Getting good reviews is essential for any Airbnb host. Reviews directly impact your search ranking and likelihood of getting bookings. With so much competition, a string of negative reviews can tank your listing. Follow these tips to wow your guests and get great reviews every time.
Make a Good First Impression
Your welcome process sets the tone for the entire stay. Make sure guests feel expected and pampered from the start. Send a welcome letter as soon as the booking is confirmed. Thank them for choosing your listing and share helpful information like directions, entry instructions, Wi-Fi passwords, etc. This makes the check-in process smoother. Follow up a few days before arrival to confirm their estimated arrival time.
Greet guests when they arrive, even if you use a lockbox for check-in. A friendly welcome and quick tour of the space makes them feel comfortable right away. Have coffee, snacks, and bottled water ready for them. Little gestures like this go a long way.
Offer 5-Star Amenities
Today’s travellers expect all the conveniences of home, even when staying at an Airbnb. Make sure your rental is stocked with everything guests could want during their stay.
Provide top-quality linens, towels, and bathroom essentials. Upgrade to soft bed sheets with a high thread count. Supply large, fluffy towels and premium toiletry items.
Equip your kitchen with all necessities like pots, pans, utensils, pantry staples, and more. Include amenities like a coffee maker, blender, and popcorn popper for extra points.
Have books, board games, streaming subscriptions, and snacks on hand for entertainment. Provide useful extras like umbrellas, battery packs, and first aid kits as well.
Go above and beyond to anticipate needs to wow guests each time.
Maintain a Spotless Space
Cleanliness is one of the most important factors for reviews. Guests expect meticulous cleaning between each stay.
Deep clean the entire space before each guest arrival. Pay special attention to high traffic areas like the bathroom and kitchen. Sanitise surfaces and scrub floors until they shine. Wash all linens, towels, pillows, and blankets on high heat.
Deodorise the rental to remove any lingering odours or stale air. Keep the space fresh with natural air purifiers and mild scented candles.
Inspect for dust buildup, dirt, and grime daily during longer stays. Take out rubbish and tidy up daily as well. Replace used linens and towels mid stay for bookings over 4-5 days.
Being meticulously clean shows guests you respect their health and comfort. Proper cleaning is essential for 5-star cleanliness ratings.
Be Responsive
Guests will inevitably have some questions or needs during their stay. Being readily available and quickly addressing any issues is key.
Provide multiple contact methods like phone, text, email, and messaging through the Airbnb app. Be sure guests know the quickest ways to reach you at any time of day. Respond promptly to messages within an hour whenever possible.
Have a local contact who can stop by the rental quickly if any maintenance or house issues arise. Being able to resolve a problem right away impresses guests.
Check in at least once to ask if they need anything else for their stay. Your attentiveness reassures guests they are in good hands.
Handling requests and issues immediately enhances the stay experience. Quick responsiveness prevents small problems from turning into negative reviews.
Personalise with Local Tips
Help guests make the most of their time in your area by sharing your local knowledge. Include plenty of personalised recommendations and insider tips throughout their stay.
Start by adding a local guidebook to your listing highlighting top attractions, restaurants, activities, and hidden gems nearby. Share your personal favourites and places only the locals know.
Leave custom-made maps with directions to popular spots around town. Give suggestions tailored specifically for your guest’s stay like family-friendly activities for those travelling with kids.
Make reservations for guests at recommended restaurants, venues, or other busy locations. Arrange special perks like discounted tickets or VIP treatments when possible as well.
The more you can customise and localise the experience, the more meaningful it becomes for guests. Seeing the destination through your eyes creates next-level memories.
Follow Up After Stay
Your job as a host doesn’t end when guests leave. Following up after their stay can encourage positive reviews.
Send a quick thank you message expressing how much you enjoyed hosting them in your space. Ask if there is any other feedback they can provide that would improve future stays. This shows you care about continually enhancing the experience.
Shortly after their stay, leave an honest, detailed review about your guest in return. Positive reviews help build reputations on both sides.
Address any concerns privately and immediately if issues are brought up after departure. Doing what you can to make things right can sometimes prevent negative public reviews.
Following up promptly, graciously, and professionally after a stay demonstrates your commitment as a top host. These efforts help guarantee future 5-star ratings.
Getting great Airbnb reviews consistently takes effort but pays off hugely. Follow these tips to wow each guest and build a reputation as an exceptional host every time. With detail-oriented preparation and personalised service, you can make sure every stay is a 5-star one.
