A guest suite on Airbnb has a private bedroom, bathroom, a small dining area, a kitchen, and sometimes a dedicated entrance, attached to the main property. Airbnb guests use the space with complete privacy, and more like a mini studio apartment.
The suite offers more privacy than a private room. But it’s not fully separate like an entire place. Also, a larger and more luxurious room than standard ones.
According to Airbnb, “A bedroom with another room for use is a suite.” The guest suite is a self-contained unit within or attached to a home.
We’ve worked with many hosts who wanted to turn their extra space into a rental income. Some had a basement setup, annexes, a small backyard unit, or a mother-in-law suite. Our STR Assistance VAs helped them list these extra spaces properly.
We have worked with such hosts and have seen how easily guests can get confused between a guest suite and an entire place. That’s why today, we will be sharing what is actual guest suite is on Airbnb, how it differs from an entire space.
We will be showing different types of Airbnb spaces and what guests can expect from a guest suite. So, it becomes easier for both host and guest to understand the guest suite.
What does a guest suite on Airbnb mean?
An Airbnb guest suite is more like a fancy word for a separate private room and bathroom, like a semi-private setup. Guest average stay in suites is 3 to 7 nights, longer than private rooms but shorter than entire home rentals.
When Airbnb hosts list a space as a guest suite, it means a private space within the host’s property; a private bedroom, bathroom, dining space, and a kitchenette, but not the whole place. Some suites have a separate entrance and basic amenities like a microwave or fridge.
Some suites are separate units in a duplex or triplex. Sometimes it’s attached to a home that looks like a mother-in-law suite. Even some hosts rent basement apartments as a suite. And sometimes it’s a standalone studio-style rental inside a building full of similar “suites.”
Guests love it for the privacy and the lower cost than for an entire home. Hosts love it because they can earn extra income by renting a part of their home that may not be used.
In urban areas, rather than a guest suite, these private spaces are known as studio or one-bedroom units. Hosts or property owners having large apartments rent out the extra spaces.
In suburban or rural areas, guest suites may be standalone cottages. Some hosts convert some space of a larger home into a suite.
Key Features:
- Private Entry: Private entrances are not available for every suite. But if there is a private entry, then guests do not need to share common entryways or spaces with the host or other occupants.
- Additional Amenities: There can be a kitchenette or a small dining area with essentials like a fridge and microwave.
- Attached or Detached: The suite is physically attached to the main home or detached.
- Size: Suites are larger and more comfortable than a single private room. Also, smaller than an entire detached house.
- Privacy Level: The guest suite for short-term rental properties offers high privacy. There are no shared living rooms or bathrooms. But outdoor areas like gardens may be shared depending on the host’s policy.
Understanding Airbnb Room Type Categories
Airbnb itself classifies the room type,
- Entire place
- Private room
- Shared room
To understand the property type and what to expect, we can check two key layers: Home Type and Property Type.
When guest books a space, they should know how much space they can access and if there are any other guests or hosts with whom they need to share the place. Secondly, the property type mainly shows what kind of space they are booking. Is it a guest suit, the entire place, apartment, cottage, shared room, and so on?
Now we’re going to discuss the different Airbnb room types so guests can understand what each one actually means.
Entire Place
An “Entire Place” means the entire home or unit with full privacy inside, with no shared rooms or common areas. Guests get a separate kitchen, bathroom, dining area, and even an outdoor garden. The home may be attached to another unit or stand alone, but guests don’t share the inside with anyone.
Private Room
In an apartment or in an entire place, there can be several rooms that hosts rent are private rooms. There is privacy for sleeping space. The guest needs to share the spaces, the kitchen even the bathrooms. The living room, entrance, or garden are common for other guests or the host.
It’s a budget-friendly option. Also good for guests who are comfortable staying in a shared home.
Shared Room
“Shared Room” itself indicates rooms where guests share a sleeping area with others. For example, a dorm-style room or an open loft space in a home. This is more affordable than having pirate rooms or an entire space.
There are many solo travelers who want to meet other people who are comfortable in shared rooms. Or a student who can not afford an entire place.
Guest Suite
A “Guest Suite” is a private space within or attached to a host’s home. It has a private bedroom and bathroom. Depending on the hosts, sometimes suites include a private entrance and a small kitchenette.
The global share of guest suites and secondary units as Airbnb listings has grown by about 15% year-over-year in suburban and residential neighborhoods. More hosts are renting spaces like basements, attics, or converted garages into private suites.
Note to mention: Guest suites, categorized under Airbnb’s “Secondary Unit” or “Entire Place” types. It depends on the privacy level the host provides.
How Airbnb Property Types Work (and Where a Guest Suite Fits In)
When the host creates a property listing, Airbnb asks them to select a property type. By adding a specific property type, guests can understand properly what type of space they will get. This classification helps set accurate expectations. Also improves search relevance. Guests can find listings that best match their preferences. Next, we’ll go over the main property types Airbnb uses to organize listings.
Apartment
An apartment is a private unit inside a larger building. Some examples can be a condo complex, a loft residence, a serviced apartment complex, or a multi-unit residential property.
- Privacy level: Guests get a fully private space with their own entrance and door to the unit.
- Shared elements: Hallways, elevators, gyms, pools, parking areas, and sometimes laundry rooms.
- Layout: Can be a studio, one-bedroom, or multi-bedroom apartment.
- Common guest expectations: Modern building, secure entry, urban location, walkable area, amenities like Wi-Fi, HVAC, and sometimes concierge services.
Best for: City travelers, business travelers, couples, and guests who choose apartments for comfort with easy access to city attractions.
House
A house is an independent residential structure and not located inside any larger building. A house has a ground floor, and there can be multiple upper floors. It can be a single-family home, townhouse, duplex, or villa.
- Privacy level: Full privacy of the entire space.
- Shared elements: None. If the host lives in part of the house or there’s a duplex situation, then guests need to share some space.
- Layout: Multiple bedrooms, kitchen, living room, outdoor spaces, driveway/garage.
- Extra perks: Yard or garden, backyard seating, grill, pool, garage, private driveway, fenced yards
Best for: Families, groups, long-term stays, guests who want to live in a home-like environment.
Secondary Unit
A private living space attached to the same property as another primary residence. These spaces are known as an in-law apartment or a granny flat, too. They are subordinate to the main property, and the guest suite is one of the categories.
This category includes:
- Guest Suites
- Guesthouses / Casitas
- Mother-in-law suites
- Basement apartments
- Garage apartments or coach houses
Key Features:
- Private entrance (usually)
- Private bathroom
- May include a kitchen or kitchenette
- Separate but still physically connected or located on the same lot as the host’s home
- Host may live on-site, but guests enjoy their own independent space
Best for: Since these units give privacy and are budget-friendly, solo travelers, couples, or tight budget prefer to stay here.
Unique Space
These spaces are not like traditional homes or apartments; they are treehouses, tiny homes, yurts, or houseboats. Many guests want to have a different experience and choose unique spaces to stay.
Best for: Not everyone can stay in unique spaces, specifically those who love more comfort. But adventure lovers, nature travelers, novelty seekers, the Instagram-travel crowd, or influencers can stay to explore and share the experience with others.
Bed and Breakfast
A bed and breakfast, or B&B, is like a private room, but hosts provide breakfast for the guests.
- The host gives personal attention to the guest.
- Rooms can be private with shared common spaces such as the living room, dining area, or garden.
- More home-style hospitality versus hands-off rental style.
Best for: Guests who enjoy a social experience and personal host attention. Guests are often on romantic trips, older travelers, and hospitality enthusiasts.
Boutique Hotel
Hosts give professional service to the guest, and provide hotel amenities, but inside their property, like other short-term rental properties, and not exactly a hotel.
May include amenities like:
- Front desk service
- Daily housekeeping
- On-site dining or bar
- Lounge or shared social spaces
Best for: Some travelers who want professional service but do not choose a hotel choose boutique hotels.
Where Guest Suites Fit?
Guest Suites fall under the Secondary Unit property type because they are private units within or attached to the main residence. They have separate entrances and facilities for more privacy.
Important Notes for Hosts:
Hosts should carefully describe their space type. This will help to avoid guest confusion and improve booking satisfaction.
What Amenities Are Included in a Typical Airbnb Guest Suite
Surveys show that hosts who organize their properties with fully private amenities like guest suites receive 4.5 to 4.9 stars compared to shared rooms or other spaces.
So, when adding amenities, hosts need to provide the necessary amenities so that guests can stay comfortably. Clean linens or towels, maintaining basic hygiene.
Many thoughtful hosts also add a cozy sitting area or a smart TV for entertainment.
Essential amenities list includes:
- Linens for each bed, extra towels, extra bed sheets, comforter, and pillow per guest.
- Toiletries, hand soap, body soap, toothpaste, toothbrush brush and toilet paper.
- Reliable, high-speed WiFi.
- Air conditioning and heating.
- Blinds or shades for windows. Basic safety features, like a smoke detector and, fire extinguisher.
Guest Suite vs Private Room vs Entire Place
In Airbnb guest suites, guests get a private room, bathroom, with some more spaces, but share the home with the host or other guests. For the private rooms, guests only get the room privately, but need to share other spaces with others. Since these types of spaces do not give full access to the property, some guests who want to live more independently prefer entire places. Guests get a full private space with a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and entrance.
Guest Suite vs Private Room
Guest suites have higher occupancy rates (60-75%) compared to private rooms (40-55%). The main reason can be 100% privacy.
In a guest suite, there is a separate entrance with a private bathroom. Sometimes hosts provide a small kitchen or sitting area. But guests don’t need to share daily-use spaces. Thus, the guest suite feels more independent and comfortable.
A private room, on the other hand, has a private bedroom. But guests may need to share the entrance, living area, kitchen, or bathroom with the host or other guests. It’s more budget-friendly.
Average nightly rates for guest suites are 20-35% higher than private rooms because of the privacy and amenities.
Guest Suite vs Entire Place
The price for suites is 20-40% lower than entire homes in the same area, which is a reason guests prefer suites more.
Since a guest suite in short-term rental properties gives a private space at an affordable price, guests choose these spaces. Also, the host lives in the same house, and travellers get the chance to interact with the host and get to know about the locality or culture. Even if someone does not want to interact and needs a room for short time with privacy, guest suites are a perfect fit.
Great for guests who want privacy but don’t need a full house.
An entire place means the whole home is for guests. Like a home, there are outdoor areas, multiple bedrooms/bathrooms. Guests can use the kitchen. No need to share walls with the host. Everything is fully separate. Many travellers may want to live in a home-like environment and choose entire places.
Is a Guest Suite Private on Airbnb?
A guest suite on Airbnb or a short-term rental property is often private. But not every suite has a separate entry or other kind of facilities. That’s why both guests and hosts have to be careful with the property description.
If the suite has a private entrance, a kitchen, and a dining area, then it is fully private, because then guests do not need to share anything with others. Otherwise, the suite is semi-private private which is actually good to go because they are a bit cheaper. You can not expect a suite to be like an entire place, honestly.
To know if a guest suite on Airbnb is fully private or not, the host should mention a detailed description with clear photos in the listing. And from the guest’s side, before booking a property, they should go through the property description. If there is not sufficient information, contact the host directly can give proper information.
Previous guests’ reviews are an authentic source to know about the actual privacy level of the guest suite.
Pros and Cons of Booking a Guest Suite
Like we have been saying, Airbnb guest suites are affordable, and a cosier atmosphere with more privacy. The disadvantages can be the limited services and shared facilities, sometimes less privacy, which actually depends on the hosts.
Pros of Booking a Guest Suite
- More privacy than a private room
- Separate entrance and private bathroom in most cases
- Feels like a mini apartment; cozy and self-contained
- Often more affordable than an entire place
- Great for solo travelers and couples who want privacy on a budget
- Usually located in quiet residential areas
- The host is nearby if you need help or have questions
Cons of Booking a Guest Suite
- Still part of someone’s property, so not fully independent
- You may hear the host or notice shared walls/spaces nearby
- The kitchen might be limited or kitchenette-style instead of full
- Outdoor areas may be shared with the host
- Less space compared to a full apartment or house
- May not feel as “hotel-like” as an entire place
Tips to Decide What’s Right for Guests' Stay
One common issue we’ve noticed, guests often book what they think is a private space. Then they get upset after realizing the kitchen or living area is shared with the host.
We once helped a host handle a situation. A guest checked in expecting full privacy but found out the space was actually a guest suite attached to the main home. The guest left a frustrated message within an hour.
To fix this, our team rewrote the listing description with details and added photos showing the shared space. We adjusted the room type to match Airbnb’s latest categories. Since then, that host hasn’t received a single complaint about privacy confusion.
So here are three simple tips to help guests (and hosts guiding them) choose wisely.
1. Consider the level of privacy needed
We’ve noticed guests often think every “private” room gives full privacy. That’s not always true.
If someone wants zero interaction, they should choose an entire place. Those who want privacy but don’t mind being on the same property with a host may prefer a guest suite.
And for easy-going travelers, sharing a kitchen or living room should not be too problematic. So they can choose private rooms.
2. Think about travel habits and stay routine
This one’s from what we’ve seen countless times. Long-stay guests usually regret booking small private rooms. For the guests who want to cook and spend more time indoors, a suite or an entire place with extra space and amenities is something they can look for.
But for guests who explore all day and only need a comfortable place to crash at night, a private room can do that.
3. Match the stay type to the budget
Guest suites offer more privacy than a room but are cheaper than a whole house. That’s why they’re popular with couples, solo travelers, and small families.
Private rooms are the most budget-friendly. Entire places cost more because there are no shared spaces.
Step-By-Step How to Find Guest Suites on Airbnb
Guests can easily find the guest suite by searching for the keywords. The property description or welcome guide tells a lot about the space type. For a better filter, select the location and date. Here are 5 easy steps on how to find Airbnb guest suites.
Step 1: Go to the Airbnb search.
Step 2: Enter destination, dates, and number of guests, then tap Search. Use the map to narrow down neighbourhoods of interest.
Step 3: Filter by “Type of place → Guest suite”. Try “Secondary unit,” “Guesthouse,” or similar labels when available. Airbnb lists secondary units and guest suites under property-type guidance.
Step 4: Scan listing titles and the first lines of descriptions for phrases like private entrance, self-contained, kitchenette, or private bathroom. These mean a true guest suite. Check the listed amenities and house rules section too. Note the Home type shown on the listing (Entire place, Private room, Shared room).
Step 5: Use the map and saved filters to compare options, then read recent Airbnb reviews for clues about privacy and host presence (guests often mention if the host lives on-site).
If anything is unclear, send the host a quick message asking whether the suite has a private entrance and private bathroom.
How to filter your search
Go to the Airbnb website and enter your destination, dates, and the number of guests. After the search results appear, look for “Filters” and select “Type of place”. Choose “Private room” or “Entire place”.
How to List Your Space as a Guest Suite (For Hosts)
Hosts who have guest suites say they get a 25-35% repeat guest rate. So, if you have some extra private space, you should consider listing it in the guest suite category.
For listing your space on Airbnb as a guest suite, you need to be careful about Airbnb’s guidelines. We recommend being extra careful about property description and adding a thoughtful description to attract the right guests
Firstly, when creating your listing, select the property type as “Secondary Unit”. The guest suite category falls under this. This classification means a private living space on the same property as the host’s main residence.
Accurately describe if the suite has a private bathroom and entrance. Guests also expect to have basic amenities such as WiFi, heating/cooling, linens, and toiletries. Add them to the property description in detail.
Ensure the guest suite complies with local laws and safety standards, including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, and emergency exits. Include Airbnb’s quiet hours, pet policies, and any guest access restrictions.
Lastly, add well-lit photos showing private spaces: bedroom, bathroom, and entrance. So the guest can get a clear idea of what they can expect from your property.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Misclassifying property type, such as listing as a full house or apartment instead of a secondary unit, can mislead guests.
- Avoid implying complete independence if guests share some facilities.
- Poor or missing images.
- Vague descriptions that can cause confusion and expectations mismatches.
- Ignoring local regulations.
- Not updating the listing.
Final Thoughts: Is a Guest Suite the Right Choice for You?
A guest suite on Airbnb is a private room with a private bathroom, where there can be a private entrance, and a kitchenette or not. This is more like a studio apartment but connected to the main property.
People who look for a budget-friendly stay and privacy can choose guest suites. Most of the guests we’ve assisted, especially solo travelers, remote workers, and couples, say a guest suite feels cozy and affordable.
We’ve seen families book guest suites, thinking they would get a full apartment. When they arrive, they become disappointed. That’s why we always recommend reading the listing carefully. Hosts should add keywords like “private suite,” “guest house.”
Also, by checking the amenities list, guests can get a clear idea of what they will be getting.
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb Guest Suites
A guest suite may have a kitchen, but not always. Some guest suites include a small kitchenette with basics like a mini fridge, microwave, and coffee maker, while others may not have cooking facilities. It depends on the listing.
Many guest suites offer a private entrance, but not all do. Some are attached to the main home and share an entrance area. The listing usually mentions this.
Guest suites are often more affordable than hotels, especially for longer stays. They also feel more home-like and can include extra features that hotels charge more for, like a small kitchen or laundry access.
Yes, guest suites can be great for long stays. They usually offer more privacy and comfort than a private room, and some come with kitchen facilities, which is helpful for long-term guests.
Guest suites on Airbnb are generally safe. Always check reviews, host ratings, and photos before booking. Verified hosts with positive feedback and clear communication help ensure a safe and comfortable stay.
A suite is a private, self-contained space with its own bathroom and often a separate entrance or kitchenette.
A guest room is just a private bedroom, and bathrooms or common areas may be shared with the host.
A guest suite is a private unit attached to or located on the same property as a main home. It feels like a small apartment.
A unique space is something special and unusual, like a treehouse, yurt, tipi, cabin, dome, boat, or tiny house. Unique spaces focus on experience and atmosphere more than a traditional home setup.
An entire rental unit means guests get the full place to themselves, no shared interior spaces. This can be a whole apartment, house, tiny home, or similar private property. The host may live nearby, but not inside the rented unit.
