Airbnb reviews for guests play a critical role in shaping the experiences of both hosts and future travelers. They build trust within the Airbnb community, help hosts improve their services and attract repeat guests.
Many hosts, however, find writing reviews overwhelming, leading to missed opportunities that could improve their listing’s visibility and reputation. Understanding how to use Airbnb’s review system effectively can streamline the review process. This guide is designed to simplify the review-writing process with actionable tips, customizable templates, and time-saving strategies.
Today, you will learn:
- How to write compelling and honest Airbnb guest reviews.
- Time-saving strategies for automating the review process.
- Tips for handling negative experiences diplomatically.
Let’s dive into the importance of Airbnb reviews for hosts.
Why Airbnb reviews matter for hosts
Airbnb hosts should understand that Airbnb reviews are more than just a formality. They are a powerful tool that can drastically impact your success as a host. Here’s why staying on top of guest reviews is essential.
Enhance host reputation and build trust
Reviews from previous visitors are one of the first things potential guests look at when choosing a place to stay. Positive reviews build your reputation as a reliable and trustworthy host. They serve as social proof, reassuring potential guests that they can expect a good experience. A strong track record of positive feedback can set you apart from other listings and make your property more attractive.
Boost Airbnb search rankings
Airbnb’s algorithm favors active hosts who engage regularly with the platform. You demonstrate that you are an active and attentive host by consistently leaving reviews for your guests.
This can help improve your listing’s position in Airbnb search results, making it easier for new guests to find and book your property. Increased visibility often leads to more bookings, directly influencing your revenue.
Improve guest screening and support the host community
Guest reviews aren’t just beneficial for you. They also help other hosts.
For example, professional insight into the Texas rental management community highlights how shared guest reviews can elevate the overall quality of rental experiences.
You contribute valuable information that other hosts can use to screen potential guests by providing honest and detailed reviews. This communal aspect of Airbnb reviews promotes a supportive environment where hosts can help each other maintain high standards and avoid problematic guests.
Encourage reciprocity and future bookings
A positive review can often lead to a positive review in return. When guests see that you’ve left them a thoughtful review, they are more likely to reciprocate with positive feedback. This mutual exchange can make your profile more appealing to other guests, making people more likely to book with you.
When and how to leave an Airbnb guest review (step-by-step guide)
Writing an Airbnb guest review is straightforward, but understanding the timeline and navigating the platform can help make it even easier. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you write reviews efficiently and make the most of the 14-day window.
Timeline: 14 Days to submit your review
Airbnb gives hosts up to 14 days after the guest checks out to leave a review. This timeframe applies even if the reservation was canceled after check-in day. After these 14 days, the review window closes, and neither you nor your guest can submit feedback. Writing and submitting your review as soon as possible is best to avoid missing out on the opportunity.
Where to find the review link
There are multiple ways to access the guest review section:
- Airbnb inbox: After a guest checks out, you will receive a message from Airbnb prompting you to leave a review. Simply click on the review link included in this message.
- Email notifications: Airbnb also sends an email notification once the guest’s stay is complete. This email contains a direct link to the review page.
- Airbnb profile:
- On Desktop or Mobile Browser: Go to your Account, click Go to profile, and then click Reviews you’ve written.
- On the iOS or Android App: Follow the same steps—Account > Profile > Reviews you’ve written.
Step-by-step instructions for writing and submitting a review
- Log in to Airbnb: Navigate to Airbnb.com or the app and sign in to your account.
- Go to the reviews section: Click on your inbox, email notification, or follow the steps to access the Reviews you’ve written section under your profile.
- Start writing the review:
- Rate the guest on aspects such as cleanliness, communication, and adherence to house rules using the 5-star rating system.
- Write a brief comment summarizing your experience with the guest. Mention aspects like communication, respect for house rules, and how they left the property.
- Rate whether you would host this guest again.
- Submit: Once satisfied with your review, click “Submit” to finalize it.
Save and exit for unfinished reviews
If you cannot complete the review in one sitting, Airbnb offers a “Save and Exit” option. This feature lets you pause your review and resume later without losing progress. Remember, however, that the guest’s review must be submitted within the 14-day window to be published.
Editing reviews
You can edit your review within 14 days only if the guest hasn’t submitted their review yet. Once both parties have submitted reviews or the 14-day window expires, the reviews are locked in and can no longer be edited.
If you need to adjust your feedback:
- On Desktop or Mobile Browser: Go to Profile > Reviews you’ve written, select Reviews by you, and click Edit next to the review you want to change.
- On the iOS or Android App: Follow the same steps—Profile > Reviews by you > Edit.
Be sure to finalize any changes before the guest submits their review.
Time-saving tips: Automating your Airbnb guest reviews
Managing guest reviews on Airbnb can become time-consuming, especially for hosts handling multiple properties or consistently hosting guests. One Fine BnB offers a seamless solution with our advanced property management platform that automates reviews and other vital tasks. Automation saves valuable time while keeping your listings active and well-maintained.
Automation can streamline your review process without sacrificing the personal touch.
Why automate reviews?
Automating your Airbnb guest reviews offers several key benefits.
Saves time and increases efficiency
Writing reviews manually for every guest can be tedious, especially during busy seasons.
By automating the process, you can free up time to focus on other aspects of property management, such as:
- Responding to guest inquiries
- Maintaining your property
- Enhancing your listing
Ensures consistent engagement
Regularly leaving reviews is a best practice for maintaining a positive relationship with guests and helps keep your Airbnb listing active in the platform’s algorithm. Automated Airbnb host reviews ensure you never miss the 14-day review window, maintaining your visibility in search rankings and demonstrating your ongoing engagement as a host.
Reduces the risk of forgetting
With automation, the system will remind you or automatically send out the reviews you’ve pre-written. This reduces the risk of forgetting to leave a review, which could lead to missed opportunities for positive feedback and reciprocal reviews from guests.
How to automate your Airbnb guest reviews
Automation doesn’t mean your reviews have to be robotic or impersonal. Here’s how to set up an efficient and effective review automation process.
Use property management platforms (PMPs)
Here is what you should know about property management platforms.
If you are considering your next real estate investment, using a PMP can help you manage your Airbnb properties more effectively.
Pre-write templates
Many property management platforms (PMPs) like Hostfully, Guesty, or Lodgify offer automation tools that allow you to pre-write review templates. These templates can be set up to send a review automatically after a guest checks out. Ensure these templates cover guest behaviors (e.g., spotless, excellent communication, followed house rules) so that the review feels appropriate and genuine.
One Fine BnB goes a step further by handling reviews entirely on your behalf, ensuring that each review is:
- Timely
- Professional
- Tailored to guest behavior
This allows hosts to focus on other aspects of property management without the hassle of managing reviews directly.
Auto-send reviews
Once your templates are ready, configure your PMP to auto-send reviews at a specific time after checkout—usually 24 to 48 hours later. This delay allows you to check the property and ensure no issues before the review is sent.
Tips on avoiding review repetition
Here are the tips for avoiding review repetition.
Personalize the templates
To avoid sounding repetitive or triggering Airbnb’s algorithm, personalize your automated templates.
Include variables like the:
- Guest’s first name
- Specific mentions of their stay
- Reference to something unique about their visit
For example, instead of using a generic line like “Great guest, would host again,” you could write, “John was an excellent guest who left our place spotless and followed all the house rules. We’d be happy to host him again.”
Rotate templates
Another strategy is to create multiple templates for similar situations and rotate them. This way, even if the guest’s circumstances are similar, the reviews they receive will not be identical, keeping your profile dynamic and varied.
Regularly update your templates
Review and update your templates every few months to reflect new insights or recurring themes in guest behavior. This keeps your reviews fresh and relevant, reducing the risk of them becoming stale or overly generic.
Additionally, maximizing vacation rental potential requires regularly updating your property listing details to reflect local trends and guest expectations.
Positive review templates for Airbnb hosts
Leaving positive reviews for guests is an excellent way to build your reputation as a host while encouraging repeat bookings. However, writing each review from scratch can be time-consuming. This is where pre-written templates come in handy.
Template examples
Here are some template examples.
Standard positive review
“[Guest First Name] was a fantastic guest! Communication was clear and prompt from start to finish. They left the property in immaculate condition and followed all house rules perfectly. I highly recommend [Guest First Name] to any host and would gladly welcome them back anytime.”
For guests with excellent communication
“It was an absolute pleasure hosting [Guest First Name]. Their communication was top-notch—they kept us informed of their arrival and departure times and were responsive throughout their stay. They treated our home with the utmost respect, and we would be thrilled to host them again.”
For guests who followed house rules
“[Guest First Name] was an ideal guest. They adhered to all the house rules and treated our space as if it were their own. The property was in perfect condition, and we had zero issues during their stay. Highly recommend [Guest First Name] to any other hosts!”
For guests who left the place clean
“Hosting [Guest First Name] was a breeze! They left our place spotless and even went the extra mile to tidy up before checking out. Guests like [Guest First Name] make hosting a delightful experience. We would love to have them back anytime.”
Quirky/fun positive review
“[Guest First Name] brought nothing but good vibes! They were respectful and friendly from the moment they arrived and left the place looking fantastic. If [Guest First Name] were a movie, they’d be a 5-star blockbuster—highly recommended! Looking forward to a sequel anytime they’re in town!”
Personalized positive review
“We thoroughly enjoyed hosting [Guest First Name]. They were easy to communicate with and left the place in excellent condition. We particularly appreciated their thoughtfulness in [mention a specific action, such as leaving a thank-you note or watering the plants]. It’s rare to find guests who go above and beyond like [Guest First Name]. We hope to host them again soon!”
Negative review templates & strategies
Handling negative reviews as a host can be challenging, but it’s crucial to approach them with diplomacy and professionalism. When written thoughtfully, negative reviews can provide constructive feedback while maintaining a respectful tone. This helps preserve your reputation as a fair and reasonable host, even in difficult situations.
The importance of diplomacy in negative reviews
When leaving a negative review, your goal should be to communicate the issues clearly without being overly harsh or personal. A well-written negative review can offer guests valuable feedback while alerting other hosts to potential problems. Maintaining professionalism ensures your review is taken seriously and reflects positively on you as a host.
The compliment sandwich approach
One effective strategy for writing negative reviews is the “compliment sandwich” approach. This technique involves framing your critique between two positive comments. Starting and ending with a compliment helps soften the impact of the negative feedback, making it more palatable for the guest while still conveying the necessary message.
10 common scenarios for negative reviews
Here are ten common scenarios where a negative review might be warranted, along with templates that maintain a constructive and professional tone:
Late check-outs
“[Guest First Name] was pleasant and easy to communicate with. However, they checked out later than the agreed-upon time, disrupting our next guest’s cleaning schedule. We appreciate their stay and encourage a more punctual checkout in the future.”
Extra guests
“We appreciated hosting [Guest First Name] and their party. Unfortunately, they brought additional guests without prior approval, which was against our house rules. We ask that future guests ensure the number of occupants matches the booking agreement to avoid any issues. Overall, the property was left in good condition.”
Noise complaints
“[Guest First Name] was friendly and communicative throughout their stay. However, we received several noise complaints from neighbors, which made the stay challenging for others in the community. We recommend that future guests observe the quiet hours to maintain a peaceful environment.”
Property damage
“[Guest First Name] was polite and respectful in their communications. However, there was some damage to the property during their stay, specifically [mention the specific damage, e.g., a broken chair or stained carpet]. We understand that accidents happen, but we kindly ask future guests to treat the property with care and report any incidents promptly.”
Pets not disclosed
“While [Guest First Name] was friendly and respectful, they brought a pet despite our no-pet policy. This caused some issues with the property that required extra cleaning. We recommend that future guests adhere to our pet policy to avoid similar complications.”
Cleanliness concerns
“[Guest First Name] was communicative and polite throughout their stay. However, the property needed more cleaning than usual, which impacted our preparation for the next guest. We encourage future guests to follow the check-out instructions more closely to ensure a smooth transition for everyone.”
Non-observance of house rules
“It was a pleasure hosting [Guest First Name], who was generally respectful and easy to communicate with. However, there were some issues with following our house rules, particularly [mention the specific rule, such as no smoking or no parties]. We hope future guests will carefully review the house rules to ensure a pleasant stay for everyone involved.”
Trash not taken out
“Hosting [Guest First Name] was a positive experience overall. However, they did not take out the trash as requested in our check-out instructions, which created extra work for our cleaning team. We kindly ask future guests to follow the check-out procedures to help us maintain a clean and welcoming space.”
Misuse of property amenities
“[Guest First Name] was polite and easy to host. Unfortunately, we noticed some misuse of the [specific amenity, such as the pool or kitchen appliances], which caused minor damage. We ask that future guests use the amenities with care and notify us immediately if any issues arise. Thank you for staying with us.”
Unresponsive to messages
“While [Guest First Name] was generally a respectful guest, there were some challenges with communication during their stay. We reached out several times but received delayed responses, which made coordination difficult. We encourage future guests to stay in touch to ensure a smooth experience for everyone involved.”
Conflict resolution before leaving a negative review
Before resorting to a negative review, consider resolving the issue offline with the guest. Direct communication can clear up misunderstandings and prevent the need for a negative review altogether. If the problem can be resolved in a friendly manner, you may find that a more neutral or even positive review is appropriate.
However, if the issue remains unresolved, ensure that your review is fair, factual, and focused on specific behaviors rather than personal judgments.
Responding to guest reviews: Maintaining engagement
Engaging with the reviews left by your guests is a critical part of being a proactive and successful Airbnb host. Responding to positive or negative reviews shows that you value feedback and are committed to improving your guests’ experiences. It also helps build trust with future guests, as they can see you are attentive and responsive.
Why respond to reviews?
Responding to reviews is not just a courteous gesture. It serves several important purposes:
- Demonstrates care and professionalism: When you respond to reviews, you show that you care about your guests’ experiences and are willing to engage with their feedback, whether it’s positive or constructive.
- Builds trust with future guests: Potential guests often read previous reviews and responses before booking. A well-crafted response can reassure them that you are a responsible host dedicated to providing excellent service.
- Helps manage your reputation: Addressing any issues or misunderstandings in reviews allows you to control the narrative and demonstrate your commitment to resolving problems.
Responding to positive reviews
Positive reviews are an opportunity to reinforce your relationship with satisfied guests and encourage them to return. Here are a couple of short, friendly response templates:
General positive review response
“Thank you so much for your kind words, [Guest First Name]! It was a pleasure hosting you, and I’m thrilled you enjoyed your stay. We’d love to welcome you back anytime you’re in the area. Safe travels!”
Personalized positive review response
“We’re so glad you had a wonderful stay, [Guest First Name]! It was great to have you, and we appreciate how well you took care of our home. Looking forward to hosting you again on your next visit. Take care!”
Responding to negative reviews
Negative reviews can be challenging, but responding to them thoughtfully is essential. Here are two examples—one for addressing concerns and offering solutions and another for disputing inaccurate or false reviews:
Addressing concerns and offering solutions
“Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback, [Guest First Name]. I’m sorry to hear that your experience didn’t meet your expectations. We take your concerns seriously and are already working on addressing the issues you mentioned. If you decide to stay with us again, I can assure you a more pleasant experience. Thank you for helping us improve.”
Disputing inaccurate or false reviews
“Thank you for your review, [Guest First Name]. I’m sorry that your stay didn’t meet your expectations, but I’d like to address a few inaccuracies in your comments. [Clarify the inaccuracies]. We strive to provide a great experience for all our guests and regret any misunderstandings. I hope we can resolve this matter directly with you.”
Escalating reviews that violate Airbnb’s policies
If a review violates Airbnb’s content or review policies—such as including discriminatory language, personal attacks, or irrelevant information—you have the option to escalate the issue:
Report the review
Navigate to the review in question and use the reporting feature to flag it to Airbnb. Provide a clear explanation of why you believe the review violates Airbnb’s policies.
Contact Airbnb support
If necessary, reach out to Airbnb’s support team directly to request the removal of the review. Be prepared to explain how the review violates Airbnb’s guidelines and provide any relevant evidence.
Maximizing your Airbnb listing with reviews and engagement
Consistent engagement with guest reviews on Airbnb is a powerful tool for boosting your listing’s visibility and attracting more bookings. Regularly interacting with guests through thoughtful reviews and responses helps improve your search rankings. It also builds trust and encourages repeat stays.
Understanding vacation rental management listing best practices can help you craft a listing that attracts more guests and encourages positive reviews.
Templates and automation can streamline the review management process, making it easier to manage your reviews while maintaining a competitive edge. To truly optimize your hosting experience, consider partnering with One Fine BnB.
Our expert property management services will help you:
- Effortlessly manage reviews
- Maximize your listing’s potential
- Enhance guest satisfaction
Book a discovery call today to see how One Fine BnB can elevate your Airbnb hosting.
How do I find my reviews as a host?
Go to your Airbnb profile, click “Reviews you’ve written” to see all the reviews you’ve left, and “Show all reviews” for those written about you.
How to get guests to leave a review?
Politely remind guests at checkout and send a follow-up message thanking them for their stay and encouraging them to share their experience.
How to respond to negative Airbnb review?
Acknowledge the feedback, apologize for any issues, and briefly explain any steps taken to resolve the problem.
How to write a negative review on Airbnb for a bad guest?
Be honest and specific about the issues, use a diplomatic tone, and focus on constructive criticism to help other hosts.
