnb - How to disconnect Airbnb listings from Cloudbeds PMS: Use this guide when you need to stop Airbnb API synchronization for one or more listings.
Comments
We’re experiencing an issue with the system. A guest originally booked a stay through Airbnb and then requested to extend their stay. We approved the change in Airbnb by modifying the number of nights. However, after we confirmed the request in Airbnb, the updated reservation details have not been reflected in Cloudbeds.
Hello nung nung!
We've created a new ticket for you so our Support Team can review your request and provide dedicated assistance as soon as possible.
Regards,
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