What’s Like an Airbnb for a Dinner Party?

That cosy Airbnb with a designer kitchen and beautiful dining room might look like the perfect place for your next dinner party — but looks can be deceiving. Before you invite a bunch of friends over for a home-cooked meal or catered rehearsal dinner, know this: hosting events at an Airbnb comes with some real risks.

Many Airbnb listings strictly prohibit parties or gatherings, even small ones. Others may seem flexible but leave you vulnerable to sudden cancellations, unclear policies, or extra fees. 

So, can you host a dinner party at an Airbnb? What exactly are the rules around that? And most importantly — is there a better, more reliable alternative?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you. This guide walks you through what to know about Airbnb dinner party limitations and better alternatives.

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Pro tip: Airbnb focuses on overnight stays. Peerspace is built for gatherings and is a perfect choice for dinner parties. You can book by the hour, bring in caterers or chefs, and choose from beautifully designed spaces that are made for hosting.

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Table of contents:

• Can you use an Airbnb for a dinner party?
• How Airbnb falls short for dinner parties
• Finding a venue like an Airbnb for a dinner party
• How much is a dinner party venue?
• Peerspace vs. Airbnb for dinner parties
• Find a dinner party venue on Peerspace

Can you use Airbnb for a dinner party?

Quick answer: you can try, but it’s risky.

Airbnb has officially banned guests from throwing parties of any type in its properties. While some Airbnb hosts may allow intimate dinners, you could still face limitations on guest count, food prep, or access from vendors like caterers or chefs. And that’s why when it comes to hiring an event venue, Peerspace is clutch.

Where Airbnb falls short for dinner parties

While Airbnb excels at vacation hires, it’s not built for events like dinner parties. Here’s what that means:

No hourly pricing

Airbnb charges by the night, even if you only want to hire the space for a two-hour dinner. That can make your gathering unnecessarily costly.

Strict guest limits

Most Airbnb listings are meant for overnight stays, which means they cap guests based on the specific property’s sleeping arrangements, not its entertaining needs. Some even use doorbell cameras or noise monitors to enforce those limits.

Kitchen restrictions

The “chef’s kitchen” in that Airbnb might look beautiful, but it’s rarely properly equipped for catering. Many Airbnb hosts don’t allow cooking beyond basic use, and most prohibit outside vendors. 

Limited setup flexibility

Need extra chairs or a proper private dining room setup? Want to bring in floral arrangements or lighting? Airbnb hosts often don’t allow rentals or setup changes, which can put a massive damper on your dinner party plans.

How to find a venue like an Airbnb to rent for a dinner party

The venue sets the tone for your dinner party, and luckily, there are endless options to suit any vibe. Here’s what you should focus on to find the best fit for your event. 

Size and capacity

How many guests are attending? Always look for a venue that accommodates your guest list comfortably. Nobody wants a cramped party where everyone is elbow-to-elbow! For smaller gatherings, cosy spaces like city centre apartments or studios might be ideal. Larger groups may require something with an open floor plan like a banquet hall or a spacious rooftop. 

Ambiance and aesthetic

The venue you choose should align with the look and feel of your party. Rustic charm? Sleek and modern? Vibrant and colourful? Think about your dinner party theme (if you have one) or your personal style. Often, a venue’s uniqueness can become the centrepiece of your event decor, so you don’t need to overspend on decorations! 

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Pro tip: A lot of Peerspace venues are spaces that would otherwise go unused during the time of the event, like a fully equipped photo studio, an elegant storefront, or a spacious museum gallery.

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Location, location, location

Make sure the venue is easy to access for your guests. Consider parking availability and nearby public transit options. If you’re hosting out-of-town visitors, a centrally located space could be a lifesaver. 

Kitchen and catering amenities

If food is the star of your show (and for most dinner parties, it is), check the venue’s kitchen setup or catering options. Some spaces offer a fully equipped kitchen, while others may require you to bring in pre-prepared dishes. Make sure everything aligns with your catering plans. 

Amenities and setup time

Does the venue offer tables, chairs, dinnerware, or audio equipment? If not, you’ll need to factor in the cost and effort of renting these separately. Also, consider the setup and clean-up time permitted in the booking. Having ample time before and after the party makes a world of difference! 

Now that you know what to look for in your dinner party venue hire, be sure to learn how to put together the perfect guest list for your dinner party to ensure a successful event.

How much does it cost to hire a dinner party space?

Several factors can influence the pricing of your ideal space. Here’s a breakdown to help you budget more effectively:

1. Location

Looking to host your party in a bustling neighborhood like London’s Shoreditch neighbourhood or Manchester’s trendy NQ? Popular locations often come with higher price tags due to demand and proximity to urban amenities. If you’re open to exploring neighbourhoods slightly off the beaten path, you might find hidden gems at more budget-friendly rates.

2. Size and style

Are you envisioning an intimate dinner for 10 or a grand affair for 50? Larger spaces often cost more, as do venues with unique architectural features or elegant designs. Spaces with standout elements like banquet tables, outdoor patios, or gorgeous designer kitchens bring extra flair but may come at a premium.

3. Amenities

Need extras like professional kitchen equipment, chic furniture rentals, or mood-setting outdoor lighting? These additions can enhance your dinner party—but they’ll also increase your total costs. Whether it’s a fully stocked chef’s kitchen or AV equipment for making heartfelt speeches, amenities add value (and price) to your event.

4. Time of booking

Timing matters! Peak seasons, like the holiday months or wedding season, often experience higher rates as demand spikes. Consider hosting your dinner party on less busy days, like a weekday evening, to potentially save on costs without sacrificing quality.

5. Customisation options

If you’re dreaming of a completely personalised experience, from florals to décor setups, certain venues may offer add-on services to bring your vision to life. However, customisation often comes with additional fees for the time and effort involved.

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Pro tip: Unlike traditional booking methods, Peerspace helps you see prices upfront with no hidden fees. Filter for specific needs, like desired amenities or maximum guest count, and compare options in seconds. You’ll know exactly what you’re paying for before you book!

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How does Airbnb compare to Peerspace for dinner parties?

Unlike Airbnb, which primarily focuses on overnight stays, Peerspace was purpose-built for events. From elegant dining rooms to spacious lofts, Peerspace provides access to unique, event-ready venues that cater specifically to gatherings like dinner parties.

All spaces are event-approved

With Peerspace, hosts expect and welcome guests hosting gatherings. Compare that to Airbnb’s strict “party ban” policy, which can create unnecessary hassles for your dinner party plans. Peerspace makes it clear that their venues are event friendly.

Hourly booking, tailored to your needs

Why pay for a full 24-hour stay when your dinner party only lasts four hours? Peerspace allows you to hire by the hour, saving money and giving you the flexibility to include setup and breakdown time without overpaying.

Transparent pricing with no surprises 

Unlike Airbnb’s pricing structure, which can include hidden fees, Peerspace offers all-inclusive hourly prices. This means you’ll know exactly what your dinner party will cost upfront, making budgeting a breeze.

Professional amenities for seamless planning

Peerspace venues often include amenities that go beyond what Airbnb homes can provide. Think banquet tables, serving ware, AV equipment, and onsite support from hosts who care about your event’s success.

Access to hidden gems

With over 45,000 unique venues across North America and Europe, Peerspace offers spaces you won’t find on other platforms. From rooftop terraces with city views to intimate art galleries, there’s a venue to match your desired vibe.

“Wonderful space! They had easy directions to the space,” shares a Peerspace reviewer. “They were very accommodating and the space was clean and looked great.”

How to use Peerspace to find a dinner party venue

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

Visit Peerspace

Head to Peerspace.com/uk or download the app on iOS or Android.

Enter your event details

Choose “Dinner Party,” pick your location, date, and guest count.

Filter your search

• Narrow down options by kitchen, seating setup, indoor/outdoor dining, etc.
• You can even search by exact keywords (think garden dining, modern city centre apartments, etc.).

Check amenities

Don’t just skim the photos — dig into the details of what the venue offers. Make sure there’s enough seating for your full guest list, a dining setup that fits your vision (long table? separate cocktail space?), and essential extras like a full-service kitchen or outdoor BBQ area.

Planning to bring in a DJ or play music? Confirm there’s a sound system — or at least outlets in the right places. If you’re using outside vendors like caterers or servers, look for venues that are vendor-friendly and have convenient load-in/load-out access. 

Message the host

Once you’ve found a space you love, reach out to the host to go over any specifics. Confirm guest capacity, ask about setup and breakdown time, and clarify rules around food, drinks, music, and decorations. If you’re planning to bring in outside vendors (like a private chef, bartender, or florist), double-check that they’re allowed and that the space can support their setup.

Hire your venue

When everything checks out, go ahead and hire your space! Unlike Airbnb, Peerspace venues are created with gatherings in mind — so you won’t have to worry about awkward policies, cancellations, or being penalised for having friends over. Once you’ve hired the space, you can focus on curating the menu, setting the mood, and sending out invites — confident that your venue is ready for hosting.

Great dinners start with the perfect setting. Find it on Peerspace.

Hosting a dinner party is all about creating a lasting impression for your guests. With a little preparation and the right venue, you can focus on what truly matters—providing an unforgettable experience that everyone will be talking about for weeks.

A successful dinner party requires careful co-ordination, especially with timing and setup. By selecting a venue that allows flexible experiences, you can plan everything from prep to cleanup, ensuring a smooth experience without paying for unnecessary time. 

Seek out spaces designed with entertaining in mind, featuring essential amenities like fully equipped kitchens, tables, and seating. Bonus points if the venue comfortably accommodates catering or bartending services, making logistics even more seamless.

Turn your dinner party vision into reality. Start exploring your ideal venue today; the perfect space for your next gathering awaits! Your guests (and peace of mind) will thank you.