Getting five-star reviews is the lifeblood of your Airbnb. Nothing can affect your bookings and income as much as your reviews. Today I’m pulling back the curtain on how to boost your Airbnb reviews without begging for them.
In this blog post I’m going to share three strategies to help you improve your reviews. But first, let’s talk about why those five stars matter more than you think.
Why 5-Star Reviews Matter
Those golden five stars are doing much more than just making your listing look good. They build trust with Airbnb. Airbnb in turn will boost your search rank and, increase your income. I’ve seen firsthand the difference a 4.75 vs a 4.92 in ratings can make to your revenue.
Here’s a quick example from my own experience managing properties in Big Bear. I had a beautiful cabin on Boulder Bay, prime location, worth a lot of money. But the owner wasn’t keen on making upgrades, and that reflected in the reviews. My property, which I’ve improved, has a 4.92 rating. There was a huge difference in profitability between the two.
Even though that home was lakefront and worth much more than mine I outperformed it. In my experience, a small change in ratings can cut your income by 25-30%. Let that sink in. Here’s three tips I personally use to make sure my guests give me 5 stars.
1. Surprise Guests with Small Extras
Want to blow guests away and get that 5-star review? Surprise them. It’s the little unexpected touches that make a lasting impression.
The Power of THE RIGHT Welcome Gift
At my properties, I always go for the “surprise and delight” factor. A go-to strategy of mine is a personalized coffee mug with my logo. I don’t care to use welcome baskets. They may see them too often. I want this to be something that “surprises” them. I place it on a welcoming coffee bar. It has high-quality brews, a Keurig, and liquid creamer.
These small touches go a long way in making guests feel appreciated. And here’s a bonus: it taps into something many guests, myself included, love—collecting travel keepsakes. It’s a souvenir vs something they’ll just consume and forget.
Setting the Expectation
That coffee mug is a strategic gift. Along with it, I include a little note saying, “We hope you have a 5-star stay!” It subtly plants the seed in their mind from the moment they arrive. And just to reinforce that message, I’ll add little nudges throughout the property—like my Wi-Fi network name: “Please Give Us a 5-Star Review.”
2. Asking for Reviews the Right Way
Let’s talk about how to ask for reviews without sounding desperate. The trick? Subtle reminders.
Subtle Reminders
I set the stage for a great review even before my guests arrive. In my pre-arrival message, I’ll casually drop, “We hope you have a 5-star stay!” It’s just a friendly, non-pushy comment to put the idea in their heads.
Then, as they settle in and see their welcome gift, it reinforces that feeling. When I send a check-out message during their stay I mention that I hope they’re having a “5-star stay”
After Checkout: Reinforce the Experience
After they check out, I send a simple, genuine message. I thank them for staying and let them know I’ll be leaving them a 5-star review. By this point, they’ve seen it enough times that it feels natural when they sit down to leave their review.
It works. In Maui, (at the time of this writing) I’ve had nothing but five-star reviews since 2021. About 75% of guests leave feedback. Recent, positive reviews assure future guests your property is top-notch and well-maintained.
3. Handling Difficult Situations Using AI
No matter how well you prepare, things can go sideways. From maintenance issues to guest complaints, how you handle these situations can make or break your reviews.
Streamlined Communication with AI
Here’s where AI tools, like Hospitable, come in handy. I use AI to handle guest communication efficiently. Whether it’s a special request or a concern, AI helps me craft quick, professional responses.
Let me give you an example. Recently, I had a guest with Celiac disease who was worried about kitchen cleanliness. Using AI, I was able to assure her that my cleaning team would take extra care to prevent cross-contamination.
Positive Outcomes
AI lets me stay on top of things, even when I’m busy. That same guest had a lot of questions. Every once in awhile you’ll have that guest who’s got 10-12 questions before their stay is over. Instead of scrambling to respond, AI helped me maintain a friendly rapport without missing a beat. The result? Another five-star review. Without the stress of lamenting over what to say.
Wrapping It Up
In today’s competitive short-term rental game, earning five-star reviews takes more than just a nice property. Surprise your guests with thoughtful extras. Subtly encourage positive feedback. Use AI to handle sticky situations. This will help you create a 5-star experience.
If you’re looking for a community of like-minded hosts, join our Facebook group. We share tips and tricks to help you succeed on Airbnb.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN VACATION RENTAL MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP
Want personalized strategies to take your Airbnb hosting to the next level? I specialize in helping Airbnb hosts get more bookings from high quality guests. Schedule a FREE call with me and we’ll come up with a customized game plan for you. Just reach out to me in the Facebook group.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN VACATION RENTAL MASTERS FACEBOOK GROUP
At the end of the day, it’s all about creating a memorable experience that keeps guests coming back for more–and telling the world about it. Happy hosting!
