7 Vrbo Review Examples You Should Know

Crafting the perfect guest review on Vrbo is both an art and a science. As hosts with over a decade of experience across different markets, we know that a well-written review not only informs future hosts but also reflects on your own professionalism. Whether you're praising an outstanding guest or carefully documenting a challenging stay, your words contribute to the platform's ecosystem of trust.

In our experience, leaving fair and accurate reviews for every single guest is a crucial responsibility for all hosts. It's the most important filter we have to help each other make informed decisions. We've learned to always stay objective and stick to the facts, especially when a stay didn't go perfectly—it's easy to let emotions get in the way, but that doesn't help the community. Thankfully, modern tools like Hospitable and other PMS platforms now offer custom AI review generators, which can really streamline the process and help maintain that professional distance.

This curated list breaks down the best online resources for Vrbo review examples, templates, and strategic insights. We've gathered everything from official Vrbo guidelines to practical templates you can adapt for your own use. Instead of searching across dozens of sites, you'll find a focused collection of high-performing examples here, each paired with analysis on why it works and how you can apply the same principles. Each entry includes direct links and screenshots to help you quickly find the exact information you need to write better, more effective guest reviews in less time. Let's dive into the examples that will help you master your guest feedback.

1. Vrbo Help Center (official)

Before diving into creative or persuasive vrbo review examples, we always recommend starting with the official source: the Vrbo Help Center. While it’s not a library of copy-and-paste templates, this is the most important first stop because it provides the foundational rules of the game. Understanding Vrbo’s content guidelines is non-negotiable for ensuring your reviews, and the reviews you receive, are published without issue.

Why It's an Essential Resource

The Vrbo Help Center stands out because it is the single source of truth for platform policies. It demystifies the two-way review system, explaining exactly what is and isn't allowed. As hosts, we have a responsibility to the community to leave fair and accurate reviews, and this resource helps us do that while adhering to Vrbo's terms. It’s the best place to learn how to frame feedback, both positive and negative, in a way that is constructive and compliant.

What You'll Find on the Site

The platform offers detailed guidance on several key areas that are essential for hosts:

• Content and Privacy Rules: It outlines strict policies against discrimination, extortion, and irrelevant content. This helps you write reviews that are focused, objective, and policy-compliant.

• Approval and Rejection Criteria: Vrbo explains why a review might be removed. For example, a review solely about the host's political views would be rejected, but a factual account of an unclean property would be approved.

• The Two-Way Review Process: It details the timeline and mechanics of how both hosts and guests submit and see reviews, which is key to managing expectations.

Practical Tips for Hosts

To get the most out of this resource, don't just skim the surface. We suggest you search directly for "Content Guidelines" to find the specific articles that detail review policies. Familiarize yourself with these rules before you ever need to write a difficult or negative review. Knowing the official stance helps you remain objective and factual, which is critical when emotions are involved. This ensures your feedback is valuable to other hosts and less likely to be successfully disputed.

• Website: https://www.vrbo.com/help

• Access: Free and publicly available.

2. Expedia Group Partner Hub (Vrbo review process overview)

After understanding Vrbo’s official content policies, the next logical step is to master the mechanics of the review system itself. The Expedia Group Partner Hub is an invaluable resource for this, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how Vrbo’s double-blind review process works. From our perspective, it moves beyond just the rules and explains the "why" and "how" of the system, which is critical for developing a smart review strategy.

Why It's an Essential Resource

This hub stands out because it provides strategic context directly from Vrbo's parent company. Instead of just listing policies, it explains the rationale behind the double-blind system and emphasizes why hosts reviewing guests is a cornerstone of the community. Understanding these mechanics helps hosts craft vrbo review examples that are not only compliant but also timed effectively to encourage guests to leave their own feedback. This resource empowers hosts to participate in the review process with confidence and strategic intent.

What You'll Find on the Site

The Partner Hub offers a deep dive into the operational side of reviews, which is crucial for any host looking to maintain a strong reputation:

• Double-Blind Process Explained: It clearly outlines the 14-day window where reviews are hidden until both parties submit one, or until the period ends. This knowledge is key for managing your timing and expectations.

• The Importance of Reviewing Guests: The hub articulates why leaving a review for every guest strengthens the entire platform, helping you and other hosts make better booking decisions. It reinforces our collective responsibility.

• Tips to Increase Review Volume: It provides actionable advice for encouraging more guests to leave reviews, a vital part of building social proof for your listing. For more details on this, you can learn more about a booking marketing strategy on smoothstay.io.

Practical Tips for Hosts

To leverage this resource, focus on the articles explaining the "double-blind" system. Fully grasping the 14-day timeline allows you to set up reminders and be strategic. For instance, knowing a guest can't see your review before leaving their own can help you remain objective and factual, especially when leaving difficult feedback. In our experience, this knowledge removes the fear of immediate retaliation and encourages the fair, honest feedback that the entire hosting community relies on.

• Website: https://partner.expediagroup.com

• Access: Free, requires a partner login for full access to some resources.

3. iGMS (Vrbo guest reviews hub + examples)

For hosts looking for practical, ready-to-use vrbo review examples, iGMS is a resource we've found to be incredibly valuable. Unlike official documentation, iGMS focuses on providing actionable templates and copy-and-paste phrases designed to make the review process faster and more effective. It's the perfect place to find inspiration when you're short on time or struggling to find the right words, especially when balancing fairness with directness.

Why It's an Essential Resource

iGMS stands out by translating policy into practice. While Vrbo tells you the rules, iGMS shows you how to apply them with concrete examples. This is particularly helpful for new hosts or those looking to refine their communication strategy. The platform's articles bridge the gap between knowing you need to leave a fair review and actually writing one that is both diplomatic and useful for the broader hosting community.

What You'll Find on the Site

The blog offers a rich collection of articles specifically geared toward improving host operations, with a strong focus on guest communication:

• Reusable Review Templates: You can find sample reviews for various scenarios, from the perfect 5-star guest to more challenging situations that require tact.

• Strategic Phrasing: The examples provide specific, polite, and professional language you can adapt to describe guest behavior accurately.

• Workflow and Automation Tips: Beyond just examples, iGMS provides insights on how to build a system for consistently securing reviews from your guests, which is a key part of maintaining a strong listing.

Practical Tips for Hosts

To get the most value, use the site's search function to look for "guest review examples" or "review templates." We recommend not just copying the examples verbatim; instead, use them as a foundation and customize them with specific details from your guest's stay. While some content is geared toward Airbnb, the principles and phrasing are easily adapted for Vrbo. This approach ensures your review is both authentic and professionally crafted, helping other hosts make informed decisions.

• Website: https://www.igms.com/category/vrbo-guest-reviews/

• Access: Free and publicly available.

4. Hostex (Vrbo reviews strategy + templates)

While review templates are helpful, understanding the strategy behind getting great reviews is even more powerful. This is where Hostex shines. Instead of just offering a library of pre-written text, Hostex provides a strategic framework focused on hospitality. In our experience, this approach of proactively encouraging positive feedback and skillfully handling situations that could lead to negative reviews is a game-changer.

Why It's an Essential Resource

Hostex stands out by focusing on the entire guest journey, not just the final review request. It offers actionable, hospitality-driven tactics that help you build rapport and solve problems before they escalate. This preventative approach is invaluable for both new hosts learning the ropes and seasoned operators scaling their business who need a consistent system for maintaining a 5-star reputation. It’s about creating an experience so good that guests are excited to leave a glowing review.

What You'll Find on the Site

The blog provides a wealth of practical advice and specific vrbo review examples embedded within broader strategies. Key resources include:

• Proactive Review Prompts: It offers concrete ideas like using guest books and suggestion cards to subtly guide guests toward leaving detailed, positive feedback.

• Template Phrasing: You'll find sample wording for thank-you notes and follow-up messages designed to make guests feel valued and more inclined to share their good experience.

• Issue Defusion Tactics: The site provides guidance on how to manage guest complaints effectively, turning a potential one-star disaster into a five-star recovery story.

Practical Tips for Hosts

Dive into their blog post specifically on Vrbo reviews to absorb the overall philosophy. Don’t just look for templates; study the reasoning behind why certain phrases and actions work. Implement their suggestions for in-stay check-ins and post-stay follow-ups to build a stronger connection with your guests. For a more modern approach to generating review-related content, an AI Social Media Content Generator for Hospitality can also help craft engaging posts that encourage guest feedback.

• Website: https://hostex.io/blog/vrbo-reviews/

• Access: Free blog content.

5. Rentbom (Vacation rental review examples you can copy)

When you need inspiration for specific phrasing or just a quick starting point, Rentbom offers a collection of ready-to-adapt vacation rental review examples. While not exclusive to Vrbo, this resource provides a great library of best-practice sentences and ideas that are easily transferable. It’s perfect for those moments when you know what you want to say but can't quite find the right words, helping you write a thoughtful review in minutes.

Why It's a Helpful Resource

Rentbom stands out for its simplicity and directness. It cuts through the fluff and provides grab-and-go phrases that focus on specificity and helpfulness, which are the cornerstones of a great review. As hosts, we have a duty to the community to leave fair and accurate reviews for every guest. This resource helps us fulfill that responsibility efficiently, especially since many Property Management Systems, like Hospitable, can now use AI to generate reviews, making the process even faster.

What You'll Find on the Site

The page is a straightforward collection of examples and tips designed for quick use. It's less about deep strategy and more about practical application, which is exactly what a busy host needs.

• Specific Example Lines: It offers short, punchy review snippets you can combine to build a complete review. For instance, it provides phrases about cleanliness, communication, and adherence to rules.

• Best-Practice Prompts: The examples subtly remind you to include details that other hosts find valuable, such as whether the guests were responsive or left the property in good condition.

• Focus on Key Details: The content is built around the core elements that matter most in a review, ensuring your feedback is both concise and informative for the next host.

Practical Tips for Hosts

We've found it helpful to use Rentbom as a "phrase bank" to speed up the review-writing process. Instead of copying a full review, pick and choose the sentences that best reflect your experience with the guest. For example, you might grab a line about their "excellent communication" and combine it with your own specific detail about them leaving the home tidy. This approach ensures your vrbo review examples feel authentic and personalized while saving you valuable time.

• Website: https://rentbom.com/vacation-rental-review-examples/

• Access: Free and publicly available.

6. Etsy (printable review/feedback forms and review-request cards for Airbnb/Vrbo)

While writing great vrbo review examples for guests is one half of the equation, encouraging guests to leave detailed, positive reviews for you is the other. Etsy has become an unexpected but invaluable resource for hosts looking to systematize this process. It’s a marketplace filled with creative, low-cost digital templates for printable feedback forms and review request cards that gently nudge guests to share their experience.

Why It's an Essential Resource

Etsy stands out by offering a simple, tangible solution to a digital problem: getting high-quality reviews. While a PMS can automate a review request email, a physical card or form placed in the property feels more personal and prompts action in the moment. These templates help you guide the guest’s feedback, often with specific prompts that lead to more descriptive and useful reviews mentioning the features you want to highlight. It’s an affordable, low-effort way to professionalize your guest communication.

What You'll Find on the Site

The platform is a treasure trove of downloadable tools created by fellow hosts and designers, often editable in free tools like Canva:

• Review Request Cards: Small, professionally designed cards you can leave on a counter or in a welcome basket, thanking guests and asking for a 5-star review.

• Guest Feedback Forms: Printable questionnaires that let guests provide private feedback, giving you a chance to address issues before they end up in a public review.

• Welcome Book Inserts: Pages designed to fit into your existing welcome book, including Wi-Fi signs that double as review reminders.

Practical Tips for Hosts

To get the most value, don't just pick the a design you see. We suggest you search for "Vrbo review template" or "guest feedback form" and look for sellers with high ratings and editable files (Canva is a common format). Read the product descriptions carefully to ensure the template meets your needs. While these printables are effective, exploring broader strategies for collecting customer feedback can further refine your approach and boost your overall review generation efforts.

• Website: https://www.etsy.com

• Access: Instant digital downloads, typically priced between $1 and $10.

7. Amazon (guest books for Airbnb/VRBO to capture review content)

Before a guest even opens the Vrbo app to write a review, you have a unique opportunity to shape their feedback. Physical guest books, available in abundance on Amazon, are a classic tool that helps you capture specific, positive details from guests while they are still enjoying your property. Instead of hoping they remember the little things, these books prompt them to document their favorite moments, which can serve as a powerful memory jogger when it comes time for them to write their official Vrbo review.

Why It's an Essential Resource

Amazon stands out for its sheer variety and accessibility. It provides a massive marketplace of guest books specifically designed for vacation rentals, featuring structured prompts that encourage guests to share more than just a generic "great stay." This tangible approach facilitates the collection of authentic, detailed feedback onsite. By having guests write down what they loved, you are subtly guiding them toward crafting a richer, more descriptive online review later on.

What You'll Find on the Site

The platform offers a wide selection of guest books tailored to short-term rental hosts, making it easy to find one that matches your property's aesthetic:

• Structured Prompts: Many books include guided questions like "Our favorite memory here was..." or "A local spot we loved was..." which help generate content perfect for vrbo review examples.

• Durable, Physical Products: A high-quality, physical book adds a personal touch to your welcome area and is simple for guests of all ages to use.

• Prime Shipping: The convenience of Prime shipping means you can quickly get a new book delivered if one fills up or you are preparing for a busy season.

Practical Tips for Hosts

To get the most out of this strategy, place the guest book in a high-traffic area like the entryway or living room, alongside a nice pen. In your check-in message or digital guidebook, mention its location and encourage guests to share their experience. Search on Amazon for "vacation rental guest book" or "Airbnb guest book" to find options with the best prompts and reviews from other hosts. This small investment can lead to more descriptive and emotionally resonant reviews that attract future bookings. For ideas on integrating it with your welcome strategy, you can find more information about creating a comprehensive guest experience by learning more about Airbnb welcome book examples.

• Website: https://www.amazon.com

• Access: Requires an Amazon account; many items available with Prime shipping.

Vrbo Review Resources Comparison

Final Thoughts

We've explored a wide range of tools and strategies, from official resources like the Vrbo Help Center to creative solutions on Etsy and Amazon. Each tool offers a unique way to approach the review process, but they all point to the same core truth: guest reviews are the lifeblood of a successful vacation rental. They build trust, drive bookings, and provide invaluable feedback that helps us improve.

The journey from a 5-star stay to a glowing public review is one you, as a host, actively shape. It starts with a clean, well-appointed property and clear communication. It’s reinforced by the thoughtful amenities and personal touches you provide. And it culminates in a seamless, positive checkout experience that encourages guests to share their story.

Key Takeaways for Mastering Your Reviews

As we've seen from the vrbo review examples analyzed in this article, the most powerful reviews are born from intentional hosting. Here are the most critical takeaways we've learned to implement in our own business:

• Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Don’t wait for reviews to happen. Use tools like iGMS and Hostex to build a systematic review request process. A gentle, well-timed nudge can make all the difference.

• Capture In-the-Moment Feedback: A physical guest book from Amazon or feedback cards from Etsy can capture a guest's immediate, unfiltered enthusiasm. This raw content is gold for crafting your marketing narratives or even quoting in your listing description (with permission, of course).

• Detail is Everything: The best reviews mention specific, memorable details. They don't just say "the place was nice"; they rave about the "fully stocked coffee bar" or the "incredibly comfortable master bed." Focus on creating these standout moments for your guests.

• Reciprocate Fairly and Promptly: As hosts, it’s our job to contribute to the community by reviewing our guests. Always be honest, factual, and professional, especially when providing constructive feedback. Platforms like Hospitable now offer AI-assisted review writing, which helps you stay objective and save time while still contributing valuable insights for other hosts.

Ultimately, mastering the art of generating stellar reviews isn't about finding a single magic template. It's about building a system. It involves understanding guest psychology, leveraging the right tools for your workflow, and consistently delivering an experience that’s worth talking about. From our decade of experience as hosts, we've learned that the most effective strategy is a blend of smart automation and genuine, human connection.

Think of each guest stay as a story waiting to be told. Your job is to make it a great one, and then make it easy for your guest to share it with the world. Keep up the great work—your efforts make the whole community stronger.

Ready to create those 5-star moments that lead to incredible reviews? With SmoothStay, you can build a beautiful, professional digital guidebook that answers guest questions, provides local recommendations, and showcases your property's best features, all in one place. Our customizable guidebooks are a guest-first feature designed to elevate your hospitality and give them something to rave about. Get started with SmoothStay today and see the difference a seamless stay can make.