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Category: Guest Communication
By: Heather Barnes
Reply by Tony Russo:
First: NEVER specifically ask for "5 stars." That's technically against Airbnb's TOS and it feels desperate. Instead, ask for a "review of your experience." My approach that gets ~75% review rate (vs the ~50% average): 1. **Deliver a 5-star experience first.** This is the real hack. If the stay was genuinely great, the review will reflect it. 2. **Post-checkout message** (automated via Hospitable): "Thanks for staying, [name]! I hope you had a wonderful time. If you have a moment, I'd love to hear about your experience in a review — it really helps other travelers find our place. And I'll be leaving a review for you as well!" 3. **Leave YOUR review first.** Airbnb notifies the guest that you've left a review, which reminds them to leave one too. 4. **Be specific about what made their stay special.** In your message, say something like "I hope the new coffee machine was a hit!" This reminds them of positive details they can mention in their review. What NOT to do: message guests 3 times asking for reviews, offer incentives for reviews, or message guests after a problematic stay begging them not to leave a bad review. All of these are against Airbnb TOS.
Reply by Olivia Laurent:
The timing of the review request matters. I send mine 4 hours after checkout — enough time for the guest to get home or to the airport, but before they forget about the stay. I also include a subtle but effective line: "Reviews are the lifeblood of small hosts like me." This humanizes you and makes guests feel like they're supporting an individual, not a corporation. My review rate went from 50% to 70% after adding that one sentence.