How to Get Good Reviews on Airbnb: A Superhost's Guide
Discover proven strategies to earn good reviews on airbnb, from pre-booking messaging to post-stay follow-ups, and boost your hosting rating.
Getting a steady stream of good reviews on Airbnb isn't about luck. It’s the result of a thoughtful, guest-focused strategy. As fellow hosts, we think of reviews as the most powerful currency for our short-term rental business—they directly impact our visibility, booking rate, and, ultimately, our income.
Why Good Reviews Are Your Most Valuable Asset
We've been hosts for over a decade, managing everything from our family home in Washington, DC, to a couple of beach properties in the Riviera Maya. If there’s one lesson we’ve learned, it’s that a 5-star review is so much more than a nice comment. It’s the engine that powers a profitable rental business. In a crowded market, glowing guest feedback is what cuts through the noise and gives travelers the confidence to click "Book."
This isn't just a feeling; the data backs it up. Good reviews have a direct, measurable impact on your bottom line.
The Undeniable Link Between Reviews and Revenue
Every positive review sends a powerful signal to two key audiences: potential guests and Airbnb's search algorithm. More great reviews tell the platform that your listing is a high-quality spot, which can help bump you up in search results. For guests scrolling through options, a history of happy feedback is the social proof they need to feel confident booking with you.
The connection between reputation and revenue is real. Airbnb’s own data from 2022 revealed that each additional five-star review correlated with a 3.2% increase in Gross Booking Value (GBV) and a 4.6% increase in future bookings over the next year. You can discover more insights about this short-term rental data and see just how much it impacts hosts.
For us, this shifted our mindset. We stopped seeing guest satisfaction as a "soft skill" and started treating it as a core business activity with a real return on investment.
Building a Foundation for 5-Star Success
So, how do you build a system that consistently generates these valuable reviews? It starts long before a guest even steps through your door. The key is to look at the entire guest journey—from their first message to their final checkout—as a series of opportunities to create a seamless, welcoming, and memorable experience.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the practical, real-world strategies we use at our own properties to consistently earn fantastic reviews. We’re covering the whole process:
Pre-Stay Communication: How to build rapport and set clear expectations from the start.
The Arrival Experience: Small touches that make a huge first impression.
In-Stay Hospitality: Proactive check-ins that solve problems before they happen.
Post-Stay Follow-Up: The art of the gentle and effective review request.
Let's dive into the first phase: setting the stage for a great stay.
Setting Expectations Before Your Guests Arrive
The secret to getting consistently good reviews on Airbnb isn't some grand, expensive gesture. In our experience, it comes down to something much simpler: setting clear, honest expectations right from the start.
A guest’s experience begins the moment they book, not when they arrive. This pre-stay period is your chance to build trust and show you’re a professional, caring host. When a guest feels confident and informed, they arrive in a better frame of mind, ready to enjoy their trip. This early communication is where the foundation for a 5-star review is laid.
Your Listing Is Your First Promise
Your listing description is the most important document in your hosting business. It’s a promise you make to your guests, and being transparent about your property’s quirks is just as vital as highlighting its best features.
For example, our house in DC is a classic rowhouse, which means the stairs are a bit steeper than in modern homes. We mention this upfront in the description. By being honest, we avoid disappointing guests who might struggle with stairs and instead attract those for whom it’s a non-issue. This kind of honesty prevents the mismatches that often lead to poor reviews. It’s always better to land the right guest than just any guest.
The Power of Proactive Communication
Once a booking is confirmed, hospitality begins. We immediately send a warm, welcoming message that thanks them for booking and lets them know what to expect next. It’s not a long message—just a friendly confirmation that we're here for them.
This simple cycle is what we aim for with every guest. A positive experience, nurtured from the start, directly feeds into business growth.
A few days before their arrival, we send our digital guidebook. This has been a game-changer for us. It answers nearly every common question before a guest thinks to ask—from Wi-Fi passwords and check-in codes to our favorite local coffee shops. This is one of our top tips for creating a great Airbnb welcome book that guests will actually use.
Sending a guidebook in advance does more than just share information; it communicates care and professionalism. It shows you're genuinely invested in making their stay as smooth as possible.
Giving guests all the details on their phone empowers them and reduces that pre-travel anxiety. By managing expectations and communicating clearly from day one, you set the stage for a flawless arrival and, ultimately, a fantastic stay.
Crafting a Memorable Arrival Experience
A guest’s first impression can set the tone for their entire stay. After a long day of travel, a smooth, welcoming arrival feels less like a transaction and more like coming home. This is your best chance to physically show guests you care, and it’s a critical moment for earning those good reviews on airbnb.
From our experience managing properties from DC to Tulum, we’ve learned that what happens in the first 30 minutes of a guest's stay has an outsized impact on their final review. It’s all about removing friction and adding a touch of warmth.
Make Check-In Absolutely Effortless
Nothing sours an arrival faster than confusing check-in instructions. A guest fumbling with a lockbox in the dark or hunting for a hidden key is already starting their trip with stress. Clear, simple instructions are non-negotiable.
We’ve found a combination of text and visuals works best. Send a message with a step-by-step guide that includes photos for each action—from the parking spot to the keypad. For an even clearer guide, we put together some of our best practices for creating foolproof check-in instructions for your Airbnb.
A seamless arrival isn’t just about convenience; it’s a sign of respect for your guest’s time and energy. It shows them you're a professional who has thought through every detail of their experience.
The Power of Small, Thoughtful Touches
Beyond a smooth entry, small gestures can make a huge difference. You don’t need a big budget to create a memorable welcome.
The best arrivals make guests feel seen and cared for from the moment they walk in. The following checklist breaks down the elements that consistently get mentioned in our 5-star reviews, separating the must-haves from the touches that truly impress.
| The 5-Star Arrival Checklist |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Element | Why It Matters for Reviews | Our Pro-Tip |
| Spotlessly Clean Space | This is the absolute baseline. Any hint of dirt or dust signals a lack of care and is a fast track to a bad review. | Empower your cleaner with a detailed checklist. Be specific—"wipe down light switches" is better than "clean room." |
| Easy-to-Find Wi-Fi Info | It's the first thing most guests look for. Making them hunt for it is an unnecessary frustration. | A small, framed sign on the entry table is perfect. Even better, a QR code that lets them connect instantly. |
| A Personal Welcome Note | It takes 30 seconds but transforms the experience from a rental transaction to genuine hospitality. | Keep it simple: "Welcome, [Guest Name]! We're so happy to have you." Using their first name makes it feel personal. |
| A Local Treat | A small bag of local coffee or a few local snacks shows you're proud of your area and want to share it. | We like to partner with local shops. It’s a great way to support another small business and offer something unique. |
| QR Code to Guidebook | This is the ultimate convenience hack. It gives guests instant access to all your property info and recommendations. | Place the QR code in a high-traffic spot like the kitchen counter or entryway. Label it clearly: "Scan for Wi-Fi & House Guide." |
This isn't about spending a ton of money; it's about being thoughtful and anticipating what your guests will need in those first crucial moments.
These details signal that you’re a host who goes above and beyond. They contribute to the overwhelmingly positive experiences that dominate the platform. According to 2024 data, an incredible 85% of all Airbnb reviews were five-stars, showing that most hosts are getting it right. With guests leaving over 100 new five-star reviews every minute, the standard for excellence is high but achievable. You can read the full research about these Airbnb statistics to see the scale of guest feedback.
Proactive Hospitality During the Stay
Great hospitality doesn’t stop once your guests have checked in. The real magic happens during the stay. This is your chance to turn a good trip into an unforgettable one, and it's where those glowing, detail-packed good reviews on Airbnb are truly earned.
Some of the best reviews we’ve received weren't about our decor—they were about the small, thoughtful ways we showed up for our guests. It’s all about being available and helpful without ever feeling intrusive.
The Art of the Mid-Stay Check-In
One of the simplest yet most powerful things you can do is the mid-stay check-in. On the morning after their first night, send a short, friendly message through the Airbnb app.
It’s nothing complicated. Just a quick, "Hey [Guest Name], just wanted to check in and see how you settled in. Hope you had a great first night! Let us know if you need anything at all."
This little message accomplishes two big things:
It Shows You Care: It’s a simple gesture that reinforces you’re a thoughtful host who is genuinely invested in their comfort.
It Opens a Private Channel for Feedback: This is huge. It gives guests a perfect opportunity to mention small issues—like needing more towels or trouble with the coffee maker—directly to you.
Solving a minor problem quietly and quickly is the secret to preventing it from showing up later in a public review. You turn a potential negative into a positive interaction that guests truly appreciate.
Going Beyond the Property Walls
Exceptional hosting means providing value beyond just a place to sleep. Guests are almost always looking for an authentic local experience, and as their host, you're their most trusted guide. This is where a well-curated digital guidebook becomes an invaluable tool.
Instead of just listing the tourist traps, we fill our guidebooks with the hidden gems we actually love.
The family-run taco spot in Playa del Carmen with the best al pastor.
The quiet stretch of beach in Tulum that’s perfect for the sunrise.
The cozy coffee shop in our DC neighborhood that locals frequent.
These personal recommendations help guests feel like they’re getting an insider’s perspective. Understanding what creates a memorable stay, like offering opportunities for genuine connection, can change how guests see your hospitality. To dive deeper into what makes a trip unforgettable, it’s worth exploring different immersive travel experiences.
When guests feel like you’ve helped them discover something special, they don’t just see you as a host—they see you as part of their amazing trip. That feeling is what inspires passionate, detailed 5-star reviews.
Providing Instant Support with AI
Of course, being available doesn't mean being on-call 24/7. This is where smart tools can help you provide instant, high-quality support without burning out.
An AI-powered guest chatbot, like the one integrated into SmoothStay guidebooks, can handle the vast majority of common questions on the spot. Guests can ask "What's the Wi-Fi password?" or "How do I use the dishwasher?" at 2 AM and get an immediate, accurate answer. This instant assistance makes guests feel incredibly supported, freeing up our time to focus on more meaningful interactions.
Mastering the Post-Stay Follow-Up
The checkout process isn't just the end of a stay—it's your final chance to lock in a 5-star experience and secure that important guest feedback. A thoughtful follow-up shows you’re a professional right to the very end and helps you earn the good reviews on Airbnb that drive your business forward.
We've learned over the years that the timing and tone of your post-stay message matter. Sending it too soon can feel rushed, while waiting too long means you miss the window when the positive experience is still fresh in their minds.
Timing Your Review Request Perfectly
We send a thank-you message a few hours after the official checkout time. This gives guests a moment to breathe after their journey home. The goal is to express genuine gratitude and gently prompt for a review without sounding pushy.
Our go-to message is simple: we thank them for choosing our place and for being such great guests. Then, we add a soft nudge, like: "If you have a moment, we'd be so grateful if you'd share your thoughts about your stay. Your feedback is incredibly valuable to us as hosts." This approach feels personal and highlights the impact their review has. For more ideas, check out our guide on how to set up automated Airbnb messages that still feel personal.
The Power of Reciprocity
One of the most effective ways we've found to encourage guests to leave a review is to leave one for them first. As soon as we confirm the property is in good order, we write a brief, positive review for the guest.
Leaving a review for your guest is a simple act of goodwill. When you offer positive feedback first, many guests feel a natural inclination to return the favor.
This simple step creates a positive feedback loop. It's a professional courtesy that not only encourages them to reciprocate but also helps other hosts by identifying considerate travelers.
Aiming for Guest Favorite Status
Consistently applying these strategies is about more than just getting individual good reviews; it's about building a reputation that earns top-tier recognition on the platform.
Airbnb’s "Guest Favorite" badge, introduced in its Winter 2023 release, highlights the value of stellar feedback. To qualify, listings need an average rating above 4.9 stars and high marks across the board. Nearly 2 million listings earned it shortly after launch, showing it's an achievable goal for dedicated hosts. This badge boosts your visibility and bookings, making every step of the guest journey count. You can discover more about Airbnb's Guest Favorite badge and what it means for hosts today.
Common Questions About Airbnb Reviews
Even with the best systems, hosting always has its challenges. Over the years, fellow hosts have asked for our take on common review-related situations. Here’s what has worked for us.
How Should I Handle a Negative Review?
First, take a breath. It’s almost impossible not to take negative feedback personally, but a rushed, emotional response only makes things worse. Our rule is to wait at least 24 hours before drafting a reply. It gives you time to cool off and think clearly.
When you respond, keep it public, professional, and brief. The goal isn't to win an argument; it's to show future guests how you handle problems. Acknowledge their perspective, apologize if there was a genuine issue, and state what you've done to fix it.
Something like, "Thank you for your feedback. We were sorry to hear the toaster wasn't working and have already replaced it," works perfectly. This shows prospective guests that you're a responsible, proactive host.
Is It Okay to Ask for a 5-Star Review?
This is a tricky one. In our opinion, directly asking for "5 stars" can feel a little pushy and sometimes backfires by putting guests on the spot.
Instead, we frame the request around their experience. In our final message after checkout, we say something like, "We hope you had a 5-star worthy stay with us!" It plants the idea without being a direct demand. We follow that by explaining how much reviews help us as hosts. It’s a softer, more genuine approach that still gets the point across.
Our Takeaway: Focus on earning the 5-star review through great hospitality, then make the request for feedback a natural, low-pressure part of your closing message.
How Many Reviews Do I Need to Gain Momentum?
There’s no magic number, but we find that real momentum starts to build after you have three to five positive reviews. Once you hit that threshold, new guests see a pattern of happy stays, which gives them the confidence to book. Those first few are the hardest to get, which is why going above and beyond for your initial guests is so critical.
Once you have a solid base, the goal shifts to maintaining a consistently high rating. What matters most is the overall story your reviews tell about your commitment to hospitality.
Ready to streamline your hospitality and earn more good reviews on Airbnb? SmoothStay is built by hosts, for hosts. Our customizable digital guidebooks and AI-powered features help you answer guest questions 24/7, share personalized local tips, and deliver a seamless, guest-first experience from check-in to checkout. Start your free 14-day trial today and see how easy creating a 5-star stay can be.
