Elevate guest satisfaction by streamlining communication to inspire genuine reviews within Airbnb’s 14-day window.
Focus on authenticity and consistent quality control to keep your listings thriving in 2025.
Automate follow-up tasks with a reliable management system to save time and strengthen review volume.
Satisfied guests leave positive reviews. Positive reviews drive bookings.
Though getting guests to leave a positive review—especially one with 5 stars—isn't as straightforward as it might seem. For new hosts managing their first few listings, the time spent chasing feedback can quickly outweigh the return.
Airbnb’s algorithm pays close attention to how often guests leave feedback and how positive that feedback is. A consistent stream of fresh, high-scoring reviews shows your property is active, dependable, and meeting expectations. That regular activity pushes your listing higher in search results, especially when guests filter by rating or sort by "Guest Favorites."
This guide strips out the fluff and gives you real, effective tactics for how to get more reviews on Airbnb. We’ll walk through the exact systems that help you collect feedback without micromanaging the process. From automating guest touchpoints to building in review-worthy moments, every detail here is built for hosts who want to scale smarter without losing control.
Airbnb gives both hosts and guests 14 days after check-out to leave a review. Once someone submits theirs, the system locks it until the other person also writes a review or the deadline passes. This blind process keeps feedback honest and less biased.
Writing your guest’s review first often nudges them to respond. Most guests won’t go out of their way to leave feedback unless they see you've done it already. When you consistently review guests within a day or two of departure, you create a subtle push that increases your review rate without needing to ask directly.
Airbnb’s updated 2025 review policy focuses on keeping feedback fair and real. You can’t offer discounts, free nights, or gifts in exchange for a review. Pressuring guests for positive feedback or hinting that reviews affect future bookings goes against Airbnb’s rules and can lead to listing removal. Reviews must come from real stays, follow content guidelines, and avoid any conflicts of interest. Full policy details are available here.
Getting more feedback means knowing how the process actually works (not trying to work around it). If you're figuring out how to get more reviews on Airbnb, start by using the system the way it’s built.
Some of the largest short-term rental operators (with 250+ properties) rely on Uplisting's software to scale their businesses.
The good news is that there are a number of proven, Airbnb-approved methods of encouraging a higher volume of positive guest feedback.
A guest’s experience begins long before arrival. When listing photos match what’s actually in the home and the house rules are easy to follow, guests feel more confident booking and more satisfied when they walk through the door. If the listing mentions a desk, make sure there’s actually one present. If pets aren’t allowed, say so clearly. Being upfront avoids confusion and keeps frustrations from showing up in reviews.
It also helps to answer questions before anyone has to ask. A quick pre-arrival message that covers Wi-Fi, parking, and anything unique to the property shows guests you’re on top of it. That kind of communication sets a smooth tone for the entire stay and makes feedback more likely.
The first few minutes after check-in often shape the entire stay. If guests get stuck figuring out how to open the door or can’t find the Wi-Fi password, the visit starts off rocky. A smart lock or keypad with clear instructions removes that friction. Include step-by-step directions with photos so there’s zero uncertainty when they arrive.
One small surprise can also go a long way. A handwritten note. A snack from a local bakery. A printed list of your favorite nearby spots that don’t show up on travel blogs. These details stick with people. Not because they’re flashy, but because they feel personal. And when guests feel cared for, they’re more likely to write about it.
After check-out, most guests move on quickly—flights to catch, errands waiting, inboxes filling up. A quick thank-you message sent within 24 hours keeps the stay fresh in their minds and nudges them to leave a review. Keep it simple. Let them know you’ve already submitted a review for them, and that their feedback helps you keep improving for future guests.
Be sure to avoid offering discounts or free stays in exchange for reviews. Airbnb doesn’t allow it, and more importantly, it makes the review feel transactional. Feedback that feels natural and unprompted is more likely to be honest and more useful.
Guests rarely notice a perfectly cleaned light switch or dust-free baseboard. But they always notice grime in the shower or crumbs in the couch. Cleanliness sets the tone the moment the door opens. If you're figuring out how to get more reviews on Airbnb, spotless presentation is the fastest way to earn them.
Start with a cleaning checklist that actually gets used—and updated regularly. Go beyond the usual surfaces. Scrub under beds, wipe down remote controls, clean baseboards, and sanitize door handles. Don’t forget trash can lids, window sills, and the edges of bathroom fixtures. Rotate deep clean tasks weekly to keep everything fresh between turnovers.
Guest reviews can double as quality control. A note about hair in the tub? Add drain checks to the bathroom routine. Someone mentioned a strange smell? That’s a good time to replace air filters or check for mildew near vents.
Even when everything’s set up properly, surprises happen. A heater that fails in January isn’t the issue; a guest waiting an hour to hear back is. Responding within minutes earns trust, even if the solution takes longer.
Fast action often turns a complaint into a compliment. Reset the Wi-Fi before the guest asks? They’ll remember. Offer a late check-out when the toilet leaks? That’s the part they’ll write about. You don’t need flawless operations, just a plan for when things go sideways.
Speed shows you’re paying attention. And when guests feel supported, they’re more likely to leave a review that says so.
It’s simple to automate repetitive tasks with Uplisting's short-term rental software. You’ll save hours every week and eliminate human error. Go ahead — take some time off.
Sending review reminders manually every time a guest checks out? That’s a fast track to burnout. When you’re already managing turnovers, coordinating cleanings, and answering guest questions, remembering to follow up for reviews falls to the bottom of the list. Automating review requests keeps the process moving without adding more to your plate.
A reliable property management system keeps guest communication organized and easy to manage. A unified inbox pulls emails, Airbnb messages, and direct booking chats into a single thread, so you don’t waste time clicking between tabs. After check-out, automated messages can go out with a thank-you and a gentle nudge to leave feedback. Pre-written templates save time and still sound personal—just drop in the guest’s name and reference their stay.
There’s no need to track reminders manually or chase guests days later. Once the system is set up, follow-ups send themselves. If you’re looking for a straightforward way to figure out how to get more reviews on Airbnb, automation takes one big task off your to-do list without sacrificing quality.
Once reviews start rolling in, treat them like more than just a pat on the back (or the occasional jab). Your replies show future guests how you handle feedback and whether you pay attention. Even a short “Thanks for staying—happy you enjoyed the place!” communicates that you care about guest experience.
Review tracking tools help spot patterns worth addressing. Export feedback once a month and scan for repeat mentions. If guests keep highlighting the quiet location or comfy beds, call those out in the listing. If they mention confusing directions or tricky parking, fix the pain point before the next stay.
Public responses also give you space to smooth out rough edges. A calm, clear reply to a less-than-perfect rating does more than defend your listing; it shows future guests you’re responsive and solutions-focused. Keep it short, keep it friendly, and always stay professional.
Getting more reviews on Airbnb in 2025 comes down to delivering consistent guest experiences, setting clear expectations, and automating your follow-up process. By understanding the review window, responding promptly to guest needs, and using tools that keep operations running smoothly, you set yourself up for better feedback (and more bookings).
Reviews are the foundation of your reputation, visibility, and long-term growth. With the right systems in place, you don’t have to chase every guest or manually track every stay. Instead, focus on creating memorable moments and let automation handle the rest.
Ready to take control of your guest communications and grow your review volume with less effort? Sign up for Uplisting to streamline your vacation rental management.
With a reliable VRM solution you can trust, Uplisting can help you grow your business without wasting time on double bookings, unhappy guests, upset clients and worrying what could go wrong next.
Yes, and they catch them more often than most hosts realize. Airbnb uses a mix of automated tools and manual checks to flag anything that looks off—like reviews linked to fake bookings, duplicate IP addresses, or an unusual streak of perfect scores. When Airbnb spots something suspicious, it may remove the review or suspend the listing.
Absolutely. A 4.9 rating means guests consistently have a great stay. Most listings don’t hit that number. Airbnb’s average sits closer to 4.7, so reaching 4.9 puts a host well above the curve. Guests might not notice the difference between 4.9 and 5.0, but Airbnb does when highlighting top-performing listings.
No, and trying to will likely backfire. Airbnb doesn’t allow paid or fake reviews, and stepping outside their review policy can get a listing permanently removed. Hosts who want to know how to get more reviews on Airbnb should focus on standout stays and real feedback from real guests. That’s what builds long-term reliability.
Start with what guests care about most: fast replies, clear instructions, spotless spaces, and smooth check-ins. Then look at recent reviews and see what guests already mention. If several people point out slow Wi-Fi or flat pillows, fix those quickly. A short, polite follow-up message after check-out also helps remind guests to share their experience. The more friction you remove from their stay, the more likely they are to leave higher ratings.
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