Thinking About Booking an Airbnb for an Event? Check This Out First.

A dreamy Airbnb with a spacious backyard, stylish decor, and plenty of room for guests might seem like the perfect venue for your baby shower, launch event, corporate gathering, or engagement party. But before you hit “book,” there’s something you need to know.

Airbnb events come with strict rules — and we do mean strict. Many listings explicitly ban gatherings, and even if you find a spot that seems event-friendly, your host can cancel your reservation at any time if they suspect an event’s about to go down. 

So, can you use an Airbnb for an event? What are the actual rules for Airbnb event venues you might potentially find? And more importantly, is there a better way to book an event space without the stress?

Exhale slowly — we’ve got you covered. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about booking an event venue, including why Airbnb events are a gamble and why Peerspace is a way better option for stress-free celebrations.

---

Pro Tip: Airbnb prioritizes overnight stays and discourages large gatherings. Peerspace, on the other hand, is built for events. You can book unique spaces by the hour, work with vendors, and actually enjoy your event.

---

Table of Contents:

• Can You Rent an Airbnb for Your Event?
• How Much is Something Like an Airbnb for an Event?
• Finding an Event Venue Like an Airbnb
• Finding an Event-Ready Venue
• Airbnb vs. Peerspace for Events
• Peerspace: the Alternative to Airbnb for Events

Can You Use an Airbnb for an Event?

Quick Answer: It’s Complicated.

While some Airbnbs may allow small gatherings, the vast majority do not — and even if you find one that does, there are still risks. You may face unclear event policies, unexpected cancellations, and limits on guest count, vendors, and setup logistics. That’s where Peerspace comes in.

Airbnb’s Event Limitations: What to Know

While it works well for lodging, Airbnb isn’t designed for events. 

No Hourly Pricing

Most Airbnbs require a multi-night stay, even if you only need the space for a few hours. That means higher costs and wasted time — especially if your event only lasts an afternoon or evening.

👉 Better Alternative: Peerspace eliminates that hassle by letting you book exactly the time you need — so you only pay for the time you actually use.

No Clear Guest Limits

Most Airbnb properties are designed for overnight guests, which means they often cap guest counts at 10-15 people — even if the space looks large enough for more. Some hosts use security cameras or smart locks to track guest activity, and they can cancel your reservation on the spot if they think you’re hosting an event.

👉 Better Alternative: When booking a Peerspace, guest capacity is clearly listed upfront, so there’s no guessing. 

Not Designed for Events

Most Airbnb listings prohibit external vendors, making it difficult to bring in caterers, hire DJs, or add event rentals. That means:

Catering Restrictions – Many Airbnb kitchens aren’t built for large-scale meal prep. If you’re planning a catered meal, you’ll need a proper kitchen setup (not just your standard Airbnb kitchenette). 

No Extra Furniture – Need more tables and chairs? Many hosts don’t allow rentals, meaning you might end up scrambling to find seating last-minute.

Not Event-Ready – Most Airbnb rentals are designed for overnight stays, not events. That means you might have to compromise on layout and amenities — making planning more complicated than it needs to be. 

👉 Better Alternative: Many Peerspaces are among the best spaces their cities have to offer, featuring standout amenities that elevate any event, whether you’re hosting a corporate gathering, private dinner, or creative showcase. From industrial lofts with built-in sound systems to outdoor venues with full catering capabilities, you can find spaces designed to accommodate events without the workaround.

How Much Is an Airbnb for an Event?

The cost of an event venue depends on:

• Location: Major cities tend to be more expensive.
• Amenities: Venues with outdoor space, A/V setups, or catering kitchens may have higher rates.
• Booking length: Longer events may cost more than shorter events.

“The ability to book by the hour and Peerspace’s welcoming hosts who go above and beyond to ensure a customer friendly experience makes all of the difference,” notes Bell. 

How to Find a Venue Like an Airbnb for an Event

Planning an event is exciting, but finding the right venue can feel like a marathon. Don’t worry—we’re here to help you approach it with confidence and a clear game plan! Before you sign a contract or hit “book” on a venue, keep these key factors in mind to make the process smoother and more enjoyable. 

1. Understand the Event Policies

Each venue has its own rules about what’s permitted during events. Some spaces are explicitly designed for events, while others may have restrictions (like guest limits or decoration policies). Always check the fine print or contact the host or venue manager with questions. Clear communication upfront can help set the right expectations. 

---

Pro Tip: Some hosts provide liability coverage, but it’s always good to have your own event insurance (because it’s scientifically proven that guests tend to spill wine on only the most expensive couches). Peerspace makes it easy to see which venues offer insurance or require event coverage. 

---

2. Identify the Amenities You’ll Need

Your venue should feel seamless for both your guests and your setup. Think about what’s essential, such as A/V equipment, parking, Wi-Fi, or catering services. Does the venue include chairs and tables, or will you need to rent them separately? Write down your must-haves before you start browsing to narrow your options. 

3. Clarify Costs

Ask about total anticipated costs, so you aren’t caught off guard. Some venues offer simple, all-inclusive packages, while others may require you to juggle separate contracts for various services. Choose what works best for your budget and needs. 

To avoid any issues, here are some quick tips:

• Confirm if a deposit is required to secure your date.
• Check if a security deposit is required.
• Make sure to include room for cleaning costs in your budget.

On Peerspace, these costs are all listed upfront, so you won’t get hit with surprise charges after your event. 

4. Plan for Vendors and Setup Logistics

If you’re bringing in outside vendors (like caterers, decorators, or photographers), check whether the venue is vendor friendly. Are there load-in/load-out zones? Can you customize the layout to suit your event? A vendor-compatible venue will save you from logistical headaches later. 

---

Pro Tip: Confirm when your vendors can arrive for setup. With Peerspace, you can book extra setup time by the hour if you need it.

---

5. Communicate Clearly with the Host

Regardless of where you find a venue, clear communication with the venue host is key to avoiding last-minute issues.

• Message the host early: Ask about guest capacity, vendor policies, and setup time.
• Confirm details in writing: Get clear agreements on any special requests to avoid surprises later.

Peerspace hosts expect event-related questions and are happy to clarify details before booking, so you don’t have to feel stressed or uncertain about particulars. 

How Does Airbnb Compare to Peerspace for Events?

Not sure which platform is right for your event? Compare your options below.

Feature	Airbnb	Peerspace
Allows events?	No	Yes
Hourly rentals?	No	Yes
Event vendor-friendly?	No	Yes
Event insurance options?	No	Yes
Transparent pricing?	No	Yes

Instead of struggling to find an Airbnb that might work, opt for a platform designed for events. Peerspace is the largest marketplace on the internet for event-friendly spaces, with thousands of listings across countless towns and cities worldwide.

With high-quality photographs and in-depth descriptions accompanying each listing, you can explore venues with confidence, or book a site visit to be extra sure you’ve made the right choice.

“Guest experience is one of the biggest overlooked factors in curating successful events,” says Bell. “The most critical aspect of venue selection is how the space actually functions for guests; how people move through it. The number one question guests ask me is, ‘Is there any parking?’” 

How to Use Peerspace to Find an Event Venue

Finding the perfect event venue on Peerspace is ridiculously simple. Here’s how:

1. Visit Peerspace – Head to Peerspace.com or download the app.

2. Enter Your Event Details – Select the type of event (corporate retreat, birthday party, networking mixer, product launch — you name it!), then choose your location, date, and guest count.

3. Filter Your Search – Narrow down options by selecting indoor or outdoor spaces, venue type, amenities, style, enhanced cleaning measures, and instant booking availability. You can even search by exact keywords (think rooftop, industrial loft, garden oasis, or even event hall with a stage).

4. Check Amenities – Look for venues with tables, chairs, A/V equipment, catering kitchens, and vendor-friendly policies. Need space for a DJ? Stressed about parking for guests? Want a prep kitchen for caterers? Be sure to filter for event must-haves to avoid last-minute surprises. 

5. Message the Host – Ask questions, discuss special requests, and confirm details. Get clarity on setup and breakdown times, whether outside vendors are allowed, and get the word on any noise restrictions before booking. 

6. Book Your Venue – Secure the perfect space and start planning your event. Unlike Airbnb, Peerspace venues are designed for events — so once you book, you can relax knowing the space is actually meant for gatherings. 

---

Pro Tip: Download the Peerspace app for easy party venue browsing and booking. Get the app on iOS or on Android.

---

Final Thoughts: The Best Alternative to Airbnb for Events

Planning an event can be stressful — but trying to host an event at an Airbnb? That can be downright migraine-inducing. 

Instead of dealing with restrictions, hidden fees, and general anxiety, book a venue that’s designed for events from the start. 

Why Peerspace is the Better Choice:

✔ Spaces designed for events – From intimate dinners to large parties.
✔ Book by the hour – No multi-night minimums.
✔ Vendor-friendly amenities – Many include tables, chairs, and catering kitchens.

Plan an event that gets people talking (in a good way). Check out venues on Peerspace today.