Airbnb, the globally recognized accommodation-sharing company, is launching a new apartment-style complex located a short drive from the Disney World resort area in Kissimmee, Florida.
Scheduled to open in 2018, the Niido development will contain 324 individual residences intended for long-term lease. Tenants who sign leases at the property will have the option to list and rent their units on the Airbnb platform for up to 180 days per year, creating a hybrid living model that combines residential leasing with short-term rental opportunities.
What distinguishes the Niido from conventional apartment buildings is its integration of services and features associated with Airbnb’s hospitality model. Each building will include an on-site MasterHost team to assist guests with check-in and orientation, provide local guidance, and respond to guest needs. The property will also offer professional cleaning and linen services that are not always standard with private short-term rentals. In addition, residents and guests will be able to use a dedicated mobile app that functions as a digital concierge, providing information about the unit, local amenities, and on-site services.
The project is being positioned to appeal to a variety of residents and investors: people who want the stability of a long-term lease with the flexibility to earn income by hosting, and travelers seeking professionally supported short-term stays close to major attractions. For many prospective tenants, the combination of property management, guest services, and app-driven convenience makes the Niido an attractive alternative to traditional rental housing or independent short-term listings.
Despite the planned conveniences, some critics have raised concerns about how the Niido will operate. Opponents argue the property blurs the lines between residential housing and hospitality, likening it to a timeshare or hotel that simply carries the Airbnb brand. Their concerns focus on the effects such a model could have on neighborhood character, housing availability, and local housing markets when residential units are used frequently for short-term rentals.
Supporters of the concept counter that the regulated approach—limiting rentals to 180 days per year and providing on-site management and services—offers a more professional and accountable version of short-term renting compared with disparate private listings. They argue the model could bring economic opportunity for renters and hosts while providing predictable oversight and quality control for guests.
Airbnb has described the Niido as a pilot for a broader strategy. If the initial building proves successful, the company plans to develop up to four additional complexes in the area over the following two years. Those future properties would likely adopt the same mix of long-term leasing and limited-term hosting, along with the on-site hospitality features and app-based guest support that define the Niido concept.
The Niido project highlights ongoing debates about how short-term rental platforms intersect with housing policy, tourism, and community planning. As hybrid models like this emerge, cities and developers will face decisions about permitting, occupancy rules, and the balance between visitor services and long-term residential needs. Observers will be watching Kissimmee’s experience closely to see whether this blend of apartment living and turnkey hosting produces a viable, scalable approach that benefits both residents and the travel market.