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What Makes Short-Term Rental Guests Give A 5-Star Review?

Everyone in the short-term rental business wants to get those coveted five-star reviews from their guests. But what exactly makes a guest want to give a property such a high rating? In this article, we'll explore some of the critical factors that go into making a rental guest's experience positive enough to warrant a five-star review.

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By Derick Hargrave

Published on June 7, 2022

Why is a 5-star review important for Airbnb hosts?

If you’re an Airbnb host, you know that one of the most important things for your business is getting 5-star reviews from your guests. But what exactly is it about a 5-star review that makes it so valuable?

For starters, a 5-star review signals to potential guests that you’re providing a high-quality experience. It shows that you’re paying attention to the little details and committed to providing an excellent experience for your guests. Additionally, a 5-star review can help boost your ranking in search results on Airbnb. And since guests are more likely to book listings higher up in the search results, this can lead to even more bookings for you! Finally, a 5-star review is simply good marketing for your business. A positive review can encourage others to give your listing a try, leading to even more business for you in the long run.

So if you’re looking to get more 5-star reviews from your guests, make sure you’re providing an exceptional experience and paying attention to the little details. Doing so will go a long way in ensuring that your guests have a great time and are eager to leave a positive review.

Importance of writing detailed and clear property description

Hosts need to write detailed and clear property descriptions to avoid receiving a one-star reviews from their guests. A detailed property description will help guests understand what they can expect from the rental property. It should include information about the property’s amenities, location, and any rules or restrictions that guests need to know.

A clear property description is also important because it can help prevent misunderstandings between guests and hosts. For example, if a guest expects the rental property to have a specific amenity, but it is not listed in the description, they may give the property a one-star review.

In short, hosts should write detailed and clear property descriptions to avoid receiving negative feedback from their guests.

What do AirBnb Guests rate you on?

Along with the written reviews, a 5-star scale is available to rate guests from 1 to 5 stars. A good star rating can lead to a super host badge which is a goal of every Airbnb host. Guests can also give 1–5 star rankings on crucial, specific areas of their visit, but they are not taken into account when calculating your total star rating. The following are the specific categories and how they affect a 5-star rating:

  1.  Cleanliness
    Cleanliness is a very important factor to consider when renting out your home to vacationers. Guests expect your home to be clean and up to their standards.
  2. Value
    Guests understand that they are spending money to stay in your rental, so they expect it to be up to par. If you set a high price for your rental, guests will be looking for a luxurious and comfortable stay. On the other hand, if you set a lower price, guests will not be expecting as much from your rental. It is important that your rental matches the price you set so that guests will have appropriate expectations and leave a 5-star review.
  3. Communication
    It is important to have clear communication with your guests. You should let them know how you want them to behave and what your expectations are from them. If you set the expectations early on, it will be easier for your guests to follow them. Additionally, you should also be available to answer any questions that they may have.
  4. Location
    Location is definitely important when it comes to vacation rentals. Guests want to be close to all the action but also want to feel like they’re in a safe and secluded spot. If your rental is close to attractions and has all the amenities that guests are looking for, you’re more likely to get a 5-star review.
  5. Arrival
    Your check-in at their arrival sets up a base for getting positive reviews. Confirm the arrival time of your guests and be there before them to provide a convenient welcome. Check-in should be hassle-free and easy for your guests. Make sure you have all the information they need, such as directions to your property and how to access amenities. Be available to answer any questions they may have about the property or the area. By making their check-in process smooth and stress-free, you’ll set the tone for their entire stay.
  6.  Accuracy
    As a property owner, it’s important to do everything you can to make sure your guests have a positive experience. One of the best ways to ensure this is by being clear and concise in your listing details. Make sure to include all the must-know information about your rental so guests can determine if it’s the right fit for them. Be as accurate as possible in your description, and use precise wording to avoid any confusion.

Tips to ensure a 5-star rating

If you’re a short-term rental owner, you know that one of the most important things is maintaining a high rating on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. But what exactly do guests look for when giving out those all-important stars?

Here are some tips to ensure that your guests will be giving you 5-star reviews:

  1. Clean and Tidy
    Make sure the property is clean and well-maintained. This is the number one thing that guests will notice and appreciate.
  2. Set clear expectations
    Guests will have expectations based on the information you provide in your listing. Provide clear instructions for any amenities or features that guests might not be familiar with. This will help them use the space more effectively and avoid any potential problems.
  3. Make your place theirs
    The most important aspect of your home decor and furniture is the guest feels it is theirs when they are there. Take some time and make well-appointed details to your furniture and décor, making it clean, tidy, and attractive. Leave some thoughtful touches around the property, such as fresh flowers or snacks. This extra effort will be appreciated by guests and can make a big impression.
  4. Be a rapid responder
    Communication is the key to successful Airbnb hosts. Make an effort to be as approachable as possible. It demonstrates to your visitors that you are always concerned about their peaceful stay at your rental. Be responsive to any questions or concerns that guests might have. This shows that you care about their experience and are willing to help if anything goes wrong. If you feel like you’re very busy and will be unable to respond to your guests, hire a co-host and let him manage your messages and emails.
  5. Have amenities that attract guests
    Take care of the functionality (get a coffee maker for your guests, subscribe to Netflix, provide them with entertainment), comfort (air conditioner, internet connectivity), free parking, pet-friendly area, or a spa or pool.
  6. Write a good guidebook
    Maybe it is the first visit of your guest to the area or country. Take this opportunity and write about good attractions, cinema spots, malls, and entertainment areas to give your guests knowledge about where they are living. It will make it easier for them to enjoy their stay. It’s a good idea to include items like vouchers for local attractions and eateries. You should also provide transportation and medical details. This will be greatly appreciated by your visitors, and you will almost certainly receive a positive Airbnb review as a result!
  7. Say Thanks
    Thank guests for their stay and let them know that you would love to host them again in the future. This shows that you value their business and want them to come back.

Wrapping Up

Several things make short-term rental guests give a 5-star review. First, they appreciate having a clean and comfortable space to stay in. Second, they like it when the property is well-equipped with everything they need (e.g., towels, soap, dishes, etc.). Third, they enjoy having helpful and responsive hosts who are available to answer any questions or concerns they may have. Finally, guests appreciate it when their privacy is respected, and their check-in/check-out experience is hassle-free. By providing these things for your guests, you can increase the likelihood of receiving positive feedback and five-star reviews.

Written by

As a content writer passionate about travel and hospitality, I have a unique perspective on short-term rentals. With years of experience creating engaging, informative content for various clients, I enjoy communicating the benefits and appeal of short-term rental properties. I've been an Airbnb host for the last three years, consistently providing my guests with a high level of hospitality.