Airbnb Reviews: Complete Guide for Hosts [Free Templates]
Airbnb reviews can make or break your listing’s performance. They shape trust, boost visibility, and directly impact bookings and revenue potential. In this guide, you’ll learn how Airbnb reviews work (for both hosts and guests), how to write and reply to them, and how to increase positive feedback over time.
Additionally, we’ll reference exclusive Airbtics data to quantify how review volume correlates with occupancy – both across the US and in major markets. These insights can help hosts prioritize what actually moves the needle.
Key Takeaways:
- Reviews are crucially important on the Airbnb platform as they act as social proof, for both hosts and guests.
- For hosts, the number and average rating of guest reviews impacts visibility and booking frequency.
- Airbtics data shows that Airbnb listings with 10+ reviews are able to achieve better occupancy, with a 6-percentage-point average mark-up across the US market.
Why Are Airbnb Reviews So Important?
On the Airbnb platform, reviews function as social proof and ranking signals. Guests rely on them to assess accuracy, cleanliness, communication, and value. The Airbnb SEO algorithm also tends to reward listings with a steady flow of strong, recent feedback.
For hosts, reviews guide operational improvements and help screen future guests.Why Airbnb Guest Reviews Matter
Guest-written Airbnb reviews for hosts influence:- Search visibility & conversions: More and better reviews typically improve placement in guest searches as well as click-through rates.
- Booking confidence: Social proof reduces hesitation, lifting inquiry-to-booking conversion rates.
- Pricing power: Strong review histories support price premiums along with better Airbnb occupancy rate.
- Operational insight: Comments from guests surface recurring issues you can fix to prevent future negatives.
- Brand equity: Consistency over time builds a reputation that compounds and leads to positive results for hosts.
What Airbtics Data Says About the Impact of Reviews from Guests
It is only logical that having more reviews – assuming they are positive – has a positive effect on the performance of an Airbnb listing. That’s because the property gets boosted by the Airbnb algorithm and because it is more likely to get booked by guests who are always looking for social proof before making a reservation.
However, Airbtics Airbnb data helps us analyze the exact impact that Airbnb guest reviews have on performance and quantify the effect on occupancy.
Indeed, Airbtics short-term rental data, that represents close to 300,000 active Airbnb listings in the US market, reveals the following:
- Supply: About three quarters of all US listings have 10+ reviews.
- Impact on occupancy: Airbnb listings with 10+ guest reviews are able to achieve a higher occupancy rate – an average of 6 percentage points – than those with fewer reviews.
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, United States
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6,248 | 2% | 56% |
| 1-5 | 39,740 | 14% | 57% |
| 5-10 | 27,593 | 9% | 57% |
| 10+ | 217,732 | 75% | 62% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Austin, TX
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 30 | 1% | 52% |
| 1-5 | 216 | 10% | 56% |
| 5-10 | 190 | 9% | 59% |
| 10+ | 1,645 | 79% | 64% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Chicago, IL
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 1% | 36% |
| 1-5 | 110 | 6% | 57% |
| 5-10 | 111 | 7% | 60% |
| 10+ | 1,469 | 86% | 70% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Houston, TX
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 54 | 3% | 53% |
| 1-5 | 298 | 17% | 57% |
| 5-10 | 231 | 13% | 58% |
| 10+ | 1,216 | 68% | 63% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Jacksonville, FL
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 118 | 4% | 62% |
| 1-5 | 536 | 19% | 61% |
| 5-10 | 269 | 9% | 57% |
| 10+ | 1,948 | 68% | 64% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Los Angeles, CA
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 90 | 4% | 55% |
| 1-5 | 497 | 21% | 61% |
| 5-10 | 310 | 13% | 64% |
| 10+ | 1,507 | 63% | 72% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Miami, FL
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 41 | 2% | 55% |
| 1-5 | 239 | 13% | 56% |
| 5-10 | 150 | 8% | 62% |
| 10+ | 1,398 | 76% | 72% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, Nashville, TN
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 19 | 1% | 52% |
| 1-5 | 132 | 8% | 55% |
| 5-10 | 113 | 6% | 6% |
| 10+ | 1,484 | 85% | 63% |
Impact of Number of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Occupancy Rate, New York, NY
| Review Count | Supply: Number of Listings | Share of Supply | Average Occupancy Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 73 | 5% | 55% |
| 1-5 | 263 | 18% | 60% |
| 5-10 | 136 | 9% | 65% |
| 10+ | 1,019 | 68% | 69% |
Why Airbnb Host Reviews Make a Difference
Airbnb host reviews (hosts reviewing guests) matter because they:
- Help fellow hosts screen requests before approving reservations which brings smoother operations across the community.
- Encourage good guest behavior including adherence to house rules, prompt communication, and improved cleanliness.
- Protect your listing by documenting issues factually and calmly.
- Improve safety and trust as transparent, professional host feedback sets expectations.
How to Leave a Review on Airbnb as a Host
Writing Airbnb reviews for guests is ready and doesn’t require much time. Meanwhile, it makes you an active and contributing member of the Airbnb community, adding value to both host and guest experiences.
Here are the steps you need to follow to leave a review of your Airbnb guests:
- Open your Trips/Reservations: Go to the finished reservation in your hosting dashboard.
- Find the “Leave a review” prompt: Airbnb opens a 14-day review window after checkout in which hosts can review guests.
- Write your review: Be factual, specific, and professional. Mention guest communication, rule adherence, and cleanliness as well as any other information that would be helpful to other hosts when screening guests.
- Provide star ratings for all categories: Complete all fields thoroughly for a comprehensive review.
- Offer private feedback (optional): Share constructive, kind suggestions directly to the guest.
- Submit: Keep in mind that Airbnb uses a double-blind system, which means that your review gets published after either both parties submit a review or the 14-day window closes.
How to Generate More Positive Airbnb Reviews from Guests to Increase Bookings: 9 Tips
More 5-star guest reviews mean better ranking and higher occupancy for your Airbnb listing.
These practical tips and trips will help you enhance both the number and quality of reviews that you get from guests:
- Nail the Listing Basics
Accurate photos, clear amenity lists, and honest property descriptions reduce mismatched expectations, which is the #1 reason for negative Airbnb reviews. - Communicate Proactively
Before, during, and after a reservation, send short, friendly messages with the booking confirmation, pre-arrival info, check-in details, mid-stay check, and check-out reminder. Great communication translates into fewer surprises and less 1-star reviews on Airbnb. - Simplify Check-In
Smart locks or well-labeled lockboxes, step-by-step access instructions, and a photo of the entry point can help reduce friction from the get-go. This means that the 5-star Airbnb review potential goes up. - Write a House Manual, Not a Novel
Keep your guestbooks clear and concise. Cover crucial information about the Wi-Fi, AC/heating, TV, coffee, parking, trash, check-out checklist, and emergency contacts. Guests reward clarity in their reviews on Airbnb. - Design for Cleanliness
Stock ample supplies including Airbnb cleaning supplies, schedule reliable cleaners, and use a quick pre-arrival inspection checklist. The level of cleanliness drives Airbnb reviews for hosts – both positive and negative – more than anything else. - Offer a Thoughtful Welcome
A small local treat, a bottle of water per guest, or a handwritten note feels personal and frequently appears in Airbnb sample reviews. - Don’t Forget a Mid-Stay Touchpoint
A quick “Everything good?” message a couple of days after check-in catches issues while you can still fix them. This turns potential negatives into positive example Airbnb review outcomes. - Ask for an Airbnb Guest Review Nicely and Timely
One to two days after check-out, thank the guest for their stay and mention you’ve left them a review. Meanwhile, kindly invite them to share their experience in a reciprocal review. This boosts Airbnb review volume. - Close the Loop
If a guest raises an issue in their review, solve the problem and note the fix in your reply. In this way, future readers will see your responsiveness and care for guests’ opinion, which is an easy win for Airbnb reviews sentiment.
How to Respond to Guest Reviews: Templates
As a host, it’s important not only to work towards getting 5-star reviews from satisfied guests and avoiding bad reviews from less happy renters. You also have to actively respond to reviews, whether positive or negative, to show that you’re a dedicated member of the community. Moreover, replying to bad reviews gives you an opportunity to explain the reason behind the mishap and show that you’ve already taken steps towards correcting the situation.
When reacting to Airbnb guest reviews, remember that replies are visible to future bookers and anyone else on the platform. As general guidelines, keep them short, warm, and solution-oriented.
The Airbnb host review templates below help you save time without appearing to be disengaged. With minor edits, you can use them in a wide range of situations:
How to Reply to Positive Feedback: 3 Airbnb Sample Reviews for Hosts
- Scenario 1: Praise for Cleanliness
Guest review: “Spotless and fresh. We loved it!”
Host reply template: “Thank you, [Name]! We’re thrilled the space felt spotless and welcoming. You were wonderful guests – please come back anytime!” - Scenario 2: Positive Review for Location
Guest review: “Perfect base—close to everything.”
Host reply template: “Thanks so much, [Name]! We’re glad the location worked perfectly for your plans. Safe travels and hope to host you again.” - Scenario 3: Applause for Communication
Guest review: “Super responsive host.”
Host reply template: “Really appreciate it, [Name]! We try to make everything smooth and simple. You’re welcome back anytime.”
How to React to Negative Feedback: 3 Airbnb Example Reviews for Hosts
- Scenario 1: Minor Maintenance Issue
Guest review: “AC was noisy.”
Host reply template: “Thanks for flagging this, [Name]. We’ve serviced the AC and resolved the noise. We appreciate your feedback and hope to host you again under better conditions.” - Scenario 2: Check-In Confusion
Guest review: “Had trouble with the lockbox.”
Host reply template: “Sorry about the hassle, [Name]. We’ve updated the instructions with clearer photos and labels. Thank you for helping us improve.” - Scenario 3: Cleanliness Concern
Guest review: “Found crumbs in the kitchen.”
Host reply template: “We’re sorry this fell short, [Name]. We addressed it with our cleaning team and added a pre-arrival checklist. Thanks for the honest feedback.”
Pro Tip for Beginner Airbnb Hosts: Don’t let bad Airbnb guest reviews get the best of you. These things happen in the short-term rental industry. Instead, remain calm and respond in a factual manner by explaining the reason behind the negative occurrence and what steps you have implemented to address the problem.
How to Write Reviews on Airbnb for Guests: Templates
Host-written Airbnb reviews for guests help other hosts make good decisions and encourage responsible stays. However, they take time to create without obvious gains for your Airbnb business.
To help you out, here are some templates you can easily modify to fit many different types of guests. As a general rule, keep your Airbnb host reviews factual, kind, and specific:
How to Write Positive Guest Reviews: 3 Airbnb Review Samples
- Scenario 1: Excellent Communication & Care
Host review template: “[Name] was friendly and responsive throughout the stay. They followed house rules and left our place immaculate. We’d happily host them again!” - Scenario 2: Great Compliance with House Rules
Host review template: “[Name] respected quiet hours and check-out times, and kept everything tidy. Five stars – highly recommended guest.” - Scenario 3: Ideal Return Guest
Host review template: “Hosting [Name] again was a pleasure. Excellent communication and spotless checkout. Welcome back anytime!”
How to Write Negative Guest Reviews: 3 Sample Airbnb Reviews for Guests
- Scenario 1: Repeated Rule Reminders
Host review template: “[Name] was pleasant but needed multiple reminders about house rules. The space required extra cleaning after checkout.” - Scenario 2: Poor Communication
Host review template: “Communication was difficult and delayed. We managed the stay, but future hosts may want to clarify expectations upfront.” - Scenario 3: Property Care Concerns
Host review template: “There was minor damage and extra cleaning required after [Name]’s stay. We documented this with Airbnb. Would recommend clear expectations before accepting.”
Pro Tip for Beginner Airbnb Hosts: Keep negative reviews of guests factual and calm. Avoid speculation and offensive language. Stick to what happened and what you did without pouring your emotions.
How Airbtics Can Help You Optimize the Effect of Airbnb Guest Reviews on Your Property
There’s no doubt that Airbnb reviews play a crucial role in the success – or failure – of a short-term rental business. But where you invest and what property you buy are even more important factors.
The Airbtics tools can help you choose the best short-term rental market for your budget and expectations. When evaluating the performance of your selected market on the app, you can see a list of active Airbnb listings in the area as well as a map of their distribution.
In the list, you can check the average rating of top-performing listings in the location and the number of guest reviews they have. You can also access data analytics on their average daily rate, occupancy rate, and annual revenue.
Source: Airbtics app
You can use this information to evaluate how important reviews are to know how much effort you’d need to put into collecting Airbnb reviews from guests to achieve the full potential of your property.
Final Words
Airbtics data shows a consistent pattern: Listings with 10+ reviews attract notably higher occupancy rates than listings with no or fewer reviews. That’s a powerful incentive to systematize how you earn and manage Airbnb reviews.
To enhance the performance of your vacation rental, use the templates above, standardize your communication, and set up a post-stay nudge. Small changes can quickly compound into better Airbnb reviews and better bookings.
Finally, remember that profitable Airbnb investments start with the right market. No matter how many 5-star reviews you get, you won’t earn strong revenue unless you invest in a high-potential location. Airbtics can help you identify the top short-term rental opportunities worldwide. Start your free trial now.
