When it comes to Airbnb reviews, you can’t mess around—reviews can make or break your entire business. Don’t risk learning about how Airbnb host reviews work through trial and error. Read on for tons of tips and real examples all first-time Airbnb hosts need before leaving reviews for their guests.

How Airbnb host reviews work

Before we jump into some real Airbnb host review examples, you’ve got to know how Airbnb’s review system works:

After a guest checks out, both the host and guest will have 14 days to leave reviews for one another.

In their review, guests have the opportunity to provide hosts with written public feedback, written private feedback, and a 1- to 5-star rating in the following categories:

• Overall experience
• Accuracy
• Check-in
• Cleanliness
• Communication
• Location
• Value

In your review, hosts have the opportunity to provide guests with written public feedback, written private feedback, and a 1- to 5-star rating in the following categories:

• Cleanliness
• Communication
• Observance of house rules

Your reviews become public 14 days after the guest checks out or when both the guest and host submit reviews, whichever comes sooner.

Therefore, neither person has to leave a review on Airbnb. If one person leaves a review and the other doesn’t, that review will become public 14 days after checkout. During that time, Airbnb will periodically send notifications reminding both the guest and the host to leave a review.

How to rate your guests in each category

One common Airbnb myth I see is that hosts should check the property themselves after each stay to determine how to rate guests. I’ve even heard that hosts who manage their Airbnb remotely should take it one step further by asking their cleaners and neighbors how guests did in these areas since they can’t be there to physically inspect themselves.

I couldn’t disagree more.

Doing so is not only unnecessary, but it’s also way too time-consuming and keeps you emotionally tied to your property. Unless you hear otherwise, you can assume guests deserve 5-star ratings.

Pro tip: Even when you do hear of guest issues, don’t immediately jump to leaving an angry review—do this instead.

Recommended: 3 Surprising Lessons Learned My First Month Airbnb Hosting

How to write reviews for your guests

Before I share some real Airbnb review examples, you should first know my super simple 3-step process for writing any review:

1. State the guest’s name. (This makes your review personal.)
2. List three qualities you appreciated about them. (Be concrete, so other hosts have the information they need to confidently approve their future bookings. You can go the extra mile by touching specifically on the qualities you left star ratings for—cleanliness, communication, and observance of house rules.)
3. Encourage them to stay with you again. (This is not only great for your relationship with the guest, but it also helps other hosts know that you recommend hosting them.)

Recommended: How To Make Negative Airbnb Reviews Work In Your Favor

5 real Airbnb host review examples

Here are 5 real Airbnb review examples that I’ve left for my guests. Use them to inspire the reviews you write:

1. Truly some of the best guests I’ve ever had! [Guest name] is incredibly kind, communicative, and understanding. Any host would be lucky to have her. Looking forward to her next stay!
2. [Guest name] and his group were great guests! [Guest name] communicated well, followed the house rules, and even checked out early. Thanks again for staying with me, [Guest name]!
3. [Guest name] and her group were wonderful! [Guest name] is very thoughtful and communicative, which I really appreciate. She’s welcome back anytime!
4. [Guest name] and his group were fantastic! I especially appreciate how communicative [guest name] is. Looking forward to their next stay!
5. [Guest name] and her family are wonderful! [Guest name] is very communicative, kind, and thoughtful. They left my place in great shape. Can’t wait for their next stay!

Pro tip: Honesty is important when leaving reviews, which is why I often share how much I appreciated their communication (because great communication goes a long way with me and, as a remote host, it’s something I always have first-hand experience with).

Recommended: The Hands-Down Best Way To Respond To Airbnb Reviews

Is taking the time to review Airbnb guests worthwhile?

In general, yes!

That’s because the more reviews guests have, the more confidently future hosts can make decisions about whether or not this guest is a good fit for their Airbnb. Leaving reviews strengthens the Airbnb community and makes all hosts better off.

But, those reviews have to be honest. And, as a host, you can’t rely on them too much. I can’t tell you how many guests I’ve hosted that turned out to be far less wonderful than their reviews would lead you to believe.

Also, leaving reviews for guests helps YOU get MORE reviews as a host! That’s because, when you leave a review, Airbnb notifies the guest and sends them even more encouragement to review you.

All that being said, leaving reviews can be tough. The truth is, even after their stay, you often don’t have much information about your guest and their experience staying with you. There’s no need to put pressure on yourself to review every single guest; ultimately, Airbnb hosting needs to be sustainable for you long-term, so don’t worry about crafting the perfect review for every single person that stays with you—just do your best.

Pro tip: There are over 15 sections on your listing that can be optimized today to start earning you more revenue today!

Takeaway

Congratulations—you’re now well-equipped to write Airbnb host reviews like a pro! You’re off to a great start with your new Airbnb business.

Most importantly, when it comes to leaving reviews on Airbnb, don’t stress about it too much! Remember, you’re playing the long game here. You have to do what’s most sustainable for you and your business.

Recommended: 5 Ways to Earn More 5-Star Airbnb Reviews

FAQs

What should I write in my Airbnb guest review?

When writing Airbnb reviews, you can use my super simple 3-step process:

1. State the guests’ name
2. List three qualities you appreciated about them
3. Encourage them to come back

Read on to learn more about each step!

How do I write a good Airbnb host review?

Here are 5 real Airbnb review examples that I’ve left for my guests. Use them to inspire the reviews you write:

1. Truly some of the best guests I’ve ever had! [Guest name] is incredibly kind, communicative, and understanding. Any host would be lucky to have her. Looking forward to her next stay!
2. [Guest name] and his group were great guests! [Guest name] communicated well, followed the house rules, and even checked out early. Thanks again for staying with me, [Guest name]!
3. [Guest name] and her group were wonderful! [Guest name] is very thoughtful and communicative, which I really appreciate. She’s welcome back anytime!
4. [Guest name] and his group were fantastic! I especially appreciate how communicative [guest name] is. Looking forward to their next stay!
5. [Guest name] and her family are wonderful! [Guest name] is very communicative, kind, and thoughtful. They left my place in great shape. Can’t wait for their next stay!

In this post, I’m sharing the 3 key components of every single Airbnb host review.

What if I manage my Airbnb remotely?

One common Airbnb myth I see is that hosts should check the property themselves after each stay to determine how to rate guests. I’ve even heard that hosts who manage their Airbnb remotely should take it one step further by asking their cleaners and neighbors how guests did in these areas, since they can’t be there to physically inspect themselves.

I couldn’t disagree more.

Doing so is not only unnecessary, but it’s also way too time-consuming and keeps you emotionally tied to your property. Unless you hear otherwise, you can assume guests deserve 5-star ratings.

Recommended: How To Make Negative Airbnb Reviews Work In Your Favor

How do I write a good review on Airbnb?

When writing Airbnb reviews, you can use my super simple 3-step process:

1. State the guests’ name
2. List three qualities you appreciated about them
3. Encourage them to come back

Can Airbnb hosts see your review?

Any review left by an Airbnb guest and/or Airbnb host becomes public 14 days after the guest checks out or when both the guest and host submit reviews, whichever comes sooner.

Therefore, neither person has to leave a review. If one person leaves a review and the other doesn’t, that review will become public 14 days after checkout.

How do I thank a host on Airbnb?

Us Airbnb hosts LOVE to be thanked by you taking the time to leave a glowing review after your stay. That’s more than enough for us and has a huge impact on our Airbnb business!

How do I compliment an Airbnb host?

If you enjoyed your stay, in your 5-star review, noting specific things you enjoyed is the perfect way to compliment an Airbnb host. For example, consider mentioning that you thought the property was cozy, well-stocked, and had the perfect layout for spending time with friends and family. Or, that you appreciated the hosts’ communication and/or found the host very accommodating—whatever you enjoyed most!

How do you write a neutral review?

For many guests, 5-stars is the expectation when searching for an Airbnb property. So, unfortunately, even slightly negative details left in an Airbnb review can have a huge impact on whether or not future guests choose to stay at that Airbnb. I would strongly encourage you to consider 5 stars at the baseline when leaving a neutral Airbnb review.

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