Airbnb tests Instacart integration so guests can pre-order groceries before a stay

Airbnb is piloting a new service that lets guests order groceries through Instacart up to three weeks before their reservation. The pilot begins on January 5 and will run for three months in select US markets, including Phoenix, Orlando and Los Angeles.

The key difference from ordinary grocery delivery is that hosts can opt to receive, unpack and store the groceries before guests arrive. For each completed order that the host puts away, Airbnb will pay the host $25. Guests can still place Instacart orders during their stay, but they’ll be responsible for handling the delivery themselves.

How the pilot works

• Guests may place Instacart orders up to three weeks in advance of check-in.
• Participating hosts must accept the responsibility of receiving and storing the groceries before the guest arrives.
• Airbnb pays hosts a $25 fee per completed order when they tuck groceries away for arriving guests.
• The pilot runs Jan. 5 for three months and is available only to select hosts in certain U.S. cities.

Why this could be useful

This feature makes it easier to plan events and vacations — for example, stocking a rental with barbecue supplies or breakfast items before a family arrives. It could be particularly helpful around holidays or for guests traveling to properties without nearby supermarkets.

Considerations for hosts and guests

• Hosts: Taking on grocery receipt means time and responsibility — hosts should weigh the $25 fee against the effort of receiving, checking, and storing perishable items and handling potential issues like wrong items or spoilage.
• Guests: Pre-ordering adds convenience but requires clear communication with the host about preferences, delivery windows, and where items should be stored.
• Liability & logistics: Hosts should confirm how food handling, refunds, or substitutions will be managed. Guests may want to specify refrigeration needs and leave clear notes for hosts.

Airbnb has been experimenting with other host-focused integrations (like EV charger discounts via ChargePoint) to add value for both hosts and guests. This Instacart pilot is a practical experiment in smoothing pre-arrival logistics and testing whether the extra convenience is worth the operational burden for hosts.

Want to learn more or try Instacart for planning a stay? Visit Instacart or Airbnb (availability depends on pilot participation).

Discussion: If your host offered to pre-stock groceries for $25, would you take them up on it? Hosts — would you sign up to receive and store guest orders for the fee?