6 Upsell Ideas for Dubai Vacation Rentals

Are you a property owner or Airbnb host in Dubai?

Do you want to make more money from your short term rental?

One great way to boost your income is by offering extra services, also called upsells, to your guests.

Instead of just renting out your place, you can offer helpful and fun add-ons. These could be airport pick-ups, private tours, grocery delivery, or even spa services. Guests love these extras because it makes their stay easier and more enjoyable. And for you, it means extra earnings without much extra work.

In this blog, we will explain:

What upsells are and why they matter for Dubai hosts
Simple extra services that work well in Dubai
When and how to offer these extras to guests
How to set prices and find trusted vendors
Tools and tips to manage upsells smoothly
How upsells help your listing stand out and get better reviews

Let’s start!

What Are Upsells and Why Should Dubai Hosts Use Them?

Upsells are extra products or services that you offer guests alongside their rental booking. For example, when a guest books your apartment, you can ask if they want a private airport pickup or a basket with snacks waiting for them.

These extras do three important things for hosts:

1. Increase Your Earnings

If your rental costs AED 600 per night, but the guest also pays AED 200 for an airport transfer, you earn AED 800 for that stay. Over many bookings, these add-ons can boost your income by 15% or more.

2. Make Your Listing Stand Out

Dubai is a busy market for vacation rentals. Many apartments look similar online. When you offer extras, your listing looks more attractive. Guests want a place that feels special.

3. Give Guests a Better Experience

Travelers want a smooth, easy trip. If they don’t have to find their own taxi or grocery store, their stay is more relaxing. Happy guests leave great reviews and book again.

Here are some popular extra services you can offer guests in Dubai:

1. Airport Pick-Up and Drop-Off

Dubai airports can be confusing, and taxis can be expensive or slow. Offering a reliable car service (starting around AED 120) helps guests start their trip stress-free.

2. Private Tours and Experiences

Many travelers want to explore Dubai’s famous sights: the desert, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, or the old city. You can partner with tour companies or guides to offer private safaris or city tours priced between AED 150 and AED 800.

3. Grocery and Fridge Stocking

Guests arriving after long flights appreciate having food and drinks ready. You can buy groceries ahead and charge a small service fee (AED 50–100) plus cost of items.

4. In-Home Spa or Wellness Services

Partner with local massage therapists, yoga instructors, or beauty experts who can visit your guests. This personal touch is especially popular for vacationers seeking relaxation.

5. Flexible Check-In and Check-Out

Many guests want to arrive early or leave late. Offering early check-in or late check-out for a small fee (AED 100–200) makes your rental more convenient and can improve booking rates.

6. Welcome Baskets and Local Gifts

Create a small basket with local treats such as dates, Arabic coffee, or souvenirs. This gesture costs AED 50–150 but leaves a strong positive impression on guests.

When and How to Offer Upsells to Guests

Timing and communication are key to selling extras:

Before Arrival
Send a friendly message 1–2 days before check-in:
“Hi! We’re excited to welcome you. Would you like us to arrange an airport pickup or prepare a welcome basket?”
In Your Listing Description
Add a section like:
“We offer airport transfers, grocery delivery, and private tours to make your stay perfect.”
During the Stay
Send a mid-stay message:
“Hope you’re enjoying your visit! We can arrange a desert safari or massage if you’d like.”
At Check-In or Check-Out
Remind guests about late check-out or early check-in options for a fee.

How to Price Your Upsells

Check Local Market Rates
Find out what services cost locally. For example, a taxi ride from the airport usually costs AED 100–150.
Add a Small Service Fee
Charge guests a bit more than your cost to cover your time and effort.
Create Package Deals
Offer bundled services at a discount, such as an airport pickup plus a city tour for AED 600.
Be Clear and Transparent
List prices clearly in your messages and listings so guests trust your offer.

Finding Reliable Vendors and Partners

You don’t need to do everything yourself. Build relationships with local service providers:

Use licensed, insured vendors.
Test their service yourself before offering to guests.
Set clear agreements on pricing, timing, and cancellations.

Good partnerships will help your business run smoothly and protect your reputation.

Tools and Tips for Managing Upsells

If you’re managing your rental alone, here are some tips:

Use simple tools like Google Forms for guests to choose extras.
Automate messaging with Airbnb or third-party tools like mr.alfred.
Keep a calendar to schedule and communicate with vendors and cleaners.

If managing all this sounds complicated, consider hiring a property management company in Dubai like HiGuests, which can handle upsells and guest communications for you.

How Upsells Help Your Listing and Reviews

Offering extras improves your Airbnb management in Dubai by:

Attracting more bookings because your listing stands out.
Increasing average revenue per booking.
Improving guest satisfaction, leading to better reviews.
Encouraging repeat bookings as guests remember your great service.

Conclusion: Upsells Are a Win-Win

Adding extras to your Dubai vacation rental helps you earn more money and gives guests a better experience. Whether it’s airport pickup, a desert safari, or a welcome basket, these small touches can make a big difference.

Start simple. Add one or two services and see how guests respond. With good communication and trusted vendors, upsells can be easy to manage and highly profitable.

If you want help setting this up or managing your property, HiGuests offers expert property management in Dubai and knows how to make your rental shine.

Ready to earn more from your vacation rental? Contact HiGuests today and learn how to add profitable upsells to your Airbnb!